Discover the Wild Side of San Diego at the Famous Zoo!
San Diego Zoo, one of the most renowned zoos in the world, is a marvelous place to see animals up close and personal. Located in Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo has been around for over 100 years, initially opening its doors in 1916. The zoo is known to house some of the rarest animals on Earth, including Giant Pandas. The park’s numerous exhibits make it a must-see for all ages to experience wildlife in a safe, informative and exciting way.
Getting There
You can’t miss the San Diego Zoo when you’re driving along Park Boulevard through Balboa Park. It’s almost an iconic edifice located amidst one of California’s greenest and most attractive public parks.
You can reach the zoo from downtown San Diego by car or take public transportation like the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s Bus Route 120. If you prefer not to drive, contact your hotel concierge and ask them to arrange transportation.
The zoo is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What You’ll See
San Diego Zoo is an incredibly well-managed organization with incredible care for its animals. You’ll find more than 3,500 animals from over 650 species, which means you need to keep an eye out to witness all of them.
The zoo has a diverse selection of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. Here are a few of the exhibits we recommend:
1) Elephant Odyssey
The four-acre Elephant Odyssey exhibit takes you on a journey back in time to learn about the life of elephants in prehistoric California. Not only will you see elephants up close, but you’ll also learn about the history of their time in the region.
2) Panda Canyon
The Giant Panda is one of the world’s most treasured animals, and with good reason. Children and adults alike will be dazzled by the sight of these endangered creatures in Panda Canyon.
3) Lost Forest
The Lost Forest exhibit takes you deep into Africa’s tropical rainforest, where you’ll interact with critically endangered species such as the Madagascar teal duck and the okapi.
4) Monkey Trails and Forest Tales
This exhibit is a must-visit for primate enthusiasts. You can take a 35-foot high trail to see the exotic monkeys like gibbons and spider monkeys, who wander around the treetops.
5) Outback
The Outback exhibit features animals from Down Under. You can see kangaroos and wallabies up close as well as other iconic Aussie animals like the Tasmanian devils and kookaburras.
FAQs
Here are the top FAQs about the San Diego Zoo:
1) Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you can bring food and drinks suitable for individual consumption, except for alcohol.
2) Are strollers available to rent?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent on-site.
3) Is parking available?
Yes, the zoo has paid parking. You can also park at nearby Balboa Park, and walk to the Zoo.
4) How far is the Zoo from downtown San Diego?
San Diego Zoo is just two miles from downtown.
5) Is the Zoo accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, San Diego Zoo is wheelchair accessible throughout the zoo.
San Diego Zoo is an excellent place for families, animal lovers, and anyone who has ever wanted to know more about a world beyond humans. This zoo is a must-see in San Diego.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions
While Discover the Wild Side of San Diego at the Famous Zoo is an excellent place to visit, there are other attractions in San Diego that you should not miss. Here are five of our top picks:
1) Balboa Park
The 1,200-acre Balboa Park, located near the zoo, has a zoo, museums, gardens, and other cultural facilities. Balboa Park is a must-visit destination in San Diego for tourists.
2) USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is a historic carrier aircraft museum located downtown. Visitors can explore the ship’s living quarters, control towers, helicopter, and other facilities used by the crew.
3) La Jolla Cove
The La Jolla cove is a protected marine conservation area in San Diego. It is a great spot for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and enjoying wildlife like sea lions.
4) Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is an entertainment district located in downtown San Diego that is packed with shops, eateries, bars, live music bars, theatres, and art galleries.
5) Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado is a historic hotel that dates back to 1888. Located in Coronado, it boasts the premier beachfront, stunning architecture, upscale dining, and luxurious amenities.
San Diego is home to some of the world’s most impressive attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, making it a must-see destination for any avid traveler. Start your journey with a visit to these places, and you will get to see the city from different angles.