6 Cool Zoos to Visit in the United States

By Kenya Barrett


The summer is steadily approaching, which means there’s an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. One classic pastime, of course, is the good ole zoo! There’s nothing like observing a variety of different animal and plant exhibits while getting a whiff of that natural air!

Not sure which ones to visit – no worries! Here are 6 cool zoos in the U.S. to check out!


Bronx Zoo • Bronx, New York

One of the most popular zoos in the United States and quite possibly the world is the Bronx Zoo. This zoo is the largest of its kind to ever exist in a metropolitan area and has held that title since its opening in 1889. On average, the Bronx zoo has approximately 2.15 million visitors annually as it draws crowds from all over the world!

This location is home to 6,000 different species of animals ranging from gorillas, tigers, and giraffes to sea lions, baboons, and turkeys! If you’re a fan of insects, you can head to the butterfly garden and hang out with the colorfully friendly fliers. Children can enjoy their specialized section where they can safely interact with porcupines and foxes or feed farm animals! Visitors should plan to spend the entire day here to thoroughly experience all of the exhibits and spot some of their favorite animals!


Smithsonian’s National Zoo • Washington, D.C.

The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. and is among one of the oldest zoos in all of America. The zoo has been free of charge since its opening in 1889 and serves as home to 2,000 different animal species. The National Zoo comprises two campuses – the Rock Creek Park which houses most of the species and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI). The SCBI serves as a training facility for conservation professionals and is home to various species of trees, woody shrubs, plants, grasses, and bamboo.

Visitors touring the zoo can enjoy an array of exhibits that display the habitats of different species. Some of which include cheetahs, elephants, bison, and tortoises. What sets this zoo apart from others is certainly the panda exhibit. The beloved animals first arrived at the National Zoo back in 1972 and are celebrating their 50th anniversary in Washington D.C. this year!


San Diego Zoo • San Diego, California

San Diego first opened its gates to visitors in 1916 and has since held the title of the most visited zoo in the United States. The facility is currently home to approximately 12,000 animals from 650 species and subspecies around the world. San Diego Zoo is among one of the few facilities in the world that utilizes an open air/cageless concept that encourages free roaming within the animal exhibits.

Since the zoo spans 100 acres, visitors can utilize the guided tour bus or the gondola lift to get around and explore the various exhibits. Some of the exhibits available for viewing include the Owens Aviary, Monkey Trail and Forest Tales, Polar Bear Plunge, and Urban Jungle. In the past, San Diego was famous for being one of the only four zoos in the United States that had a giant panda exhibit. Although Panda Canyon closed in 2019, visitors are still able to view other native Chinese animals including red pandas and golden takins.


Honolulu Zoo • Honolulu, Hawaii

Originally, the Honolulu Zoo started off as a public park created by King Kalakaua for citizens of his kingdom in 1876. It contained his personal collection of various animals including stallions and exotic birds. Eventually, the park transformed as it acquired more animals ranging from monkeys, bears, and lion cubs to elephants, camels, and tortoises.

Today, the zoo is home to roughly 1,230 animals that thrive in specially designed enclosures. Although the facility is on the smaller side (42 acres) compared to its competitors, it houses a number of exotic and unique species that are rare to find anywhere else in the United States. Some of which include the Aldabra Tortoise (one of the largest in the world), the Kookaburra (a loudly laughing Australian bird), and The Sumatran tiger!


Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium • Omaha, Nebraska

The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most unique zoos in the United States. Having first opened in 1894, the facility stands as one of the leading zoos in research and animal conservation efforts. Today, visitors enjoy some of the zoo’s most popular exhibits including the African Grasslands, the Butterfly and Insect Pavillion, the Desert Dome, and the Asian Highlands.

In addition to the Henry Doorly Zoo owning one of the largest big cat complexes in the United States, the facility is home to the world's biggest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp named “Kingdoms of the Night.” Additionally, visitors can enjoy a spectacular indoor rainforest exhibit as well as a massive indoor desert exhibit at Henry Doorly Zoo!


Minnesota Zoo • Apple Valley, Minnesota

The Minnesota Zoo is among one the newer facilities on this list having first opened in 1978. Since its development, the zoo has been regularly praised for the unique organizational style of its animals. Unlike its competitors, the Minnesota Zoo houses species together in specific exhibits based on their original habitat in the wild. For example, whichever animals you’d find in the Sahara, are paired together in a Sahara-like environment at this facility!

During your visit, you’ll be sure to spot everything from lynxes, bald eagles, and wolverines to kangaroos, leopard sharks, and black bears! Additionally, guests can participate in various programs and events hosted at the zoo that include llama meet and greets, and the introduction of the newest baby goats, pigs, and lambs to the zoo.

Now that you've gotten an idea of the facilities out there, which of these amazing zoos in the US will you visit next?

EXPLORE THE U.S.

Create Account

The contact email is associated with an existing account, please sign in to continue.
If you have a password, you can use it below. Otherwise, just use your email address and reservation number to login. If you don't have an account, you can create one today.