Los Angeles Zoo? Thought, opinions?

[jernysgirl]

So, we might pop up to Glendale for a bit on our upcoming trip to DLR and I was wondering what you guys thought of the Los Angeles zoo that's there. Is it worth going to? Is it something you would do if you were in the area already? We would probably only spend half a day there, and I don't know if we should spend the $$ or just pass it up and head back to DLR.


Anything else interesting we could do in Glendale (besides seeing the non-descript WDI buildings)?

 

[perlster]

plenty to do in Griffith Park

See photos of observatory, Travel Town, and Autry Museum here

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

The LA Zoo is perfect for a half day excursion. My wife and I usually spend 3-4 hours there, and 45 minutes of that is at the kangaroo exhibit. They have the best kangaroo exhibit in California. However, no one gets as excited about the 'roos as we do.

 

[lcasa]

plenty to do in Griffith Park

See photos of observatory, Travel Town, and Autry Museum here

I've always loved the observatory. Great views of LA and the Hollywood sign and a great science museum as well.
You'll be failry close to Hollywood too - El Capitan not too far a trip.
Haven't been to the LA zoo in years - always head for San Diego when we're in a zoo mood.

 

[jernysgirl]

Thanks for the links perlster!

I hate to ask this, but is it generally a clean/safe area to be in? I feel comfortable at DLR, and at least know how to drive up and down Harbor to get to a few places that we may need to go, but how will we feel around the zoo and Griffith Park?

 

[Camonkeygirl]

The LA Zoo is ok. They have opened a couple of new exhibits lately. As far as security goes, I have never felt uncomfortable there, although we usually only go to the Zoo, and not the rest of the park.

 

[cyclenut]

I've been to Griffith park and the observatory several times over the years and have never felt there was a safety problem. It isn't like DL where they pick up the popcorn you spill before it hits the ground, but it is relatively clean. It's actually a pretty nice area.

I've never actually been to the LA Zoo, I'm not much of a zoo person. Animals in cages ... just not my thing.

 

[LisaT91403]

Personally, I do not like the LA Zoo. As far as zoos go, I don't think it's great, and I would spend my time in So Cal doing other things that *are* great and unique to the area. I find the LA Zoo to be depressing, with relatively small enclosures. It's not well laid out either.

As far as the area goes, I wouldn't be worried about that part. It's not a "bad part of town" or anything. The zoo is within a giant park called Griffith Park. We take our son there all the time to ride the trains and ponies. And, yet, we have never taken him to the LA Zoo because it is depressing. We have taken him to both the San Diego and Santa Barbara Zoos...I'm not "anti-zoo", but the LA Zoo is something to skip, IMO.