Local Zoo Itinerary Ideas and Recommendations for Non Locals (Ideas, Discussions, and Questions)

[BenFoxster]

I thought it might be nice to start a thread where zoo goers could get itinerary recommendation or offer ideas of their own that could compliment traveler's zoo trips, with recommended restaurants, shops, and more that could compliment a traveler's zoo trip as well as offer further incentives for travelers to visit certain areas. Such itinerary recommendations could account for day trips, week long trips, etc. I'll offer a few recommendations myself (though feel free to add to my recommendations), as well as ask for some ideas regarding some future zoos I may eventually visit.

For example, this past April I was able to visit the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. It's fairly small, but it is less than an hour from Escondido and San Diego, home to the iconic San Diego Safari Park and Zoo respectively. Their highlight is their little blue penguins, the only ones in California. They have many gorgeous jellyfish species as well.

A mere 7-10 minute drive away from the aquarium is a delicious restaurant I visited, The Shack (https://www.theshackbarandgrill.co/), although prices were a bit high ($19 for a classic cheeseburger), its still worth visiting at least once. I got a cheeseburger and three tacos, very delicious, I'd definitely go back.

The hotel I stayed in was the Holiday Inn (La Jolla), and it was gorgeous. (https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/la-jolla/sanlj/hoteldetail).
The rooms are structured more like apartments, and more private that way. The hotel is fairly simple, so don't expect anything too fancy, though I like simple, so it was definitely my preferred style. The hotel is about 3-5 minutes walking distance to The Shack, and about a ten minute drive to the aquarium, plus in walking distance to La Jolla's magnificent beach.

Speaking of which, the beach is also an absolute must to see. The aquarium overlooks the beach, and the beach itself is gorgeous, the water is blue, the weather was great when I went. (La Jolla).

There were multiple nice coffee shops and more in the area I'd definitely want to try on a future visit. Although I do not feel that the aquarium has much revisitation value (very small, and mostly common species seen in most aquariums), I would still recommend visiting the La Jolla area if coming to SoCal for the San Diego parks, if your schedule permits it.


Would love to hear what neat places to visit there are near your local zoo or aquarium that could add to the experience.

 

[BenFoxster]

As a personal request, I would like to know what local restaurants or places to visit near the following zoos you'd all recommend (assuming each zoo is a separate trip, not one long road trip):

• San Diego Zoo
• San Diego Safari Park
• Los Angeles Zoo
• Fresno Chaffee Zoo

I have been to all four locations, but on all four travels I did not have time to explore the surrounding areas and ended up eating at the zoos. Would love some nearby hotspot recommendations, especially near the LA Zoo since I'll be visiting this Sunday.

 

[Lori Patton]

As a personal request, I would like to know what local restaurants or places to visit near the following zoos you'd all recommend (assuming each zoo is a separate trip, not one long road trip):

• San Diego Zoo
• San Diego Safari Park
• Los Angeles Zoo
• Fresno Chaffee Zoo

I have been to all four locations, but on all four travels I did not have time to explore the surrounding areas and ended up eating at the zoos. Would love some nearby hotspot recommendations, especially near the LA Zoo since I'll be visiting this Sunday.

How long will you be staying in L.A. and will you have your own transportation? I do not recommend public transit at all because there has been a recent crime wave on the trains and buses. The L.A. Zoo is located in Griffith Park and since it closes at 5 PM and it's still light for a few hours afterwards, you could explore the area. The observatory is located on the other side of the park on top of the hill, although I have to warn you that parking is a disaster and I've never actually been able to visit it myself due to no parking spaces and my unwillingness to walk up a steep hill for a quarter to half of a mile. If you drive around the perimeter of Griffith Park, you will eventually wind up in Hollywood, which has a fun vibe. However, parking is expensive and there are a lot of homeless and sketchy people hanging around.

If you are interested in museums and will be in town for at least a couple days, I would highly recommend either the Natural History Museum (for taxidermized animal dioramas and dinosaur bones) or the Getty Center (gorgeous traditional artwork and a stunning location on top of a hill). As far as beaches are concerned, Malibu is the most scenic, but Santa Monica has more attractions. However, be advised that there is a warning for Memorial Day weekend to stay out of the ocean water due to a sewage spill.

For restaurants, if you like hamburgers, I recommend Bob's Big Boy in Burbank. It's fun and in a good area (Burbank is a separate city from Los Angeles and as such has a different city government and police force, which actually work to keep out crime and homelessness). If you go into Hollywood, Mel's Diner is a good choice. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[BenFoxster]

How long will you be staying in L.A. and will you have your own transportation? I do not recommend public transit at all because there has been a recent crime wave on the trains and buses. The L.A. Zoo is located in Griffith Park and since it closes at 5 PM and it's still light for a few hours afterwards, you could explore the area. The observatory is located on the other side of the park on top of the hill, although I have to warn you that parking is a disaster and I've never actually been able to visit it myself due to no parking spaces and my unwillingness to walk up a steep hill for a quarter to half of a mile. If you drive around the perimeter of Griffith Park, you will eventually wind up in Hollywood, which has a fun vibe. However, parking is expensive and there are a lot of homeless and sketchy people hanging around.

If you are interested in museums and will be in town for at least a couple days, I would highly recommend either the Natural History Museum (for taxidermized animal dioramas and dinosaur bones) or the Getty Center (gorgeous traditional artwork and a stunning location on top of a hill). As far as beaches are concerned, Malibu is the most scenic, but Santa Monica has more attractions. However, be advised that there is a warning for Memorial Day weekend to stay out of the ocean water due to a sewage spill.

For restaurants, if you like hamburgers, I recommend Bob's Big Boy in Burbank. It's fun and in a good area (Burbank is a separate city from Los Angeles and as such has a different city government and police force, which actually work to keep out crime and homelessness). If you go into Hollywood, Mel's Diner is a good choice. Hope you have a great trip!

For this particular trip I’m going to be going and coming to LA that same day, so this time I won’t have time for any museums unfortunately but still great to know, I’ll most likely be returning to the zoo in the summer when I could probably stay in LA longer. Still I’d definitely be interested in trying Bobs Big Boy! Love burgers! The beaches are also something I’d be interested in doing in the future!

 

[BenFoxster]

For anyone from the Monterey California area, in late June I plan on making a drive to Monterey to visit both the Monterey Zoo and Aquarium in one day. I'll be staying the night in a hotel and driving back the next day. Anyone have any nice restaurant or other location recommendations, I wouldn't mind exploring the city for a few hours before I drive home the next day. Nice beach spots, shopping outlets, restaurants, coffee shops, pastry shops, etc?