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Trip to San Diego Zoo

How to Plan Your Trip to San Diego Zoo

Considered the best animal attraction in the world, it is easy to see why San Diego Zoo is a popular destination for people of all ages. But to make the most of this amazing place, it is important to plan ahead and buy your San Diego Zoo packages online. Here is how to plan your trip to San Diego Zoo.

1. Be an Early Bird

San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in California, so to beat the crowd you will need to get an early start. The zoo opens at 9am so the best way to get in early is to arrive 15 minutes before opening. This allows you to find the bus tour without needing to queue, catch a glimpse of the zookeepers finishing feeding the animals and gives you prime position for viewing the exhibits. The earlier you arrive the more chances you have to see all the amazing attractions available.

2. Buy Tickets Online

Buying your tickets before you arrive is another great way to avoid the queues. At aRes travel, we have a great selection of San Diego Zoo packages and ticket deals that not only save you money but allow to you go straight to the gate.

If you can’t get enough of the amazing animal exhibits, you can combine a trip to the San Diego Zoo with a visit to the San Diego Safari Park with a discounted ticket package.

3. Get a Map

With more than 100 acres of attractions, there is so much to see and do, so it can be a challenge to navigate this incredibly complex. Maps are available at the grounds, or you can download the app or a PDF version to have on your smartphone. There are also large maps located around the grounds that show recommended paths or give directions to your favorite animal exhibits.

4. Take a Bus Tour

As the zoo is quite large, and there are so many different paths to take, it can take around 4 hours to see all the exhibits at the park. If you are short on time, the best way to see the most exhibits is with a bus tour. The tour takes around 35 -45 minutes and departs close to the zoo entrance. It will cost a little extra, but you have the benefit of the driver’s knowledgeable commentary and a relaxing place to view the attractions.

5. Get Interactive

Animal habitats aren’t the only things to see at the zoo. The zoo has several amazing interactive attractions to experience as well. Try immersive 4D movies or attend any of the animal shows run by the zookeepers for educational entertainment. But, to experience the animals up close, you can’t beat Animal Encounters

Animal habitats

6. Avoid the Heat

Summer is a peak season at the San Diego zoo; it also means that the summer heat is almost unavoidable. If possible, plan your trip on either side of the peak period of June – August. But, if a visit to San Diego Zoo is on your summer activity list, be sure to plan your zoo itinerary around the coolest times of the day. Early morning, just as the park opens may be the best time for a stroll around the exhibits while midday may be better for spending time at the indoor at the interactive attraction or having lunch at any of the exceptional dining areas.

7. Take Advantage of Guest Services

At San Diego Zoo they have strived to make the park as accessible as possible. A part of this accessibility includes access to rental wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and strollers. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, so take our advice and arrive early. You can also bring your own stroller and wheelchairs to enjoy any of the wheelchair-accessible paths around the park.

Unfortunately, due to the animals at the zoo, pets are not allowed inside the park. But guest services are happy to help you find a kenneling service in the local area outside the park for your furry friends.

Final Thoughts

Don’t miss out on any of the incredible exhibits and interactive experiences the San Diego Zoo has to offer. Plan your trip and buy your tickets online for a stress-free day at the zoo.

For special offers, amazing savings on packages and hotels, and some of the lowest prices on travel, call 1 (800) 434-7894 (international callers use +1 (619) 546-5622) to speak with an aRes Travel planning expert seven days a week, or book online now.

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