San Diego Zoo and Safari. Same day?

[Saskalarri]

We plan to drive to San Diego for one day from Anaheim and would like to go to the zoo and the safari? Possible on the same day???

I really want to try and hit both.

Help!

 

[ImDMous]

I would say not possible.

The zoo is definitely and all-day destination. The Safari Park is more of a 3/4 of a day. And they are about 45 minutes apart. I suppose you could do both but you would miss a LOT.

 

[llump41]

The only way I'd even attempt this is during the summer when Nighttime Zoo is in effect. That being said, your going to miss a bunch of stuff if you try.

 

[sonnyjane]

We plan to drive to San Diego for one day from Anaheim and would like to go to the zoo and the safari? Possible on the same day???

I really want to try and hit both.

Help!

Not even remotely possible. Seriously. First of all, they are almost an hour apart. Second, I used to work at the zoo. It's huge. Same with the park (although you can do the park in a little less time). It's just not worth the effort or the price of doing both in the same day. You'll be getting shoddy experiences at both by trying to rush.

 

[grnflash]

Totally agree with the other posters. They are both wonderful parks and worth visits - but not on the same day. You'd miss too much, even during the zoo's summer nighttime hours. If you only have one day, pick the park that offers the experience you think you'd most enjoy and do that one right.

 

[Saskalarri]

that is why I live these boards so much, so much information!

I guess we will try to stay overnight in San Diego then and hit both. I don't want to miss anything!

 

[grnflash]

Have fun! If you want to linger at the panda viewing (and the pandas are not over-rated, at least we just love watching them) and not wait in a long line, go straight there at opening. And if the polar bears interest you, ask at the gate when their morning feeding time is. That's when they are most active and playing around - otherwise you'll probably get a great view of them....sleeping.

As for the Safari Park, we love feeding the giraffes. You'll have to ask at the gate what time they do this, it's only during a specific hour or two - and it is such a neat experience.

There's a great deal on Living Social right now - admission to the Safari Park for $25. Valid until mid-Dec, no blackouts, includes the safari tram (read the fine print though anyway to be sure.) The cost of this deal plus a regular price zoo admission is $11 cheaper than the price of a 2-day both park ticket at the gate.

Also, showing your AAA card at the zoo will save you 10% off the ticket price - an almost $5 savings per adult ticket. **Edit - I just noticed you're coming from Canada so you won't have AAA. Do look around the internet for zoo discounts prior to purchasing - there are frequent ones for $5.