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The Skyfari takes you over the top of the zoo, you can see far and wide over the area of Sandiego and below to Balboa Park, definitely something to do.
The animals not too be missed are:
1)The Polar Bears as they are often quite amusing to watch! If it is a hot day though i will warn ... Read review
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Advantages: World famous zoo, what more? Disadvantages: Smell of the Flamingoes as you walk in - there aren't many downfalls!
...2) The Pandas, something the San Diego Zoo can be proud to have, they have top research facilities there and a new cub was born this summer. The line to see the pandas can be long, so if you see its short, go then!
3) i recommend taking a look at the massive yellow snake in the reptile house, it has been there forever and does not seem to be going anywhere, so definitely worth a visit!
4) The petting zoo, if you have ... ...try it if you like - something else i recommend!)
You can also visit the WIld Animal Zoo, which is further out from downtown San Diego, but offers a whole new host of animals to see!
This zoo i have visited many many times so far. Although i know my way around pretty well, it is not the most easy to navigate for a newcomer! The plus is that they recognise this and hand out maps as you pay for entry. This makes the task 10 times easier and also means you can plan a route to see every animal you want.
There are a number of deal you can make depending on how much you are willing to spend/want to see. For a first time visitor the BEST VALUE ADMISSION would be quite appropriate as it includes unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. All of which i recommend if you do not want to end up with seriously sore feet by the end of the day as there is A LOT of walking involved, uphill and downhill included! However the moving escalator do help this factor, so if you are feeling energetic it makes a lovely place to walk around.
The Skyfari takes you over the top of the zoo, you can see far and wide over the area of Sandiego and below to Balboa Park, definitely something to do.
The animals not too be missed are: 1)The Polar Bears as they are often quite amusing to watch! If it is a hot day though i will warn you that the animals tend to be less animated.
2) The Pandas, something the San Diego Zoo can be proud to have, they have top research facilities there and a new cub was born this summer. The line to see the pandas can be long, so if you see its short, go then!
3) i recommend taking a look at the massive yellow snake in the reptile house, it has been there forever and does not seem to be going anywhere, so definitely worth a visit!
4) The petting zoo, if you have young kids then this is a place to go. There are goats, sheep, llama and an aray of other types of animals.
5) The Orangutans are one of my favourites along with the pandas and polar bears, they are funny and can entertain you for ages! As can the chimpanzees, and gorillas.
6) The Bears, Grizzles especially are interesting to see, you get to get quite close to the enclosures which is what really makes it, as the bears are quite big!
There are numerous gift stores around, often themed to certain animals, depending on the area. Perfect for gifts if you have or know a kid with a favourite animal!
The only one thing that gets me is the prices of drinks and food, so what i'd say is carry a bagpack and bring your own water/juice etc, if you like to save like me. We often eat a big breakfast before we go too, at a good breakfast restaurant like Denny's (they are around everywhere so try it if you like - something else i recommend!)
You can also visit the WIld Animal Zoo, which is further out from downtown San Diego, but offers a whole new host of animals to see!
Advantages: World remowned Zoo Disadvantages: Colchester Zoo better!
San Diego zoo is reputed to be amongst the best, if not the best zoo in the world - but I beg to differ.
I mention in my title that Colchester Zoo is better. I truly believe this for a number of reasons. The enclosures for a start.
I was most disappointed with the size of some of the enclosures at SD Zoo. For example, the lion enclosure, whilst fantastic at not having to peer through glass or behind wire, was very small, yet interesting.
The lions ... ...After that it's good ole San Diego atmosphere only. Surely this has to be confusing!!!
There is a skyfari - cable cars take you from one side to the other. A great way of getting a different view of the zoo.
I would also recommend you do the bus tour, just to familiarize yourself with lay out of the place. Do walk this zoo - it may be steep which will be a problem if you have mobility issues or very small children - as it is a great way to work ...
jude76 17.02.2007 (18.02.2007)
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Advantages: Touching and feeding dolphins Disadvantages: Have to pay for some rides and extra for tours
Yes that is correct. When was the last time you touched a dolphin or stingray? As I continue my trip towards SanDiego, I drop by theSeaworld park. It was a toss-up between the world famous SanDiegoZoo or the Seaworld and we decided touching dolphins would be more interesting.
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Shows
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Advantages: Gorgeous scenery, sunshine Disadvantages: transport links
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Things to do
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Advantages: magnificent architecture, lots to do, peaceful Disadvantages: not good if you want do something energetic or exciting
Introduction
Not too far from downtown SanDiego and right next to the world famous SanDiegozoo is the beautiful, much overlooked Balboa Park. I have been here twice and really enjoyed it both times. More of an old town of museums, restaurants, gardens and wonderful architecture, than a park there will undoubtedly be something for everyone here.
Area
Located in El Prado, SanDiego buses to and from the park are both frequent and reliable. As the park is located right next to the SanDiegoZoo, signs to the park are frequent and easy to follow. There is lots of parking space and most of it is free.
Sights
A visit to the information centre is the best place to start. There is so much to do and see here it really isn't possible to do it all in one day. So the best thing is to visit the information centre, look at the maps ...
