Ten Best Things to See at San Diego Zoo

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the ten best things to see at San Diego Zoo, from giant pandas and elephants to polar bears and tigers.

A Gorilla at San Diego Zoo

Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous and innovative zoos in the world. Spanning 100 acres, it’s home to over 12,000 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies.

Renowned for its conservation efforts, immersive habitats, and groundbreaking exhibits, the zoo offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From giant pandas to rare koalas, here are the ten best things to see at the San Diego Zoo.

Ten Best Things to See at San Diego Zoo

1. Giant Pandas

Giant Panda at San Diego Zoo

One of the zoo’s most beloved attractions, the giant pandas, reside in the Asian Passage exhibit. Though the pandas were previously on loan from China, the zoo remains a leader in panda conservation. Visitors can observe these gentle giants munching on bamboo, climbing trees, or lounging in their spacious habitat.

The exhibit also educates guests on conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a playful cub or a panda enjoying a snack—always a crowd favorite!

2. Koala Outback

The Koala Outback is one of the few places outside Australia where you can see these adorable marsupials up close. The San Diego Zoo has one of the most successful koala breeding programs in the world. The exhibit mimics their natural eucalyptus forest habitat, allowing them to rest high in the trees.

While koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day, early morning or feeding times are the best moments to see them active. Don’t miss the chance to learn about their unique diet and conservation challenges.

3. Elephant Odyssey

Elephants at San Diego Zoo

Step back in time at Elephant Odyssey, where modern elephants share their space with life-sized statues of prehistoric creatures like the Columbian mammoth. This exhibit highlights the evolution of wildlife in Southern California over millennia.

The zoo’s herd of Asian elephants enjoys a vast, enriching environment with mud wallows, waterfalls, and plenty of space to roam. Visitors can watch daily training sessions that showcase the elephants’ intelligence and the keepers’ deep bond with them.

4. Polar Bear Plunge

A Polar Bear at San Diego Zoo

A visit to the Polar Bear Plunge offers a chillingly good experience. This Arctic-themed exhibit features a 170,000-gallon pool where polar bears swim and play. Underwater viewing windows allow guests to watch these majestic animals glide effortlessly through the water.

The exhibit also highlights the effects of climate change on polar bear habitats, making it both entertaining and educational. Nearby, you might also spot Arctic foxes and reindeer, adding to the icy adventure.

5. Africa Rocks

A Leopard at San Diego Zoo

Africa Rocks showcases the incredible biodiversity of the African continent across six distinct habitats. From the rugged Cape Fynbos (home to adorable African penguins) to the Ethiopian Highlands (where gelada monkeys roam), this exhibit is a must-see.

The leopard forest features sleek, elusive cats, while the Madagascar forest introduces visitors to lemurs and other unique species. The vibrant colors, sounds, and landscapes make this one of the most immersive exhibits in the zoo.

6. Tiger Trail

A Tiger at San Diego Zoo

The Tiger Trail transports visitors into the lush forests of Sumatra, where critically endangered Sumatran tigers prowl. The exhibit features waterfalls, tropical foliage, and climbing structures that encourage natural behaviors. Glass viewing panels provide up-close encounters with these powerful big cats.

The zoo plays a key role in tiger conservation, and the exhibit educates guests on the threats these magnificent animals face in the wild, including habitat loss and poaching.

7. Gorilla Tropics

A Gorilla at San Diego Zoo

Watching the majestic western lowland gorillas in Gorilla Tropics is a humbling experience. The lush, rainforest-like habitat includes towering trees, rocky outcrops, and a flowing stream. The gorillas’ social interactions—whether playing, grooming, or lounging—are fascinating to observe.

The zoo supports gorilla conservation in the wild, and keepers often share insights about these intelligent primates during scheduled talks.

8. Skyfari Aerial Tram

For a bird’s-eye view of the zoo, hop on the Skyfari Aerial Tram. This scenic ride glides above the treetops, offering breathtaking views of animal exhibits, Balboa Park, and downtown San Diego.

It’s a great way to rest your feet while taking in the zoo’s vast landscape. The ride lasts about 5-8 minutes each way and is included with general admission—don’t miss this unique perspective!

9. Outback (Australian Exhibit)

The Outback exhibit brings a slice of Australia to San Diego, featuring species like red kangaroos, wombats, and kookaburras. The walkthrough area allows guests to get surprisingly close to kangaroos as they lounge in the sun.

The exhibit also highlights lesser-known Australian wildlife, including the tasmanian devil, and emphasizes conservation efforts to protect these unique animals from habitat destruction.

10. Reptile Walk & Komodo Dragons

Reptile lovers will adore the Reptile Walk, home to some of the world’s most fascinating cold-blooded creatures. The star attraction is the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard species.

Watching these prehistoric-looking predators is mesmerizing, and the exhibit provides insights into their hunting behaviors and conservation status. Other highlights include Galápagos tortoises, venomous snakes, and colorful frogs.

San Diego Zoo Contact Details

Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 231-1515
Website: sandiegozoo.org
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (but varies by season)

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