The 7 Best Zoos in America: A Guide to Unforgettable Wildlife Adventures

It's no secret: Americans are fascinated by zoos! Today, there are more than 2,400 zoos and aquariums dotted across the US. These centers for conservation represent thousands of animal species, some of which are endangered or nearly extinct in the wild.

If you're a wildlife enthusiast or a fan of ecotourism, stopping to visit an American zoo is simply a no-brainer. But where exactly are the best zoos in America? And how can you plan the best possible trip?

We're covering everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide.

Let's take a closer look at America's seven best zoos, including what they're known for and what to expect from each. And if you don't have much experience visiting zoos in the US, we've provided some travel tips at the bottom of the guide.

Criteria for the Best Zoos in America

We used a multistep process to select the best zoos in the United States.

First, we evaluated 259 AZA-accredited zoos across the US and the District of Columbia. Then, we evaluated each location based on the following four factors:

1. Variety of species: There are many smaller, private zoos with a modest collection of animal species. However, the biggest and best zoos in the US have hundreds of species selected from all over the world.
2. Conservation efforts: Many zoos double as conservation centers for endangered plants and animals. We selected zoos supporting a wide variety of conservation strategies, including breeding programs, field research, release initiatives, and more.
3. Visitor experience: You don't just want to visit the zoo — you want to be wowed by everything it offers. That's why we only included the zoos that offer a 'wow' factor for visitors.
4. Unique exhibits: Some zoos house animals in more practical spaces. Others curate massive exhibits with dozens of animals living in harmony. The latter is what we've included here.

Our third and final step was surveying online reviews. The highest-rated zoos with the highest percentage of positive reviews were the ones included in our list below.

Exploring the 7 Best Zoos in America

What can you expect from America's best zoos?

Let's start with one of the most recognized names on the list:

1. San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California)

There's a good reason why the San Diego Zoo is the most visited animal park in the United States. Today, it houses more than 12,000 animals hailing from 600+ different species. It's also one of the oldest zoos in the United States, with its official ribbon-cutting ceremony held in 1916.

The park's biggest claim to fame is its conservation efforts. The zoo has (so far) reintroduced 44 species to their native habitats and plans to support many more species in the future.

Some of the San Diego Zoo's most popular attractions include:

• Panda Ridge: A recently updated giant panda exhibit featuring Xin Bao and Yun Chuan.
• Elephant Odyssey: 7.5 acre themed exhibit with the African Elephant as a main attraction.
• Safari Park: 1,800-acre conservation garden with over 1.3 million plants and 3,000 animals.

So what can you expect to see? Check out this recent review:

"Lots of animals. Almost every cage had active animals in it. Leopards, lions, giraffes, rhinos, pandas, reptiles, and on, and on, and on. The zoo was very clean. Lots of food choices. Very helpful, volunteers, and a skyway tram, which is pretty neat. Highly recommend." — TripAdvisor

Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is open 365 days per year. Hours span from 9 AM to 9 PM from mid-June to late August. After that, it switches to winter hours, which last from 9 AM to 8 PM.

Their ticket prices start at $74 for individuals 12 and over. You can also purchase specialty tickets for:

• Zoo Discoveries ($60 per person): Get a guided tour in a discovery cart.
• Wildlife Adventures (starting at $92 per person): Enjoy an inside glimpse of giant pandas, walk with flamingos, and more.
• VIP Experiences (starting at $425 per person): Spend 3.5 to 7 hours exploring the zoo behind the scenes.

There are multiple accessibility options available. Guests can access specialty parking, exhibit viewing spaces, ADA shuttle service operations, and more. You can find wheelchairs and ECVs available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis.

2. Bronx Zoo (New York City, New York)

Hidden in the New York Botanical Garden lies the 265-acre Bronx Zoo. This impressive organization is the largest metropolitan zoo in the US, as well as the premier destination for East Asian animals.

There are many diverse habitats to see at the Bronx Zoo:

• Congo Gorilla Forest: Experience the thrill of seeing mountain gorillas up close, as well as other unique animals like okapis and red river hogs.
• JungleWorld: Lemurs and gharials and jungle birds, oh my! There's plenty to see in this popular wing of the park.
• Wild Asia Monorail: Explore the wonder of untamed East Asia, from the red pandas and wild horses to the rhinos and elephants.

What can you see at the Bronx Zoo? Check out this recent review:

"With more than 700 different species spread across 265 acres of parkland thoughtfully designed to mimic natural habitats, the Bronx Zoo is a great place to escape from Manhattan for the day, especially if you're traveling with kids." — CN Traveler

Tips for Visiting the Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is open from 10 AM to 5 PM during the week and 10 AM to 5:30 PM on the weekends. The Asian elephant exhibit closes an hour earlier each day to provide the animals with time to rest.

Ticket prices start at $37.75. Children ages two and under enter free. If you're looking for a discounted visit, you can reserve up to four tickets for Wednesday morning.

Keep in mind the Bronx Zoo's parking lot often fills to capacity during peak attendance days. They recommend finding offsite parking and commuting into the park.

3. Smithsonian’s National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute houses some of the rarest animals in the world. Roughly 20% of their species are threatened or endangered, with more than 2,700 animals on display at any one time.

Visitors enjoy free admission to the Smithsonian Zoo, as well as dozens of free educational programs. Some of their most popular exhibits include:

• Red Panda Habitat: Visit some of the rarest (and cutest!) animals along the Asia Trail.
• Amazonia: From arapaima to spoonbills, there's a lot to see in the Amazon jungle.
• Africa Trail: Discover some of the rarest animals roaming the African plains.

Check out this recent review of the park:

"The layout is beautifully designed, making it easy to navigate and explore the various exhibits. The animals are well cared for and seem content in their spacious and naturalistic enclosures. The Giant Panda House was definitely a highlight, as it was amazing to see these majestic creatures up close. The zookeepers were informative and clearly passionate about their work, providing engaging talks and answering questions from visitors." — Google Reviews

Tips for Visiting Smithsonian’s National Zoo

The National Zoo is 100% free and open 365 days per year (excluding December 25). However, keep in mind this zoo still requires reservations, so you can't tour the park without making a reservation.

From March 15 to September 15, the park is open 8 AM to 6 PM. From September 16 to March 14, the park is open from 8 AM to 4 PM. There are also multiple accessibility options for those requiring special accommodations.

You should know parking isn't free at the National Zoo — prices start at $30 a day. It may be cheaper to park further and commute to the park another way.

4. Brookfield Zoo (Chicago, Illinois)

If you're looking for a zoo with immersive exhibits, the Brookfield Zoo may offer what you're looking for. This family-friendly park offers a diverse range of activities and programs, including Wild Encounters, butterfly exhibits, motor safaris, and more.

Visitors come to be wowed by the park's conversation efforts and diverse animal collection, including:

• Tropic World: Zoogoers can see a Western lowland gorilla troop in a true-to-life habitat.
• Great Bear Wilderness: Get face-to-face with a polar bear, watch grizzly bears roam, and more!
• Regenstein Wolf Woods: Home to a pack of rare Mexican wolves.

Here's what recent guests had to say about their visit:

"The animals were really active! We got some great unexpected fun viewing by the brown bear who was swimming around and having fun! The sea lions and dolphins were fun to watch today too. Love this zoo!" — TripAdvisor

Tips for Visiting Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo is open 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets start at $29.95 for adults and drop to $20.95 for children.

There are several accessibility features in place, including lactation pods, ECV rentals, and Spanish language interpreters.

Parking costs range from $17 to $25 per day, so parking off-site may be a cheaper option.

5. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Columbus, Ohio)

Nearly 10,000 animals strong, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the largest zoological attractions in the US. Its conversation efforts and diverse animal collection help it serve as an active member of the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP).

Come visit one of these incredible exhibits:

• Heart of Africa: Discover zebras, lions, giraffes, and more!
• Asia Quest: Watch more than 10 species of birds (and certain turtles) fly in an indoor aviary.
• Aquarium: Feast your eyes on an incredible display of sharks, jellyfish, and so much more.

You're sure to love your visit to the Columbus Zoo. Just check out this recent testimonial:

"The Columbus Zoo was fantastic! It is very large and if you want to see every single animal, give yourself two days to explore. It is easy to navigate and plan your day, as they have the zoo divided into seven different areas: Adventure Cove, Asia Quest, Australia & The Islands, Congo Expedition, Heart of Africa, North America, and The Shores & Aquarium." — Covington Travel

Tips for Visiting Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has fluctuating hours depending on the month and day. Tickets for adults start at $25.99, and parking costs $10 per vehicle.

There are several accessibility options available:

• Sensory maps and KultureCity sensory bags
• Accessible routes
• Communication boards

As well as dozens of tours and experiences to consider. Be sure to review your options in advance!

6. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha, Nebraska)

Voted as the #1 zoo in the nation, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a must-visit on any trip. It is also a global leader in animal genetics, meaning it leads the zoological world in reproductive sciences.

You can visit more than 160 acres of animals at:

• Desert Dome: This is the world's largest glazed geodesic dome, housing hundreds of animals across dozens of species.
• Lied Jungle: Get up close and personal with smooth-fronted caimans in America's largest indoor rainforest!
• Scott African Grasslands: Watch giraffes roam, see elephants swim, and see pygmy goats browse in this 28-acre exhibit.

So what can you expect from your visit to the Omaha Zoo? Here's what one visitor had to say:

"There are many things to see, including a handful of huge, indoor features located right by the main entrance (Jungle, Desert Dome. Kingdoms of the Night, & Aquarium). The indoor Gorilla Valley is just beyond these features, which in turn gets you close to the indoor Madagascar exhibit." — Yelp

Tips for Visiting Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Ticket prices at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium start at $31.95. Visitor experiences and special events start at $70 and up.

There are also accessibility options for guests, including nursing stations, motorized wheelchairs, and strollers/wagons.

Parking is free on a first-come, first-serve basis.

7. Houston Zoo (Houston, Texas)

Few zoos are as focused on conservation and education as the prestigious Houston Zoo. The organization supports 33 wildlife conservation projects in more than 17 countries — which you can also support through the price of your ticket.

See more than 6,000 animals across 55 acres at:

• African Forest: Watch majestic giraffes and southern white rhinos roam in a naturalized environment.
• Galápagos Islands: Fall in love with adorable Humboldt penguins, giant tortoises, and awe-inspiring tropical sharks.
• Bug House: Experience insects like never before in a state-of-the-art insect exhibit.

Would your family enjoy visiting the Houston Zoo? This recent review might answer your question:

"It was a completely magical experience. Elephants, rhinos, and ox LOVE to bathe and roll in the mud when it rains. Gorillas will close their eyes and let the water hit their face or splash in the puddles. Turtles come up from the pond and grass. Lions roared and called back to each other. The air smelled like life and petrichor. I could hear how much fun the animals had." — Reddit

Tips for Visiting Houston Zoo

Tickets to the Houston Zoo operate on Flex Pricing, so you'll need to do some research before picking a day. Admission hours last from 9 AM to 5 PM, although keep in mind final admittance starts at 4 PM.

The Houston Zoo offers stroller and wheelchair rentals, as well as motorized scooters, for an additional fee. You can also purchase tickets to accessible zoo events such as Elephant Encounter, Gorilla Encounter, and the Children’s Zoo Farm Encounter

Keep in mind the Houston Zoo does not have a dedicated parking lot. You'll need to find your own parking and commute to the grounds.

What to Expect When Visiting a Zoo: Tips From The Parking Spot

Feeling overwhelmed by all your options? Don't be! There's no wrong or right location on this list.

No matter which zoo (or zoos!) you choose, here are five ways to make the most of your visit:

1. Know the best times to visit. If you're traveling with family, you may want to plan for a back-to-school trip in August. Winter may be the best time to beat the crowds, but make sure you pack adequately for cold weather!
2. Pack light. Speaking of packing, it's a good idea to travel lightly when walking around a zoo. Not only will you get through airport security faster, but it will make flying with kids that much simpler.
3. Take advantage of special events. Some parks offer free admission days, which is a wonderful benefit for larger families. Others offer discounts or host special in-park events, which can help maximize your experience while minimizing your budget.
4. Look for interactive experiences. Many zoos have specific schedules for feeding animals, interacting with exhibits, or answering questions. You may want to ask about specific animal schedules so you can plan your family vacation around interactive experiences.
5. Opt for the guided tour. Some guided tours take place on foot, while others drive you around in vehicles (think buses or golf carts). You'll have an opportunity to see the whole park and ask specific questions along the way.

Packing Your Bags For a Walk on the Wild Side

Whether you prefer marching with the penguins or lounging with the lions, you won't soon forget your visit to one of America's best zoos. You're not just creating wonderful memories with your family: you're actively supporting global conservation efforts.

Once you've selected a zoo to visit, you can finalize your itinerary and reserve a place to park near your originating airport. The Parking Spot makes it easy to store your vehicle safely and affordably — because you should spend less time stressing about airport parking and more time making memories with your loved ones.