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The San Diego Zoo is world famous, with top-notch facilities and thousands of animals. It has the reputation for being one of if not the best zoos in the world. This reputation is well earned, as the zoo is a spectacular experience that anyone visiting the city should not miss.

There are all varieties of rare and exotic animals at the zoo, from panda bears to polar bears, elephants, giraffes, and much more. The shows are also top-notch, from the trained bird show to a great aquatic show involving California sea lions.

When visiting the San Diego Zoo, plan to spend the better part of the day, especially if you have kids. There is so much to see and do, and the weather in San Diego is as close to perfect year-round as anywhere on the planet.

The park surrounding the zoo, Balboa Park, is quite spectacular too and is home to more than a half dozen great museums, so if you have time, check them out as well – they are located just south of the entrance to the zoo.

As wonderful as the San Diego Zoo is, there is an attraction some 40 minutes to the north that is even more incredible, and that is the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Located in a hilly rural area near Escondido, the Wild Animal Park is operated by the same society that runs the zoo. But here you have the opportunity to see the animals in wide open habitats. Many different tours are available, including a tram ride through the wild animal habitat.

There are also numerous walking areas where you can view the animals up close as they feed and play. For an enhanced experience, VIP cart tours take you behind the scenes as you get to see the animals incredibly close, away from the crowds. It costs more, but if you have the money, it’s an incredible experience.

Of course San Diego is also famous for Sea World, which is located just a few minutes from the zoo and downtown. Sea World is well worth its own day and makes a great complimentary experience to the zoo and wild animal park.

Together, these three attractions make for several days of great entertainment, especially for families with kids. Each one provides a unique opportunity to see wildlife and/or sea life up close and to learn about the many incredible animals that share our planet.