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San Diego ZoovsBirch Aquarium at Scripps
Both Birch Aquarium at Scripps and San Diego Zoo are rated highly by travel writers. On balance, San Diego Zoo scores significantly higher than Birch Aquarium at Scripps. San Diego Zoo ranks #1 in San Diego with positive reviews from 7 reviewers such as Travel + Leisure, Frommer's and Michelin Guide.
San Diego Zoo
Fodor's
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Time Out
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
2929 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
From $0/night
Fodor's "Balboa Park's—and perhaps the city's—most famous attraction is its 100-acre zoo." Full review
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 "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 2 Stars
"One of the largest, most diverse and most celebrated zoological parks in the world." Full review
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
Where "It's world-famous for a reason. Visitors can get up close and personal with more than 4,000 creatures from nearly every corner of the world. " Full review
Time Out "Nestled in Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo fully deserves its reputation as one of the finest in the world." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The expansive “habitats” include a tropical rainforest filled with gorillas, a recreated Arctic tundra with polar bears and reindeer, and a Giant Panda Research Station." Full review
Travel + Leisure "This world-famous zoo in Balboa Park houses more than 4,000 animals including giant pandas from China and many rare and endangered species"
San Diego Travel Guide
February 23, 2021
Travel + Leisure "The zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals and more than 650 species and subspecies. Plus, its wildlife alliance arm has made great strides in areas like genetic diversity, reproductive sciences."
14 of the Best Zoos in the U.S.
April 8, 2022
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Lonely Planet Fodor's Michelin Guide National Geographic Where
Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
2300 Expedition Way, Scripps Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037
From $0/night
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"One of the world’s largest marine research institutions. It is now a part of UCSD, and its pier is a landmark." Full review
i
Not to be confused with the Scripps Research Institute , a private, nonprofit biomedical research organization.
Fodor's "Affiliated with the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this excellent aquarium... and has sweeping views of La Jolla." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"With a glorious setting above La Jolla's coastline, the contemporary Mission-style complex encompasses a state-of-the-art aquarium and the largest museum in the nation devoted solely to oceanography." Full review
National Geographic "The aquarium has more than 60 marine life tanks, including a giant kelp forest habitat, ghostly moon jellies, and an array of seahorse species." Full review
Where "Educational and entertaining, the aquarium features an eye-popping assortment of Pacific marine life and lots of creative, hands-on exhibits highlighting the ongoing research and discoveries." Full review
Afar Magazine "Birch Aquarium is located near the coastline. Although it is a small aquarium, they have some spectacular fish tanks and exhibits." Full review
i
Don't bother paying for your tickets online- they charge an extra $1 per ticket and when you get there.
Travel + Leisure "Take a private tour, offered daily, for a look into the fascinating world of seahorses, or explore tide pools with a naturalist for a real-life outdoor learning adventure"
22 Fun Things to Do in San Diego With Kids
February 21, 2023
Frommer's "This beautiful facility is both an aquarium and a museum, operated as the interpretive arm of the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography" Full review
