So, after spending 5 days in DL May 18-May23, DH, DS 4.5 and myself will be spending 2-3 nights in San Diego. We already have tix for Sea World, but we also want to check out either the zoo or the wild animal park. Any opinions on which park to pick? What are the pros and cons? Are we doing too much? As always, I think you all are the best and appreciate all your words of wisdom.:fez:


WHOO! WHOO! I can finaly count the days on my hands!!

The San Diego Zoo has a bigger variety of animals, and is very hilly, so be prepared to do a lot of walking. There is also a tour bus and sky buckets.

The Wild Animal Park is much larger and more spread out. It is hilly but not as extreme as the Zoo. There is a great tram ride that lets you see the animals in their natural habitats.

Both parks are unique and different in their own way.

The zoo is in the downtown area and the WAP is kind of off the beaten path in the "middle of nowhere".

Where are you staying?

They are both Fabulous and world class, I think the WAP is truly the one I would choose, just because it is so much different than anything else out there.
Funny enough I was talking to a friend about her recent trip to Africa, and everyoneon the trip with her got sick of her saying how it was just like the WAP and what a good job the WAP had done, so there is my vote.
Both places include a TON of walking, so just be prepared...and both have lots of Hills...

Funny enough I was talking to a friend about her recent trip to Africa, and everyoneon the trip with her got sick of her saying how it was just like the WAP and what a good job the WAP had done, so there is my vote.


Yep! My neighbor went on a safari in Africa, and said that he saw more animals at the WAP, and enjoyed the special camera safari thingie ---I can't remember what it's called---more than Africa.

We are staying at Loew's in Coronado. Looks like it will be WAP.... or maybe just some rest and relaxation! Thanks everyone!

Depends on the weather. It is generally 15-20 degrees hotter at the WAP and we avoid it from May to Spetember unless it is a very cool day. Don't let the coastal cool/overcast conditions fool you, check the inland weather before heading to the WAP. There's a ton of walking and some areas have little shade.

Depends on the weather. It is generally 15-20 degrees hotter at the WAP and we avoid it from May to Spetember unless it is a very cool day. Don't let the coastal cool/overcast conditions fool you, check the inland weather before heading to the WAP. There's a ton of walking and some areas have little shade.

Another vote for checking the weather. We have memberships at both, and either would be good choices. The SD Zoo has a fabulous children's zoo, as well as all SORTS of other amazing exhibits. If I remember correctly, though, they were going to start tearing out a large section (Horn & Hoof Mesa). Yep, I just checked the online map, and it is out of commission. This means that all giraffes, rhinos, etc. are gone (from view). Even so, the remaining zoo exhibits would be a full day. If you do the SD Zoo, definitely get the bus tour with the ability to hop on and off all day (there are 2 different kinds).

The WAP is amazing, in that it shows animals in a much more natural setting, and you can sometimes get views of them that you NEVER would in a regular zoo.

Bottom line, either would be a great choice. If you look online, you can also find ticket packages with sea world/zoo or wap, or all 3. Have fun!

WAP.

Both can be rather spread out - and both are hilly. I like both but I love the WAP. I love the bird show at the WAP. (Say hello to the Emu for me :D) I really like the WAP tour and seeing the animals in the "more natural" environment.

Adrienne

I prefer the zoo. There is far more than you can ever see in a day. You get right up close to the animals, and if you go leisurely the hills aren't that bad. It's really amazing. They also have a tram tour, so you can opt for that as well. Animal park was more like going to Africa and seeing the animals out in the wild, but you don't get up close. And with the tour, which is a one time around, and you can't stop and go at your own pace. The Animal park is further from San Diego proper as well, plus the zoo is at Balboa Park (in the heart of the city) which can be a day of exploration just on its own.

NOOOO comparison...the Zoo is so much better..wild animal park is a waste of money...Ive been twice and both times it was hot, that Cali sun isnt like it is here in AZ, and all the animals were sleeping in shady areas wayyy out in the distance to a point where you could hardly see them...go with the zoo

I strongly disagree that the WAP is a waste of money. Getting 2 feet away from 7 scampering lion cubs was worth the price of admission alone. But we do not go when it is hot, as I said above. Get there early. There is way more to do than just the tram tour. The elephants are great, they have a huge area and have had 4 bobies inthe last several years. (different moms) Watchign the herd interact with the youngsters and watching them interact with each other is soemthing I could do for an hour. The "safari" walk can easily take an hour or two, depending on your pace. Playing spot the tiger is a game my kids love, also feeding the giraffes at the lookout point.

The hike up to the condors is likewise time consuming, but worth it.

Not to change anyone's mind or influence BUT folks visiting San Diego and doing Sea World might want to set aside a day at Balboa Park Museums rather than the Zoo or in addition to. The Museums (Aerospace, Natural History, Museum Of Man and Mingei are all world class plus there are many more to choose as well, like the Auto Museum, Science and Art Museums etc. And the park and archetecture is just simply gorgeous and well cared for.

Not to change anyone's mind or influence BUT folks visiting San Diego and doing Sea World might want to set aside a day at Balboa Park Museums rather than the Zoo or in addition to. The Museums (Aerospace, Natural History, Museum Of Man and Mingei are all world class plus there are many more to choose as well, like the Auto Museum, Science and Art Museums etc. And the park and archetecture is just simply gorgeous and well cared for.

I agree completely. The model train museum is a big hit with younger boys. By the way, if you have a hard time finding parking, just park across the street near the veteran's museum. There is plenty of parking over there, and a free shuttle goes throughout the whole park.

If you have younger kids the Puppet Theatre at Balboa Park is also worth going to.