Los Angeles Zoo Day Trip Griffith Park

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful day destination. It has over 1,100 animals from 250 different species and a botanical collection with several gardens and more than 800 plant species, totaling 7,400 plants.

The Zoo is located in Griffith Park –the largest municipal park in the US–that also has 100 miles of horse trails, an actual train yard of antique trains, pony rides, mini-train rides, a carousel, polo grounds, hiking trails, and even small caves. The Griffith Observatory is nearby, and the Autry Museum of the West is across from the Zoo.

The Los Angeles Zoo has been known for its diverse collection of animals since it opened in 1966. Zoologists have praised the zoo for having a wide variety of mammals from different parts of the world, including rare species such as Sumatran tigers, Visayan warty pigs, yellow-footed rock wallabies, Cape Griffon vultures, mandrills, okapis, mountain tapirs, and snow leopards.

Los Angeles Zoo What To See

The zoo boasts an exceptional bird collection, which includes a Japanese Mountain Hawk Eagle gifted to Los Angeles by its Sister City, Nagoya. It also has a significant breeding group of Cape Vultures and one of the most enormous flocks of flamingos in any zoo worldwide.

The LA Zoo has played a crucial role in the ongoing conservation efforts to revive the California condor from the brink of extinction. Although the Condors residing at the zoo are not currently on display, visitors can still learn about this native California species at the Condor Education Center next to the front entrance. The center offers a range of hands-on activities to educate visitors about the importance of protecting this bird species.

Los Angeles Zoo Reptile House

There is always something new at the zoo as it attempts to reinvent itself for the newer generation of zoo-goers and keep regulars returning from more. The reptile house looks at rare reptiles and amphibians, including Giant Horned “Toad” Lizards and Shovel-headed Tree Frogs.

The Los Angeles Zoo was originally arranged mainly by continent, and with a map in hand, visitors can explore the many exhibits tucked away along winding paths. The Campo Gorilla Reserve is home to seven western lowland gorillas and an enormous breeding and interpretive center for Asian Elephants.

Popular Exhibits

Exhibits include Sea Life Cliffs, Chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains, Red Ape Rain Forest, Dragons of Komodo, and Australia – home to the Zoo’s koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas.

If you want a closer and more personal interaction with some animals at the zoo, you can visit the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo. This place allows children to feed and groom goats and sheep while exploring caves and a desert trail. Additionally, they can observe prairie dogs through specially designed pop-up bubbles.

Another interactive program you don’t want to miss is the Animals and You Program, where park guests can have a close-up encounter with many of the Zoo’s critters, including the African Desert Hedgehog, California Desert Tortoise, and a Vietnamese Walking Stick, to name a few.

One of the nice things about the L. A. Zoo is that it is also an accredited Botanical Garden. Visitors will feel refreshed after seeing all of the beautiful trees and flowers.

Finally, along the perimeter road, the Neil Papiano Play Park in the upper zoo blends animal-theme climbing sculptures in a large play area with water misters, grassy landscaping, and a well-designed picnic area. It’s a great place to unwind and eat lunch during your visit.

Getting There Los Angeles Zoo

The best time to visit the Los Angeles Zoo is spring – Spring or Fall – the weather is more relaxed, and the animals are active. It can get warm at Griffith Park in the summer, and if there are promotions during the weekend, it can become crowded, so plan. If you are planning a birthday party, the LA Zoo offers a unique setting.

The zoo offers affordable admission rates for families, and AAA cardholders receive a 10% discount. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 pm, except on December 25th.

Plan to arrive at the LA Zoo by 10 a.m. to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Leaving early means you’ll exit before the influx of visitors.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at the northeast corner of Griffith Park.  Parking is free. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm daily, except for Christmas Day. Los Angeles Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, California. Fun things to do with kids in Socal.

You Might Like These Trips

• San Diego Zoo

• San Diego Safari Park

• Santa Barbara Zoo

• California Zoos & Aquariums