I will be visiting San Diego mid to late august specifically the zoo on the 16th, birch on the 18th and safari park on the 19th. I have been to all of these places two years ago. I would like to know what is different, details on any hidden habitats that are easy to miss, if any of the shows are worth the time, if there are better routes to minimize steep climbs, I am a species list searcher, so any rarities that are easy to miss would be appreciated. I have already booked a deluxe cart safari at the safari park.
Planning a trip to San diego
- Thread starter Jeremy vacca
- Start date
The new children's zoo area at the zoo is very much worth seeing. The invertebrate house is fantastic, although apparently its star attraction, the coconut crab, is dead. (GET ANOTHER ONE, SAN DIEGO!). The adjacent new hummingbird aviary is full of great South American birds. The new Komodo dragon complex is good.
If you have time, you might want to take the San Diego Zoo bus tour which is now free with admission. It will show you parts of the zoo and views of exhibits that you won't see otherwise like Fern Canyon, although nothing "must see" if you don't have time.
I haven't watched the San Diego Zoo animal presentations in the Wegeforth Bowl for years, but I always found them to be high-quality and worthwhile.
The big news of course is that giant pandas are back at the zoo, and you will have the challenge of fighting the crowds to see them.
The Birch Aquarium has little penguins now. From pictures it looks like a nice exhibit.
The Safari Park is in the middle of building the new elephant area, so be prepared for heavy construction obstructing parts of the park.
If you have time, you might want to take the San Diego Zoo bus tour which is now free with admission. It will show you parts of the zoo and views of exhibits that you won't see otherwise like Fern Canyon, although nothing "must see" if you don't have time.
I haven't watched the San Diego Zoo animal presentations in the Wegeforth Bowl for years, but I always found them to be high-quality and worthwhile.
The big news of course is that giant pandas are back at the zoo, and you will have the challenge of fighting the crowds to see them.
The Birch Aquarium has little penguins now. From pictures it looks like a nice exhibit.
The Safari Park is in the middle of building the new elephant area, so be prepared for heavy construction obstructing parts of the park.
ConcernedThirdParty
Well-Known Member
For context, I visit San Diego every year or two, my last one was in November 2023.
For the Zoo the key to a satisfying visit is always planning. I recommend getting there when it opens and having an idea of the route you will take ahead of time. If you are not careful you will spend more time backtracking than actually viewing animals. I recommend doing the children's zoo and reptile walk first as the CZ gets busy quickly and 9-11 and will be you best chance to see the outdoor reptiles will be while they are basking as many of the lizards are quite secretive otherwise. The Polar Bears and other cooler climate animals are much more active in the morning too so if any of those are on top of your list, you may want to make a beeline for them.
For the Safari Park it is even more important to get there immediately at opening. Then crucially, do the included Safaris (Africa Tram and Asia Sky Tram) first. The wait time for these can easily exceed an hour later in the day. On my last visit the Asia Sky Tram was down for maintenance but I would assume (hope) that it is functional again. Also be sure not to miss the only Platypuses (Platypi?) outside of Australia.
My last visit was my first to Birch after they got the penguins. I would rate the exhibit as sufficient but unimpressive. Even for the "Little Blue" penguins it seemed small and the general concept felt out of date. We were there during the scheduled feeding for the Weedy Sea Dragons which are definitely the highlight of the facility. It was the only exhibit that truly felt modern.
For the Zoo the key to a satisfying visit is always planning. I recommend getting there when it opens and having an idea of the route you will take ahead of time. If you are not careful you will spend more time backtracking than actually viewing animals. I recommend doing the children's zoo and reptile walk first as the CZ gets busy quickly and 9-11 and will be you best chance to see the outdoor reptiles will be while they are basking as many of the lizards are quite secretive otherwise. The Polar Bears and other cooler climate animals are much more active in the morning too so if any of those are on top of your list, you may want to make a beeline for them.
For the Safari Park it is even more important to get there immediately at opening. Then crucially, do the included Safaris (Africa Tram and Asia Sky Tram) first. The wait time for these can easily exceed an hour later in the day. On my last visit the Asia Sky Tram was down for maintenance but I would assume (hope) that it is functional again. Also be sure not to miss the only Platypuses (Platypi?) outside of Australia.
My last visit was my first to Birch after they got the penguins. I would rate the exhibit as sufficient but unimpressive. Even for the "Little Blue" penguins it seemed small and the general concept felt out of date. We were there during the scheduled feeding for the Weedy Sea Dragons which are definitely the highlight of the facility. It was the only exhibit that truly felt modern.
Thanks.
I would personally give the opposite advice. Start with Walkabout Australia, Condor Ridge and Tiger Trail when you arrive -- gives you the best chance of seeing the platypus active with minimal crowds. During my most recent visit early this year I did the tram twice in the evening and both wait times were less than 20 minutes.
As has been previously mentioned, most of the elephant complex at the Safari Park is under construction right now. The elephants themselves are still visible from a certain vantage point, although the view is limited.
Thank you. Any advice on the best route through the lost forest and what animals are included in the shows. Or any hidden habitats at either facility or if birch is better in the morning or afternoon.