You’ve booked flights, a lodge, and non-refundable tickets or a sightseeing go however uncommon San Diego climate is within the forecast. Do you have to nonetheless go to San Diego Zoo within the rain?
In case you’re prepared to get a little bit moist, you will have a extra unique and energetic animal expertise in ways in which don’t normally occur in sunshine. Consider it or not, I do know some annual passholders and Zoo workers members who strongly desire much less crowded wet days as a result of some animals love rain and dust.
1-Day Move— Use My Unique Promo Code
Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate with a cell or printed ticket. Legitimate for one yr from the acquisition date.
Closing value (after my low cost): $68/ages 12+ and $58/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom to save lots of $8!
See my full information to San Diego within the rain for extra indoor exercise concepts.
Why San Diego Zoo Is Doable within the Rain
The Zoo is located in Balboa Park, and the truth that it’s additionally a botanical backyard offers it a rainy-day benefit.
Pure Umbrellas
Dense foliage in some areas, with bamboo groves, giant ficus bushes, fern canyons, and extra, offers some protection from the rain, particularly on the extra forested pathways.
Indoor Areas
The Zoo has some indoor or coated displays the place you may escape heavier rain. You may pop into the Reptile Home, Hummingbird Habitat, or Wildlife Explorer’s Basecamp buildings to take pleasure in animals below cowl.
Coated Eating & Retailers
You too can search refuge in a few of the coated eating and retail areas, although the seating may be moist as a result of most eating patios are open air.
Paved Paths
Practically all strolling paths are concrete or asphalt, which drain effectively, partly due to the hilly terrain.
Exit and Re-Entry
If a heavy rain bathe rolls in and also you’d desire to attend it out, you don’t have to remain. You may both discover indoor shelter contained in the Zoo or exit quickly. Get a handstamp in your method out and maintain onto your authentic ticket, which permits same-day re-entry. You could possibly stroll (outdoors) to Balboa Park’s indoor museums. As soon as the climate clears, you may re-enter the Zoo and proceed exploring.
The App Is Your Information
It is possible for you to to see maps and what’s open or closed by the San Diego Zoo app in actual time.
What to Carry When It’s Raining
Tip: Reward outlets that promote ponchos and umbrellas should you’re determined, however they’ll be marked up. It’s higher to come back ready!
Listed here are some issues to contemplate packing:
- a compact journey umbrella
- further socks
- further garments for the youngsters in case they get moist
- rain coat or poncho
- rain cowl in your stroller or wagon
- plastic luggage in your moist socks or something needing safety from rain
- a small towel (microfiber dries shortly) for wiping down barely moist surfaces or your cellphone lens
- snacks and refillable water bottles as a few of the smaller snack stands could shut
- an additional poncho or rubbish bag for seating—many individuals use them to cowl moist benches.
- an exterior battery in your cellphone as a result of you’ll rely extra closely on the San Diego Zoo app to provide you with a warning of closures and to search out indoor sanctuaries
Put on footwear with good grip as a result of whereas the terrain is paved, there may be slopes and slippery spots. You will note lots of people in rain boots (hopefully snug ones for all of the strolling).
It’s a good suggestion to break down your umbrella once you don’t want it as they will spook some animals.
Tip: If you wish to finally ditch the rain gear or retailer it, lease a locker (close to the doorway).
Guided Bus Tour Will Run (Keep Drier, See It All)
Is the San Diego Zoo Bus Tour open within the rain? Sure! The well-known double-decker Guided Bus Tour runs rain or shine (except there’s something actually excessive), and it’s a fantastic plan on a moist day.
- The place to take a seat: The buses have two ranges. You’ll sit on the decrease deck, which is absolutely roofed and they’re going to shut the aspect home windows in poor climate. You’ll keep dry and cozy whereas the bus driver offers you a 35-minute tour of the grounds.
- Why do that first: You get to see a animals from the dry consolation of the bus. If the rain will get heavier later otherwise you resolve to chop the day brief, a minimum of you’ve seen the Zoo from the tour. This tour also can assist you plan the remainder of your go to by showcasing which animals are energetic and areas you could wish to discover additional.
I personally nonetheless take pleasure in this bus as a result of no two rides are ever the identical and there’s at all times one thing new to be taught concerning the Zoo or animals from the narrator. Mother and father use it as a time to relaxation children’ legs, take energy naps (children and infants do sleep on it), and snack.
Observe the Sanctuary Hopping Itinerary
The Zoo conveniently has clusters of indoor displays or closely sheltered areas, and most are alongside Entrance Road close to the doorway. Right here’s are some good stops that maximize animal time and decrease getting soaked.
These wet day stops are additionally wonderful concepts for avoiding peak summer season sunshine.
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (Former Youngsters’s Zoo)
This space is a enjoyable rainy-day refuge for youthful children with two massive indoor habitats. Spineless Marvels is a glow-in-the-dark type invertebrate home crammed with cool bugs, spiders, scorpions, and extra. There’s additionally Cool Critters, a big indoor amphibian and reptile habitat with snakes, frogs, and lizards. It’s heat and humid inside, a pleasant break from any chill outdoors.
Why it’s nice: It’s participating, academic, and fully coated. Youngsters can simply spend an hour right here with the creepy-crawlies and interactive displays whilst you wait out a rain squall. There are additionally restrooms and the Busy Bee Cafe close by. Splash pads function right here seasonally which suggests there are full-body dryers you may pay a number of {dollars} to make use of!
Reptile Home
This historic constructing close to the Zoo entrance is absolutely enclosed, and it’s truly stored toasty heat for the reptiles. By the point you’ve seen the large pythons, geckos, and all the things in between, you’ll have warmed up and dried off a bit. It is likely to be busy right here because the constructing itself isn’t big.
Hummingbird Habitat
Proper subsequent to the Reptile Home is a small, enclosed walk-through aviary filled with attractive hummingbirds. The Komodo dragons are adjoining and undoubtedly value stopping by in case they’re out.
Misplaced Forest Trails (Hippos, Monkeys, Tigers)
You’ll see the flamingos once you enter the Zoo. To the left of them, use Monkey Path to begin your method into Misplaced Forest, among the finest areas to discover when it’s raining. Dense bushes and even bamboo present pure cowl, and several other trails right here supply sheltered views and indoor experiences. And, actually, you may spend a complete day on these trails alone.
Misplaced Forest Trails Value Visiting in Moist Climate:
- Fern Canyon Path: A scenic, shaded downhill path previous waterfalls, birds, and aviaries. Not stroller-friendly.
- Hippo Path: Ends at a dry, enclosed hippo viewing cave, the place you may watch them swim from indoors.
- Monkey Path: Options monkeys, birds, and luxurious cover cowl with overhangs close to exhibit areas.
- Tiger Path: Loop by mangrove-like habitats with tapirs and Malayan tigers with partial shelter out there.
- Treetops Method: Leads uphill to Bashor Bridge and elevators and connects Misplaced Forest to the mesa and eating spots.
Tip: Elephant Odyssey is on the opposite finish of Bashor Bridge!
Scripps Aviary
You’ll discover massive walk-through chook aviaries within the Misplaced Forest space. They’re open air, however fully netted excessive, and really feel like stepping right into a rainforest due to the myriad of lush tropical vegetation that may catch drizzle. Some birds love fluttering about, singing, and bathing in puddles when it rains. There’s additionally the Parker Aviary simply off Treetops Method.
Wet-Day Closures on the Zoo
Regardless that the Zoo stays open, these are the 2 points of interest which might be more likely to shut.
Skyfari Aerial Tram
The Skyfari is the gondola that usually zips you over the treetops from one finish of the Zoo to the opposite. This may shut because of excessive winds, heavy rain, or lightning within the space. If it’s simply mild rain with no wind, they generally hold it operating (for the reason that gondolas are coated), however typically they shut it down as a precaution.
Plan to stroll: The Zoo is hilly. Usually, Skyfari helps forestall drained ft by serving to folks get uphill and downhill. When it’s closed, you can too use elevators, however I don’t discover the stroll too troublesome.
Outside Reveals
The principle present, Wildlife Wonders at Wegeforth Bowl, is in an outside amphitheater. If it’s actively raining, they’ll usually cancel the reside present for visitor and animal security and luxury. On the intense aspect, there are sometimes keeper talks or smaller encounters at indoor areas that also occur rain or shine.
Most different displays keep open. The animals would possibly select to cover (otherwise you may not see all of them). Control the app for any particular closures.
Finest Locations to Keep Dry Whereas Consuming
Albert’s Restaurant is the perfect place to eat as a result of it provides indoor eating and a coated patio. It’s tucked into the Misplaced Forest zone the place you’re more likely to be exploring anyway.
I like consuming right here as a result of the meals is surprisingly good for a theme park and so they serve beer and wine. You must make a reservation on OpenTable as quickly as attainable since you received’t be the one particular person with this concept.
The remainder of the Zoo’s eating areas are largely coated by umbrellas, which may help in mild rain, although they aren’t 100% dry. These locations have indoor counter service and huge coated patios and are more likely to be open:
- Entrance Road Cafe: That is close to the doorway, and so they serve burgers and typical theme park meals in addition to some big desserts and margaritas
- Sabertooth Mexican: I like consuming right here, rain or shine. It’s additionally cafeteria type with coated out of doors seating.
- Sydney’s Grill: It has the added bonus of being close to the koalas. I’d duck in to see in the event that they’re out, however they’re most likely not transferring (they don’t transfer a ton in regular climate both).
And naturally, you’re at all times welcome to convey your individual meals and sit wherever you wish to eat it. See my information to San Diego Zoo meals insurance policies and the place to eat in San Diego Zoo.
Animals: Who Loves the Rain (and Who Doesn’t)
One of many finest perks of a wet zoo day is how the animals reply. Many individuals assume animals conceal from the rain. In actuality, loads of them turn into extra energetic and playful. Whereas I can by no means assure who you’ll or received’t see, listed here are the usuals.
Rain-Loving Wildlife
Taking a look at this checklist, these are the animals I wish to see in sunshine, too.
Elephants (Prime Decide)
Elephants completely love the rain. At each the Zoo and Safari Park, you’ll typically see the elephants flapping their ears, splashing in puddles, and coating themselves in mud, which is their model of a spa day.
Tigers
In contrast to housecats, tigers don’t thoughts water. They commonly swim on sizzling days, and on cooler wet days, they’re extra actively pacing and giving guests a present.
Large Pandas
These bears are constructed for cool, moist climate with thick fur that repels water. On a drizzly day, you would possibly nonetheless see the pandas sitting out within the open, contentedly munching bamboo. (If it actually pours, they do have indoor habitats to retreat to.)
Polar Bears
What’s additionally good concerning the Polar Bear Plunge exhibit is that the viewing space is roofed. So you may sit and hopefully see a few of the bears swim of their pool.
Pygmy Hippos
They’re within the water anyway and likewise within the Misplaced Forest, so make sure to see them. Their viewing space can be coated.
Rhinos & Giraffes
These safari icons are fairly detached to showers and normally hold grazing as traditional. This implies you’ll nonetheless see them out and about. Rhinos additionally have a tendency to like mud.
These That Desire to Cover
Gorillas & Orangutans
These nice apes are loads like us and don’t love getting moist. On the Zoo’s Gorilla Forest, if it’s raining closely, you’ll possible spot precisely zero gorillas outdoors. They’ve cozy heated indoor rooms and out of doors rock shelters. Orangutans are related and would possibly keep of their treehouse. So mood your expectations for ape encounters in a downpour.
Reptiles (out of doors species)
Animals, akin to Galápagos tortoises, or different reptiles with out of doors yards, are normally given entry to their heated indoor dens when it’s chilly and moist. They typically select to remain inside or stay inactive.
Most different animals shall be hit-or-miss. Many shall be energetic just because it’s cooler. Birds are typically extra vocal. And a few animals would possibly conceal. It’s a little bit of luck, however typically a wet day yields extra motion than a sizzling summer season day.
Indoor Retailers & 4D Film Theater
Alongside Entrance Road you’ll discover a number of very giant indoor outlets filled with all of the merch you’d like. I do take pleasure in stopping in for birthday items and to browse books.
And the 4D theater is up by the polar bears must you wish to duck into see an academic but entertaining film. An extra charge applies and it’s at present $8 per particular person. You may verify the film schedule on-line.
San Diego Zoo on a Wet Day FAQ
Does San Diego Zoo supply rain checks or refunds for dangerous climate?
No. Nevertheless, most 1-Day tickets (together with ours) are legitimate for one yr from the acquisition date. Verify the advantageous print in your ticket, as you may apply it to a later date as a substitute. However should you’re solely on the town for dates with rain, your finest wager is to placed on that poncho and go benefit from the empty park.
Is the Zoo largely indoors or open air?
It’s primarily an out of doors park the place you’ll stroll between wildlife displays. You’ll find coated viewing spots, indoor outlets and displays, and coated out of doors eating areas.
Will or not it’s crowded if it’s raining?
Under no circumstances, and that is arguably the perfect a part of a wet go to. On a reasonably wet day, you would possibly really feel like you’ve gotten the entire place to your self. There shall be only a few vacationers, and the individuals who shall be there are the locals with memberships who realize it’s a good time to go.
After all, it depends upon the day, however you may truly see extra animals on a wet day since you see extra with fewer folks in entrance of displays.
What if there’s lightning or a thunderstorm?
If there’s lightning, the parks will instantly droop out of doors rides and excursions, particularly the Skyfari tram. Some areas can quickly shut (and the animals are introduced inside for security). The hot button is to have the San Diego Zoo app in your cellphone, verify it all through your day, and take note of any in-park bulletins.
The place’s the most important cluster of rain-friendly actions?
You may spend a complete wet day on Entrance Road close to the doorway. At one finish is Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, and the opposite is the Australian Outback. In between, you’ll see the 2 largest reward outlets, Reptile Home, Hummingbird Habitat, Entrance Road Cafe, catch the bus tour, and perhaps duck right into a Misplaced Forest path or two from right here.
If it weren’t for the polar bears and elephants being good selections for wet days, I’d let you know to stay to Entrance Road. The opposite profit is that Entrance Road is a flat highway.
Pictures Perks on Wet Days
Lots of people observe pictures on the Zoo and I’ve heard all through the years {that a} wet day go to can result in higher pictures even with simply your cellphone.
Much less Glass Glare
Many animal displays (assume tigers, jaguars, gorillas, and so on.) have viewing home windows in sheltered areas the place raindrops could not impede your view. On sunny days, these can have glare, and with cloudy, subtle mild, the glare disappears.
Richer Colours & Moods
Cloud cowl works like a large softbox in pictures. The colours of the foliage and animals can truly seem extra saturated. You additionally received’t get the tough shadows that noon solar creates, so it’s attainable to seize extra animal element like an elephant’s wrinkles or a gorilla’s face. Plus, the wet atmosphere provides ambiance if you know the way to catch the precise drops.
Fewer Individuals within the Background
The chance of getting to erase random folks within the background of your pictures is decreased on much less crowded days.
Closing Ideas: Embrace the Parts
Visiting the San Diego Zoo within the rain requires further prep and rain gear, however you’ll additionally take pleasure in a crowd-free, up-close-and-personal expertise with the animals and displays.
My recommendation: If it’s not a thunderstorm or extreme downpour, go have the finest day ever. Simply don’t pay full value on San Diego Zoo tickets.
