Top Zoos & Sanctuaries in USA

Wear comfortable shoes! The sanctuary has a lot of walking paths, and you'll want to explore all the areas without your feet screaming at you by the end of the day.

Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there. I thought I could blitz through in an hour, but there’s so much to see and learn – you’ll want to take your time!

Bring a camera but be mindful of the rules about flash photography. I missed some great moments because I forgot to turn mine off, so double-check before snapping away!

I suggest packing snacks and water. The food options were limited and a bit pricey, so having a little picnic made my day much better!

I suggest checking out the Animal Encounters schedule in advance. I didn't find out about them until later, and I missed some cool interactions!

My advice is to wear comfy shoes. Between the hilly paths and all the walking, my feet were killing me by the end - I should've known better!

i highly recommend downloading the zoo app! it has maps, schedules, and info on animal exhibits to make navigating super easy.

Try to catch the pandas during the morning feeding time. I saw them later in the day and they were just napping – total bummer!

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks. The food prices inside can be steep, and there's plenty of picnic areas to chill out and enjoy your lunch.

I think it's better to take the Metro than drive. It can be a hassle finding parking, and the train drops you right at the zoo entrance. Plus, it's eco-friendly!

I recommend downloading the free zoo app. It has a map to help you find stuff and info on feeding times and events, which really helped me plan my visit better.

I recommend packing your own snacks or lunch. Food inside can be pricey and it's not always that great. Plus, you can have a nice picnic in one of their shaded areas!

Don't forget to check out the schedule for animal feedings and keeper talks. I accidentally missed one, and they sounded super interesting! Plan those into your visit!

If you can, try to visit on a weekday. It was way less crowded for me than on the weekend. You really get to see more animals when it's not jam-packed!

I suggest buying tickets online before you go. It saves you time at the entrance and sometimes there's a discount for online purchases. Trust me, waiting in line can eat up your day!

Bring a picnic if you can! The food options are decent, but it can get pricey. Plus, there are some nice spots to relax and eat in the park.

Wear comfy shoes! There’s a lot of walking involved, and between the exhibits and gift shops, you’ll want to be ready for a full day of exploring.

Definitely get your tickets online before you go. It saves you time standing in line, and sometimes they offer discounts that you won't get at the gate

Take advantage of the shuttle buses. They are free and save a ton of time since the zoo is huge, and you don’t want to wear yourself out before seeing everything.

If you're into photography don’t forget your zoom lens. You'll want to capture those beautiful birds but they might be a bit far away on the trails.

pack a small lunch or snacks. the café has limited options and can get busy, so it's nice to have your own food to enjoy on the boardwalk.

Bring your own snacks and drinks. The food options can be pricey, and I didn’t think the quality was worth the cost.

Pack some sunscreen! Even if it’s cloudy, I got a bit burned wandering around the outdoor areas. Way worse than I expected!

I recommend getting there right when the zoo opens at 10 AM. It’s way less crowded, and you can enjoy seeing the animals without the hassle of big crowds.

If you’re on a budget, consider visiting on a weekday. I noticed it was less crowded and easier to explore without spending too much time in lines.

If you're on a budget, look for discount days; they often have promotions that let you visit for a lower entry fee.

Pack a picnic! The zoo has some awesome spots to eat outside, and it saves you money instead of buying food at the cafe.

Wear comfy shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. I regretted my choice of footwear halfway through the day!

Plan your visit around the animal feeding times. They can be really entertaining, and you may see animals being more active. Check the schedule online ahead of time!

Don't miss the Big Cat Encounter! It's super cool and the keeper talks are informative, but it fills up quick. Get there around 10:30 AM for a good viewing spot.

If you can, go on a weekday rather than the weekend. It's way less crowded, and you'll have more time to see the animals without the hustle and bustle. I made that mistake during a Saturday visit.

If you’re into souvenirs, wait for the last hour of your visit. Some shops have discounts and you might find cool stuff at a cheaper price!

i think the sea lion feedings are a must-watch. they happen at a set time, so check the schedule when you arrive. i almost missed it and would have been bummed!

I suggest arriving right when they open at 10 AM to beat the crowds. The animals are more active earlier in the day and you’ll get some great pics without too many people around.

My advice is to grab a map at the entrance or download one on your phone. I kinda got lost and missed a couple of cool exhibits.