Which is best? San Diego Zoo or the wildlife park?

Answer 1

Either one will require a whole day to see, and that's a good thing. The Zoo is right next to downtown and easier to get to; it's also in Balboa Park which has all kinds of other attractions like museums and gardens. They aren't kidding when they advertise the Zoo as being "world famous," because it is and you'll see why when you go there.

The Wild Animal Park is 30 miles north of the city in some very pretty country, so the drive is enjoyable by itself. The central part of the WAP is smaller than the zoo but you could still spend all day seeing it, as it has extensive botanical exhibits which the Zoo lacks. The big attraction is the Wgasa Bush Line monorail tour around the various large eco-environments with animals running around free, as close to natural living as possible. (Wgasa is a fake name adopted by the trustees after they couldn't figure out what African name to call it. Finally somebody wrote a note and passed it around with 'wgasa?' written on it, meaning "who gives a s**t anyway" - a true story that they won't admit to if you ask.)

The WAP recently added a close-up lion encounter and a balloon ride which costs $12 but gives you a great view of the place. See both of them if at all possible.

Answer 2

We visited both places on our last trip to San Diego, and I thought the zoo was the better of the two. The main attraction of the Wild Animal Park is the tram that takes you through the park to view all of the wild animal habitats. If you have young kids, having them sit still throughout this hour or so ride (may have been longer, but I can't remember) might not be as fun as walking through the exhibits at the zoo. Regardless of which attraction you decide to visit, I am sure you'll have a good time. They are both very interesting. I should also mention that the Wild Animal Park has a thing where you can ride out into some of the more tame habitats in a truck, and you can even feed the Rhinos and Giraffes! This is fairly expensive though at around $100 per person. It looked like a lot of fun though (we opted not to do this) - here is some additional info - http://www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/wap_photo_caravan.html

If you're thinking about SeaWorld as well, that's a great park. We really enjoyed it. If you decide to do all 3, here's a link to a 3-for-1 pass that'll get you a discounted admission to all 3 parks!
http://zoodeals.com/156_attraction-tickets_a21.html

Have fun!

Answer 3

I'd have to say that the Wildlife Park is by far the best. However, you need to realize it's an approximate 30 mile or 45 minute drive north of San Diego near Escondido. You'll be able to see most of the wild animals in their real habitat and ride a cool tram ride along the way. There are several good chances to feed some of the animals and it's a much more wide open setting. Much of the SD Zoo tends to be the cage environment with lots of walking and often some of their best animals could be sleeping and you can miss them altogether.

Answer 4

They are two totally different places. Both are excellent places to go.

The Zoo is a traditional zoo in that it has a lot of animals that are usually kept in enclosures and are not mixed between species.

The Wild Animal Park has a lot less close up animals. The big thing they have is the Tram which goes around the perimiter of the park. Each of these enclosures are huge and the different animals intermix. The bad part is that you are quite far away.

If you had time to only see 1 I would go to the San Diego Zoo, but if you have time also go to the Wild Animal Park.

Answer 5

If you have time to go to the two of them, do so. if you go to there website you will find allot of information. I personally like the zoo more.

Two-Park Ticket
Buy one ticket and visit both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. The Two-Park Ticket includes the Best Value Zoo Admission and the Wild Animal Park Nairobi Ticket Package
Adult $59.00 | Children $39.00

Answer 6

Located in Southern California, perhaps not definately not the Mexico edge, San Diego is the oldest town in California, created in 1769 and if you wish to know an area with a marvelous normal beauty and a pleasing climate, with slight temperatures and lots of sunlight with hotelbye you ought to start. In San Diego you are able to visit: museums, gardens, Spanish Colonial design structure found in Balboa Park, the world popular San Diego Zoo, and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. SeaWorld San Diego is among the city's principal attractions, particularly for families. It is located across the waterfront in Mission Bay. For most American's SeaWorld has been quite a long time family tradition, having been with us considering that the 1960s. On the list of shows would be the multitude of reveals featuring killer whales, sea lions, dolphins, and different sea life. You will find a myriad of tours from roller coasters falling in to water, to more sedate carnival form flights for tots. SeaWorld can be an aquarium which allows for close up discusses sharks and other sea animals which can be observed via an fat canal, along side feel tanks, and shut activities with dolphins and people of tidal pools.

Answer 7

I personally like the San Diego Zoo better.

Answer 8

I love the Wild Animal Park. It is a little out of the way - located outside of Escondido - but the animals need space! There is a train that goes around the huge enclosures where the animals roam wild in herds. Its wonderful to see this. You might want to bring some binoculars, though... They also have various shows throughout the park that area great - I went to a bird show which had birds flying in an out. For kids there is a petting zoo area which my nephews loved.

Answer 9

The Zoo is fantastic. I never realized how good it was until I traveled to other areas and went to the zoos. The Wild Animal Park is also very good, but the Zoo is better.

Answer 10

once you're going along with your 3 year previous son, i might want to truthfully recommend going to the Legoland, SD Zoo, and Sea global (i have in no way been to Seaport village or Loma Lighthouse so i can't furnish you with information on those 2). i have been to SD Zoo and the SD organic world Park, and they are about a similar, inspite of the indisputable fact that the organic world Park is merely extra "wild" reason there are a variety of of less cages and there is extra open area for the animals, so evidently extra like their organic habitat. The organic world park takes extra time to stroll round than the Zoo. The SD zoo is a lifeless ringer for the different zoo. Sea global is nearly a very massive aquarium with some rides, and your baby might want to extremely like this position. As for Legoland, your 3-year-previous might want to love this position yet you in all likelihood does not. SD Zoo will in all likelihood take a minimum of 5 or 6 hours (after I went, I merely went for the full day) SD organic world Park, about 5, 6 hours too Legoland, the full day Sea global, you may want to favor to bypass a minimum of seven hours or the full day. have interesting and theres a good number of strong eating parts that you may want to favor to end by on your holiday.