The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. With over 11,000 animals representing 500 species, the amazing array of exhibits has something for everyone. The jellyfish exhibits are some of the most comprehensive of its kind while the shark lagoon and touch tanks are an experience for the child in us all. Discover what lies beneath the Pacific Ocean in this deep sea wonderland.
#249 San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is Celebrating its Centennial and for 100 years has been a world leader in animal conservancy. Dr. Harry Wegeforth founded the zoo after he discovered abandoned animals left over from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition World Fair. More than 3,700 animals from 650 species make up its expansive family. It was the first zoo in the world to recreate animal habitats instead of just house animals in cages which has led to the happiest animals. Orangutans, Pandas, Koalas & Elephants are among its most famous residents.
#164 Free Flight
Free Flight in sunny Del Mar is a bird sanctuary full of paradise with a mission to promote the unique bond between birds and humans. A visit to Free Flight offers the chance to get up close and personal to interact with these gorgeous creatures. With its variety of birds and friendly atmosphere, it is one of the best experiences in San Diego.
#157 OstrichLand USA
OstrichLand USA is a must stop for any visit to the Danish Village of Solvang. Where else can you feed ostriches and emus and watch them live alongside beautiful rollings hills? Ostriches are the largest bird species and can run up to 43 mph making them one of the fastest animals on Earth.
#148 Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a beautiful zoo on America's Riviera Coast. With more than 500 animals, it is one of the best small zoo's in the country and has been operating since 1963. The zoo is also known as one of the most beautiful zoos with its sweeping views of Santa Barbara, the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains as its backdrop. Botanical gardens landscape the exhibits and trails making for a wonderful visit.
#137 San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the sister of the San Diego Zoo. With 1800 acres and over 2600 animals, this world class zoo receives more than 2 million visitors per year. Safari Park preserves endangered species from 6 continents and has the famous Africa Tram. This features enclosures where the animals roam free to live a more natural life. The world's largest veterinary hospital is also here which gives the animals the best care possible. Beautifully landscaped with 3,500 plant species, this Zoo is a must see in San Diego.
#22 Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens just outside of Palm Springs in Palm Desert is a wonderful zoo focusing on Desert Species. Founded in 1970, this Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution has done a great job of showcasing the importance of desert preservation in a land surrounded by resorts. The Living Desert has helped reintroduce bighorn sheep to the local desert.
Giraffes, cheetahs and mountain lion among many other desert dwellers can be seen. The butterfly and hummingbird garden are also full of friendly visitors. The zoo also features an LGB (Lehmann Gross Bahn) G-Scale Model Railroad, one of the world's largest. There are about 3,000 feet of train track and contains the world's longest wooden model trestle at 202 feet and 8 inches.
#14 Griffith Park Zoo
Griffith Park Zoo in Los Angeles was in existence between 1912 and 1966. When it opened, there were only 15 animals. The zoo grew as many movie star animals retired here. Today, it is a popular hiking and picnic spot among ruins. Many of the enclosures were built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration. It greatly captures the progress and improvement in zoos today. The cages are tiny and claustrophobic and allow the visitor to feel what it would have felt like to be an animal here. Although grotesque, this is an essential and fascinating experience.
