The next day we decided to go to the zoo.
This is a MUST for the visitor to San Diego; the zoo is world class and constantly undating and improving its already amazing facility.
We were in SD about 5 years ago so THIS time, had a chance to see the part of the zoo that we had to miss LAST time!
The hotel had discount tickets which took $8 off each ticket which provided further impetus for us to go. It is certainly worth asking or being observant when in such situations(I saw the notice on the dresser in our room, 
We got the shuttle bus driver to take us up to Balboa park and thence to the zoo. Luckily we chose to go early as then there are smaller crowds, and the bus tour driver said that the animals tend to be livlier in the am hours.
We took the guided bus tour for 3/4 of an hour; it was entertaining and enabled us to see the new areas that AGAIN we would not have time to see when walking.
(The zoo is immense and simply cannot be seen in it’s entirity in one day)
We took snacks and water with us, as be warned, the restuarants and gift shops are costly. Now granted, the proceeds go towards running the zoo and so on, but it seems a bit extortionistic to ask $8.00 US for a tiny bowl of soup(and nothing else).
After we took the tour we took another bus to the area that we wanted to explore; the “Lost Forest”. This was a STEEP and arduous walk but VERY very enjoyable, with great exhibits of birds, bears, and monkeys and cats, big and small.
By the time we had walked all through this area, we were tired and sat down to refresh ourselves with our snacks and water.
It was a gorgeously hot day and I wished that I had brought a hat. Even though we were under the forest/jungle canopy during much of our walking tour the sun was just beating down and by the time we left, I was starting to get a headache.
(Of course a zillion kids suddenly joining us in the smallish pathways could have contributed to this..lol)
By the time we left, the place was MAD; kids everywhere, all screaming and crying and carrying on as tired, hot and yes, I think, bored smaller children do.
My bone of contention; people were taking in babies in strollers. These babes were not even cognizant of their surroundings, let alone being interested in seeing the animals. Most were crying, uncomfortable, hungry, tired, etc…
I guess it was a way of entertainment for the parents.
