LA Zoo vs. San Diego Zoo: Which is Right for You?
The Los Angeles Zoo and San Diego Zoo are two of Southern California’s biggest attractions, both boasting impressive animal collections and conservation efforts. Choosing between them depends on your priorities: Los Angeles Zoo is closer for many in LA, has a more walkable layout, and is often more affordable. San Diego Zoo, on the other hand, is world-renowned for its sheer size, diverse species, and unique exhibits.
Location and Accessibility
The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park, easily accessible for residents of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Parking is generally plentiful, though it can get crowded on weekends. The San Diego Zoo is situated in Balboa Park in San Diego. While also relatively easy to access, the drive from Los Angeles is considerably longer, requiring planning for travel time and potential traffic.
Size and Animal Collection
The San Diego Zoo is significantly larger, spanning 100 acres and housing over 12,000 animals representing more than 650 species. This vastness allows for expansive enclosures and diverse habitats. The LA Zoo, at 133 acres ( with exhibit space about half of it) features a smaller but still impressive collection of over 2,200 animals from more than 270 different species. For more details about these differences you may want to check this Wikipedia Article about Zoos.
Exhibits and Experiences
San Diego Zoo is famous for its immersive exhibits, such as the Elephant Odyssey, the Lost Forest, and the Panda Trek. The LA Zoo offers exhibits like the Rainforest of the Americas and the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), focusing on education and conservation. The San Diego Zoo offers more unique experiences, including the Skyfari aerial tram and behind-the-scenes tours, but may require extra cost.
Cost and Value
Generally, the Los Angeles Zoo is more affordable regarding ticket prices and parking. The San Diego Zoo’s higher prices reflect its larger size, diverse collection, and variety of experiences. Consider your budget and how much time you plan to spend at the zoo when deciding which offers better value.
Walkability and Layout
The Los Angeles Zoo is considered more walkable due to its more compact layout. This makes it easier to navigate, especially with young children or individuals with mobility issues. The San Diego Zoo, due to its size, requires more walking, utilizing trams, and careful planning to see everything. However, this larger size also means more spread-out crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the San Diego Zoo bigger than the LA Zoo?
Yes, the San Diego Zoo is significantly larger than the LA Zoo, both in terms of acreage and the number of animals.
Which zoo has more animals?
The San Diego Zoo has a larger animal collection than the LA Zoo.
Is the LA Zoo cheaper than the San Diego Zoo?
Yes, generally the LA Zoo is more affordable regarding ticket prices and parking.
How long should I spend at each zoo?
Plan to spend at least a full day at the San Diego Zoo to see a significant portion of the exhibits. The LA Zoo can be adequately explored in 4-6 hours.
Which zoo is better for young children?
The LA Zoo’s more compact layout and easier walkability may be preferable for families with young children. However, both zoos offer age-appropriate exhibits and activities.
Summary
Both the Los Angeles Zoo and San Diego Zoo offer memorable experiences. If you prioritize convenience, affordability, and easier navigation, the LA Zoo is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a world-class zoo with a vast animal collection and unique exhibits and are willing to spend more time and money, the San Diego Zoo is the better option.
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