San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, Ca 92101
Directions from the North:
From Interstate 5 (Los Angeles and Orange County), take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs. From Interstate 15 (Escondido and Riverside), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo parking entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place.
Directions from the South:
From Interstate 5 (Mexico), take the State Route 163 north exit, then the Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) exit and follow the signs to the Zoo parking lot.
It has been way too long since I have visited the San Diego Zoo. I forgot how fun it was and especially now with the Covid-19 Pandemic, how nice it is to be outside in the fresh air in a safe environment.
It is the perfect adventure for your family or for a couples date. The passes are only $60.00 per person for the day and you can buy them on line as well as see what the wait times are before you head out!
Masks and social distancing are required, but they make it easy for you to keep in compliance.
As you approach the Zoo’s entrance, you will see signs like these in green. Watch for them throughout the Zoo to remind you of safe practices, and how to navigate the grounds.
The zoo hours are 9-5 PM and are open everyday of the year! You can download the map of the zoo on your phone too so you can navigate around easily.
The zoo has private tours you can do as well and there are several on my BUCKET LIST!
First on my wish list is the Crazy About Cats Tour:
This feline-focused tour is great for early birds! You will be escorted onto Zoo grounds before they open, and travel by cart and by foot to see some of the Zoo’s most iconic and fascinating wild cat species.
You’ll learn about cats of all sizes, how the zoo cares for them, and what you can do to help cat species worldwide. You will even get to meet one special cat up close!
They do not guarantee which animals guests will see on any particular morning, but depending on availability, you might see a jaguar, lion, tiger, mountain lion, fishing cat, leopard, ocelot, or serval!
Your private guide will escort you around the Zoo in a deluxe cart that has been outfitted with special screens, to socially distance your family from the guide. This private tour is perfect for a family outing—pricing is for the entire cart, up to six household members allowed.
Admission is separate and required.
IZZY’s PICK:
Israel loves the reptile house and all the snakes! Gives me the heebie jeebies, lol!
Most of the animals were out and we got to see them playing. The bears were really cute! They were playing and also trying to interact with the snow leopard next to them! We highly recommend it for some fun and adventure!
The zoo also has many restaurants and places to get snacks! I am planning my visit back to eat at Albert’s!
Located in Lost Forest in the heart of the Zoo, Albert’s offers full-service dining featuring chef-inspired plates, a patio with a private waterfall, and a full-service bar.
FUN FACT: THE GORILLA BEHIND THE NAME:
Undoubtedly the most famous resident ever at the San Diego Zoo, Albert was a handsome silverback western lowland gorilla. Born in Africa, Albert arrived at the Zoo in August 1949 at about four months of age. He and two baby female lowland gorillas were hand raised in the Zoo’s nursery. As Albert reached maturity, he was moved to a new open-air gorilla grotto, located where this restaurant now stands. In 1965, Albert fathered Alvila, the first western lowland gorilla conceived and born at the San Diego Zoo and only the seventh gorilla born in any zoo. During his years here, Albert endeared himself to an international audience through his majestic stature, mischievous behavior, and gentle demeanor.
Albert died peacefully on October 18, 1978; however, his spirit continues through the conservation efforts of San Diego Zoo Global, the ambiance of his namesake restaurant, and in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren living at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
About the zoo and their mission:
The Zoo and Safari Park are protected havens where breeding and caring for endangered species can help protect against extinction.
They provide opportunities for animal behavior and health studies that would be difficult, if not impossible, to conduct in the wild. The results of these studies are shared with other zoos and wildlife parks, and help guide animal conservation efforts in field projects.
The expertise of the animal care staff, veterinarians, nutritionists, horticulturists, and conservation scientists who work with our animals at the Zoo and Safari Park is an invaluable asset that can inform challenges animals face in the wild.
