San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is a gorgeous zoo in Balboa Park. It is set on hilly terrain lush with tropical plants. You get your exercise trekking up and down the hills! We loved seeing the koalas contentedly sleeping in their eucalyptus trees. A baby kangaroo was hopping about. We also saw crocodiles up close underwater in tanks, and two massive hippos who were in love and were pressing their heads against the glass underwater right by us! The underwater exhibits are the best because you see the animals so well! The polar bear was amazing! He was swimming underwater and trying to push a big ball into a cave. It was so fun to watch him play! It was much better than the New York Zoo where the panda was out the water and his fur was a sort of sad yellow color. Zoos are a bit sad overall. 

The panda exhibit had a huge line. If you get to the zoo early it would be a good idea to head straight for the panda exhibit.
The food at the Treehouse Cafe was truly gross- bring your own sandwich.
It was exhilirating to ride the skyfari aerial tram (it seats four so you have it all to yourself) high above the zoo! It goes for a long time and is definitely worth doing. There was no queue to get on it either, and the price is minimal. A must do! Our baby was so excited and happy on the ride!
When you're done, head over to Mission Beach, a super fun scene.

Directions

San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego CA 92101, call (619) 231-1515.From Highway 5, take Highway 163 North and follow the signs to the zoo.
There is plenty of parking at the zoo.

Click on map for interactive view