You simply can't visit San Diego without going to the San Diego Zoo, California and America's best zoo and the home to over 4,000 different animals and an astonishing 800 species.
The zoo is located on over 100 acres in beautiful and lush Balboa Park, just inland and across the 5 Freeway from downtown and a stone's throw from Hotel Circle and Sea World.
The zoo is probably best known in the U.S. for being one of the very few zoos in the world to be home to giant pandas, and the pandas are definitely one of the star attractions at the zoo.
Of course, the pandas are one of literally hundreds of other incredible animals residing at the zoo. Other personal favorites include the koala bears, hippos (which you can see swimming underwater) and elephants.
Getting around the zoo
One of the best ways to get an overview of the zoo is to take a ride on the aerial tramway that runs from one end of the property to the other, also giving you a great view of the surrounding park on your way.
Another great way to get around is a guided tram tour of the zoo, which I highly recommend, especially if it is your first visit. The trams take you on a tour of almost 3/4 of the zoo, the narrator describing the various animals and habitats.
The tram tours are a great way to get a look around before you head out to explore on foot. The zoo is huge, so plan on being there at least the better part of the day to fully explore all the different regions.
The zoo also had a tremendous polar bear exhibit, where you can see the bears swimming above and below icy waters on a pleasantly warm summer day.
There are also a number of great shows available at the zoo, including one with aquatic animals, especially the every-entertaining California sea lions.
Parking is generally easy in the main zoo parking lot, though it can get quite tight, especially on summer weekends.
Getting there by public transit
If you're looking to avoid the drive altogether, you can hop on the route 7 bus from downtown or transfer from the the Blue or Orange Line trolley at the City College Station to the number 7 bus on 11th street (then ask the bus driver to inform you when he or she reaches the zoo stop). It's a short, easy ride from downtown.
Getting there by car
To reach the zoo by car from the north, take I-5 to the the 10th Avenue exit, then turn left onto A Street, left again onto Park Boulevard, and then follow the signs to the Zoo.
From the south, take I-5 northbound to the B Street/Pershing exit and take Pershing to Florida Drive, then take a left. Then just turn left on Zoo Drive, left onto Park Boulevard, and follow the signs to the Zoo.
One final approach, which is the easiest route from Hotel Circle, is to take Highway 163 southbound, then take the Park Boulevard exit and follow the signs to the zoo.
However you get there, just make sure you do, and you'll see why the San Diego Zoo California is everyone's favorite zoo and might just be the best zoo anywhere!
Return from San Diego Zoo California to San Diego Attractions home
|
