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San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, California

Description

The San Diego Zoo houses over 12,000 animals from more than 600 species over its 40ha. It is the most visited zoo in the USA and is owned by the non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance that also runs the sister larger 'campus' of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 50km northeast of SD. The habitats are too numerous to list but include, inter alia: Monkey trails, several aviaries, Polar Bear plunge, Reptile house, Elephant Odyssey, Gorilla tropics, Tiger trail and Madagascar forest. The standard 1-day pass includes the guided bus tour, Skyfari Arial Tram (gondola lift) and Kangaroo Express Bus

Access & Transport

The zoo is on the northern side of Balboa Park, about 3km north of downtown. Coming from the south on the I-5, take the State Route 163 north exit, then the Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) exit and follow the signs to the Zoo parking lot. Parking is free in the lot in front of the Zoo Public transport: Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the Zoo

Instructions & Recommendations

Opening hours change depending on the day and month so ensure you double check ahead of time. We suggest combining this activity with other attractions in Balboa Park such as the San Diego Museum of Art and the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Meta review

Generally listed as one of the top activities for visitors to San Diego but it is difficult to ascertain online reviews as portals are inundated by fake entries, both 5 stars and 1 star (zoo haters). What we managed to gather is that the animals seem well cared for, the enclosures are kept clean, that you are advised to go in the morning as animals tend to sleep in the shade later in the day and that 'the food is not even up to fast food standards'.

Environmental & Social

Strong conservation credentials and notable success in breeding animals in captivity. More info here: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/conservation-landing

Conclusion

San Diego Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the USA and should make for a good family activity (provided you are comfortable with the concept of animals being held in captivity) but its prohibitive pricing makes it difficult to afford for many families and paints the organization in a very commercial light despite its non-profit status. Very odd

Key positive

Large with a wide variety of animals

Excellent conservation credentials

Key negative

Incredibly expensive for a zoo

The concept of zoos is debatable

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Estimated opening hours - they change on a weekly basis

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:3h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$69
Adult
12 - 64
US$69
Child
3 - 11
US$59
Infant
0 - 2
US$0

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