The Most Popular Zoo in California, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the zoo you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 21, 2024 07:45
Visiting zoos can be a delightful experience for families, animal enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Each zoo boasts unique exhibits and specialized programs that contribute to conservation efforts and educational outreach. By ranking the most popular zoos, you get to share your own experiences and help others make informed decisions about which zoos could offer them the enriching day out they are looking for.
Your votes matter! They not only reflect public opinion but also influence where future visitors might decide to spend their day. Whether your last zoo visit left you awe-inspired by the majestic lions or educated about the fragile coral reefs, your input helps highlight the best features of each zoo. Join others in casting your vote and see how your favorite zoo stacks up against others in California.
What Is the Most Popular Zoo in California?
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130votes
Cburnett · CC BY-SA 3.0San Diego Zoo
Dr. Harry M. WegeforthThe San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world, and it's no surprise that it's also the most popular zoo in California. With over 3,700 animals and 700,000 visitors annually, this zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers.The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned zoo located in San Diego, California. It is known for its extensive collection of exotic animals and its commitment to conservation and research. The zoo provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about a diverse range of animal species from around the world.- Location: San Diego, California
- Size: 100 acres
- Number of Animals: 3,700+
- Number of Species: 650+
- Exhibits: Over 100
San Diego Zoo in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular attraction in California
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233votesThe Los Angeles Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals from around the world. It's located in Griffith Park and attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually.The Los Angeles Zoo is a popular zoo located in Los Angeles, California. It provides a diverse and immersive animal experience to visitors of all ages. The zoo focuses on conservation, education, and animal welfare efforts, making it an important destination for both entertainment and learning.
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Total Area: 133 acres
- Number of Animals: More than 1,000
- Number of Species: Over 270
- Exhibits: Around 50
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319votes
Brocken Inaglory · CC BY-SA 3.0San Francisco Zoo
Herbert FleishhackerThe San Francisco Zoo is located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco and is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. It's a popular destination for families and animal lovers alike.The San Francisco Zoo is a prominent zoo located in San Francisco, California. It is known for its diverse collection of animals from around the world. The zoo provides educational and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.- Location: San Francisco, California
- Size: over 100 acres
- Opening Year: 1929
- Number of Animal Species: over 1,000
- Number of Exhibits: over 250
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410votesThe Oakland Zoo is located in the Oakland Hills and is home to over 700 animals, including elephants, tigers, and giraffes. It's a popular destination for families, with a focus on conservation and education.The Oakland Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in California, located in Oakland, Alameda County. It provides a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, offering a wide variety of animal exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives.
- Size: The zoo covers an area of approximately 100 acres.
- Animal Collection: The zoo is home to over 750 native and exotic animals, representing more than 200 species.
- African Savanna: The zoo features an expansive African Savanna exhibit, showcasing animals like elephants, giraffes, and zebras.
- California Trail: The California Trail exhibit highlights the state's diverse ecosystems, including California condors, grizzly bears, and gray wolves.
- Conservation Efforts: The Oakland Zoo actively participates in various conservation initiatives, protecting endangered species and their habitats.
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513votes
Dakart at en.wikipedia · Public domainSanta Barbara Zoo
Girard SwopeThe Santa Barbara Zoo is home to over 500 animals and attracts over 500,000 visitors annually. It's located on 30 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is known for its conservation efforts.The Santa Barbara Zoo is a popular zoological park located in Santa Barbara, California. It is situated near the oceanfront and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience wildlife up close.- Size: 30 acres
- Animals: Over 500 animals from 146 species
- Landscape: Beautifully landscaped gardens with ocean views
- Exhibits: Lions, giraffes, elephants, gorillas, reptiles, penguins, and more
- Interactive Experiences: Opportunities to feed giraffes and visit the barnyard animals
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69votes
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Community-driven initiativeThe Fresno Chaffee Zoo is located in the heart of Fresno and is home to over 190 species of animals. It's a popular destination for families and is known for its conservation efforts.The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a popular zoo located in Fresno, California. It spans an area of 39 acres and is home to over 190 different species of animals. The zoo aims to provide a fun and educational experience for visitors, promoting animal conservation and sustainability. With its diverse collection of animals from all around the world, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to connect with wildlife and learn about their habitats and behaviors.- Location: Fresno, California
- Size: 39 acres
- Number of Species: Over 190
- Conservation Focus: Animal conservation and sustainability
- Education Programs: Available for all ages
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717votes
L Wade Brown (Grubbycup) · CC BY-SA 3.0The Sacramento Zoo is located in Land Park and is home to over 500 animals from around the world. It's a popular destination for families and is known for its conservation efforts.The Sacramento Zoo is a popular zoo located in Sacramento, California. It covers an area of 14.3 acres and is home to over 500 animals representing 125 different species. The zoo was established in 1927 and has been providing educational and recreational experiences for visitors of all ages for over 90 years.- Location: Sacramento, California
- Area: 14.3 acres
- Animals: Over 500
- Species: 125
- Established: 1927
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83votes
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Happy Hollow FoundationThe Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is located in San Jose and is home to over 150 animals. It's a popular destination for families, with a focus on conservation and education.Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a popular zoo located in San Jose, California. It is a family-friendly attraction that offers a unique blend of amusement park rides and up-close encounters with animals. The zoo focuses on conservation education, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.- Location: San Jose, California
- Opening Year: 1961
- Size: 16 acres
- Animal Species: Over 150 species
- Attractions: Carousel, roller coaster, petting zoo
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98votes
Meij.kobayashi · Public domainWhile not technically a zoo, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to over 35,000 animals and is a popular destination for families and animal lovers. It's located on Cannery Row in Monterey and is known for its conservation efforts.Monterey Bay Aquarium is a renowned public aquarium located in Monterey, California. It is widely considered one of the most popular and influential aquariums in the United States. The aquarium is situated on the historic Cannery Row, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience of marine life.- Location: Monterey, California
- Size: Over 34,000 square feet (3,158 square meters)
- Exhibits: Over 100 different exhibits showcasing various marine habitats
- Animals: Over 35,000 animals representing more than 600 species
- Notable Species: Kelp Forest, Giant Pacific Octopus, Sea Otters, Great White Sharks
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105votes
Safari West
Peter LangAgain, not technically a zoo, Safari West is a private wildlife preserve located in Santa Rosa. It's home to over 900 animals and offers visitors the chance to go on safari tours and stay overnight in luxury tents.Safari West is a unique wildlife preserve and animal park located in Santa Rosa, California. It offers visitors a one-of-a-kind safari experience in the heart of wine country. The park is home to over 900 exotic animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, and many more.- Location: Santa Rosa, California
- Size: 400 acres
- Number of Animal Species: over 90
- Number of Animals: over 900
- Accommodation Options: luxury tent cabins
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Ranking factors for popular zoo
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Visitor footfallThe number of visitors is a key criterion and reflects the overall popularity of the zoo.
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Size of the zooThe size of the zoo can influence its popularity. A larger zoo may have more attractions and a greater variety of animals.
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Reviews and ratingsReviews and ratings of the zoo can help gauge visitor satisfaction and the overall quality of the zoo.
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Programs and exhibitsThe zoo can have an edge if it offers innovative programs, educational exhibits, or events that give visitors a unique experience.
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AccessibilityThe ease of access to the zoo, such as its location, parking, and transportation options, can also impact its popularity.
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PriceThe cost of entry to the zoo and the price of food, souvenirs, and other amenities can also be a factor.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular zoo in California. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Zoo is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1641 views
- 148 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Zoo once every 24 hours. The rank of each Zoo is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular zoo in california
California is home to some of the most popular and well-known zoos in the country. With its diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes, it's no surprise that visitors flock to these zoos year-round. From the San Diego Zoo to the Los Angeles Zoo, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to experiencing the wonder of California's wildlife. But which one is the most popular? Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders and find out which zoo reigns supreme in the Golden State.
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