as offered and organized by california farm bureau · products include butter lettuce, spinach and...

As offered and organized by California Farm Bureau

Tour Dates: Tours will be offered on Saturday, January 10, 2015 and

Tuesday, January 13, 2015. Not all tours will be offered on both days.

Please consider your travel agenda before choosing from the tours

listed.

Tour Departures: Tours will depart from the San Diego Convention Center.

Further details will be provided closer to the meeting dates. Attendees

should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their designated departure

time.

Cancellation: Each tour is required to have a minimum number of

attendees and will be cancelled with full refund if the minimums are not

met. Otherwise, tickets are non-refundable. The tour companies reserve the

right to cancel or change tours at any time.

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Cost: $80 per person

Saturday, January 10

Time: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

(Price includes Transportation, Lunch, Museum Fees, and Tasting Fees where

applicable)

Explore the diverse world of specialty crops enhanced by progressive agricultural practices. Take

a peek at the unique growing world of mushrooms, showcasing true, year-round production at

an indoor farm. Be inspired by farms that champion educational pursuits within the community

including agri-tourism ventures, farm tours and collegiate programs incorporating hands-on

learning for military veterans.

Mountain Meadows Mushrooms

Embrace the unique growing environment of mushrooms, with no

California sunshine required. Mountain Meadow Mushrooms is the

largest, commercial mushroom grower in San Diego County and

has been in operation since the early 1950s. This 17-acre indoor

facility grows button, portabello and crimini varieties supplying

specialty grocery stores including Whole Foods.

Archi’s Acres

Archi’s Acres is a farming enterprise using hydro-organic technology to grow living basil, kale

and other herbs and leafy greens. This progressive business venture also focuses on community

development by providing opportunities for military veterans, through an agriculture education

program. The Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program, partnered with Cal Poly

University - Pomona, provides academic credits for veterans interested in pursuing

entrepreneurial opportunities within the agriculture industry.

Stehly Farms Organics

Stehly Farms Organics is a third generation family farm sprawling over 250-acres in northern San

Diego county. This diverse specialty crop farm offers fresh produce from blackberries to

avocados and onions to oranges. The Stehly brothers are committed to enhancing their

operation by offering agri-tourism opportunities through farm tours, school field trips and

seasonal farm events.

3 | P a g e



Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM


applicable)

Experience the year-round growing climates of the fertile Imperial Valley. The California sun

shines over thriving forage operations that specialize in custom hay crops and a fourth-

generation family egg ranch. Enjoy a festive lunch and cultural experience at the Imperial Valley

Swiss Club which celebrates Swiss heritage and the Imperial Valley community.

Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs A fourth-generation operation, the Hilliker family continues their family tradition of local farm

fresh eggs. In a small suburb of San Diego, the Hilliker’s operate a local store featuring a wide

variety of eggs in various sizes and colors. In an effort to promote sustainable farming practices,

the Hilliker’s also sell their chicken manure to local gardeners for natural fertilizers.

Ronald C. Leimgruber Farms

A third-generation family owned farm specializing in various custom hay crops including alfalfa,

bermuda grass hay, sudan grass hay and wheat straw grown in the Imperial Valley. They service

domestic and international markets.

Imperial Valley Swiss Club

A festive lunch will be served at the Imperial Valley Swiss Club. This Swiss descendent gathering

club was formed in 1927 as a social center for the new Swiss immigrant population. The Imperial

Valley Swiss Club today charms visitors with rich Swiss history, culture and heritage.



Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM


applicable)

Experience how a backyard hobby turned into a blossoming nursery business. Visit one of the

last thriving dairy farms in Southern California with an integrated production facility. Take a step

back in time at the March Field Air Museum that started as a small one room exhibit and grew

into a popular educational attraction for all ages.

Altman Specialty Plants

4 | P a g e

The Altman’s started their plant collection in 1975 in their Los Angeles backyard. What started

out as an innocent hobby, based on an avid interest in plants, slowly transformed itself into a

wholesale nursery business encompassing over 880 acres in three states. Altman Plants has a

large distribution system that covers the United States, and offers expertise in growing plants

from cactus to herbs, from grasses to perennials, and more.

March Field Air Museum

Dedicated in December 1979, March Air Force Base

Museum was initially housed in a 1930’s vintage base

theater. Due to its popularity, the museum expended its

artifacts and quickly outgrew its original facility causing its

expansion in 1981. Today, the museum features a library,

airplane and artifact displays, and interactive educational

programming appealing to all ages.

Scott Brothers Dairy Farm

A fourth generation operation, Scott Brothers Dairy began in 1913 and currently houses over

1,000 head of cattle on more than 900 acres that is family owned and managed. Farm fresh milk

is brought in daily to the family’s commercial creamery, about 45 miles from the farm. The

creamery produces ice cream, frozen yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, fluid milk and various juice

drinks.



Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM


applicable)

Take a ride through Orange County and find hidden gems in this celebrity hotspot. On the

grounds of the Orange County Great Park you will find bustling produce fields and military

veterans being trained to pursue agricultural occupations. Tour an urban farm stand showcasing

agriculture in the heart of an urban city. Explore the library of one of the most well documented

presidencies of our generation.

Orange County Great Park

Orange County Great Park was the first great metropolitan park of the 21st Century, built upon

the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Aside from being a public gathering place, the

Great Park currently leases farmland to Orange County Produce, a family business owned by

former California Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura, which proudly farms conventional and

certified organic commodities within the urban boundaries of Orange County. The Great Park

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also hosts the Veteran’s Agricultural Learning – Opportunities & Resources (VALOR) Program

providing education and hands-on experience for veterans in preparation for employment in the

agriculture industry.

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Richard Nixon’s presidency is one of the best

documented administrations in American history.

This museum houses exhibitions including President

Nixon's helicopter and birthplace. Visitors are also

invited to see the special exhibit galleries, which

show a variety of rotating exhibits relating to various

periods of Nixon’s life.

Tanaka Farms

The Tanaka family owns and operates a 30-acre farm which produces fruits and vegetables

which supplies their produce stand, provides for their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

program and offer various educational tours to the public. After relocating their fair in 1998, due

to increased pressures from urban encroachment, the family decided to transition their

operation to become fully organic. They specialize in strawberries, watermelons, pumpkins and

other farm fresh favorites.


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM


applicable)

Dive into California’s rich cultural history and experience breathtaking views of San Diego’s

colorful landscape. Take a step back in time to admire early agricultural practices at the Old

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. Get a glimpse of how two innovative growers are taking the

flower and specialty crop industry by storm and enhancing our flower bouquets and salad

greens. Experience the rolling hills, blanketed in color at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®,

while embracing the ocean air.

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Mellano and Co.

Now in its third generation, Mellano and Company has redefined its concept of family to include

both employees and customers. As a leading cut flower grower, shipper and wholesaler, with

over 375 acres, Mellano and Company prides itself on their progressive ideas, many of which

have been developed into industry-wide improvements in growing and logistics. Offering a

variety of cut flowers, greens and filler flowers they provide wholesale, farm direct and consumer

ready services for all types of consumers.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch ®

For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills

of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and

coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the

world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers

that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® are in bloom for

approximately six to eight weeks each year. This annual burst of

color, which has become part of the area's local heritage, also is one

of nature's official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in

Southern California.

Go Green Agriculture

Go Green Agriculture is a family farm with big ideas and strong values for growing the healthiest

and highest quality produce while using super sustainable growing methods. They aim to be the

first national farming company with a network of small farms that grow and sell produce locally

with a brand that is strongly recognized by consumers as synonymous with ultra-healthy,

premium-quality and always consistent by using new technology and hydroponics. Their

products include butter lettuce, spinach and kale grown in a hydroponic environment.

Mission San Luis Rey

Founded in 1798, Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the “King of the Missions,” is a

National Historic Landmark. The largest of all the 21 California missions, it is home to a

community of Franciscan Friars. Built near the Pacific coastline, the modern 56-acre property –

once part of a vast network of over 950,000 acres of mission lands – was chosen for its close

proximity to water and its fertile farmland.


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM


applicable)

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Turning manure to moolah! Experience a fourth-generation family egg ranch, and learn about

their efforts to promote sustainable farming. Travel to a rustic fourth generation cattle ranch,

known as a true cowboy operation that thrives within the urban county line. Visit with the happy

cows of California at the Van Ommering Dairy, which features a state-of-the-art anaerobic

digester.

Van Ommering Dairy

The Van Ommering Dairy and Oma’s Pumpkin Patch is owned

and operated by former San Diego County Farm Bureau

President, David Van Ommering and his brother Robert. This

dairy was the first in San Diego County to install an anaerobic

digester. This innovative system captures methane produced by

decomposing manure and uses it to generate electricity to

power the operations of both the dairy and the family’s home.

Cowboy Cattle Ranch

Steve Tellam, a fourth generation cowboy operates a cattle ranch in the hills of Julian, a historic

gold mining town east of San Diego. Through hard work, determination and perseverance

Tellam’s ranch is one of the last cattle ranches of its kind in the county. Tellam continues to run

his true cowboy operation that has weathered the growth, urbanization, and metropolitan life of

San Diego County.

Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs

A fourth-generation operation, the Hilliker family continues their family tradition of local farm

fresh eggs. In a small suburb of San Diego, the Hilliker’s operate a local store featuring a wide

variety of eggs in various sizes and colors. In an effort to promote sustainable farming

practices, the Hilliker’s also sell their chicken manure to local gardeners for natural fertilizers.


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 7:30 AM – 4:45 PM


applicable)

Explore the diverse world of specialty crops enhanced by progressive agricultural practices. Take

a peek at the unique growing world of mushrooms, showcasing true, year-round production at

an indoor farm. Visit operations that offer a glimpse into the technological side of farming

featuring hydro-organic growing and advanced plant propagation techniques. Be inspired by

farms that champion educational pursuits within the community including agri-tourism ventures,

farm tours and collegiate programs incorporating hands-on learning for military veterans.

Mountain Meadows Mushrooms

Embrace the unique growing environment of mushrooms, with no California sunshine required.

8 | P a g e

Mountain Meadow Mushrooms is the largest, commercial mushroom grower in San Diego

County and has been in operation since the early 1950s. This 17-acre indoor facility grows

button, portabello and crimini varieties supplying specialty grocery stores including Whole

Foods.

Archi’s Acres

Archi’s Acres is a farming enterprise using hydro-organic technology to grow living basil, kale

and other herbs and leafy greens. This progressive business venture also focuses on community

development by providing opportunities for military veterans, through an agriculture education

program. The Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program, partnered with Cal Poly

University - Pomona, provides academic credits for veterans interested in pursuing

entrepreneurial opportunities within the agriculture industry.

Stehly Farms Organics

Stehly Farms Organics is a third generation family farm sprawling over 250-acres in northern San

Diego county. This diverse specialty crop farm offers fresh produce from blackberries to

avocados and onions to oranges. The Stehly brothers are committed to enhancing their

operation by offering agri-tourism opportunities through farm tours, school field trips and

seasonal farm events.

Euro American Propagators

Euro American Propagators focuses on the advancement of

vegetative micro propagation techniques, discovering

technological breakthroughs that have become pillars of the

vegetative industry. Owners, John Radar and Jerry Church have

continued to diversify their operation and launched Proven

Winners, an international marketing cooperative that is now

known to consumers as The #1 Plant Brand. This 55-acre facility

sits on a hilltop and showcases a large trialing station and

ample space for future research and development.


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM


applicable)

From the greenhouse to the field, visit distinct growing climates that showcase the diversity of

San Diego agriculture. Discover the lucrative landscape of nursery products from indoor foliage

to colorful favorites. Enjoy a walk through the orchard and see the living fruit behind your

guacamole. Take a sip from a leader in California’s emerging South Coast wine region and tempt

your taste buds on award-winning wines.

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Sunlet Nursery

Sunlet Nursery specializes in indoor flowering plants and foliage plants. Their facility features a

bevy of shade houses and greenhouses stocked with lavender, sunflowers and other colorful

favorites. Selling about three million plants annually, owners John & Janet Kister, feature a vast

array of plants including drought-resistant plans such as the Kangaroo paws and seasonal

favorites including Christmas cactuses and shamrocks.

Olive Hill Greenhouses

A 2nd generation family nursery, Olive Hill Greenhouses has grown

into one of the largest interior plant producers in California

achieving Greenhouse Grower's Top 100 Grower List. Featuring two

production facilities, Olive Hill specializes in tropical plants and a

diverse variety of indoor plants including colorful foliage,

bromeliads and anthuriums. Olive Hill delivers plants throughout

California and other western states to high end floral and interiors

caper customers.

Fallbrook Winery

A leader in California’s emerging South Coast wine region, Fallbrook winery’s 36 acres rest

between the Pacific Coast and the Pala Mesa Mountains and produces the highest quality red

and white varietals. The unique topography of the region creates an ideal microclimate for

creating award-winning wines. Since its inception in 1981, Fallbrook Winery has focused on

creating wines of exceptional quality and value. Wines include Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet

Sauvignon and other unique varietals.

Avocado Grove

The California Avocado is a native American plant with a long,

distinguished history. California is the leading producer of

domestic avocados and home to about 90 percent of the nation's

crop. San Diego County, which produces 60 percent of all

California Avocados, is the acknowledged avocado capital of the

nation. California Avocados are grown year-round. A single

California Avocado tree can produce up to 200 pounds of fresh

fruit each year, approximately 500 pieces, although most average

around 60 pounds or 150 pieces of fruit.

10 | P a g e


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM


applicable)

Experience the year-round growing climates of the fertile Imperial Valley. The California sun

shines over thriving forage operations that specialize in custom hay crop sand an international

exporter serving European an Asian markets. Take the opportunity to learn about one of

California’s most controversial crops –water, and how a local entity manages the needs of

agricultural and urban consumers. Enjoy a festive lunch and cultural experience at the Imperial

Valley Swiss Club which celebrates Swiss heritage and the Imperial Valley community.

El Toro Export, LLC

El Toro Export is an industry leader in the handling, processing and marketing of various

agricultural commodities produced in Southern California. Their Imperial Valley operation

facilitates exports of hay, grain and seed products to the Far East, Middle East, Europe, Mexico

and some domestic markets utilizing a modern compressing process to support the efficient

handling and movement of these commodities to their foreign destinations.

Ronald C. Leimgruber Farms

A third-generation family owned farm specializing in various custom hay crops including alfalfa,

bermuda grass hay, sudan grass hay and wheat straw grown in the Imperial Valley. They service

domestic and international markets.

Imperial Valley Swiss Club

A festive lunch will be served at the Imperial Valley Swiss Club. This Swiss

descendent gathering club was formed in 1927 as a social center for the

new Swiss immigrant population. The Imperial Valley Swiss Club today

charms visitors with rich Swiss history, culture and heritage.


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM


applicable)

11 | P a g e

Enjoy a little California sun while experiencing a California diversified farm at its finest.

Visit Vessey farms and see just where your salad greens are grown in the middle of

winter. Take the opportunity to learn about one of California’s most controversial crops

water, and how a local entity manages the needs of agricultural and urban consumers.

Imperial Irrigation District

Water in the West is as lucrative as any agricultural

commodity. Learn how the Imperial Irrigation District

supplies water to service 473,000 acres of rich farmland

in the Southern California desert by managing more

than 1,500 miles of canals and 1,400 miles of drainage

ditches in the fertile Imperial Valley.

Vessey & Company, Inc.

Vessey & Company is a 4th generation grower and shipper of vegetables, hay and

grains in the Imperial Valley. Farming more than 10,000 acres the Vessey family

produces leafy greens from arugula to spinach, vegetables ranging from cauliflower to

carrots and other peppers, melons, herbs. The Vessey family embraces sustainable

growing practices and strives to continue their family growing tradition that began in

the early 1920s.


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM


applicable)

Take a ride through Orange County and find hidden gems in this celebrity hotspot. On

the grounds of the Orange County Great Park you will find bustling produce fields and

military veterans being trained to pursue agricultural occupations. Tour the Color Spot

nursery where you can find your favorite roses, lilies and other garden favorites. Explore

the rich cultural history unveiled at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Orange County Great Park

Orange County Great Park was the first great metropolitan park of the 21st Century,

built upon the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Aside from being a public

gathering place, the Great Park currently leases farmland to Orange County Produce, a

family business owned by former California Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura,

which proudly farms conventional and certified organic commodities within the urban

12 | P a g e

boundaries of Orange County. The Great Park also hosts the Veteran’s Agricultural

Learning – Opportunities & Resources (VALOR) Program providing education and

hands-on experience for veterans in preparation for employment in the agriculture

industry.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Founded in 1775, Mission San Juan Capistrano became

the seventh of twenty-one missions in California. At its

height, the mission and its citizens operated 10,000 head

of cattle. The 10-acre grounds feature gardens, fountains

and adobe preserved architecture. The mission hosts

several community events including its signature St.

Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows Celebration,

a historic tradition that was started by Father O’Sullivan in

the 1920s. This celebration marks the return of the famous

swallows to Capistrano and the coming of spring.

Color Spot Nursery

Founded over thirty years ago, Color Spot Nurseries Inc. has vertically integrated

production facilities throughout southern California. Producing and distributing over

2,500 varieties of bedding plants, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, blooming plants, flowering

potted plants, and ground cover product to both commercial and retail clients including

Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Lowes among others.


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM


applicable)

Experience how a backyard hobby turned into a blossoming nursery business. Visit one

of the last thriving dairy farms in Southern California with an integrated production

facility. Take a step back in time at the March Field Air Museum that started as a small

one room exhibit and grew into a popular educational attraction for all ages.

Altman Specialty Plants

The Altman’s started their plant collection in 1975 in

their Los Angeles backyard. What started out as an

innocent hobby, based on an avid interest in plants,

slowly transformed itself into a wholesale nursery

13 | P a g e

business encompassing over 880 acres in three

states. Altman Plants has a large distribution system

that covers the United States, and offers expertise in

growing plants from cactus to herbs, from grasses to

perennials, and more.

March Field Air Museum

Dedicated in December 1979, March Air Force Base Museum was initially housed in

a 1930’s vintage base theater. Due to its popularity, the museum expended its artifacts

and quickly outgrew its original facility causing its expansion in 1981. Today, the

museum features a library, airplane and artifact displays, and interactive educational

programming appealing to all ages.

Scott Brothers Dairy Farm

A fourth generation operation, Scott Brothers Dairy began in 1913 and currently houses

over 1,000 head of cattle on more than 900 acres that is family owned and managed.

Farm fresh milk is brought in daily to the family’s commercial creamery, about 45 miles

from the farm. The creamery produces ice cream, frozen yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk,

fluid milk and various juice drinks.

Cost: $63.00


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

(Price includes (1.5) Hour Guided Walking Tour, Deluxe Motorcoach

Transportation, All Taxes, Fees and Gratuities.)

Coronado began in 1886, the dream of Elisha Babcock, who vowed to create a resort

destination that was to be the “finest watering spot on the Pacific Coast.” Along with its

fabled Hotel Del Coronado, the town became one of the great playgrounds of the

world, drawing Presidents and princes, moguls and movie stars to its shores.

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Coronado’s past, full of fabulous homes and famous

memories, is still very much part of San Diego’s life today.

Enjoy a leisurely, guided stroll through the quaint island

of Coronado, where you will see the stately mansion of

John D. Spreckels, the cottage of the Duchess of Windsor,

view the home where the Wizard of Oz was inspired, and

see the magnificent Hotel Del Coronado. Listen to the

tales and learn the tidbits of a hundred years of

remarkable history on this beautiful island.

Following the guided walking tour, you will have free time in downtown Coronado to

shop, eat or explore on your own.

Schedule: Coronado Mini Trek

11:00 AM Depart Convention Center

11:30 AM Coronado walking tour

1:00 PM Free time on own to shop & explore

2:30 PM Depart Coronado

3:00 PM Return to Convention Center

Cost: $102.00


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 10:15 AM – 4:15 PM

(Price includes Admission to the Birch Aquarium, Lunch in La Jolla, Deluxe

Motorcoach Transportation, All Taxes, Fees and Gratuities.)

Discover San Diego’s Shimmering jewel on the shore, the beach community of La Jolla.

Surrounded by marine life, white, sparkling sand and San Diego’s wealthy beach culture,

La Jolla is a must see destination!

Your day begins at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps where you can connect with local

marine life and explore the different oceanic habitats these beautiful creatures live in.

Next its lunch in “the Village” at one of La Jolla’s hot

and trendy restaurants featuring fabulous California

Cuisine. Last but not least, (2) hours of free time

awaits to explore the Villages boutiques, shops,

affluent beach scene or a chance to comb through

famous La Jolla Cove.

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Schedule: The Jewel by the Shore: La Jolla


11:00 AM Free time at Birch Aquarium at Scripps

12:00 PM Lunch at local restaurant

1:15 PM Free time to shop in La Jolla Village

3:30 PM Depart La Jolla


Cost: $160.00


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM

(Price includes Behind the Scenes Tour of the San Diego Zoo, General Zoo

Admission, Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, All Taxes, Fees and Gratuities.)

The World Famous San Diego Zoo is a must see attraction for any San Diego visitor! Discover

how the zoo works to accomplish its goals of wildlife conservation and education.

The Inside Look Tour is a two-hour entertaining and educational adventure that offers special

behind-the-scenes views and interesting information about how the zoo takes care of their

animals.

This tour is filled with experiences and stories you

couldn’t get anywhere else. You’ll be part of a small

group that will tour the zoo in a shuttle cart and visit

off-exhibit areas, See the Zoo the way everyone wishes

they could- from behind the scenes!

Following the tour enjoy 2 ½ hours of free time to explore the Zoo on your own and visit your

favorite animals!

Schedule: San Diego Behind the Scenes Tour

12:30 PM Depart Convention Center

12:45 PM Arrive San Diego Zoo, Check-In

1:00 PM Backstage Pass Experience

2:30 PM Free time to explore Zoo grounds and attend shows using

Backstage Pass

5:00 PM Depart San Diego Zoo

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Cost: $93.00


Tuesday, January 13

Time: 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

(Price includes General Safari Park Admission, Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation,

All Taxes, Fees and Gratuities.)

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800 acre wildlife preserve where more than 4,000 rare and

endangered animals can be seen in wide-open habitats that simulate native homelands.

At the Safari Park, herds of mammals and flocks of

birds co-habitat much the way they would in the wild.

You may take a stroll on the Kilimanjaro Safari Walk

or take a trip to the Heart of Africa and visit giraffes,

warthogs and cheetahs.

Schedule: San Diego Safari Park General Admission


12:30 PM Arrive at the Safari Park- free time to explore the park

3:30 PM Depart the Safari Park


as offered and organized by california farm bureau · products include butter lettuce, spinach and...

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