San Diego Zoo

Top pick; calls it one of the country's best zoos and says it's quieter on Tuesdays.

Advises arriving right at opening so much of the zoo can be seen before the crowds build.

Frequent visitor who finds the zoo much better right at opening, with easier parking, fewer people, and more active animals.

Says a day feels long with many hills; suggests visiting the less-shaded areas early and saving shaded trails for midday.

Calls it fabulous and says it differs from the other park rather than being worse.

Says covering the whole zoo in a single day is easy to manage.

Suggests late-afternoon visits when it's cooler and crowds thin; locals should buy a membership for short trips.

Says it's a full-day experience and enjoyable for everyone.

Says one day works and an early first step gives a good overview.

Rates the zoo as just as impressive as the safari park.

Expects summer crowds, but says the zoo is big enough that it never got anywhere near Disneyland-level crowding.

Says the zoo works well for everyone when visiting with a stroller.

Their family visits right when the gates open, because the tigers tend to be lively early in the day.

Strongly recommends the San Diego zoo, calling it world class.

Calls the zoo one of the bigger, more touristy stops to see.

Answers that the zoo is the pick for this trip.

Suggests the zoo as the pick for this visit.

Shares a detailed one-day route with tips on timing, pacing, water breaks and parking; says you can cover most of it.

Has visited both many times and gives the zoo a slight edge if only one is possible.

Visits often for its species and layout, though it can feel overwhelming when crowded.

Says the zoo might be top in the world.

Calls the zoo awesome and fantastic, and says it is a popular spot for visitors.