San Diego Zoo

[Maddie2]

We will be at DLR next week and we are thinking about taking one day to drive down to San Diego to go to the zoo. I really don't know anything about the zoo, other than it is supposed to be fabulous.

I have a few questions and need a few hints to guide us through the day ...

* Park hours are 9am-5pm. How long does it take to get from DLR to the SDZ?
I was thinking roughly 2 hours? Coming home at 5:00 sounds like a recipe for traffic disaster. Thinking best to stay in that area for a bit and wait until traffic lets up a bit .. any idea when that is? Best route?

* Is one day enough to see everything? We are thinking of going mid-week.

* What are the highlights? We have been to lots of zoos all over the country, but wondering what the "stars" of this zoo are? DS will likely want to spend ample time in the reptile section, so for us that will be at the top of the list.

* All of the buses, etc are included, right? On the website for the $40 entry fee, is says that the express bus, bus tour and tram are included. However, I read an entry from a poster elsewhere that made it sound that it wasn't.

* Are there any coupons or codes out there? I wouldn't mind buying the tickets in advance.

I took a peek at the map and it is difficult to really get a concept of how big it is. However, once I looked at the number of shops and dining places, I think I am realizing it is much bigger than originally thought.

Any thoughts or advice you care to share on how to see as much as possible in one day would be appreciated! We are a family with two teens. Thanks!
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[PHXscuba]

Yes, it will take a long time to get to the zoo in the morning rush hour. I think I'd leave 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how important it is to be there right at opening or how early you are willing to get up. You can probably find somewhere near there to eat before leaving the area and cut a little time and annoyance off the return drive.

Yes, you can do it in a day. The $40 ticket does include everything. The highlights would include the pandas and anything else you are fond of or can't see at your home zoo. For us it was the polar bears, koalas, hippos, tigers, etc. They also have a new elephant exhibit I haven't seen yet.

The zoo is pretty big. My "touring plan" was to go to the pandas first before the line builds (it can get long in the afternoon) and then to take the guided bus tour to get an overview of the zoo. I got a good feel for the layout and saw a lot (sit on top deck unless the weather's horrid). Then we saw the reptile house and took the sky tram up to the polar bears and worked our way back down the hill. Then we took the smaller express point-to-point buses to see some specific exhibits and a show. There are lots of hills but we did it all even with a 3-year-old and no stroller.

Discounts: the best I saw were for $4 off, including a coupon in the Entertainment book (at least the Orange County and Phoenix ones that I know of) or 10 percent off through AAA.

PHXscuba

 

[Maddie2]

Thank you!!! We don't have AAA or the Ent Card, so guess we'll just pay the $40, which isn't bad, considering. Can't wait to go! Thanks again!

 

[PHXscuba]

I did see a few other discounts for $37 tickets through third-party websites. If you want to purchase in advance to save a few $, Google "San Diego Zoo discounts".

Have a great trip!

PHXscuba

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

We will be at DLR next week and we are thinking about taking one day to drive down to San Diego to go to the zoo. I really don't know anything about the zoo, other than it is supposed to be fabulous.

I have a few questions and need a few hints to guide us through the day ...

* Park hours are 9am-5pm. How long does it take to get from DLR to the SDZ?
I was thinking roughly 2 hours? Coming home at 5:00 sounds like a recipe for traffic disaster. Thinking best to stay in that area for a bit and wait until traffic lets up a bit .. any idea when that is? Best route?

* Is one day enough to see everything? We are thinking of going mid-week.

* What are the highlights? We have been to lots of zoos all over the country, but wondering what the "stars" of this zoo are? DS will likely want to spend ample time in the reptile section, so for us that will be at the top of the list.

* All of the buses, etc are included, right? On the website for the $40 entry fee, is says that the express bus, bus tour and tram are included. However, I read an entry from a poster elsewhere that made it sound that it wasn't.

* Are there any coupons or codes out there? I wouldn't mind buying the tickets in advance.

I took a peek at the map and it is difficult to really get a concept of how big it is. However, once I looked at the number of shops and dining places, I think I am realizing it is much bigger than originally thought.

Any thoughts or advice you care to share on how to see as much as possible in one day would be appreciated! We are a family with two teens. Thanks!
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just a FYI, the two hour drive would be a CONSERATIVE estimate.

if there is an accident or some other problem at the time of the morning (rush hours!) it might be closer to three hours.

you might look here to see if there are any discounts.

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

sometimes you can sign up and get some discounts in the mail, if there is enough time.

this site also has a lot of good info: (and videos!)

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/index.php

good luck!

 

[papamouse1]

all great info, but add one more vote for a 2-3 hour drive most likely... better to plan too much than not enough time.