4.5San Diego Zoo(28.9k reviews)from $118.00 - Always a Great Time. Spent 2-3 hours Zoos
The San Diego Zoo pioneered cageless exhibits and offers travelers a fun and informative experience. Featuring over 4000 animals, the park gives you a peek into the wildlife of several ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests. Ride the tour bus, which crosses three quarters of the zoo’s area, and learn more about the animals from the guide as you view them in their natural habitats. You can also hop on the Skyfari gondola lift to see the entire park from above. Tickets to the San Diego Zoo that also cover the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido are available for a discount. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5San Diego Zoo Safari Park(4.403 reviews)from $69.00 - Great park, skip the expensive safaris Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
Home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species, San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you to get up close and personal with animals from around the world. Hop on the safari tram, observe animals in their natural habitats and get insights to the conservation work in the park. You can also experience nature uniquely through the zip line adventure or board a tethered hot air balloon which soars over the park. Buy your discounted one-day pass in advance or get a multi-day pass that includes entry to their sister park, the San Diego Zoo. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Santa Barbara Zoo(1.380 reviews) - EXCELLENT ZOO Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
This zoo with a view was once a posh estate owned by a coffee and tea merchant; now it's the lush domain of animals representing 160 species. The pink stucco mansion that once presided over manicured lawns and gardens is gone—replaced by open-air habitats built for the less refined but still exacting tastes of giraffes, gibbons, snow leopards, and gorillas. What hasn't changed is the surrounding scenery; the Pacific and Santa Ynez Mountains are just as spectacular as they were back when this was the setting for civilized galas instead of the wild antics of monkeys and meerkats.See more..
The Zoo is open daily. Pre-purchase timed entry tickets on our website before you arrive for priority entry.See more..
4.5Oakland Zoo(709 reviews) - First time going, very nice zoo Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
Oakland Zoo was established in 1922 and is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. We're recognized for our outstanding animal care, particularly our elephant care program, and for our Leed-certified, 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital—the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. June 2018 introduced Oakland Zoo guests to an entirely new experience, California Trail, a monumental expansion furthering our commitment to animal care, education, and conservation with a focus on this state’s remarkable native wildlife—both past and present.See more..
4.0Sacramento Zoo(629 reviews) - Fun day with grandkids Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos
Children and adults alike delight in this zoo's almost 400 species of wildlife.See more..
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose has been a part of Bay Area families since it opened its’ gates in 1961. It’s a unique combination of family rides, amusements, a Puppet Theater, play areas and an accredited Zoo with over 140 animals, from endangered lemurs to miniature horses. Year round classes are offered for ages 12 months to adults as well as special events for all seasons. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo offers yearly Memberships for families and individuals.See more..
A small zoo with a pretty steep entrance price for non-residents, but if your first time in the area and around Redwoods, we thought the pride of admission was worth it for the Sky Walk experience alone (as long as not too crowded when you visit). It starts off seeming not very high and suddenly you look down and whoa, you realize how big these trees are and you feel like an Ewok from Return of the Jedi, walking along suspension bridges and also more solid bridges among the trees. Perhaps not for someone desperately afraid of heights, but otherwise a very telling look at how big those trees REALLY are. We loved it. Since we'd paid for full admission to do Sky Walk, we also took about half an hour to check out some of the unique animal exhibits. Nothing too outrageously special, zoo-wise, but for small children they have a really well-organized farm and petting zoo area that seemed memorable and exceptional.See more..
Happened on this place late on a chilly damp Sunday afternoon. An hour was just barely enough to see everything (allow more time with kids). It’s an unusual “zoo” because it only has injured native animals and birds. So cool to see condors and owls and a porcupine.See more..
4.5Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary(292 reviews) - Fun to See the Animals at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Folsom, CA Zoos
This is my second trip to the Folsom Zoo. Its a pleasant smaller zoo to explore. I liked to see the animals and also the wild peacocks that visit the zoo. There were several school groups that were there on a Friday morning. I in particular liked the bear, zebu, cats, tiger, and bird exhibits. Parking is free.See more..
4.5Living Coast Discovery Center(206 reviews) - Not far from the immense San Diego Zoo, this is the opposite - a small, up close look at local animals Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos • Aquariums
Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium located on San Diego Bay. Greet a sea turtle as she swims up to say hello! Get eye-to-eye with a bald eagle! Touch a bat ray in our interactive touch pool! Peruse Raptor Row and see the Living Coast's rescued birds of prey, all of which are non-releasable from injury or imprinting. Discover the native species you don't see in the city--or on land! Visitors are also free to follow their own path along the Refuge's 1.5 miles of walking trails. The Living Coast Discovery Center is a chance to explore Southern California's plants and animals on the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. If you're looking for a wildlife adventure, this is the place!See more..
Monterey Zoo is open 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 7 days a week – including most holidays except Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Come visit with a variety of animals including monkeys, cats, reptiles, and our Brand New Rhino exhibit! Bring your headphones and a smart device to watch short videos on the animals as you wander using our unique QR code signage. Monterey Zoo is proudly accredited by the Zoological Association of America. Pricing: $35.25 ages 15-64 $31.75 ages 65 $25.00 ages 2-14 Free ages less than 2 $8.00 any stroller or wagonSee more..
4.5California Wolf Center(118 reviews) - Important conservation work and a must-see. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
We had a fabulous visit. We chose the private enrichment tour and had a wonderful time observing the ambassador wolves. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained what we were observing. It was really so wonderful. My only complaint was that the time was too short and the gift store was limited (I know the one in town has more stuff). Overall a beautiful day with the wolves.See more..
5.0Avian Behavior International(51 reviews) - Amazing experience! Hawk Walk was fantastic. Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
Come fly with the birds! We host interactive flying adventures on our 20 acre farm. From our Bird of Prey Experiences with hawks, falcons, and owls in which you get to learn about the ancient art of falconry and how birds of prey and farmers work together to our stunning Free Flight Experience with the macaws, there are a variety of Experience to choose from. Catch an owl on your glove and watch our birds take on tremendous aerial maneuvers. It's truly an extraordinary experience filled with beautiful animals, beautiful views, and learning the art of training. Experiences require pre-registration on our website. All Experiences offer an interactive tour of our aviaries and farm. Once you register, you will receive details and directions to our facility. We do not offer walk-in visits.See more..
4.5Sequoia Park(51 reviews) - A truly unique city park Spent 1-2 hours Zoos • Parks
My wife and I walked among the sequoia trees with our two small dogs around 10am on a week day while we were visiting Eureka recently. We saw only one other person and the ambience was so peaceful. The trees are spectacular. You can walk on a level path or be more adventurous. Our dogs were continously sniffing the ground and we saw one deer. We thought about visiting again on the weekend, but there were somany cars we decided crowds would ruin the experience. See more..
4.5Micke Grove Zoo(49 reviews) - Small, but worth a stop Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
We came to the zoo right after a rainstorm so we were practically the only ones there. The zoo is small, but that’s what makes it fun. Everything was clean and really well maintained. You are closer to the enclosures than some other zoos. My daughter loved the snow leopard and the bobcat, both of which were very active when we were there. We spent about 45 minutes to an hour in the zoo. We would go back if in the area!See more..
4.0Applegate Park Zoo(44 reviews) - Fun small zoo Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM Zoos
This is a small zoo for animals that can't live in their natural habitat for what ever reason. Amazingly there are bears, coyotes, deer bobcat, goats and many different types of birds. Fun place for all. They have a great park there too.See more..
Voted "One of the top 100 things to do with kids before they grow up". While smaller than your typical zoo, kids are entranced by close-up interactions with the animals, their habitats, and behaviors. Located on the Moorpark College campus on 5 acres with over 150 animals. The zoo is run by students participating in the EATM program who are eager to share their knowledge of and affection for the animals.Open to the public Saturday's and Sunday's from 11AM-5PM. Wildlife education shows with live animals are offered at 12:00 and 2:00. At 3:30 the public can witness a carnivore feeding. The feeding could involve anything from an ocelot, mountain lion, hyena, alligator, or lioness and is accompanied by a discussion about the animal's diet and its behavior in the wild.See more..
5.0Animal Tracks(21 reviews) - Adventuring with Monkeys Zoos
I love visiting animal sanctuaries. It's one of my new favorite things to do, especially since I have a new camera and love to practice with wildlife photos. For Valentine's Day this year, my boyfriend took me to Animal Tracks. What an amazing experience this was! I had no idea it existed and it was only an hour from home. We did the monkey experience. They sat us at a long picnic table with bowls of food/fruit and brought the monkeys out to see us. They visited us, climbed all over us and interacted at their own pace. It was one my favorite animal interactions to date! I wish they were closer to my house so I could be a volunteer! If you have a free day, please check them out. The people that work there truly love these animals and it shows. I can't wait to go back for the full experience which is 3 hours long and includes many other animals at the sanctuary!See more..
4.5Hesperia Zoo(17 reviews) - Small, but not to be missed Zoos
Not a fancy zoo, only 10 acres with a small selection of animals in Hesperia. BUT...…. the information from guide, Tiffany and the ability to get up close and safely to animals made it more than worth the drive. With a lifetime of zoo visits and many Animal Planet shows, thought we knew it all, but we learned so many facts we were unaware of previously from Tiffany - great tour guide!!!! At the end, she told us that was only her 2nd tour, we would have thought her 100th!! This is one very knowledgeable and personable young lady!! You may read that you cannot wander around by yourself and that is good. The information and anecdotes on the tour make the visit more than worthwhile!! Thank You Hesperia Zoo!See more..
4.5Montebello Barnyard Zoo(16 reviews) - Sooo much fun! The kids and adults will love this zoo! Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos
We go every year to this hometown zoo in Montebello. Its east of Los Angeles less than 30 minutes. Its reasonably priced and is less crowded than the big zoos. The funny zebra with his big teeth was the highlight of our last trip. Dont forget to pick up animal feed when you get your tickets. You can have your party or event here and the zoo can also come to your event! They have a large vehicle to bring the animals to you.... Don't forget your camera!See more..
4.5EcoVivarium(14 reviews) - Awesome place to take your kids!!! Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
EcoVivarium is the perfect place to take your kids if they like Reptiles. They have several different types of Reptiles and the staff spends their time showing you the animals, telling you about them, answering questions and letting you interact with them. You can really tell everyone there has a real passion for caring for these beautiful creatures. This place is a real gem in the heart of Escondido, CA that you need to visit at least once, but should probably go a few times a year.See more..
5.0Canzelle Alpacas(13 reviews) - Up close and personal Friday: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos
NO WALK-INS! Reservations are required to visit Canzelle Alpacas. Book an amazing tour experience at Canzelle Alpacas! During the tour, you will learn about all of our animals and get to personally experience the Alpacas -- they love snuggles and kisses and are quite photogenic :) You will also be sure to enjoy our gorgeous views. We offer both Group and Private Tours, which you can learn more about and book directly on our website. Please note that you must have a tour reservation to visit the farm, as we cannot accommodate walk-ins. Pro-tip: Our tours tend to book out 1-2 weeks in advance, so make sure to plan ahead!See more..
5.0Rinconada Park(9 reviews) - Awesome Park in Palo Alto - Rinconada Park, Palo Alto, Ca Zoos • Parks • Playgrounds
We went to the large and very Rinconada Park in Palo Alto. This is a wonderful park with many areas to play sports such as tennis courts. There is places for walking There is a magical area with trees called The Magic Forest. There is an art center, library, neighborhood place to plant vegetables, and more.See more..
We took our almost 2yr old grand daughter here to visit. Stacy couldn't have been more friendly or accommodating. She answered our request to visit right away via email (Need to reserve an appt.)as well as subsequent questions and comments we had. The animals are very laid back and well loved. Stacy took us around the farm and gave us info on the varieties of animals. She then turned us loose to wonder as we pleased. See more..
5.0Ventana Wildlife Society(3 reviews) - Condors !! Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
We did the tour (offered Saturday and Sunday) that includes an info session on condors, tracking and helping them survive. Then we actually saw a condor, up close and enormous. Almost extinct in the wild just 20 years ago, it's an amazing feat of determination that we can see them today. Tour is 2 1/2 hours, leaving from Albert Molera State Park on route 1, $50 a person. Go to their website for more info. You'll also see the beautiful coast as you chase the condors.See more..
We are a small family run farm. Our mission is to become more self sufficient, conciously and ethically raising various livestock. Its important we respect our animal and plant life and we want to help leave a healthier and more knowledgeable generation behind us.See more..
