Destination Info

Camp Surf · Mission Beach · San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Friday & Saturday Morning — YMCA Camp Surf
🏕️

YMCA Camp Surf · Imperial Beach

Navy-leased beachfront property — no standard street address, follow the driving directions below

Emergency line: (619) 316-7637

Camp Surf group retreats ↗

🚗 Getting There

  • From I-5 or I-805, take the Palm Ave exit and head west (I-805: use Exit #2, not #11A)
  • Stay left on Palm Ave past the 9th St intersection
  • Turn right on Silver Strand Blvd after the 4-way stop, go three blocks
  • Camp sign & Navy facility on the left — turn left at the stop sign into the lot

🅿️ Parking & Gear

  • All vehicles stay in the main lot — no dropping gear at the beach
  • Beach is about a quarter mile away; beach carts are provided
  • Terrain includes boardwalk, hard-packed dirt & soft sand

🎯 What's On-Site

  • Archery, 30-ft climbing tower, skate park (halfpipe) — all instructor-led, equipment provided
  • Surfing & body boarding, sand sculpting, basketball, beach volleyball
  • Buffet meals — breakfast has a fruit & cereal bar, lunch/dinner have a salad bar & hot entrées
Saturday Morning — Mission Beach

🏄 Surf Clinic

Mission Beach, San Diego — lunch is included after the clinic. (Separate from Camp Surf's own instructors; confirm pickup/drop-off logistics with whoever books this clinic.)

Saturday Night — San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Roar & Snore
🦁

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027

Reservations: (619) 718-3000 · Event-day: (760) 535-7531

Roar & Snore overview ↗ · Full prep & guest info ↗

🎫 Before You Go

  • A separate Safari Park admission ticket or membership is required for everyone
  • Pay for parking on arrival, or buy it in advance
  • A signed Consent & Release form is required per person — sent by email ahead of time

🧳 Check-In Process

  • Luggage drop: 4:15–5:00 PM, Preferred Parking lot above row 1
  • Then check in at Safari Excursions, next to the giraffe statue
  • Wait in the lounge for a guide to escort the group to the campground
  • Late after 5 PM? Call (760) 535-7531

🌙 What's Included

  • Dinner, breakfast, a snack & s'mores
  • Guided night hike & private African tram tour
  • Restrooms on-site (no showers)
About the Weather
Early December in San Diego: Coastal spots like Imperial Beach and Mission Beach typically run 65–68°F during the day with lows near 50°F. Escondido, where the Safari Park sits, is further inland and runs noticeably cooler at night — often into the mid-40s. Pack layers for both.
Good to Know

📋 Rules at Both Stops

  • Camp Surf is drug, alcohol & tobacco-free — no BYOB on Friday night
  • Safari Park prohibits alcohol, glass, coolers, candles/lighters, speakers, drones & weapons, and is smoke-free park-wide
  • Camp Surf quiet hours start at 9:00 PM, lights out at 10:00 PM
  • Helmets are required at Camp Surf's skate park (provided on-site)
  • Only registered guests allowed at Camp Surf — no outside visitors
  • Bring your own first aid kit for Camp Surf — staff are trained but don't provide medical care
  • Flashlights at the Safari Park night hike — don't shine them into habitats