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Best zoo destinations in North America

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Cincinnati
Where culture meets riverfront charm
7.3
Fiona the hippo weighed just 29 pounds at birth in January 2017 and became a global favourite. The zoo opened in 1875 and is the second oldest in the country. Martha, the last passenger pigeon, died here in 1914. Jungle Trails and Elephant Trek fill the grounds.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore history at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
  • ⚾ Catch a baseball game at the Great American Ball Park
  • 🐅 Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden renowned for wildlife
Nebraska
Rolling Prairies and Hidden Treasures
6.9
On the Great Plains in Omaha, Henry Doorly Zoo has one of the world's largest indoor deserts. It lies under a glass dome. Beneath it is Kingdoms of the Night, the world's largest nocturnal exhibit. Lied Jungle fills an 80 foot tall building. TripAdvisor rated the zoo the world's best in 2014.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between two states
  • 🦓 Explore Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and its massive indoor desert
  • 🪨 Visit Chimney Rock, an icon of the pioneer trail
Toronto
A vibrant mix of cultures and skyline
8.2
Tundra Trek, opened in 2009, has polar bears and Arctic wolves. The zoo covers 710 acres in the Rouge Valley and is the largest in Canada. It opened in 1974. Pandas from China stayed here from 2013 to 2018. Over 300 species include rhinos, lions and gorillas.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Visit Ripley’s Aquarium and walk through the underwater tunnel
  • 🏺 Explore historic Distillery District’s cobblestone lanes and galleries
  • 🌆 Take in skyline views from the top of CN Tower
Florida
Sunshine State, Endless Adventure
8.6
Humid air and the calls of tropical birds fill Zoo Miami, the largest zoo in the state. It covers about 750 acres of moated exhibits instead of cages. Wings of Asia is a walkthrough aviary of 54,000 square feet. Amazon and Beyond spreads across 27 acres of South American habitat.
Highlights:
  • 🐊 Spot alligators on an airboat tour in the Everglades
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Miami Beach
  • 🎠 Experience the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando
St. Louis
Gateway to the West's Soul
7.3
The Flight Cage, built for the 1904 World's Fair, is older than the Model T. It is 228 feet long and 50 feet high. Admission to the 90 acre zoo in Forest Park is free thanks to a local tax district. Penguin and Puffin Coast opened in 2003.
Highlights:
  • 🏗️ Explore the quirky City Museum built from reclaimed materials
  • 🖼️ Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
  • 🌆 Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for city views
Orlando
Theme park magic and sunny vibes
8.0
Cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable for walking Disney's Animal Kingdom. It opened in 1998 on 580 acres. Kilimanjaro Safaris sends open-sided vehicles past giraffes, elephants and lions. About 2,000 animals from 200 species live in the park, along with a tall baobab style tree.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Cool off at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach waterparks
  • 🎢 Ride thrilling roller coasters at Universal Orlando Resort
  • 🏰 Spend a magical day at Walt Disney World’s theme parks
San Diego
California's perfect weather playground
7.5
The Skyfari gondola lift, built in 1969, carries riders over the zoo in Balboa Park. The zoo covers about 100 acres and opened in 1916. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, two giant pandas, arrived in 2024. The Safari Park near Escondido is about 30 miles away and covers nearly 2,000 acres.
Highlights:
  • 🦭 Relax at La Jolla Cove and watch sea lions bask
  • 🚢 Visit the historic USS Midway Museum on Navy Pier
  • 🦓 Explore the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
Denver
Sunshine, Culture and Rocky Peaks
7.2
A gift of an orphaned black bear cub started Denver Zoo in 1896. Today it covers 80 acres in City Park. Toyota Elephant Passage opened in 2012 on 10 acres. Predator Ridge rotates African lions and spotted hyenas through savanna style yards. Tropical Discovery is topped by glass pyramids.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Stroll along Larimer Square and enjoy local dining and shops
  • 🖼️ Visit the Denver Art Museum and see modern masterpieces
  • 🎶 Explore the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and catch a live concert
Washington, D.C.
Capital of History and Culture
8.8
Congress created the National Zoo in 1889 for the advancement of science and the instruction of people. Admission is free. The 163 acre zoo lies in Rock Creek Park. Pandas have lived here since 1972. Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived in October 2024. Asia Trail opened in 2006.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall
  • 🕊️ Visit the Lincoln Memorial and reflect by the Reflecting Pool
  • 🏛️ Tour the U.S. Capitol and see American democracy in action
San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
8.5
Cool ocean air drifts over the zoo, which lies between Lake Merced and the Pacific along the Great Highway. It covers 100 acres. Grizzly Gulch and the Gorilla Preserve are major exhibits. The Primate Discovery Center has a Lemur Forest where small primates leap between branches.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Explore Alcatraz Island and tour the former prison
  • 🚋 Ride a classic cable car through steep hills
  • 🌉 Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
Bronx Zoo
Majestic wildlife encounters amid urban bustle
The Bronx River winds through this 265 acre zoo, the largest metropolitan zoo in the country. It opened in 1899. Congo Gorilla Forest covers 6.5 acres and holds about 20 western lowland gorillas. The Wild Asia Monorail runs a 1.6 mile loop. Tiger Mountain shows Amur tigers on three acres.
Highlights:
  • ☕️ Explore the interactive zoo café for local treats
  • 🦒 Feed giraffes at the feeding station during midday
  • 🐦 Stroll through the rainforest exhibit, marvel at exotic birds
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