Tips For Visiting The San Diego Zoo

These Tips For Visiting The San Diego Zoo came from our recent visit to this world renowned zoo.  My Beau grew up in San Diego, so this zoo was nothing new for him, but it was the first time the Wee Child and I have had a chance to visit.  I can say right away that it was by far one of the best blogging perks we have ever enjoyed.  We were given one day zoo admission in exchange for our review of the park.  This is one place I had no trouble finding great things to say about!

Tips For Visiting The San Diego Zoo

Take the bus tour when you first arrive in the zoo.  A day pass to the park will give you a chance to ride the complimentary bus around the park for a half hour guided tour.  This bus goes only around one half of the zoo, but it is still an amazing chance to see more of the zoo in a short time.  It will also help you to get the lay of the land so to speak.

Bring your own snacks and drinks.  While you cannot bring coolers into the park, you are allowed to bring your on food into the park.  You can pack a small backpack with sandwiches, snacks, bottled water and chips to help cut back on costs inside the zoo.  One other way to save on food is to invest in the San Diego Zoo souvenir cup.  For a flat rate you can have the cup, and get super discounted refills or often free refills for that day in the park.

Check out their live feed ahead of time to learn patterns of when animals are out.  You want to see the most animals you can while in the zoo.  A great way to make sure you see the ones you want it to check out the awesome live feed cameras they have on their website.  Not all animals are featured, but their top habitats have a live webcam.  This will help you track the patterns of what time of day certain animals tend to be out.

Be prepared to wait a long time to see the Pandas. The Pandas are one of, if not the most popular exhibit in the zoo.  No matter what time of day you arrive, you'll most likely have to wait for a significant amount of time.  Since this area isn't completely shaded, you'll likely be in the hot sun for a considerable amount of time.  Plan ahead by filling your water bottles, going to the bathroom before getting to the area and making sure to bring your sunscreen and hat to protect your skin.

Utilize the Skyfari to get back and forth across the park. This is an easy way to get off your feet and take a break from the heat.  Hop on the Skyfari and sail over the top of the zoo from the back of the zoo near the Polar Bear habitat down to the front of the zoo.  This is a great way to get back and forth to the two farthest points, but also a beautiful view of the zoo and the city around it.

Visit the cats and bear habitats early in the day. Both cats and bears tend to stay inside and out of the sun.  Visit early in the day for the best views.  They are more likely to be out sunning or playing when it is cooler in the morning.

We truly loved our day in the San Diego Zoo. While the ticket price is a bit high for a large family to swing often, it is well worth looking into getting a membership if you are in the area.  For a great splurge while on vacation, it is worth every penny.  Free parking makes it even better.  The San Diego Zoo has a great active social media community and loves interacting with those that visit their facility.  Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for special promotions.

While we did receive free passes to the zoo, our views and opinions about the zoo are our own.  It isn't world renowned for nothing.  This zoo works hard to give the animals a natural setting most like their natural habitat would be.  They also care and foster animals that are facing extinction, have health issues or need to be rescued.  This zoo and the San Diego Safari Park that is part of their programs are absolutely wonderful places to visit with your family year round.