San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wildlife preserve featuring many endangered species of mammals and birds among its collection of over 3,500 exotic animals. They roam the park as they might have done in their native Asia and Africa. A tram ride allows guests to see animals roaming in their habitat and for an additional fee, you can get up close and personal with a customized photo safari.

Located 32 miles northeast of its sister, San Diego Zoo, and operated under the auspices of the San Diego Zoological Society, the Safari Park doesn’t look or feel like a zoo. Twenty times larger than the San Diego Zoo, the entry gate doesn’t give much away in terms of what to expect, but when you wander inside, everything feels different. It’s a dream realized for naturalists who think zoos are cruel to animals. For tourists accustomed to seeing row upon row of cages and a show, that aspect of the park is very low key.

From the open-air tram you can watch the animals living, grazing, resting and running out on huge plains and rolling hills. The tram route passes cliffs where you are challenged to spot the many animals camouflaged in the brown and white rocks. The ride is interesting and can be full of surprises. While animals are well fed, they are not tamed here so you never know what to expect.

The Safari Park is located in Escondido, not far from most of the coastal cities in San Diego and Orange County. It’s open 365 days a year, yes that includes all holidays. So if you are traveling in Southern California and are looking for something to do with your family, put this park on your list.

Address

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
Escondido, CA 92027

Phone

(760) 747-8702

Website

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