San Diego Zoo
Zoo · San Diego ·
World-renowned zoo with 100 acres & 12,000 rare animals
World-renowned zoo with 100 acres & 12,000 rare animals
"Spanning 100 acres and home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals (about 600 species) set among some 700,000 plants, the zoo feels like a lush jungle; recent highlights include the renovated Panda Ridge exhibit—where two giant pandas returned in 2024—and new arrivals like Tasmanian devils in 2025, while the former Children’s Zoo has been reimagined as Wildlife Explorers Basecamp with interactive displays, play areas, a giant treehouse, splash zone, and climbing stations." - Archana Ram
"One of the top kid-friendly attractions in San Diego, noted for its sprawling exhibits and animal-viewing opportunities." - Jill Krasny Jill Krasny Jill Krasny is a journalist based in New York. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, The Financial Times, and Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"One of the area's most famous paid attractions, the zoo offers world-class animal exhibits and is often included in city sightseeing passes—worth checking against multi-attraction passes to save on admission." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A world-famous zoological park with extensive habitats and interpretive programs that appeal strongly to families; often paired with visits to nearby Balboa Park institutions for a full day of education and play." - Elizabeth Preske Elizabeth Preske Elizabeth Preske is an associate editor at TripSavvy and a former associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure. She writes and edits content about destinations around the world, covering everything from travel-related news and tips to stories about quirky destinations. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I set aside a visit to the San Diego Zoo as a major attraction within Balboa Park, famous for its extensive animal collections and exhibits." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines