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Balboa Park vs San Diego Zoo

Both are endorsed by reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, San Diego Zoo ranks significantly higher than Balboa Park. San Diego Zoo ranks #1 in San Diego with praise from 7 publications such as Fodor's, Travel + Leisure and Concierge.

Balboa Park
Balboa Park
8 / 10
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
From $0 /night
Concierge Concierge
"As Central Park is to New York City, Balboa Park is the center of this out-of-doors city."
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Balboa Park includes a number of gardens, reflecting different horticultural styles and environments, including Alcazar Garden , a formal, Spanish-style garden." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Besides trails, dog parks, and play areas, the historic Balboa Park is home to such attractions as the world-famous San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Museum of Art." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"It’s pretty much impossible to get bored at this park." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Balboa Park endures as an idyllic sylvan retreat and the nation's largest urban cultural park." Full review
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San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
9 / 10
2929 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Balboa Park's—and perhaps the city's—most famous attraction is its 100-acre zoo." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"No other local attraction is more synonymous with San Diego than the Zoo, a 90-year-old institution that lives up to its reputation."
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"This justifiably famous zoo is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions, showing more than 3000 animals representing more than 650 species in a beautifully landscaped setting." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"One of the largest, most diverse and most celebrated zoological parks in the world." Full review
National Geographic National Geographic
"World-renown 100-acre (40-hectare) facility in Balboa Park, with a botanical collection that rivals the animals. Bus tours skirt most enclosures quickly." Full review
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