Originally Posted by
FlitBen
Haven't been to Long Beach in ages but I went to Monterey Bay aquarium some years ago and found it both serious and interesting. It hosts marine researchers while the surrounding boardwalk and pretty restaurants help with a day trip to Point Lobos as well.
San Diego has its great wildlife parks but you'd be out in the sun a lot. Legoland Carlsbad is fun but mainly for kids. There is nice outlet shopping nearby and I remember enjoying Barona casino resort .
Yes their aquarium is legit. I had a personal anecdote of why I always sigh when I hear someone mention that aquarium. My dad practically shoved my face into each window and kept saying "look! look!" I got so annoyed I shouted back "I see it! I'm not blind!"
I am actually heading to San Diego in a few hours. We will probably do the same thing we always do. Go to that little seaport shopping center, and then have dinner at that Mexican restaurant in Old Town. One of these days I'll have to look at a travel book and see what I am missing.