Want to unwind for a bit during your next summer visit to the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? Explore these immersive opportunities to relax in nature.
AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO
Peaceful Plant Paradise
Take a stroll along the shady path that starts near Flamingo Lagoon and look toward the right just behind the guest services booth. Here you’ll find the peaceful rainforest atmosphere of Fern Canyon. In its lush environs, you’ll find plenty of the plants that give Fern Canyon its name, including tiny sword ferns; gigantic, prehistoric-looking tree ferns; palms; and a remarkable variety of tropical plants. In upper Fern Canyon, even the treetops and branches are abundant with plant life, including staghorn ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. During spring and summer, Fern Canyon pops with color from blooming trees, flowering vines, and other unique flora.
Fern Canyon is teeming with plant life.
Polar Bears at Play
Step out of the sun and into the covered underwater viewing area at Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, where you can watch polar bears swim in water that’s set to a chill 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Although while you recharge you might be surprised to see these polar bears sunning themselves instead of staying in the shade. When you’re there, wildlife explorers of all ages will discover a life-size polar bear statue and a realistic shady den to crawl through.
The water in Conrad Prebys Polar Plunge is set to a chill 55 to 60 degrees.
Lush Aviary
If you’re looking for a leisurely walk through an African forest, look no further than Scripps Aviary. You may notice the trees and bushes look a little wilder than other flora in the Zoo, and this is for a reason. Wildlife care and horticulture experts designed the aviary this way to encourage natural behaviors for the birds that live here. They use them to mark territories, make nests, and create special perches for courtship displays, just as they do in native habitats.
The Zoo is an accredited botanical garden and cares for 3,100 species of plants.
Lost in a Forest?
As you head deeper into the Zoo, you may find yourself wandering the Lost Forest. There’s lots to explore in the shade of dense forest and leafy surroundings. You’ll stroll along a relaxing, winding path leading you from one fascinating habitat to another, from gorillas to the misty rainforest of Tiger Trail. Here you’re surrounded by trees originating across the globe as you visit with wildlife, including hippos in their newly refurbished habitat, bonobos, and, of course, tigers.
Lost Forest is a winding path that leads you to dynamic and fascinating species, including gorillas and tigers.
Thundering Waterfalls
Sit back and relax with a cold beverage and a tasty meal on the open deck at Albert’s restaurant, as the nearby waterfall splashes away. This full-service restaurant is located in the heart of Lost Forest and surrounded by lush vegetation. When you’re here, you might feel miles away in your own private jungle—however, this paradise is not undiscovered, so be sure to make a reservation if you want to enjoy this spot on a busy summer day.
Albert’s Restaurant is the only full service restaurant at the Zoo and offers seasonal culinary delights.
Cool Caves
There is much to see in Africa Rocks, and one dramatic focal point is the 65-foot-high Rady Falls, a splashy, showering cascade nearly seven stories high. It’s the largest human-made waterfall in San Diego. The falls rush down a rocky outcropping that can be seen—and heard—all around the Zoo. Water used in Rady Falls is recycled and recirculated, making it an environmentally friendly, water-wise feature. If you really want to cool off, look for the path that takes you behind the falls into a cavern-like grotto, where you’ll get a one-of-a-kind view through a misty wall of tumbling water.
At 65 feet tall, Rady Falls is the largest human-made waterfall in San Diego.
Wildlife Wonders
There is so much to explore at the Zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. After you check out Cool Critters and Spineless Marvels, look for the waterfall grotto. Along the way you’ll discover a “river” you can walk through and (if you dare) timed water jets that shoot skyward as young wildlife explorers dash in and out. There’s even a coin-operated body dryer if you need to dry off after your adventures.
Timed water jets and a waterfall grotto are just a few of the adventures at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
Relax and Unwind
Among the Safari Park’s many hidden gems, Mawazo Woods is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break with a view. At the beautiful, shaded lookout area, you might catch a glimpse of one of the many species of antelope nearby while youngsters explore the safari-themed play area. Stop at Mawazo Kitchen for tasty Baja-inspired meals before finding your way to the covered picnic area.
Baja-inspired meals are available at Mawazo Woods along with a covered picnic area.
Enchanting Bamboo Forest
Tull Family Tiger Trail offers an immersive experience, from a beautiful footpath shaded by bamboo and Asian flora to a play area and hidden paths for children to investigate. Don’t forget to stop and gaze at the beautiful waterfall as you watch the Sumatran tigers explore their habitat. When you’re ready, continue to Condor Ridge, Walkabout Australia, or the recently opened nature trail that will take you closer to Africa Tram.
Tiger Trail’s shaded bamboo paths transport you to a tranquil Asian forest.
Rainforest Wonders
Step inside a tropical rainforest at the Safari Park’s Hidden Jungle—home to many colorful and unusual bird species and an incredible variety of delicate tropical plants. Enter this world through a tunnel beneath the rainforest floor, where simulated tree roots snake along the earthen walls. Soon you’ll reach the understory of the rainforest and eventually explore the rich green foliage of the canopy, spotting eye-catching birds along each step of your journey.
Hidden Jungle not only features many plant species, but also birds, including Andean cock-of-the-rock and spangled cotinga.
Blooming Beauties
If you love plants, the Epiphyllum Trail is the perfect place to chill. Epiphyllums are a member of the cactus family, known as the “orchid cactus.” During the spring, these beautiful tropical plants bloom and show off their large, jewel-toned blossoms. Featuring more than 600 plants, this pathway is located between Walkabout Australia and Condor Ridge.
Epiphyllum trail has more than 600 individual plants.
Arbor Walk offers breathtaking views of the Safari Park’s accredited botanical collection, which features over 3,700 species.
Unique Underwater World
Speaking of which, how about a cool, dark place where it’s always night no matter the time of day? Observe the only platypuses outside of Australia playing and hunting for crayfish in three pools, with naturalistic riverbanks, extensive tunnels, and nesting areas. Platypuses are semi-aquatic, egg-laying, and one of the only venomous mammals. Platypus populations are unfortunately declining because of human interference, but with your support, we’re collaborating with partners throughout our Australian Forest Conservation Hub to ensure this species thrives.
The two platypuses at the Safari Park are the only ones outside of Australia.
Plan your next visit to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park and search for these relaxing hidden gems. We can’t wait to see you soon!
