Ok....let me start this off by saying that we are not Zoo people. Oh I think I am a zoo person and then I get to the zoo and something happens to me....it is hot, the animals aren't out, the walk is too long, I feel badly for the caged animals...you name it....it happens and all of a sudden I am wondering why in the heck I ever went to the zoo in the first place! My husband....now he doesn't even start out thinking he is a zoo person....he is NOT a zoo person. So when the passengers on the plane said that I HAD to visit the San Diego Zoo...I cringed (just a little bit). I'm thinking.....there is NO way I am going to get my husband to go to the zoo even if it is supposed to be the best zoo out there! Me...I was open minded because of course I'm in the "I'm a zoo person" mode!
So I figured I had better take this slow with him...so I said, "Hey...what about going to Balboa Park (this is where the zoo is located). I hear it's really a great place. Lots of things to do." He agrees that it would be nice to make a stop there and see it. Well we stop and there is some huge event going on that afternoon and there is no parking to be found. So the next day I bring up the possibility of going back to Balboa Park since we didn't get to see anything on the first attempt! He is agreeable to this so we head back. The park by the way is beautiful and has lots of museums and things to see. I would love to go back and spend some more time here seeing everything else. As we are driving through Balboa Park, I say, "Hey look there's the zoo!" He looks at me. I say, "I hear the zoo here is amazing!" Again the look....then...."I don't like zoos." I try one more time, "But this isn't just any zoo...it's the San Diego Zoo and we might never get a chance to see it again!" One more look and then I see the resignation come over his face....."Ok..fine we'll go to the zoo but we aren't staying long!"
Parking was free for the zoo. This is a good start! When we got to the entrance there was a kiosk where you could purchase your ticket with a credit card before you got to the turnstile. (Later we found that you can also purchase tickets ahead of time online but since this was a surprise visit...that wouldn't have applied!) Tickets for 1 day are $42.00 per adult ($32.00 per child ages 3-11). These prices got me another look and a "$84.00 for the zoo?? I don't like zoos." comment! I said "Yes, but look it includes unlimited use of the express bus and the Aerial Tram." Another look.
Once we got through the turnstiles and into the Zoo itself...it was absolutely amazing!! Make sure you get a map when you enter because you will definitely need it! This was the most beautiful Zoo I had ever seen! I felt as though I just entered the habitats of the animals. It was more like taking a walk in the park with animals than it was "going to the zoo". They have done a fabulous job of making sure that the habitats are just perfect for the animals. The best part was that the animals were out and moving around (could be that the temperature is so consistent in San Diego) and they were wonderful to observe. Even my skeptical "non-zoo" husband started to enjoy himself and run from exhibit to exhibit to see what the next turn might bring. He started telling me to make sure I get a picture of this or of that and I knew then that he was "hooked"!
They have a wonderful variety of animals at the San Diego Zoo but the most popular are the Pandas. They were so cute and so fun to watch. Tip: Be sure you go before late afternoon because the Pandas are put away and you may miss them.
We just couldn't get enough of the Panda's! They were so much fun to watch! Luckily they had a small gift shop outside of the Panda area so I could take home a stuffed version!
From water fowl to birds to mammals...this Zoo had everything!
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| The Koalas were soooo cute!! |
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| I just loved this guy! He was so ugly he was cute!! |
There is a lot of walking to get around the zoo so make sure that you take transportation when possible. We were so anxious to see everything that we forgot that the transportation was included in the ticket price so we walked and walked and walked. Then we got lost (you may be seeing a theme here!) and we walked and walked some more! This is where picking up the map ahead of time comes in handy!
Needless to say...we both ended up LOVING the San Diego Zoo! In fact I loved it so much that when I had an opportunity to go back the next day while my husband was working (during the business part of the trip) I said YES in a heartbeat. Each day was different and offered new adventures and things to see!
I would highly recommend going to the San Diego Zoo...there is something there for everyone. There are places to eat, places to shop for gifts and lots and lots of restrooms. It is a wonderful place to visit!
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The End
Next up: Final Thoughts on a Weekend in San Diego
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