San Diego Zoo

One of the things we like to do occasionally is visit San Diego. It's a quick and easy flight, or if you so inclined, you can drive there in about 6-7 hours. Generally, we fly on Southwest so that we can leave late in the afternoon both on the outbound and return trip. The flights are direct, take an hour, and if you get them in advance, generally cost a little over $100/pp.

It's funny that we like to go to San Diego so much as we always do pretty much the same thing: visit the zoo and the wild animal park. Since we hadn't been for several years, we were surprised by the numerous changes. At the zoo, the new Monkey Trails exhibit was open, and out at the Wild Animal Park we were disappointed that the train is no longer. It has been replaced by another tour, but I really don't think the new tour is quite as good. It's a bit shorter and doesn't cover quite as much ground. Plus you're in carts being pulled behind a truck, so it's a bit noisier, too. That didn't stop us from riding twice, though.

With all the changes at the zoo, we nearly spent two complete days seeing everything, including the extra booths out for Koalapalooza (that's where the above photo was taken), where you could talk with the veterinary staff, or have a close up with some of the animals.

Now you might think that it's pricey to go to the zoo and wild animal park, but what I'd recommend is to become a member. For a couple, it'll run you $89 ($74 for renewals), which provides you with unlimited admission to the wild animal park and the zoo. Free rides on the skyfari (normally $4), and free Journey into Africa tours (normally $10/pp). Plus you get a couple of free admission coupons for a friend. It really is a great deal.

So consider heading over to Balboa Park next time you're in San Diego.