We're going to San Diego Zoo in 2 weeks. Any tips/advice?

Question

Looking for info on discount tickets (not going to wild animal park or sea world)... when to go.... best time to see pandas.... what not-to-miss.... never been to san diego before, so everything's new to us.... (unfortunatly, my computer will not load sandiegozoo.org web site (I just get error messages). Thanks in advance for any answers.... I really do come back to read tham all and I appreciate you taking the time. :)

Answer 1

If you're military or AAA, you can buy tickets through their ticket agencies which are typically discounted. I would advise you to purchase the tickets for the bus tour which takes you around the park and gives you the basics on the exhibits, then you can decide where you really want to go from there. Get a map at the front gate which will help you plan your excursion even better. I love the SD Zoo since it's laid out really well and (if you don't mind a good walk) you can walk it easily if you plan to spend the whole day there.

Look on the bulletin board as you enter the zoo for exhibit/show times. They can change on a daily basis as far as best times to view the pandas. Definitely see the polar bear exhibit. If you have younger kids, the petting zoo is definitely fun.

Food wise, like any amusement/theme park, it's kinda pricey. I usually take a backpack with water and snack foods (remember it will be HOT! when you go). If we want sodas, we purchase the zoo's refillable cups as it will save you some money over the course of the day. Anywhere you choose to eat in the park is excellent. There are lockers located around the park but I hate having to interrupt my day to go back to the locker to get things.

Answer 2

I live in San Diego and have been to both many times and I would recommend Sea World. You get some of the elements of a theme park like shows and rides but you also get the educational value of the animals. I think that Sea World is more appealing to all age groups where as the zoo is more aimed at younger kids, plus the zoo doesn't have a whole lot that isn't at every other zoo around.

Answer 3

I f you get there early, there will be a long line that dissapers after the zoo is open for ten minuites, so don't arrive too early, it's not worth it, unless you want to stroll around balboa park first. If you want to see a Panda, head for that pretty much right away, after noon, you'll be waiting on a line, then looking over the heads of like 10 people. I fyou have small children or get tired easily, i would but tickets for either the bus or the arial tram in case you get tired, it is a big zoo, with often on easy way back to the exit. The snacks are great, but pricey, i fyou ant to tote your owon, you can get a locker or a few quaters. The Polar Bears are a must see and the tigers are pretty cool too. I really liked seeing the lesser known antolpoe and gazelles and cattle.

Answer 4

You can print discount coupons by visiting San Diego Chamber of Commerce website. Don't know web address, try Yahoo search. When you arrive, definitely spend the extra $$ and buy tickets for the train that can transport you all over the zoo. It is so large, that is one of the best ways to get info, see everything and save your feet! You'll LOVE it- have fun! If you do end up having time- the wild animal park is fantastic and worth seeing!

Answer 5

We're natives who belong to the zoological society and go to the zoo and WAP often. Can't give you much help on discounts other than:

Right now (through July 30) you can get WAP discount tickets ($19.95 each) through the zoo's website if you can log on through a friend's computer since yours won't load

If you're active military you get in free.

If you're a travel agent you get a 50% discount..

I'm going to disagree with previous answerers on several points. I don't think the tram/bus ride is worth the extra price you pay. The way to see the zoo is on foot, because you can take as much time as you want at any exhibit and - even more importantly - one of the least talked about but most fascinating aspects of the zoo is the incredible array of plant life. You'll see all sorts of trees, flowers, cacti, etc. that you never even heard of before. Many have identifying placards telling about them and you'll miss all of that on a bus tour. Also, not many people know that the zoo has one of the most extensive collections of birds anywhere in the world and much of that is bypassed on the guided tours.

Like any zoo, animals are going to be most active early in the morning and late in the evening. There is no "good" time to see the pandas - there will be a line no matter when you get there. Be prepared to confront the realization that pandas are by nature world-class loafers and you'll be incredibly lucky if you actually happen to see them "do" anything...other than lay there.

Also like any zoo, liquid refreshment is way overpriced - but burgers and such are really quite reasonable and the food is generally very good quality when compared to what is offered at most parks and such.

The weather has been unseasonably hot in San Diego this year, but the park has plenty of shade and lots of misters to keep you cooled down. Sun block and a hat are very good ideas.

My personal not-to-miss items are the polar bears (if you go early or late and get to see them in action it's wonderful!), the variety of plant life, the various gazelle species, and the newest addition to the zoo - the Monkey Trails. In the Monkey Trails you're basically wandering right through the middle of the monkey exhibits and it's very much like seeing them in an open, natural environment - a big improvement over their previous monkey exhibits. Also the variety of shows they put on throughout the day are always very well done.

I know you said you don't plan on going to the Wild Animal Park, but I hope you change your mind. Our hands-down, no question about it most favorite thing to do is the WAP in the evening. Get there between 4 and 5 p.m. and stay until closing. During the summer months they have what is essentially a daily festival going on, called The Park at Dark. The first thing to do is head down toward the bottom of the park and feed the giraffes. The atmosphere is wonderful - very refreshing and relaxing. There will be live performers wandering throughout the park doing all sorts of very entertaining, impromptu stuff. You'll have live performers playing a wide variety of music everywhere. Wait until as late as you can, then take the Wgasa rail line tour around the park. You'll see many animals you wouldn't have seen otherwise - and very much like you would see them in their natural habitat. Not only that, but the rail tour doesn't cost anything extra. Unfortunately, the WAP only stays open late through Labor Day. We've never understood why, because the Park at Dark is one of our favorite things to do in all of San Diego - and there's a heckuva lot to do here! If you've spent the entire day taking in the zoo and WAP and finish up with the Park at Dark experience, instead of feeling beat up and exhausted you'll feel relaxed and refreshed.

At any rate, welcome - and have a wonderful time!

Peace,

Radical Geezer

Answer 6

The mornings and early evenings are the best times to see the animals being active. Otherwise they are all lazy and trying to stay out of the heat.
Don't forget the sunscreen cuz it's been unusually hot!
Other than the zoo, you should check out Old Town. Lots of history and good food! If you go at night don't miss the Whaley House. It's supposed to be haunted.
Visit Seaport Village if you need gifts for the folks back home. Scripps Aquarium is pretty cool, and you'll be treated to the most awesome views of the Pacific to boot!

Answer 7

I visited San Diego zoo last year in April , it was gorgeous, and at that time they had Pandas (mom dad and baby Panda) show for the first time after 3 years of not showing them. It's really fun.... Enjoy your time there.

Answer 8

you might check out some of the sites with the combo passes. I know you said you arent going to sea world, but the combo pass we found made it really affordable-along with train passes, zoo tickets, etc. Its MUCH cheaper to do several parks in san diego than one park elsewhere.

Answer 9

Check out Balboa Park while you're there. It's close by and it did have some interesting little museums. I consider SDZ the best in the world and my fondest memory there was a bird aviary with a running stream -- I hope that is still there for you.

Answer 10

Get over to the Park, where you take a tram, animals in natural habitat. Where walking shoes.