How long do you spend at the San Diego zoo?
How many hours do you spend at the San Diego zoo when you go for a day? I was thinking of going at 10, and probably be done around 3? Does 5 hours sound about right?
I'm in good shape, and it's just my boyfriend and I. Thanks for all the answers!
I'm a California resident, I live an hour away from the zoo. It's kind of a date too, not to be biased towards certain animals but of course I'll be interested in seeing the lions, tigers and bears, etc. instead of hogs… We're only doing the zoo, not the Wild Animal Park.
It really depends on how much you want to see. If you want to see everything you can do it in about that amount of time, but it's gonna be a bit rushed. Last time I went was there from 10 until closing time. But then again we walked everywhere, got lost for about 20 minutes. and ate. But in 5 hours you can do it. It'll be fun.
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11 comments
bd_joe60 on April 28, 2009 at 10:45 am
It really depends on how much you want to see. If you want to see everything you can do it in about that amount of time, but it's gonna be a bit rushed. Last time I went was there from 10 until closing time. But then again we walked everywhere, got lost for about 20 minutes. and ate. But in 5 hours you can do it. It'll be fun.
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saintnick@sbcglobal.net on April 28, 2009 at 10:54 am
How fast are you?
Are you in good shape and can go without eating, stopping to sit down, etc?
You could see the Zoo in that amount of time, but you would be power walking most of it. I would guess the average person takes closer to 8 to 10 hours to see the entire zoo.
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luvSD on April 28, 2009 at 11:34 am
There's a lot to see at the San Diego zoo, but more important than that there's a lot of ground to cover. It's 100 acres in size. If you plan to actually walk to all the exhibits, sit down for a coffee, grab some lunch, go to the bathroom, browse in the stores, and see a show or two, then you're going to need 6 to 8 hours.
http://www.san-diego-travels.com/san-diego-zoo.html
Most people get tired after about 5 hours because, you can only walk so much (especially if you have kids with you). As well, after a while, a gazelle looks pretty much the same as a sabre deer; and a wildebeast looks very much like a wild boar etc.
Most locals, especially the stay at home moms with a yearly pass, will take their kids to the zoo for 2 or 3 hours and then go home.
Must warn you that the zoo can get very hot especially between 12 noon and 2 pm. With the direct sun, and all that walking, people sometimes get sun stroke, dehydrated, or just exhausted.
There's lots of places to eat – most of them hot dog and hamburger types. Alberts Restaurant is probably the best in terms of full service, sit down meals. I highly recommend it, it's not especially pricey, but it is obviously more expensive than a slice of pizza & drink.
This site has The Best of the Zoo suggestions so you can target your visit:
http://www.san-diego-travels.com/zoo.html
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jessette58 on April 28, 2009 at 11:45 am
San Diego Zoo is 100 acres of land and so 5 hours would be enough depending on how you maximize your time inside the zoo.
If you will walk around the zoo, you will get tired.
Here's a good article I found that will tell you a good trick on how to maximize your time in San Diego Zoo in less than 5 hours.
http://san-diego-hotel-reservations.com/san-diego-traveler-tips/how-to-enjoy-the-most-of-san-diego-zoo-in-5-hours-or-less.html
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http://san-diego-hotel-reservations.com/san-diego-traveler-tips/how-to-enjoy-the-most-of-san-diego-zoo-in-5-hours-or-less.html
Mr. Duck on April 28, 2009 at 11:51 am
yes, five hours sounds about right
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MP on April 28, 2009 at 12:14 pm
5 hours is a decent amount of time, but you can spend much more than that at the SD zoo. It is one of the largest zoos and there is so much to see. In 5 hours, you might be rushed to see it all, especially if you want to linger at any of the exhibits. We usually spend a couple of days there when we visit with the family. It's a great zoo!
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latinachica08 on April 28, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Well the park is pretty huge it took me about 8 hours to get through it, i'm in good shape 2 and it still took me a long time to get through the park.
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Special K on April 28, 2009 at 1:52 pm
3- 5 hours is usually enough time. I dont see all of the exibits every time.
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Nik on April 28, 2009 at 2:13 pm
It took us about 8 hours. We saw everything, had lunch, stopped for a snack and did a bit of shopping. We have three young kids, so it takes us a little longer to do everything, but I'd plan on a whole day. It's a great place!
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albion11 on April 28, 2009 at 2:59 pm
As a San Diegan myself, I have been to the zoo many times. Although every experience has been different, I have to say that from about 4-5 hours is a great time span because you are able to stroll at a leisurely pace, and still be able to enjoy the atmosphere. You also are able to have lunch and take breaks without feeling rushed.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
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kicking your crosses down on April 28, 2009 at 3:08 pm
i'm typically there for weeks at a time.
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