San Diego's Three Major Animal Parks

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Back to San DiegoSan Diego's Major Animal Parks

If you're looking for wild times, San Diego supplies them. The world-famous San Diego Zoo is home to more than 800 animal species, many of them rare and exotic. A sister attraction, the Wild Animal Park, offers another 3,500 creatures representing some 430 species in an au naturel setting. And Shamu and his friends form a veritable chorus line at SeaWorld San Diego -- waving their flippers, waddling across an ersatz Antarctica, and blowing killer-whale kisses -- in more than a dozen shows a day.

San Diego's "Big Three" family attractions are joined by LEGOLAND California, which is about 30 miles away in the seaside community of Carlsbad.

Things That Go Bump in the Night -- The Wild Animal Park's Roar & Snore and Beastly Bedtime programs, which are held year-round (except Dec and Jan) on most Fridays and Saturdays -- with extended dates in summer -- let you camp out next to the animal compound and observe the nocturnal movements of rhinos, lions, and other creatures. There are family and adults-only dates available. To request information by mail or to make reservations, call tel. 619/718-3000.

Now That's a Deal!

San Diego's three main animal attractions offer combo tickets that can save you some cash. Here's how it works: If you plan to visit both the zoo and the Wild Animal Park, a two-park ticket (the "Best Value" zoo package, plus Wild Animal Park admission) is $59 for adults, $39 for children 3 to 11 (for a $62/$40 value). You get one visit to each attraction, to be used within 5 days of purchase. Or throw in SeaWorld within the same 5 days, and the combo works out to $107 for adults, $77 children ages 3 to 9 (a $118/$86 value).

Other value options include the San Diego Passport ($79 for adults, $45 for children 3-11), which includes zoo admission, an Old Town Trolley city tour, Hornblower bay cruises, and more; passports are sold at the attractions themselves. City Pass (tel. 707/256-0490; www.citypass.com) covers the zoo or Wild Animal Park, plus SeaWorld, Disneyland Resorts, and Universal Studios in Los Angeles; passes are $235 for adults, and $189 for kids age 3 to 9 (a savings of more than 30%), valid for 14 days. The Go San Diego Card (tel. 800/887-9103; www.gosandiegocard.com) offers unlimited general admission to more than 25 attractions, including the zoo and LEGOLAND, as well as deals on shopping, dining, and day trips to Mexico and the local wine country. One-day packages start at $55 for adults and $45 for children (ages 3-12).