San Diego is known for its animal attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, however there is much to see and do in the surrounding communities as well. Located in Southern California, this region is full of activity, from specialty shops to beaches to art galleries, all of which offer an alternative to the bustle of the big city. One such example is Carlsbad, which boasts the Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa and several golf courses, ideal for a day in the country. Spend some time on coastline near La Jolla where the Scripps Institution of Oceanography calls home. Operating in conjunction with the local University of California San Diego, this institute has gained the reputation as a leader in oceanographic research. Further north of San Diego is Oceanside, which, as the name implies, offers a range of aquatic activities of fishing, boating and sunbathing and is considered to be the gateway between Los Angeles and San Diego.