I'm going to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the first time in a week - any suggestions for my visit?

I haven't been there in ages, but, all I can remember is it is HOT!!

So, I would suggest either go first thing in the morning or go later in the afternoon, as it does stay open after dark now during the summer.

Don't know about the food, but, if you get there early you could more than likely get a good parking spot and go and eat out of a cooler, to save cash.

A light jacket might be needed at night, I am not sure.

Sunscreen {don't forget your lips} and hats, for sure. Good walking shoes, there are trails you can take as well as the exibits and train ride.

We definitely carry squirt bottles and mist one another now and again. These hook onto fanny packs or back packs.

Camel packs might be a good idea, as well. Trail mix, things like that are good to hold you off for meals. And keep up energy.

Haven't seen their nighttime shows but they are supposed to be great.

Check out their site and see if they have any good information on those timings.

Have Fun!!

We were at the Wild Animal Park about two weeks ago for a sleepover for my husband's birthday, and included in that was being able to stay in the park the next day. My only other visit to the park had been about 8 or 9 years ago.

Yes, it is extremely hot, so a hat, sunscreen and liquids are necessities, as are comfortable walking shoes since there are many trails, many of which are uphill slopes, that go past the various enclosures. Misters would be a good idea as well - in packing for our overnight stay, we forgot those.

The monorail is definitely something you don't want to miss. It's an hour-long ride that takes you over the various savannah sections of the park, with the driver giving a running commentary all along the way. I would definitely recommend going on that first thing in the morning (I believe the park opens at 9am) as it's still relatively cool out, and the animals are still up and about. If you ride the monorail in the middle of the day, most of the animals will be hiding in the shade of trees and harder to see. The monorail is also open-air, so the air will be stifling for you as well. If you can't go in the morning, then I'd suggest waiting until the early evening before going on. I believe the park closes at 10pm, with the last monorail leaving at 9pm.

There aren't many food locations inside the park that aren't simple walk-up windows, so I'd suggest sitting down when you first arrive to plan your day so that you end up being at a food location when it's mealtime, and also to plan your route. With the hills in the park, you probably don't want to be backtracking a lot.

Try to do most of your walking earlier in the morning or early afternoon or in the early evening. With the heat in the major part of the afternoon and the work of walking the hills, it would be pretty easy to tire yourself out (especially if there are children or people who may have dificulty walking long distances in your party). Be sure to pace yourself, and maybe try some of the cooler exhibits or shows in the afternoon.

Have a great time!