Best Zoo
If you haven't visited a zoo since you were a child, it might be time to treat yourself and your family to a day with the animals. Today's zoos are wonders of conservation, sanctuaries for every alpaca, tarantula and zebra that needs care. Plants are invited to the party too, with many zoos weaving botanical gardens through every exhibit. We've ferreted out a list of world-class zoos in the U.S. that pride themselves on keeping the wild in wildlife, so you can see (and sometimes pet) an exotic variety of furry, feathery and slithery creatures.
These 10 zoos were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
1. North Carolina Zoo | Asheboro, NC
Hear howling wolves, growling cougars and barking tree frogs as you wander the sprawling 2,300-acre North Carolina Zoo. It's the world's largest natural habitat zoo, with five miles of trails and family-friendly wild spaces. If you'd rather ride than walk through this massive zoo, get your ticket for a Zoofari, a driving tour through the savanna habitat to see elephants, rhinos and plenty of other African animals.
2. San Antonio Zoo | San Antonio, TX
What began as a small collection of buffalo and bears has expanded to thousands of creatures that fly, swim and crawl throughout San Antonio Zoo's global exhibits. Start your morning in Australia watching kangaroos, and then reach the butterflies of the Amazonian jungle by noon. If you want to do the zoo like a VIP, its much-loved tours let you go behind the scenes and give you after-hours access.
3. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance |
Denver, CO
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an oasis in the city, bringing the wild side of life to downtown. After you've taken a walk with flamingos or gone Down Under to see kangaroos and wallabies, head to Asia to watch the elephants get their dinner or Africa to see the newest (and cutest) addition to the zoo's family, a baby giraffe. As a bonus, the zoo offers free days throughout the year.
4. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium |
Tacoma, WA
At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, you can pet moon jellies and goats (though not at the same time) before taking a trip to the Arctic tundra to meet polar bears and walruses. Mount Rainier and Puget Sound make beautiful backdrops for the Rocky Shores exhibit, where you'll find the always popular sea otters and puffins. Want more time at the zoo? Sign up for an overnight Zoo Snooze.
5. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden |
Columbia, SC
You may forget you're there for the animals as you meander past the blooms, waterfalls and historical sites at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. See all your favorites, from giraffes and koalas to Komodo dragons and sharks, and go backstage to meet flamingos, tortoises and grizzly bears. Then cross the Saluda River bridge to the botanical gardens, where you can smell the roses while your kids enjoy a dino dig.
6. San Diego Zoo | San Diego, CA
A unique walk on the wild side awaits inside San Diego Zoo, consistently recognized as one of the best zoos in the world. This lofty status isn't just hype; you'll see rare and endangered creatures like clouded leopards and tree lobsters, all set against a botanical wonderland. Take the 60-minute guided cart tour to see two of the nation's four pandas and the largest koala colony outside Australia.
7. Rolling Hills Zoo | Salina, KS
Lions and tigers and—spectacled bears? Oh my! Rolling Hills Zoo is home to creatures from around the world, from the plains of Africa to the shores of Fiji. Locals live here too, like prairie dogs and bald eagles, which you'll spot on guided bird-watching tours. The zoo's greatest claim to fame comes from its nature museum, a fascinating mix of animatronic storytellers and dioramas showcasing wildlife and prairie art.
8. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo |
Colorado Springs, CO
Consistently ranked one of the top zoos in the U.S., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is also the nation's only mountain zoo. You'll love soaring over the tigers and leopards on the Mountaineer Sky Ride before plunging to the depths at the Water's Edge hippo exhibit. If you can't make it to the zoo's popular giraffe feeding, don't worry: there are dozens of hands-on activities, including painting alongside geckos!
9. Houston Zoo | Houston, TX
Once you step through the entrance, you'll quickly learn why Houston Zoo has become a top attraction in Texas' largest city. Watch giant tortoises and Humboldt penguins in the unique Galápagos Islands exhibit, then traipse through the Brazilian tropics to see capybaras and jaguars. The zoo's thousands of animals aren't just on show; you can meet many in interactive encounters, from giant anteaters and gorillas to sea lions and llamas.
10. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and
Aquarium | Omaha, NE
Searching for a wild time in one of the planet's best zoos? You've found it: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will blow you away with exhibits that exist nowhere else. Discover America's largest indoor rainforest (complete with monkeys and pygmy hippos), the world's largest indoor desert and the mysterious nocturnal exhibit filled with bats, crocodiles and other creatures of the night. Then take to the treetops aboard the Skyfari.
About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards
Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.
Our Featured Panelists
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt is a top authority on luxury travel and is called the most influential person in the world regarding spa travel. Followers of @SpaTravelGal will tell you she is responsible for transforming the idea of a spa day into a wellness adventure! Her passion for unique experiences has carried her around the world from "taking the waters" in Europe's thermal spas to hiking waterfalls in the rainforests of Ecuador for a massage surrounded by hummingbirds. She is the founder of Spa Travel Gal and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and Wellness Tourism Association.
Catherine Parker
Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that's driven her across North America, visiting all 50 states, seven Canadian provinces and seven Mexican states as well as top destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. After graduating from the University of Houston, Catherine started her career in travel and tourism as a flight attendant. A writer for over 10 years, she maintains an active roster of national publications. Catherine also publishes a travel website, CarfulOfKids.com. Her favorite places are national parks, museums and sidewalk cafés. She's torn between a weekend in the mountains or the beach.
Jill Robbins
Jill Robbins is an expert writer focusing on family and adventure travel as well as practical tips to help everyone get the most value out of their vacation experience. Jill's work has appeared in AAA Texas, Southern Living, Business Insider, Fodor's Travel and more. She lives in San Antonio with her husband and two sons, but she's usually somewhere else. Learn more about her travels at www.jillgoes.com.
Marguerite "Peggy" Cleveland
Marguerite "Peggy" Cleveland is a travel and food writer focusing on cultural experiences, food and wine for travelers over 50. She runs the website Peggy, Where Should I Go? and contributes to Business Insider, SheBuysTravel, TravelAwaits, Northwest Travel and Life, and Food, Wine & Travel. Peggy is the author of 100 Things to Do in Tacoma Before You Die with Reedy Press. Her writing highlights unique destinations and local cuisine, offering practical insights and inspiration for her readers. She is a NATJA and IFWTWA member. Follow her on Instagram.
Susan Lanier-Graham
Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.
Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.