San Diego Zoo Safari Park
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The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the best places to visit in Southern California and one of the best zoos in the world.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tips: (Jump To)
San Diego Zoo vs. Safari Park
I would wager that most of the country has heard about the world-famous San Diego Zoo. What most people don’t know is that the zoo is actually comprised of two parks - the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park. In my opinion, the Safari Park is even better than the original San Diego Zoo. It’s big, it’s immaculately landscaped and the animals perform ‘Circle Of Life’ at 3 pm daily (that last part is probably not true — probably).
The San Diego Safari Park, located about 25 minutes away from the San Diego Zoo, in Escondido, California, is a gem of an attraction. The park is 1800 acres and visitors will encounter huge enclosures filled with African, Asian, Australian, and American mammals, birds, and insects. The Safari Park exhibits are far bigger than any zoo we’ve visited (including the original San Diego Zoo). Roaming herds of animals can be seen grazing throughout their free-range enclosures. Plan to spend a full day here. The park is huge. As a bonus feature, its main focus is on species conservation and breeding. You can feel good about spending your hard-earned money here.
What To See at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The Africa Tram Tour
The highlight of the zoo is the Africa Tram tour. Truck-sized tram cars take visitors on a half-hour ride through a 300-acre African habitat. You’ll encounter groups of rhinos, giraffes, many species of antelopes, horses, buffalo, and zebras. The park is located in a low-lying valley surrounded by mountains which provides a picturesque backdrop for the major exhibits. Bring your fancy camera.
This is the big kahuna tour. You'll get to see half the zoo without walking. That sounds like a nice time, right?
Lorikeet Landing
If you want to re-live your fantasy of being that crazy bird lady from “Home Alone 2” you can play with lorikeets at Lorikeet Landing. It’s an enclosed aviary where Lorikeets will [attack] land on you. The park sells food for the birds and they’ll eat out of your hands. If you start to sing they might start doing your laundry (untested).
The Tiger Trail & Lion Camp
Lions and Tigers but no bears, oh my. Great cat displays with multiple viewing points.
Shiley’s Cheetah Run
Watch Cheetahs run at their top speed down a track. It’s like the Cheetah Olympics but without all the cheating or enhanced security measures.
Be on the lookout for the cheetahs on a leash walking around the park. Wait, what? Yes, that’s correct - handlers walk Cheetahs around the park on a leash. Don’t worry, they walk alongside an emotional support dog. Think about it - dogs and cheetahs living together in harmony like God intended.
Condor Ridge
In Condor Ridge, you can find endangered species of California Condors. The park is a key player in the recovery effort for the species. Pretty soon the California Condor will be hanging around out in the parking lot of the Target, skateboarding and littering. This is how it starts.
Everything Else
Now that I’m thinking about it, don’t skip any of the exhibits. Each is extraordinary in design and you’ll be sure to encounter many species you won’t find at your hometown zoo. The animals seem stimulated and well taken care of. The keepers are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions about the animals.
Tips For Visiting The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Live educational animal displays and training demonstrations are featured throughout the day, so check the park guide and map for listings.
The park is open daily. Be sure to check out sdzsafaripark.org for operating hours and ticket prices. Our recommendation would be to get there at opening at head directly to the African tram tour. After that, saunter at your leisure.
Speaking of ticket prices…Feeding lions is like mad expensive. Bring your credit card. Admission is over $50 for adults and over $40 for children. Parking hovers around $15 per car. I would recommend eating outside the park. The food is expensive and not so great.
You can bring snacks in, but you can’t bring a large cooler. There are picnic areas located just outside the main gates. You can leave and return to the park, just be sure to get your hand stamped.
Another great Southern California Zoo is the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
