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San Diego Zoo
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The San Diego Zoo, located in beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego, California, is universally recognized as one of the finest and most progressive zoological parks in the world. Founded in 1916 by Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth, the massive 100-acre facility houses over 3,500 rare and highly endangered animals representing more than 650 distinct species and subspecies. The zoo pioneered the revolutionary concept of expansive, open-air, cage-less exhibits that meticulously recreate natural animal habitats. Additionally, it operates one of the most successful conservation research centers globally, significantly contributing to the breeding and reintroduction of critically endangered species like the California condor and the giant panda.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Women's Museum of California · Mingei International Museum · San Diego Museum of Art
- Nearby: Del Mar (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 41 | 55 | 29 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 15 | 25 | 51 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
This world-famous zoo features an exceptional and truly memorable experience for all ages, where visitors can marvel at and discover an incredible variety of animals housed within incredibly spacious and naturalistic enclosures.
Typical hours
The zoo is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon; exact opening hours may vary depending on the specific season, which is why an early start to the day is highly recommended to beat the crowds.
Photography
Be absolutely sure to bring a good camera or a smartphone with plenty of storage space, as there are countless fantastic photo opportunities; the morning feeding time very often provides the most active and lively moments.
Time needed
To truly enjoy the massive grounds to the fullest, you should plan to spend at least a half to a full day, as the entire complex is extremely expansive and provides visitors numerous shows and engaging interactive experiences.
Combine with
The park is beautifully situated right in the middle of Balboa Park, making it extremely easy to combine your zoo visit with exploring world-class museums, remarkable botanical gardens, and impressive Spanish colonial architecture.
Getting there
Traveling there is easily possible with your own car or by public transportation; there are huge, mostly free parking lots readily available, which can however fill up quite rapidly on busy days, holidays, or nice weekends.
Insider tip
Take full advantage of the guided bus tour or the aerial tramway right at the beginning to quickly get a good overview of the sprawling layout and sensibly save your legs for later, more targeted and specific explorations.
Geography
Facts
- Physician Harry M. Wegeforth officially founded the zoological society in 1916.
- The expansive zoo covers exactly 100 acres within historic Balboa Park.
- It houses over 3,500 individual animals representing 650 different species.
- The park features a popular 112-acre aerial tramway called the Skyfari.
- It was a major pioneer of cage-less, naturalistic open-air animal enclosures.
- The zoo boasts an incredibly diverse botanical garden with over 700,000 plants.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town San Diego Zoo (11)
San Diego Museum of Art🏛 museum
A major art museum in Diego Zoo's Balboa Park, with a large European collection.
🌐 sdmart.org🕒 Mo-Tu, Th-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How much time is needed to see the zoo?
A full day is recommended as the zoo is very expansive.
Are there places to rest?
Yes, there are numerous benches, shaded areas, and a gondola for a relaxing tour.
Is the zoo stroller friendly?
Yes, paths are paved, but given the hilly terrain, a sturdy stroller is beneficial.
Which animals are a must-see?
Koalas, elephants, and polar bears are among the most popular attractions.
Are there family discounts?
There are special family packages, often cheaper online than at the gate.
San Diego Zoo: where is it located?
San Diego Zoo is located in United States.
San Diego Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Women's Museum of California, Mingei International Museum, San Diego Museum of Art.
San Diego Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
San Diego Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The San Diego Zoo, located in beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego, California, is universally recognized as one of the finest and most progressive zoological parks in the world.
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