San Diego Zoo

[kailuagirl]

We are going in a couple of weeks for the first time, DH, me and DD6. Any tips or recommendations? We've never been before and I kinda overwhelmed on the past plan of action to take for this huge place.

Thanks!

 

[Apsychmommy]

We usually like to get to the zoo around 10 when the Skyfari opens and take it across to the other side of the park. We then see all the exhibits there and slowly make our way back to the entrance/exit.

The zoo is pretty huge, but you can take the express bus which will save you a lot of walking. The bus tour also gives a nice overview, so you may want to start with that. I believe the bus tour and express bus are included in the one day admission price. The line for the pandas can get a bit long if you are going on the weekend, so if that is a must-do you might want to do that earlier than later.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[kymom99]

The zoo is very nice, and well done, but it is very large and crowded. We were not able to see it all in a day because we wore out before we finished. They were almost finished building a rope walk type thing in the trees when we were there last July. It actually opened later that week, so we didn't get to try it out.

We purchased a 2 day ticket but went to the Safari Park the second day. We actually liked the Safari Park just as well. It was extremely hot there because it is more inland, but they have trams to take you around the place. There were so few people there, we couldn't believe it! The Safari Park is actually a breeding facility for the zoo. Very interesting, but may be too hot for the little ones. They also offer jeep type tours, Segway tours, etc. for an extra fee.

 

[Purrkins]

For someone who has never been:

Buy a zoo pass. For the three of you it will be cheaper to buy the annual pass that comes with two free guest passes and coupons for bus tours, skyfari and the gift shops.

Weekdays are better if you can schedule it.

Get there at opening. Animals seem to be more active early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Plus crowds are smaller for the first hour or two. We're not talking rope drop style but try to get there around opening.

Take the bus tour first thing in the morning. It will give you a lay of the land and show you where the animals are.

See the pandas (if you want to see the pandas) early in the day (after the bus tour) or late in the evening near closing. Keep in mind the pandas are not always on display and/or are moody little things that are usually sleeping with their back turned to you.

Wear comfy shoes. The zoo has lots of hills and you'll do ALOT of walking. (I like to jog in the zoo a few evenings a week).

Pack a lunch and find a quite place to picnic. We like the benches on the Fern Canyon trail.

Notice the plants. The plant collection is incredibly extensive.

Understand that you will not see it all so pick the animals that are your priority and do them first.

The zoo is great if you have a full day or even a hour. We go a few times a week. Sometimes just to play on the playground near the Children's Museum.

Ask a guest services information person if the Pangolin will be shown that day. And if so, go and see it. (They show it rarely and only at certain times).

They sell beer.

Have fun!

 

[PHXscuba]

Kids are free in October.

See the pandas first.

After pandas, take the bus tour; you'll see a large part of the zoo this way and know what you want to go back to.

Then take the SkyTram to the top of the hill and work your way down.

After that, whatever your DD6 likes -- new koala exhibit, reptile house, closer look at some of the things on the bus tour.

PHXscuba

 

[Camonkeygirl]

The zoo is very nice, and well done, but it is very large and crowded. We were not able to see it all in a day because we wore out before we finished. They were almost finished building a rope walk type thing in the trees when we were there last July. It actually opened later that week, so we didn't get to try it out. We purchased a 2 day ticket but went to the Safari Park the second day. We actually liked the Safari Park just as well. It was extremely hot there because it is more inland, but they have trams to take you around the place. There were so few people there, we couldn't believe it! The Safari Park is actually a breeding facility for the zoo. Very interesting, but may be too hot for the little ones. They also offer jeep type tours, Segway tours, etc. for an extra fee.

The ropes course is at the Safari Park, not the Zoo. They also have free admission for kids 11 and under during October.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

For someone who has never been: Buy a zoo pass. For the three of you it will be cheaper to buy the annual pass that comes with two free guest passes and coupons for bus tours, skyfari and the gift shops. Weekdays are better if you can schedule it. Get there at opening. Animals seem to be more active early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Plus crowds are smaller for the first hour or two. We're not talking rope drop style but try to get there around opening. Take the bus tour first thing in the morning. It will give you a lay of the land and show you where the animals are. See the pandas (if you want to see the pandas) early in the day (after the bus tour) or late in the evening near closing. Keep in mind the pandas are not always on display and/or are moody little things that are usually sleeping with their back turned to you. Wear comfy shoes. The zoo has lots of hills and you'll do ALOT of walking. (I like to jog in the zoo a few evenings a week). Pack a lunch and find a quite place to picnic. We like the benches on the Fern Canyon trail. Notice the plants. The plant collection is incredibly extensive. Understand that you will not see it all so pick the animals that are your priority and do them first. The zoo is great if you have a full day or even a hour. We go a few times a week. Sometimes just to play on the playground near the Children's Museum. Ask a guest services information person if the Pangolin will be shown that day. And if so, go and see it. (They show it rarely and only at certain times). They sell beer. Have fun!

The zoo membership no longer come with free guest passes. You get two 50% off coupons. The have also restructured the program, and depending on your Zip code, you are not able to purchase the basic membership level. It may not be worth it unless you are planning on making a second trip within the year.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

Yes, children 3 to 11 are free for admission only (2 and under are always free). Most of the tickets sold are One Day tickets that includes unlimited rides on the Bus, Express bus and Skyfari. There is an add on ticket for the children $10 gives you unlimited bus, express bus and Skyfari. For $15, you will get unlimited rides and one ticket to do one of the two 4D theater.

I work at the Zoo, so if anyone has questions, I don't mind answering them.

 

[yanilat]

Are we allowed to bring our own lunch? Is there a favorite picnic spot, shady and quiet where my toddler can nap?

 

[Purrkins]

Yes. I like Fern Canyon for shade and quiet.