{"id":33912,"date":"2023-09-19T15:15:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T15:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=33912"},"modified":"2025-12-28T18:31:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T18:31:37","slug":"a-complete-guide-to-visiting-the-san-diego-zoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/a-complete-guide-to-visiting-the-san-diego-zoo\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide To Visiting the San Diego Zoo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Spread over 100 acres, the San Diego Zoo is home to a whopping 12,000 rare and endangered animals. In just one day you can meet the animals of Africa and Asia, come face-to-face with polar bears and gorillas, and spend time with the largest collection of birds in North America.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/all-you-need-to-know-before-visiting-balboa-park\/\">Balboa Park<\/a>, the zoo is among San Diego\u2019s top destinations and worthy of at least one full day on any itinerary. Due to its sheer size, it will definitely help to have a plan before visiting to make the most of your visit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to the San Diego Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CxQjztRrxFP\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CxQjztRrxFP\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CxQjztRrxFP\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by San Diego Zoo (@sandiegozoo)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zoo.sandiegozoo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">San Diego Zoo<\/a> is located in the heart of the city. If you\u2019re arriving at San Diego International Airport, the zoo is just five miles to the east. And no matter where your accommodations are, it&#8217;s likely your drive to the zoo will be under 30 minutes. Free parking is available directly in front of the zoo, but be sure to make note of where you park since the lot is quite large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public transportation is also an option. The San Diego Metro Transit System is available throughout the city and has a stop near the zoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to visit the San Diego Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion.jpg\" alt=\"San Diego Zoo Lion\" class=\"wp-image-33914\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Lion-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Summer is by far the busiest time of year for the zoo, so if this is when you\u2019ve planned your vacation, it will be busy. Spring break season \u2014 typically March and April \u2014 is also a busy time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plan to arrive at opening and you\u2019ll likely have a few quiet hours and increase your chances of seeing the animals active. Zoo hours change throughout the year, so be sure to visit their <a href=\"https:\/\/zoo.sandiegozoo.org\/plan-your-visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website<\/a> for updated information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For four months each year (late May to early September), the zoo extends its opening hours into the night, giving you the opportunity to see animal behavior after dark. To make it even better, a variety of music, shows, and educational opportunities are offered. This is a great way to enjoy the zoo in the cooler hours of the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Travel tip: <\/strong>If your vacation schedule is flexible, try visiting outside of school breaks and on a weekday.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Must-see exhibits at the San Diego Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It won\u2019t be possible to see all the animals in one, or even two, days, so you\u2019ll want to consider which ones are most interesting to your family. Looking for ideas on where to start? Here are some of the most popular animal exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Koalas in the Outback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"San Diego Zoo Koala\" class=\"wp-image-33915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Koala.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The San Diego Zoo has the largest koala colony as well as the most successful koala breeding program outside of Australia, so this is a must do for all visitors. Located in the Outback part of the zoo, this exhibit features elevated walkways that give guests the opportunity to see the koalas up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/san-diego-tours\/san-diego-gaslamp-quarter-walking-tour\/\">Book This Tour<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Elephant Odyssey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know elephants spend up to 16 hours a day eating and can eat up to 330 pounds of food in just one day? So the odds are good this is what you\u2019ll see them doing in this 2.5 acres habitat called Elephant Odyssey that features both African and Asian elephants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Polar Bears at the Northern Frontier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear.jpg\" alt=\"San Diego Zoo Polar Bear\" class=\"wp-image-33916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Polar-Bear-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter what the weather you\u2019ll see polar bears in sunny San Diego, so head to the Northern Frontier and enjoy watching these giant creatures both in and out of the water.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the underwater viewing room guests have an opportunity to watch as the bears dive deep in the cold waters. Occasionally they\u2019ll swim right up to the glass to check out the human spectators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Africa Rocks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1.jpg\" alt=\"San Diego Zoo\" class=\"wp-image-33917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-660x440.jpg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow plenty of time to explore the eight acres and six habitats of the zoo\u2019s Africa Rocks exhibit. It has some of the best zoo residents, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>baboons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lemurs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>crocodiles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>leopards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>African penguins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, believe it or not, penguins are not only found in Antarctica.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And don\u2019t skip the African Aviary, home to 30 species of colorful birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wildlife Explorers Basecamps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers Basecamp\" class=\"wp-image-33918\" style=\"width:840px;height:560px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-660x440.jpeg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-500x333.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-160x107.jpeg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/09\/San-Diego-Zoo-Wildlife-Explorers-Basecamp.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The newest addition to the zoo is a 3.2-acre educational playground called Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here kids (or kids at heart) can jump, climb, and run through the basecamp all while exploring natural habitats from around the world. Climb desert rocks, splash through a waterfall, and climb an ancient oak tree, all in one day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to see in the botanical gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CF29pe4D3MM\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CF29pe4D3MM\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CF29pe4D3MM\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by San Diego Zoo (@sandiegozoo)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The San Diego Zoo is also home to an impressive botanical garden that can be enjoyed in between the animal exhibits. Surprisingly, there are 700,000 individual plants throughout the zoo representing 3,100 species, and some of the flowers and plants attract beautiful butterflies as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thirteen self-guided botanical garden tours are offered, including the ever popular guide to the carnivorous plants of the zoo. Just visit the botanical gardens webpage and download the <a href=\"https:\/\/zoo.sandiegozoo.org\/activities\/botanical-tours?search_api_fulltext=botanical+gardens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each year the zoo celebrates its botanical collection with Plant Days and Orchid Odyssey \u2014 here\u2019s the <a href=\"https:\/\/zoo.sandiegozoo.org\/activities\/botanical-tours\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">schedule<\/a>. Take a bus tour with a horticultural staff member to learn all about the amazing plants grown here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Souvenir idea: <\/strong>If you have a green thumb, you can purchase a few plants to take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special experiences at the zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Enter the zoo early, go behind the scenes, take a private tour, or meet one of the wild cats up close. These are just a few of the special experiences offered at the San Diego Zoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each experience requires an additional fee, and some are a bit of a splurge (but worth it if you\u2019re a real animal lover). Be sure to make reservations a few weeks in advance if these events are on your bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for visiting the San Diego Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1.jpeg\" alt=\"San Diego Zoo Africa Rocks\" class=\"wp-image-38428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1-660x440.jpeg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1-500x334.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1-160x107.jpeg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/San-Diego-Zoo-Africa-Rocks-Entrance-1-150x100.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: San Diego Zoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people will visit the zoo in one day, but if you want to make the most of it, it\u2019s big enough to allow for two days with plenty of time to enjoy some of the special events and take breaks to rest in between exhibits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some more tips for a better San Diego Zoo visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Buying tickets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/CwilC5ZvHRf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/CwilC5ZvHRf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/g><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><\/g><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/CwilC5ZvHRf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by San Diego Zoo (@sandiegozoo)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Tickets can be purchased at the front gate, but purchasing them <a href=\"https:\/\/zoo.sandiegozoo.org\/tickets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online<\/a> in advance is a great timesaver and offers a small discount. If you do plan to return for a second day, the discount offered for two-day passes is significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The zoo map and app<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before arriving at the zoo take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/zoo.sandiegozoo.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2021-10\/10-01-21_ZOO-Map-Front.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online map<\/a> so you\u2019ll have an understanding of the layout and the attractions that most interest your family. Then be sure to download the <a href=\"https:\/\/sdzsafaripark.org\/plan-your-visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">app<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the app, you can find walking directions to all attractions based on your location. In addition, you\u2019ll find a list of dining options, guest services, and a calendar of special events and animal demonstrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food and beverages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The zoo is expansive and so is their food offering. There\u2019s a whopping 24 restaurants, cafes, and snack stands throughout the park. You\u2019ll find a range of cuisines and something for pretty much any budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip: <\/strong>If you have any dietary restrictions, check the app to find a restaurant that can accommodate your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to save some money \u2014 or just prefer your own food \u2014 the zoo allows guests to bring their own. Just keep in mind that large coolers, glass containers, and alcohol are prohibited. Bringing your own refillable water bottle is highly recommended for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting around the San Diego Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1125\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75.jpeg 1125w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75-660x440.jpeg 660w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75-500x333.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75-160x107.jpeg 160w, https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/11\/San-Diego-Zoom-Aerial-Tram_2_75-150x100.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1125px) 100vw, 1125px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit: San Diego Zoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get everywhere in the zoo on foot, but keep in mind that the terrain of the zoo is rather hilly. If you want to avoid being exhausted by the end of the day, definitely take advantage of the free transportation offered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider starting your day with a 35-minute narrated bus tour. This double decker, open-air bus is the ideal way to get a lay of land while also learning a bit about the zoo. The tour begins and ends near the entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kangaroo Bus is a nice option to move between sections of the zoo and avoid some long walks. There are four stops, each clearly marked with a yellow sign in the shape of a kangaroo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are in need of a stroller, wheelchair, or an electric conveyance vehicle, these can all be rented near the entrance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get across the zoo quickly take advantage of the Skyfari Aerial Tram. Not only does it save steps, but the views are spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Near the San Diego Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Balboa Park surrounds San Diego Zoo, and is definitely worth a visit, but combining both on the same day probably isn\u2019t a good idea. Instead, allow at least half a day to explore the expansive Balboa Park with its 19 gardens, 17 museums, and lovely Spanish Renaissance architecture. What should you see there? Check out our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/all-you-need-to-know-before-visiting-balboa-park\/\">everything to do in Balboa Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spread over 100 acres, the San Diego Zoo is home to a whopping 12,000 rare and endangered animals. In just one day you can meet the animals of Africa and Asia, come face-to-face with polar bears and gorillas, and spend time with the largest collection of birds in North America.&nbsp; Located in Balboa Park, the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":33913,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[792],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33912"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33912"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33912\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38429,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33912\/revisions\/38429"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33913"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33912"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33912"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33912"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}