San Francisco Zoo

"Let’s start big picture here. Set in the city’s far southwest corner, on 99 cypress-shaded acres flush against the Pacific, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens feels a world apart. It’s a sort of manicured wild here: a string of carefully constructed habitats designed to mimic creatures’ natural homes, interspersed with pocket gardens that spill from around the ends of tunnels and the edges of buildings. Everywhere you look, there’s something fascinating, whether it’s the sifakas leaping from pole to pole, like tiny, furry acrobats, or the Prehistoric Garden, a lush area bursting with horsetails, ferns, and other ancient flora—and presided over by two life-sized dinosaurs. (Really!) At intervals, you’ll find old-school interactive storybooks: machines that play animal facts and stories at the turn a pre-purchased, animal-shaped key. Any standout features or must-sees? Just inside the entrance sits the African Savanna, a sprawling area that’s home to six different species of African animals. You’ll likely see the giraffes first, strutting gracefully from behind a clutch of boulders, or licking branches with their long, blueish-purple tongues. But spend more time looking into the 3-acre habitat, planted with protea and African daisies, and you might see a zebra rolling in the sand, or an ostrich browsing plants. After circling the savanna, the path continues on to another don’t-miss: Lemur Forest. Built around the zoo’s existing cypress trees, it’s the largest outdoor lemur habitat in the country, and the playful primates make full use of the space, clambering from branch to branch and sunning themselves on raised platforms. Periodically, they’ll erupt in a chorus of loud, dramatic roars. Was it easy to get around? The zoo’s winding pathways encourage meandering and slow discovery but, periodically, challenge the grid-loving rationalists among us. Fortunately, there’s usually fairly clear signage to guide the way. The broad, paved paths are accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and kid-toting wagons. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? The zoo is a win for families, animal lovers, and green thumbs, who will appreciate the beautifully planted grounds. But be advised: a visit here means a good deal of walking." - Megan McCrea