If you're interested in visiting world-famous attractions in San Diego, then two of the most famous are the San Diego Zoo (www.sandiegozoo.org) and San Diego Zoo Safari Park (www.sdzsafaripark.org).
The San Diego Zoo, in Balboa Park, is one of the largest and most progressive zoos in the world. In addition to one of the only giant panda exhibitions in the world, the zoo has more than 4,000 animals of more than 800 species. The zoo is also one of the world's few major zoos to have almost all of its major exhibits in the open air, giving visitors unobstructed views of these amazing animals. And you can't beat the comfortable San Diego climate for taking a stroll on the "wild side."
Although not on the same property, the San Diego Zoo also operates the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, formerly known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park. Travel 35 miles north to visit one of the largest tourist attractions in San Diego County. The park's most famous and popular exhibits are the open range enclosures. To best view the animals on the 1,800-acre park, take a cart safari, or go bold and enjoy a flight-line safari, a tethered balloon ride, or tour the Asian savanna on a Segway X2. No matter how you travel through the huge area, you can be assured that you'll get up close to many of the 3,000 animals.
There are a variety of ways to save money on admission to both of these animal habitats. If you're planning on visiting either or both for three or more days, you'll save money by purchasing a single or dual membership, which also gives you two free guest passes and other money saving pluses (www.sandiegozoo.org/membership/).
At both parks, all active-duty U.S. and foreign military personnel with valid military identification are given a free 1-Day Pass at the ticket windows. Dependent family members receive a discount of 10% off our 1-Day Pass. Seniors age 60 and older and AAA members receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass.
Southern California CityPASS includes admissions to five world-class Southern California theme parks, which includes SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park (www.citypass.com/southern-california).