A trip to Mission Bay is a pretty universal crowd-pleasing experience. With the smooth sandy beaches, calm waters and multiple playgrounds, it’s a pretty sweet outing. But did you know you can also check out some pretty awesome animal creatures hiding on the resorts? You and your little ones can get up close and personal with birds and a few seals. You’ve just taken the routine trip to the bay  — and your cool parent factor — up more than a few notches. Read on for the details on where to take your little animals to see the amazing creatures of Mission Bay!

Photo Credit: Go Explore Nature

Gracie the Seal and her Sidekick Billy
There is something special about these two harbor seals that permanently reside at the Bahia Hotel. Not only are  they the best of friends, but they are both blind rescue seals. When they were found in completely separate incidents, they were injured and nursed back to health. When they were determined to be unfit to be released back into the wild, the Bahia Hotel stepped up and made a home for them at the resort, much to the delight of the seals and their guests. The best part is you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to visit Gracie and Billy. Take your little pups right to the hotel and go watch the seals play and sunbathe in their spacious living quarters. Your kiddos will not be the only ones enamored with the two of them, it’s nearly impossible to not fall in love a little with these two best buds.

Insider’s Tip: Try to plan your trip around their 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. feeding times.

Bahia Hotel
998 W Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, Ca
858-488-0551
Online: bahiahotel.com

Photo Credit: The Catamaran via Yelp

Birds Galore at The Catamaran Resort
If you really want to impress your kids, head to the gorgeous Catamaran Resort located right on Mission Bay and spend some time with talking birds! The cockatoos, parrots and macaws that call the resort home put on quite the show and are very friendly. Your little birdies will get a kick out of interacting with them and will love the adorable mandarin ducks that live at the resort too. There are also two large koi ponds on site filled with the huge and colorful fish that will swim right up right up to your kiddos when they stand at the edge of the water. Feeling adventurous? There are tons of water-sport rentals to check out at the hotel. If your kids are old enough, grab a kayak or paddle boat and see some sea life in their natural habitat!

Insider’s Tip: Plan to get there between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the birds are on display.

Catamaran Resort
3999 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
858-488-1081
Online: cataramanresort.com

Photo Credit: Phillip J. via Yelp

Paradise Point Resort
With a name like Paradise Point, it’s only natural to expect paradise. But did you know that besides being a beautiful hotel, this Mission Bay hotspot pretty much houses its own Eco-system? There are more than 44 acres of beaches, lagoons and gardens where you and your little explores can catch glimpses of turtles, stingrays, lizards, egrets, ducks and even leopard sharks! There is so much to see here that you may want to grab lunch at one of the kid friendly restaurants on site. Then you can head over to the coolest attraction there; the 70-foot observation tower. It was recently refurbished so you can safely check out one of the best panoramic views in San Diego.

Insider’s Tip: For a real treat, book a water taxi that will take you from the beach outside the Catamaran Hotel to the landing dock at Paradise Point Resort. It’s a great way to check out the Bay up close and personal.

1404 Vacation Rd.
San Diego, Ca
858-274-4630
Online: paradisepoint.com

Have you checked out the amazing creatures of Mission Bay? Did we miss one that should be included?

—Shannon Reed

Located in Gaithersburg, the Rio—known as the Rio Washingtonian Center—is a shopping and dining destination that isn’t for just the adult’s only crowd. This ever-expanding all-ages hot spot is filled with family fun. If you haven’t been to the picturesque hot spot, complete with its own lake, then it is time you and the kiddos check it out. Don’t be surprised when you find the hours slip away. You won’t be sorry, it is a day well-spent.

Have a Good Morning
Early morning risers are in for a treat when you take them for a stroll along the sidewalks and stop in at the Corner Bakery for a muffin and fresh-squeezed juice. The free parking at this sprawling outdoor mall makes it an easy a.m. transition.

Walk It Out
Whether you are chasing a toddler or pushing a carriage, a stroll around the lake (.9 miles) is just what the day ordered. The Rio has its own track that offers a gorgeous view, a chance to chase some geese or just feed them. Wellness tips along the way will keep you stepping.

Playdate Ready
Rio has a lakeside playground and a train that runs without a track. Take your time and do both! The train, the Washingtonian Express, runs all day (weather-permitting) and is located right next to California Pizza Kitchen—family-friendly noshing right around the corner. Run, skip or hop your way to the Adventure Playground for a swing, slide or climb. It’s highly interactive and a great way to pass the time. Wrap it all up with a ride on the new American-theme carousel. Dancing horses, two chariots and a many whimsical creatures offer seats for 30 tots and 38 adults to go for a spin.

Datenight Ready, Too
Love is in the air; better yet, on the water. Hop aboard a swan, pirate ship, dragon or pink flamingo paddle boat for an easy-going jaunt around the lake. The half-hour excursion begins by the patio near Guapo’s restaurant. Don’t worry if the weather has a chill or the rain falls down. The Rio has a Barnes & Noble and a Loew’s Cinema to duck into for a quiet moment.

 

Getting Hungry?
Before heading home, walk to dinner for a bite that is sure please everyone’s palate. The offerings include Mexican at Uncle Julio’s where tykes can see tortillas being made or crack a crab leg at Joe’s Crab Shack are a good bet.In addition to over a dozen eateries the Rio can handle any sugar attack. If a cupcake is in order Lilly Magilly can serve it up right. It’Sugar can compete with its giant array of sugary treats.

Do you have a favorite spot on the Rio in Gaithersburg? Tell us about it in the comments section below. 

Rio Washingtonian
231 Rio Blvd. (Gaithersburg, Md)
Open: 10 am-9 pm
Online: riowashingtonian.com

—Victoria Mason

Photos: Rio Washingtonian via Facebook and Lilly Magilly’s via Facebook