One of the world’s most renowned zoological organizations has two parks in San Diego, California – just a 5-hour road trip from Phoenix. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation and education. Its world-class parks, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, offer unique experiences for visitors to connect with animals and plants, and foster a deep appreciation for nature. Recognized by USA Today as one of the 10 best zoos in the United States for its size and diverse round-up of animals, San Diego Zoo is a must-visit destination.
While zoos are great places to take the kids, they’re interesting and fun for all ages. Whether you’re planning a get-together with friends, a family outing or a romantic date, or you’re a wildlife enthusiast eager to support global conservation efforts, here are seven reasons to include San Diego Zoo in your next SoCal adventure.
1. Expansive grounds and diverse species
San Diego Zoo spans 100 acres and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 680 species and subspecies. The zoo offers an incredible array of creatures, ranging from the cute and furry to the small and slimy to the big and powerful.
2. Accredited botanical garden
In addition to caring for its massive animal population, the zoo cares for more than 700,000 individual plants with a collection of 13,000 specimens representing 3,100 different species. If you’re a plant parent or enjoy botany, this aspect of the zoo enhances the experience and deepens your connection to nature.
3. New award-winning habitat
The Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp has eight buildings and four different habitat zones including Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows and Desert Dunes. This innovative area offers interactive experiences for all ages, and in 2023, it received top honors in the Exhibit Award category from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
4. Unique food and drink options
San Diego Zoo has a full-service restaurant, nine casual dining options and 20 places to get quick bites and beverages. Albert’s Restaurant in Lost Forest features chef-inspired dishes, private patio dining with waterfall views and a full bar. The casual dining restaurants include classic zoo food like corndogs, pizza and burgers as well as Mexican and Asian-inspired cuisine at Sabertooth Mexican Grill and Hua Mei Cafe. Throughout the park, visitors can stop for sweet treats like ice cream sandwiches and Dippin’ Dots or savory snacks like kettle corn.
5. Giant Pandas
This summer, the zoo welcomed Giant Pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, who made their public debut on Thursday, August 8 and were the first pandas to enter the U.S. from China in 21 years. Their arrival was celebrated with a grand opening at Panda Ridge, attended by notable figures including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Chinese dignitaries. For more details on how to view these incredible animals, visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/giant-pandas/visit.
6. Special activities
This zoo offers a variety of unique experiences where guests can meet wildlife ambassadors, learn about animal care, and even watch animals in action as they climb, jump and balance. You can explore the zoo on foot or opt for a guided bus tour. Choose between a 35-minute narrated tour or the Kangaroo Bus, which stops at four locations where you can hop off and explore. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance also has a Safari Park in Escondido, California — about 32 miles from San Diego. The Safari Park is 1,800 acres and home to more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 300 species. The experience is similar to an authentic Savanna safari, allowing guests to see herds of mixed species in more natural habitats.
7. Cool events
Food and wine lovers won’t want to miss the San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew on Saturday, September, 21. This event is an annual fundraiser for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and it features gourmet cuisine, wines and beers, wildlife encounters and live entertainment. Wild Weekends return this fall, with themes that celebrate biodiversity hotspots like the African forest (Sept. 22-23) and the ocean (Nov. 2-3). Celebrate Halloween all October long with the San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Kids 11 and under also receive free admission for the entire month of October.
San Diego Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours seasonally. Parking is free and tickets can be purchased here.
2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, 619-231-1515, sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
