Bay Area Zoo Trip

[Coelacanth18]

Hello all,

After years of living in California and not getting to really explore the Bay Area much, I am planning on knocking out all the places I haven't seen around there (as well as repeat visits to the couple I have been to, both years ago). These include:

- Oakland Zoo
- San Francisco Zoo
- CuriOdyssey
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
- Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
- Aquarium of the Bay
- California Academy of Sciences
- Lindsay Wildlife Experience
- Sulphur Creek Nature Center
- Crab Cove Discovery Center
- The Randall Museum
- Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (waffling on whether or not to bother with, but including it in case anyone has a good argument for it)

Does anyone have advice on visiting any of these places - how long they would take to do, how many could easily be done in a day, traffic patterns between them, how busy they are on weekends, etc? Or tips for getting to see any of the more interesting animals at these places?

 

[DavidBrown]

The last time I was at Discovery Kingdom (which was then Marine World Africa USA, and has been through multiple name changes) was around 1988, and I wouldn't have recommended it even back then. It is a second-tier theme park with a not-particularly good zoo and mediocre aquarium jammed into it. Back then they still had elephants and orcas, which to their credit they have stopped. I would not recommend the place, unless you want to ride roller coasters more than seeing animals.

Sulphur Creek Nature Center was a nice little surprise when I first found it. Make sure to visit the indoor exhibits for the native herps and invertebrates.

The Palo Alto zoo has been completely renovated since I was last there, and you might be the first person here who has visited it since then. Look forward to your review.

 

[SwampDonkey]

You could do CuriOdyssey, Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, and Happy Hollow in the same day pretty easily if you wanted to. I was at CuriOdyssey for a couple of hours, but my son was interested in the inside kids area - same goes for Happy Hollow, which we did the kiddie rides. If you are just doing the zoo part of Happy Hollow you could get through it in an hour or so, maybe two if you lingered.

 

[Persephone]

There’s not a great reason to visit Happy Hollow unless you really just want to visit every morally decent facility in the Bay Area or you have a young child with you. I’m assuming you’ve been to Monterey Bay Aquarium. If not, absolutely go.

 

[Coelacanth18]

The last time I was at Discovery Kingdom (which was then Marine World Africa USA, and has been through multiple name changes) was around 1988, and I wouldn't have recommended it even back then. It is a second-tier theme park with a not-particularly good zoo and mediocre aquarium jammed into it. Back then they still had elephants and orcas, which to their credit they have stopped. I would not recommend the place, unless you want to ride roller coasters more than seeing animals.

Thanks for the feedback. Not a big roller coaster fan and had some mixed feelings about SeaWorld, so wasn't sure if I needed to try and squeeze in another theme park zoo on a summer weekend. Sounds like probably not!

There’s not a great reason to visit Happy Hollow unless you really just want to visit every morally decent facility in the Bay Area or you have a young child with you.

Partly, I am looking to just visit some new zoos - even ones that aren't huge draws. However, with Happy Hollow specifically they are one of the last holders of Parma Wallabies in the country, as well as the only North American zoo still breeding them... so that is reason enough for me to give it an hour or two. Jaguar and Giant Anteater are always good draws for me too.

I’m assuming you’ve been to Monterey Bay Aquarium. If not, absolutely go.

Just visited last month, second time this would be a strictly Bay Area only trip, zoos and aquariums in neighboring areas I can do or already did on other trips.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

- Aquarium of the Bay
- California Academy of Sciences

These are the only two places on the list I've visited, though like you, it has been a couple years so this is all from memory.

Aquarium of the Bay: Not a huge facility, they also lost their AZA Accrediation last year I believe due to a lot of internal issues so I'm not sure how that has affected the exhibit quality (hopefully not). You can get through it in an hour if you wanted to, a lot of the species are ones found at other aquariums in the state you've likely seen before.
The main rarities are the Soupfin / Tope Shark (I think they only have 1, but they're 1 of 2 US holders) and the Sevengill Sharks of course. Their tunnel aquariums are their best exhibits, the River Otter exhibit is pretty small, I'm still not sure why they have them IMO. A cool thing is in the gift shop that is adjacent to the exit, there is a nice Freshwater planted tank. Since it is at the piers, it gets incredibly crowded when trying to enter and leave, and you'll have to park and walk quite a distance.

California Academy of Sciences: One of my favorite overall facilities, you'll hear no complaints from me. The Rainforest Dome gets incredibly busy and there is usually a line that forms since it opens 30 minutes after the Academy opens, so I would suggest getting in line immeditially and just waiting out the 30 minutes (I know you've been before so you probably know already, but the line goes around the top of the California Coast tank so there's still a lot to see while waiting). I'm not sure if they’ve changed it since the renovation late last year, but usually the Twilight Zone gallery is signed with "No photos" so it doesn't get very crowded that often which is really nice. Make sure to check it out since the collection is arguably better than before right now (1 of 2 Abei Angels in a public aquarium, the only Bennett's Perchlet in a public aquarium afaik are the two more notable additions after the renovation i can think of). It looks like they also added some Scats to that Stingray Lagoon area (assuming Spotted Scats but I can't tell exactly). The Rainforest Dome also has 5 golden-headed manakins now that are the only ones in the US besides DWA's group, so those are also something to keep on your radar.

 

[SwampDonkey]

Partly, I am looking to just visit some new zoos - even ones that aren't huge draws. However, with Happy Hollow specifically they are one of the last holders of Parma Wallabies in the country, as well as the only North American zoo still breeding them... so that is reason enough for me to give it an hour or two. Jaguar and Giant Anteater are always good draws for me too.

It is a nice little zoo, the zoo section is divided into two loops, "Zoo in the Hollow" and "Zoo on the hill". Zoo in the Hollow has most of the animals worth seeing, Zoo on the Hill is mostly the petting zoo - but also where two really good exhibits for giant anteater and Red Ruffed lemur are located.

IIRC they have 3 wallaby yards beside one another, so you should be able to see some in at least one of them.

 

[snowleopard]

Here are the 15 “zoos” that I’ve visited that are all within an approximate 1.5-hour radius of the Bay Area:

Aquarium of the Bay (San Francisco) - 2011
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco) - visited twice, 2011, 2024
California Raptor Center (Davis) - 2017
CuriOdyssey (San Mateo) - 2011
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary (Folsom) - 2017
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (San Jose) – visited twice, both times in 2011
Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek) - 2017
Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito) - 2017
Micke Grove Zoo (Lodi) - 2017
Oakland Zoo (Oakland) - visited 3 times, 2011, 2023, 2025
Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (Palo Alto) - 2017
Safari West Wildlife Preserve (Sonoma County) - 2017
San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco) – visited twice, 2006 and 2017
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo) - 2017
Sulphur Creek Nature Center (Hayward) - 2017

Each of the 15 zoos has been reviewed by me on various Snowleopard Road Trip threads, mostly in 2011 and 2017. On one day (Wednesday, July 5th, 2017) I toured 5 of the facilities as they are all quite tiny: Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary (1 hour, $6 cost), California Raptor Center (30 minutes, free), Lindsay Wildlife Experience (30 minutes, free), Sulphur Creek Nature Center (1 hour, free) and Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (1 hour, free), but of course that last one has been overhauled since my visit. Back then, it cost me only $6 to tour 5 small zoos!

Approximate length of a standard visit:

Aquarium of the Bay (San Francisco) - 1 hour
*California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco) - 5 hours with a Planetarium show (and do the Rainforest Dome first)
California Raptor Center (Davis) - 30 minutes
*CuriOdyssey (San Mateo) - 1 hour
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary (Folsom) - 1 hour
*Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (San Jose) – 1 hour
Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek) - 30 minutes
Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito) - 30 minutes
Micke Grove Zoo (Lodi) - 1 hour
*Oakland Zoo (Oakland) - 4 hours
Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (Palo Alto) - 1 hour
Safari West Wildlife Preserve (Sonoma County) - 3-hour guided tour
*San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco) – 4 hours
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo) - 2 hours just for animal attractions
Sulphur Creek Nature Center (Hayward) - 1 hour

*Only 5 out of the 15 are AZA accredited establishments

The Bay Area should be better than it is for zoos, in my opinion, as it's a tourist destination. Many of these facilities are half-decent, but most are pokey little places where you'll be done in less than an hour. It's an expensive area, as Aquarium of the Bay is almost $30 U.S. for a ticket and parking in that area pretty much doubles that cost for what is essentially a one-hour aquarium. Is it worth it? Six Flags = theme park prices. Again, probably not worth it. There is definitely a thrill visiting a brand-new zoo, regardless of its size, and you can trust me on that because I love touring new zoos. However, the two quality establishments that are head and shoulders above the rest would be Oakland Zoo (the $70 million California Trail addition is fantastic) and California Academy of Sciences.

 

[SwampDonkey]

Aquarium of the Bay is almost $30 U.S. for a ticket and parking in that area pretty much doubles that cost for what is essentially a one-hour aquarium. Is it worth it?

Just for the aquarium? Probably not, especially if one has already seen the seven gill sharks in MBA (likely on the same vacation). However, if one is interested in naval museums they have two really great ships: SS Jeremiah O'Brian (Liberty ship) and USS Pampanito (Balao class submarine), not to mention the other historic ships on Hyde St. Pier.....but just for the aquarium? $30 entry and likely another $20-$30 in parking is probably too steep for it.

 

[Coelacanth18]

Thanks for the time estimates @snowleopard. I just visited the California Raptor Center and Micke Grove Zoo and it took me the same amount of time you listed, and I think Oakland Zoo did too - so it looks like we average similar zoo visit times!

However, the two quality establishments that are head and shoulders above the rest would be Oakland Zoo (the $70 million California Trail addition is fantastic) and California Academy of Sciences.

These are, in fact, the two I have visited once already and intend to again. I would like to visit the other places too - again for novelty, and also just to add to my experience with zoo visiting. San Francisco Zoo in particular is high on my priorities as it's (arguably) the last major California zoo I haven't been to.

It's an expensive area, as Aquarium of the Bay is almost $30 U.S. for a ticket and parking in that area pretty much doubles that cost for what is essentially a one-hour aquarium. Is it worth it?

Just for the aquarium? Probably not, especially if one has already seen the seven gill sharks in MBA (likely on the same vacation).

$30 entry and likely another $20-$30 in parking is probably too steep for it.

Aquarium of the Bay is probably the next one that would be on the chopping block, honestly - reason not so much being quality or interest or cost, more so the access. It's the only one on my list that I refuse to drive to - I hate driving in San Francisco generally, but the zoo and Golden Gate Park are on the more car-tolerable west side - and while BART (public transit) is cheap and probably quite doable, it would eat up a lot of time.

I did see the sevengill sharks at MBA, but as they are a favorite of mine I wouldn't mind seeing them again

Part of the issue with planning is also the limited opening hours... nearly all of these places are only open 10 AM - 5 PM, and with roughly 30 minutes or more of travel time between all of them it seems dicey to do more than 3 small places, or 1 big place and 1 small place, in a day.

 

[TNT]

However, with Happy Hollow specifically they are one of the last holders of Parma Wallabies in the country, as well as the only North American zoo still breeding them... so that is reason enough for me to give it an hour or two.

How interesting - I had no idea parma wallabies were so uncommon in the US! Especially when you consider some of the macropods you have in great numbers that are on the brink in Europe. In the UK they breed like rabbits, and though not quite as common as red-necked wallabies, they are plentiful in zoos and the private trade.

 

[Westcoastperson]

San Francisco Zoo

Keep in mind with the closure of Highway 1 right next to the zoo traffic during rush hour could be a headache.

Aquarium of the Bay

If you are unsure about Aquarium of the Bay I wouldn’t go unless you plan to spend time doing something else at Pier 39. The aquarium itself can be knocked out fairly quickly but I wouldn’t if you aren’t interested in doing something else in the area.

California Academy of Sciences

As many have said: get there early and do the Rainforest Dome. I also think the new exhibit should be open so definitely check that out. If you have the time I would also suggest walking across the park and checking out the Bison paddock and botanical garden.
I will also say if you have an extra day a trip to Monterey bay aquarium is absolutely possible, just more difficult depending on where in the bay your staying. If you’re in San Jose it’s about an hour and forty five minutes, In SF or Oakland add an hour. If you do go to Monterey I would also suggest stopping at the Long Marine Lab and doing the behind the scenes tour to see the marine mammal lab, a chance to see the bearded, spotted, or ringed seals (the monk seal just left).

 

[Great Argus]

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (waffling on whether or not to bother with, but including it in case anyone has a good argument for it)

I second everyone else and say skip Six Flags. Not really anything in the collection that justifies the theme park prices just for animals.
From just over a month ago, and afaik most of the birds are only visible in the shows, and it's a gamble what you'd see:


Don't believe there's anything of note in the herp department and nothing in the small aquarium you can't see elsewhere. Just not worth it.

The biggest catch with the bay area is traffic, as others have already mentioned. The expense doesn't help either, many of the places are more expensive than their counterparts elsewhere in the state and some charge for parking on top of it. Unless you have a specific reason to visit some of them (such as Aquarium of the Bay) it's a bit of a toss-up whether they're worth it.

Here are the 15 “zoos” that I’ve visited that are all within an approximate 1.5-hour radius of the Bay Area

You're missing Sacramento Zoo on your list.

 

[zoo_enthusiast]

If you do go to Monterey I would also suggest stopping at the Long Marine Lab and doing the behind the scenes tour to see the marine mammal lab, a chance to see the bearded, spotted, or ringed seals (the monk seal just left).

How would you sign up for such a tour? I have checked their website and didn’t see them mentioning anything like that.

 

[splendens]

Hello all,

After years of living in California and not getting to really explore the Bay Area much, I am planning on knocking out all the places I haven't seen around there (as well as repeat visits to the couple I have been to, both years ago). These include:

- Oakland Zoo
- San Francisco Zoo
- CuriOdyssey
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
- Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
- Aquarium of the Bay
- California Academy of Sciences
- Lindsay Wildlife Experience
- Sulphur Creek Nature Center
- Crab Cove Discovery Center
- The Randall Museum
- Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (waffling on whether or not to bother with, but including it in case anyone has a good argument for it)

Does anyone have advice on visiting any of these places - how long they would take to do, how many could easily be done in a day, traffic patterns between them, how busy they are on weekends, etc? Or tips for getting to see any of the more interesting animals at these places?

The California Academy of Sciences has reduced admission if you are eligible which greatly reduces ticket prices. Their non-living displays are very good too, the California State of Nature exhibit has some notable specimens such as some cetacean skeletons, and Monarch who was the last California grizzly kept in captivity. Their Hidden Wonders exhibit also has a large number of specimens including the extinct Xerces blue butterfly. Most of the birds in the rainforest are most easily seen on a large tree which is the one closest to the top floor lookout, the area around there has a cage and usually a plate with food which most of the birds use. The pajama sharks in the penguin exhibit generally are best seen during the feedings which occur twice a day. Look out for any unsigned species in the aquarium.

 

[Westcoastperson]

How would you sign up for such a tour? I have checked their website and didn’t see them mentioning anything like that.

You sign up for it in person on the day. They happen in the afternoon I think and don’t usually fill up so you should be fine.

 

[JVM]

Do you plan to update this thread with your impressions on the facilities when you finish? I'd be very curious as I'm hoping to do a Bay Area trip in the near future, too.

 

[Coelacanth18]

Do you plan to update this thread with your impressions on the facilities when you finish? I'd be very curious as I'm hoping to do a Bay Area trip in the near future, too.

I hope to, time dependent. Might not be in this exact thread, though.

The facilities I ended up visiting are below. I purposely left out Oakland for a future trip, since it's easier to justify a return for it than for several smaller places.

- San Francisco Zoo
- California Academy of Sciences
- CuriOdyssey
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
- Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
- Sulphur Creek Nature Center
- The Randall Museum
- Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito