Best US Zoos to Visit in 2024

Located in Balboa Park just a stone's throw from Downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo is the most visited zoo in the United States. Having pioneered the use of open-air exhibits that recreate natural habitats, the San Diego Zoo regularly ranks among the finest zoos anywhere in the world. Visitors can see over 650 different species including perennial favorites like African elephants, giraffes, and lions. The San Diego Zoo is home to a vast collection of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and more. Exhibits are broadly organized by habitat with themed sections including the Lost Forest, the Northern Frontier, and the Outback. Marked paths around the park will help you navigate and find your favorite animals. Beyond the main zoo in Balboa Park, there is also the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which features larger free range enclosures more suitable to megafauna like antelopes, buffalo, and rhinoceroses. Visiting each park on the same day would be a bit of a challenge so consider budgeting an additional day if you want to see both. With easy transportation links, visitors staying anywhere in the San Diego area should have no trouble accessing either location.

Brookfield Zoo gained recognition soon after opening in 1934 for its pioneering use of moates and other barriers to separate animals from each other and from visitors. Managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo is often referred to as Chicago Zoological Park. The zoo's approximately 216 acres house upwards of 450 different animal species. Visitors can stroll along the wide paths while enjoying the zoo's rolling lawns and iconic large fountain. Throughout the year, Brookfield Zoo sponsors holiday events where the themed decorations add to the enjoyment. Visitors can take Metra's BNSF Line to the Zoo Stop (Hollywood Station). Pace Bus Route 331 to Brookfield Zoo is another option.

It's no surprise a city as spectacular as New York would have a firstrate zoo. The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, occupying 265 acres along the Bronx River. Some 6,000 species are housed in the zoo's various themed exhibits. These include star attractions like the Congo Gorilla Forest and Tiger Mountain. Visitors can also see the Himalayan Highlands exhibit, which features snow leopards, red pandas, and white-naped cranes. Kids will enjoy the Children’s Zoo where they can see various animals up close and even feed some of them. The Children's Zoo is open from April to October and requires an extra $6 admissions ticket. Parking is limited so visitors are encouraged to arrive via public transportation. The Bronx Zoo is serviced by the subway, MTA buses, and the Metro North railroad. Visitors are required to purchase date-specific and time-specific entrance tickets. Peak season runs from Mid-April through June with weekends being the most popular. Try to schedule your visit on a weekday if you can to avoid the crowds.

Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska is internationally recognized for its conservation efforts. It regularly ranks among America's top zoos and for good reason. Henry Doorly Zoo features several amazing exhibits including the world's largest indoor rainforest and the world's largest indoor swamp. The zoo's feline exhibit is the largest in North America and the desert habitat is among the largest in the world. If these superlatives aren't reason enough to visit, Henry Doorly Zoo is also home to the Kingdom of the Seas Aquarium. The aquarium has a magnificent underwater walkway that provides visitors with astounding views of aquatic life. Kids will enjoy the portable touch tank where they can explore the textures of underwater creatures. Henry Doorly Zoo is easily accessible via the 13th Street exit from I-80 and parking is free. Public transportation options from Downtown Omaha are also available. When planning your visit, keep in mind weekdays tend to be less crowded, especially during the peak summer season.

Located just over 5 miles from Downtown, the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo's themed exhibits contain over 500 animals and several thousand plant species. The Safari Train takes visitors past several exhibits including the Wolf Woods and the Elephant Reserve. Train tickets are $4 and after taking the ride, you can wander back on foot to spend more time among your favorite animals. Cincinnati Zoo also features a ropes course called the Kanga' Klimb. Visitors can navigate their way along the challenging elevated walkways at this fun attraction. Tickets for the ropes course are not included in the price of general admission. As you plan your visit, check ahead on the Cincinnati Zoo website for a list of events throughout the day. These include the chance to see animal feedings and chat with zookeepers. Getting to the Zoo is easiest by car with parking lots located off of Vine Street. Several Cincinnati Metro bus routes also service the zoo.

When coming up with a list of the best zoos in the United States, there are so many outstanding locations to choose from. It's nigh impossible to select just a handful. Here are two additional recommendations that we think you'll enjoy.

Zoo Miami is the only subtropical zoo in the continental U.S. Over 2,000 animals call the park home. Visitors can take a mini trip around the world as they visit the zoo's different sections including Asia, Africa, Australia, the Amazon, and more. Ride the monorail to get a sense for the different environments and then return to see the animals up close. Take a boat ride through the Everglades enclosure and learn about the amazing habitat on Zoo Miami's doorstep. Families will appreciate the many educational experiences on offer. These include tips on how to promote conservation and protect the environment in our daily lives. Whether you have kids of your own or are just a big kid at heart, there is plenty to enjoy at Zoo Miami. The park is open every day of the year including on major holidays. The adjacent Gold Coast Railroad Museum showcases more than 40 historic railroad cars, including the former Presidential Railcar first used by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

They say Disney World is the "most magical place on Earth." That must mean that Disney's Animal Kingdom is the most magical zoo on Earth. Located at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, Disney's Animal Kingdom is spread out over an incredible 580 acres, making it the largest theme park in the world. With its mix of traditional zoo attractions, games, rides, and Disney's flair for spectacular scenery, Disney's Animal Kingdom is a zoo unlike any other. Watch your favorite Disney characters parade through the park and see live performances celebrating beloved Disney shows like the Lion King. Experience the thrill of soaring on your very own mountain banshee when you visit Pandora – The World of Avatar. You could spend an entire day at Disney's Animal Kingdom and not run out of things to do. Hotel accommodations are plentiful either at one of Disney's resort properties or in the surrounding communities. Shuttle buses and other in-park transportation options are available.