How much time needed for SD Zoo?

[jsfein]

We'd like to squeeze in the Zoo and a Padres game on the same day. The Padres game starts at 5:30 pm. Would there be sufficient time to see the Zoo and still make the game? What's the distance between the two locations? TIA!!

 

[Miss SD]

You should have plenty of time. I recommend getting to the zoo when it opens because the animals are up and about more before the midday heat kicks in. The zoo is in Balboa Park, which is just north of downtown SD, where Petco is located. Are you planning your SD excursion as a side trip from LA or will you be staying in SD?

 

[jsfein]

Thanks for the info Miss SD. We'll be all over the state on this trip, but will be staying in SD for this leg which will include the Zoo, the Padres game and Sea World. Based on reviews on Trip Advisor, was thinking of staying at Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport in a two bedroom suite (we're a family of 6). Do you recommend we consider a different hotel?

 

[Miss SD]

No, jsfein, I think an airport hotel is a good choice considering your plans. Sea World is only a few exits up the freeway so you're good there. Old Town is nearby, too, and that's a bit of SoCal history that you don't see on the East Coast. (I was born in NY, but moved to SD when I was a kid.) And you will be rooting for the Padres, right? What a heartbreaking season 2010 was! And I live up here with the Giants fans. I couldn't even watch the World Series.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

You should have no problem doing that, but you are gonna be tired at the end of that day.

you should know that the zoo can be tiring, as you can go up and down several canyons taht it is built on. a good bargan is the bus "hopepr" taht goes around the zoo, you can hop on and off so if you decided to skip part of it, no problem!! (we always walk DOWN the canyon, then take the bus out!)

you might also get some tips (and discounts!) from the San Diego visitors bureau:

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

(I noticed that under the resources tab, they are talking about a two hour behind the scene pass at the zoo, where you can watch keepers tending to some of the animals)

good luck! and have fun insan diego!