San Diego Zoo

[scottmandue]

Have not been in decades, just going to drive down with the wife, get a hotel, spend all of next Tuesday at the zoo, then head home.
Been to SD a bunch of times so don't need a bunch of things to do in town.
However what are the hot tips, things to do/see at the zoo itself?
Hear food is 'meh' and crazy expensive in the park so we may just pack an ice chest, any place in Balboa park next to the zoo where we could do a picnic lunch?
TIA!

[look 171]

Make sure you demand a foot rub after half day of walking at that damn place. We went with the kids a couple of years ago, IN THIS HEAT, and it nearly killed us. Gotta to love the shuttle when you are beat tired. Stay cool pal.

[scottmandue]

First thing = free tram tour.
Second = Panda (hear it get crowded fast)
Third = aerial bucket things
Fourth = Koalas
Fifth = Big cats

Wife is new to SoCAl so trying to show her around.
So far we have done the beach, Arrowhead, Dodger game, the Forum, Las Vegas (I know technically not SoCal), L.A. county fair, farmers market, Disneyland, still need to get to a show at the Hollywood bowl.

High in S.D on Tuesday is predicted to be 76... hope that holds true.

The reviews on Yelp say most people a burnt out after 3 hours (no pun intended)

However summer hours are 9AM-9PM and the hotel is only 15 minutes away.

On the other hand the hotel is also five minutes from the beach and the bay so I won't be surprised or disappointed if we bail after just half a day.

[look 171]

Those stupid foot message machines are worth every penny when your feet are dead tired.

Into Hiking? Show her the top of Mt Hollywood. A short walk from the observatory. About one mile on dirt path. The view is breathtaking. It can be done in the evening and watch sunset with a picnic basket. the remodeled observatory is pretty cool to visit also.

[Evans, Marv]

Hey, if you haven't been, you might consider the Wild Animal Park. It's a different sort of experience than the zoo & might be nice especially if you haven't been. I don't think it's as tiring as the zoo nor as overwhelming. It gets hot there, but next week temps are supposed to be below average. There are also places to stay in that area, and it's slightly closer to where you are.

[look 171]

I am not sure if the Wild Animal Park is open after hours. When we went, during mid day, all the animals are where they are suppose to be like they intended in the wild, under a rock or in the cave under the shade. My kids were disappointed. I should have signed up for the feed where you can throw chicken or what ever they feed the animal with from the back of a truck. I think it is the Wild Animal Park that do this?

[look 171]

Scott, I haven't done it yet, but love to get a wagon ride out on the old desert trails just like they did 100+ years ago coming into CA. I don't remember where they do this out of, but some place near Palmsprings. That must be fun.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

SD Zoo is awesome but I also recommend the Wild Animal Park if you can get there - it's much better. If you go to the zoo you will walk a LOT (and there are a lot of hills). It's a good workout on top of being educational so plan ahead and wear comfortable shoes.

One thing that sticks in my mind is how many species of birds they have. Lots and lots and lots and LOTS of birds - some quite amazing. The panda is supposed to be the big draw but was always sleeping every time I got there so don't be disappointed if the same thing happens to you.

[scottmandue]

Like you I am more interested in the aviaries... however you now how women are about pandas (will have to see the koalas too of course) fortunately we are both cat lovers so the big cats are a must see.

Already booked the hotel near the zoo and wife is excited to see it so won't divert to the wild animal park this time (SD is only a two hour drive so maybe next time)

And yeah, know it will be a hike, we are healthy but not hiking ten miles healthily... that is why I am planning on the tram tour first thing. Hoping a Tuesday in September it won't be too crowded.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by look 171

Scott, I haven't done it yet, but love to get a wagon ride out on the old desert trails just like they did 100+ years ago coming into CA. I don't remember where they do this out of, but some place near Palmsprings. That must be fun.

Let me know if you find out where that is... Palm Springs is also on our list.
After the big remodel of the front house we are super low on fund so looking for cheap local road trips.

[Scott Douglas]

Did you get a package deal with your hotel res?
Bus tour is a must do first thing if you haven't been in a while.
Skyfari ride is nice to take a break from walking.
We went two weekends ago and it wasn't too crowded.
It was just right temp wise too as we've been there when it's been a lot hotter, which isn't much fun.
There is a lot of construction going on now so the bus tour will give you a good idea of where you'll want to go.


Have fun!

[David]

It's been several years since I've been there. My first thought when I reached the ticket counter was "it's how much? You've got to be kidding!" Then after a few minutes walking around the zoo I thought "why don't other zoos charge that much so they can be this good!" It really is incredible.

[RANDY P]

Say hi to the ostriches..

rjp

[lowyder993s]

My mom has a pic of me somewhere catching goat turds like I hit three "7s" on the slots!
It's an AWESOME place...when I go there every 20 yrs...those smells bring me back to '65..(sigh)

[Arizona_928]

They have one of the last white northern rhino. But I doubt you can pet him like this guy.

[Shuie]

We got to spend a half day at the Zoo about a month ago. There is a pretty nice Marriott right next to Petco Park maybe 5-10 mins from the zoo parking lot. We stayed there and watched a Padres game that night. On our way out of the city the next morning we spent a couple of hours at the USS Midway Museum.

If you don't have a full day and don't want to wear yourself out hiking uphill through the zoo, try this:

As soon as you walk in go get on the bus tour. When the bus tour ends go over to the sky lift thing that takes you back to the opposite end of the facility where the polar bears are. From there, walk back towards the entrance and see pandas, big cats, aviary, etc.. It's more of a downhill walk if you do it that way. Between the bus tour and the walk back you will get to see a good bit of park in a short time.

[billybek]

Pay for the private or semi private tour!
You get carted around the zoo, hit all the popular exhibits without having to stand in line. Got to feed a giraffe. Some behind the scenes stuff too.
It is expensive but I thought it was very good value considering we only had one day to do the zoo...

[ted]

Part of the park is closed for a new Africa Rocks remodel.

Plan on eating at Alberts in the Zoo.
Make a reservation for the patio, can be long line otherwise.

Newest area is big cats next to the Panda Exhibit.

In the last few years they added the Urban Jungle and the new elephant/lion tar pits area.

Check out the 6 month old hippo.

Lots of crazy monkeys.

The reptile area is newer and worth a look too.

People watching always spectacular.

Craft beer is sold in the park.

Bring a hat and sun tan lotion.

My favorite part of the zoo is the old Fern Canyon path, planted when the Zoo was first built.

[ted]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

SD Zoo is awesome but I also recommend the Wild Animal Park if you can get there - it's much better.

Its too hot for the wild animal park, now called Safari park.
I prefer the zoo but I'm only 10 minutes from it.

[GH85Carrera]

When we were out there the aviary was the most amazing part. It is San Diego how hot is it? All of 85?