The San Diego Zoo is a popular destination for families and animal lovers, but its hilly terrain can make for a challenging visit. To help visitors navigate the zoo more easily, we’ve compiled a guide to the best route for touring the San Diego Zoo.
The Best Route for San Diego Zoo
- Start at the Front Street entrance and head towards the heart of the zoo.
- Follow Treetops Way to the Orangutan enclosure on the right.
- Take the brief Orangutan Trail until it exits back onto Treetops way.
- Follow Treetops Way towards the zoo exit and turn right onto Monkey Trail.
- Follow Monkey Trail down to Tiger Trail and keep left.
- Follow Tiger Trail down to the tigers and then continue on to Hippo Trail.
- Cross the street and follow the path up the hill to the right.
- Continue on this path until you reach the Northern Frontier exhibit.
- From there, follow the path back towards the entrance, passing by popular exhibits such as Elephant Odyssey and Africa Rocks.
Advanced Details and Specifications
The San Diego Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. One-day admission for adults is $62, while children (ages 3-11) and seniors (ages 65 and up) can enter for $52. The Zoo offers a variety of tours and experiences, including the Bus Tour, Kangaroo Bus, and Discovery Cart Tour. Prices vary for these experiences.
The Zoo has several dining options, including Albert’s Restaurant, Hua Mei Cafe, and Front Street Cafe. The Zoo’s official app is available for iOS and Android devices and can help visitors navigate the park and plan their route.
Critical Details and Considerations
The San Diego Zoo is built on a series of hills and valleys, so visitors should be prepared for some uphill walking. Some exhibits, such as the tigers and hippos, are located at the bottom of hills, so visitors should be prepared for some downhill walking as well.
The Zoo can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, so visitors should plan their route accordingly to avoid long lines and wait times. Visitors should also be aware of the Zoo’s rules and regulations, such as no smoking, no outside food or drink, and no pets (except service animals).
Real-Life Incident/Statistics
In 2022, the San Diego Zoo welcomed over 4 million visitors, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. However, with its hilly terrain and large crowds, many visitors struggle to navigate the park efficiently. By following the route outlined above, visitors can maximize their time at the Zoo and see all of the popular exhibits without getting worn out by the hills.