Zoos in California

California has more significant zoological collections than any other state, and they vary enormously in character. The San Diego Zoo, in Balboa Park, is among the most visited in the world and is operated alongside its much larger Safari Park thirty-five miles north — the two are separate sites sold on a combined ticket, and confusing them is the most common planning mistake visitors make. The state's Mediterranean climate means outdoor exhibits stay usable year-round and planting is unusually lush, with several collections accredited as botanical gardens in their own right. Parking and admission both run high by national standards, so price-per-hour is worth weighing before you go.