Reviews & Ratings for San Diego Zoo

04/22/11

Totally Worth the Cost

by zoepalmer1991 at Citysearch

WOW!! I've only been here once or twice because it's so expensive but the price is totally worth it and you can tell the difference when compared to other zoos.

I'm originally from St. Louis where we have a free zoo so I was surprised when I moved to San Diego that the zoo was so pricey, but the difference is profound. The animals are so healthy and active whereas in St. Louis they hide most of the time or are sleeping. They feed the animals more naturally here by having them search for their food instead of giving them a bowl full. The enclosure quality is gorgeous as well as the entire park's landscaping. It's just an amazing place to be and definitely well worth paying the extra money for.

I do suggest getting there very early because dowtown San Diego is not fun to drive in (sudden change from three lanes to one lane!!). And try to find off-street parking (save the parking money for admission), Balboa Park is beautiful to walk in anyway so you might want to walk anyway.

01/03/11

crazy zoo

by wm92102 at Citysearch

I went to this zoo in the summer and it was so hot but fun. There were more summery animals there. The flamigo area smelled pretty bad. The snake room kinda scared me since the glass was so clear. But this is a perfect plce to take your kids.

06/15/10

Not as incredible as people say.

by Nemspy at Citysearch

San Diego zoo is a really nice zoo, but I grew up my whole life believing this was going to be a holy grail of zoo experiences.

I really loved that there's no smoking anywhere in the zoo and the layout and landscaping are wonderful, but I think the reason for this zoo's over-inflated reputation is down to the fact that it's one of the best zoos in the USA and there's LOTS of Americans to sing its praises, most of whom have never experienced some of the world's great zoos.

I found this to be bigger than, but not better than the zoo in my home town of Perth Western Australia. More animals and features, but weaker on the habitats and overall vibe.

• Pros: Layout and landscaping - conservation programs - No Smoking!
• Cons: Kid-tastic at times with strollers galore.

10/11/07

Best zoo anywhere - world famous.

by washaw at Citysearch

The San Diego Zoo is constantly being renewed with special exhibits and programs. Different kinds of programs are offered throughout the year. Last week my wife and I enjoyed a "Sunrise Surprise Stroll". It was a guided walk, 7:30-9:00am, giving us adults an up-close, behind the scenes look before the zoo opened to the public. We were a group of about 30 people with a very enjoyable funny guide who knew the Zoo inside out. We went to two locations and talked to the keeper at each. I have been going to the Zoo for years but this really was fun and opened a whole new dimension. The keepers are highly trained professions with years of experience and love their job. If you are interested in this guided tour act quickly because those 30 openings fill up fast. Tell them CitySearch sent you.

Did you know that the plant collection at the zoo is actually more valuable than the animals? Check out the web logs by the zoo's horticulturists, arborists, and gardeners.

I've been a member of the zoo for many years. It's one of the best bargains in San Diego. You get free admission for a whole year and many others things. My wife and I go just when the zoo opens, walk for about 4 hours and then leave for some other activities. A membership is a very enjoyable way to start a Saturday. www.sandiegozoo.o...

Oh, and by the way, TripAdvisor just voted our "San Diego Zoo" as the #10 U.S. tourist attraction. (Sure, I know! Why not #1?) It's in good company: Orlando, Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas, Hana Highway Maui, Grand Canyon, Central Park, Alcatraz, Top of the Rock Observation Deck NY, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Bellagio Fountains Las Vegas.

• Pros: Top 10 US attraction
• Cons: None

11/24/06

fun with the animals

by greymouse26 at Citysearch

This a wonderful zoo. I love watching the polar bears swimming around their tank. The reptile house was a bit nerve racking for me because I really don't like snakes, but they had a wide variety of species. I really love to go watch the elephants and the giraffes. The employees were very friendly and helpful. The zoo is so large that it is difficult to see all of it in one day. The food is a bit overpriced.

• Pros: lots of parking
• Cons: can be crowded

11/24/06

Penguins, Polar bears, Primates, and so much more!

by dmenkes at Citysearch

It's extremely difficult if not entirely impossible to see everything here in a day. Their penguin exhibit was really cool, and it's neat to see the polar bears swim. There's alot of walking so you should wear really comfy shoes.

10/31/06

great zoo!

by binman69 at Citysearch

there is so much to see and do. i took my mom here and she loved it. it is good for dates. lots of areas to walk, eat and view animals. very well designed zoo

09/07/06

World-famous zoo is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered plant and animal species, plus food, educational programs and more.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Everything here--from the striking animal habitats among the terrain's natural canyons to the directional signs that reveal a unified and understated aesthetic--is expertly crafted. Stamina is essential for taking it all in: Open-air trams and a Skyfari ride aren't bad ways to see the sights, but on foot is best. With more than 500 animal species on hand (many of them constantly whooping it up), as well as 6,500 plant species, you'll need more than one visit to really appreciate the zoo's exotic charms. With or without children, the Children's Zoo is delightful and unique. While many exhibits are kid-sized and kid-oriented, everyone will enjoy the Animal Nursery, with its diaper-clad primates, and the petting paddock, where you can pet, scratch and tickle a variety of docile animals. Animal caretakers often bring out baby animals for public display.

04/12/03

:)

by MNdubi at Citysearch

The zoo grounds are quite hilly so have your walking shoes on. Its very easy to find your way around and the trip is well worth the price. There is SO much to do and see. Very, very fun!

• Pros: variety
• Cons: hilly