Things You'll Need:
- A map of the zoo
- Water
- Sunglasses
- Sun screen
- Comfortable shoes
- A camera
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Step 1
Map out your route, knowing that you will backtrack a few times due to the zoo's layout. Decide which animals you really want to see, and figure out a plan of action on how to get from one place to another as quickly as possible.
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Step 2
Pack a pair of very comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, sunscreen and sunglasses (and/or a hat with a brim). San Diego has about 300 sunny days out of the year. Most likely it will be sunny the day you visit, and it's hard to see the animals without sunglasses (or a hat with a brim).
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Step 3
Check the zoo's website for any special exhibits and any closed exhibits.
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Step 4
Prioritize seeing popular animals (like the pandas) first thing. Some animals are on an exhibit schedule and only on view for a few hours a day. Also, long lines form to see specific animals as the day goes on, and you don't want to waste any time waiting.
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Step 5
Get to the zoo first thing in the morning, preferably not on a weekend day. You'll beat the tour buses and school groups.
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Step 6
Consider hiring a private tour guide. They are knowledgeable and know the best times to hit certain exhibits to avoid long lines.
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Step 7
Buy your tickets online ahead of time.
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Step 8
Become a member of the zoo. This will often get you perks, like special access to certain exhibits or early admission to the park. Plus, it's for a good cause--you support the zoo and its research.
