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South Mountain Park vs Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo and South Mountain Park are both praised by writers. On balance, Phoenix Zoo is the choice of most professionals compared to South Mountain Park. Phoenix Zoo comes in at 80 with positive reviews from 4 publications like Michelin Guide, Lonely Planet and Fodor's.
South Mountain Park
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"This desert wonderland, the world's largest city park (almost 17,000 acres), offers a wilderness of mountain-desert trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders."
Full review
Travel + Leisure
"This 16,000-acre expanse may be the largest municipal park in the country, but you won’t find any softball fields or grassy concert venues here."
Full review
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"Once a Hohokam hunting ground, later a mining camp and a Depression-era work camp, this municipal park offers impressive city views from Dobbins Lookout and 58 trails for hiking, biking and riding across its 25sq mi."
Full review
Afar Magazine
"South Mountain is one of those natural phenomena... not to be missed in the cooler times of year."
Full review
Phoenix Zoo
Fodor's
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Where
Frommer's
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
From $0 /night
Fodor's
"Four designated trails wind through this 125-acre zoo, replicating such habitats as an African savanna and a tropical rain forest."
Full review
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Phoenix is a great family town, with plenty to keep the little tykes occupied. If your child loves animals, head to the Phoenix Zoo."
Full review
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"A motorized Safari Train runs a 30min narrated loop through the four habitat areas of this 125-acre nonprofit zoo. Some 1,300 animals are resident."
Full review
Where
"Home to some 1,300 animals, including 200 endangered or threatened birds, mammals and reptiles."
Full review
Frommer's
"Forget about polar bears and other cold-climate creatures; this zoo focuses its attention primarily on animals that come from climates similar to that of the Phoenix area."
Full review
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Be sure to ride the camel while you're here.
