If you’re looking for something unique and a bit adventurous to do with the friends and fam, we recommend spending the day at the zoo. Kiddish…we know, but trust us visiting a zoo is worth a visit. You’re able to get in some steps, see cool creatures, snack here and there and enjoy the outdoors for a bit. So we’ve picked only the best zoos in LA (and around LA) that are worth visiting and put together a mini guide on what to see. Get ready to check these off the bucket list, here are our top 5 zoos in LA you need to check out!
1. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Located: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
This one’s for the locals who know the best zoo in LA. Located in the beautiful Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers an amazing mix of wildlife and horticulture across its 133-acre property. Be sure to have a whole day free for the LA Zoo, cause you’re going to need it. They have over 1,400 animals, including rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, western lowland gorilla, and Bornean orangutan. You’ll be on your feet all day, so leave those uncomfortable (but adorable, we know) sandals at home and switch to something more supportive. If you’re looking for a stunning photo-op, the gardens on the grounds feature a variety of plant species from around the world, adding to the zoo’s stunning sights and beauty. The American rainforest exhibit is an immersive exhibit showcases the rich greenery of the American rainforests, with animals like jaguars, toucans, and giant otters. This has to be a stop on your LA trip, so grab your $22 tickets here.
Courtesy of The LA Zoo
2. Santa Barbara Zoo
Location: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Located on 30 acres of lush botanical gardens overlooking the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara Zoo is a gem on the California coast. It’s also perfect for a quick day trip up to Santa Barbara to get away from the city. The zoo offers visitors the unique opportunity to interact with animals in an up-close environment with a few different exhibits. The Australian Walkabout exhibit allows guests to walk among kangaroos and emus and the giraffe feeding station is a favorite among visitors. Here, you can get eye-to-eye with these gentle giants and feed them leafy greens from your hand. For those looking for a little more adventure, the rock climbing walls offer a chance to test your climbing skills and get a vip view of the zoo and surrounding gardens from the top. Tickets are only $24, so grab yours here.
Courtesy of Santa Barbara Zoo
3. OstrichLand USA
Location: 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, CA 93463
Nestled in the California desert, OstrichLand USA offers a unique and fun experience for animal lovers to get up close with ostriches. Located just a short drive from LA, this ostrich farm provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of not only ostriches, but also emus. With over 100 ostriches and emus, visitors can hang out with these magnificent birds up close and even hand feed them if you’re up for it. This needs to be a stop at the start of your next road trip. The best part? Tickets are only $7!
Courtesy of OstrichLand
4. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
This is another perfect spot to take a little day trip away from the city. About 2 hours from LA, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most renowned zoos globally, attracting millions of visitors each year (and we see why). The sister zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers even more adventure and insight into the life of the animals with its sprawling open landscape with animals like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras in environments that resemble their natural habitats. You can hop on the Skyfari Aerial Tram for a bird’s-eye view of the zoo’s lush grounds and wildlife. This ride offers a scenic journey over the treetops, providing an unparalleled vantage point to appreciate the zoo’s beauty and diversity. The Safari Park also has activities like zip-lining over the animal enclosures or participating in the Cheetah Run, where you can witness the incredible speed of the cheetahs in action (this was our fave!). Tickets are $67.
Courtesy of San Diego Safari Park
5. Santa Ana Zoo
Location: 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
The Santa Ana Zoo is a charming little zoo in the LA area dedicated to the preservation and display of animals from Central and South America. Located within the heart of Santa Ana, this 20-acre zoo offers an intimate experience with a focus on smaller animals and primates – AKA the cutest ones. The zoo is home to an impressive collection of monkeys, including rare and endangered species like the golden lion tamarin and the black howler monkey. The Tierra de las Pampas exhibit is a South American-themed exhibit featuring anteaters, guanacos, and rheas. If you don’t feel like walking too much, there’s also a Zoofari Express Train, which takes visitors on a scenic tour around the zoo’s perimeter. Entry into this intimate zoo is only $13, so get your ticket here.
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Since you’re already in an adventuring mode, check out the Best Things to Do in LA Today.
