Best Zoo in North Park

"Little ones (and bigger kids too!) can get super hot walking around all day, so head to the Savannah Cool Zone for some splash time. You'll find water spraying and big, slippery play critters that spout water: a turtle, a lion, and a crocodile. On a warm day, your tyke is sure to dry quickly as you continue your adventure, but we suggest going all in and wearing a swimsuit for this essential pit stop."

"The San Diego Zoo is San Diego’s most popular attraction and renowned for conservation efforts. Having visited many zoos across the country and globe, ours is no doubt among the best in the world (some might say the best). Highlights include the pandas, koalas, Polar Bear Plunge, Children’s Zoo (temporarily closed for renovation), Skyfari Tram, Africa Rocks and more."

"In all honesty we have been to so many zoos that we normally skip them when we come to a city. But there was no way we would skip the San Diego Zoo. I mean come on now, it is THE zoo."

"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."

"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."

"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."

"The Lost Forest is a fun little area packed with extensive trails that wind through exhibits and aviaries. These trails are home to animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa, and wind their way up into the canopy as well as along the forest floor, with arboreal animals displayed above and ground dwellers below. You’ll find monkeys, barbirusas, tigers, great apes, okapis, and several various species of exotic birds."

"Guests will feel like there are in the rain forest when they enter the Lost Forest. The Lost Forest is in the northeast corner of the Zoo. Some animals in this area include hippos, tigers, okapi, otters, birds and primates."

"The Asian Passage is south of Panda Canyon and is a simulation of a tropical Asian rain forest. This scenic passage includes grizzly bears, snow leopards, and sun bears. This spectacular area also features the Sun Bear Forest, which resembles a southeast Asian rain forest, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden."

"The Asian Passage area includes the Sun Bear Forest, Grizzly Bear exhibit, and more. It’s a fun area to explore, and isn’t quite as big as Africa Rocks."

"Elephant Odyssey is one of the most well known parts of the park. It’s a huge area that’s dedicated solely to several beautiful African and Asian elephants. The Elephants are free to roam among large areas, and it also includes the Elephant Care Center where you may see a zookeeper caring for one of them."

"The Elephant Odyssey is home to the African and Asian elephant habitat. This area includes the majestic elephants along with the Elephant Care Center and Fossil Portal. Guests can also see lions, jaguars, California condor, camels, and the Malayan tapir."

"For nearly 40 years, this family owned shop has been scooping cones of traditional Mexican-style ice cream in wild flavors that include chili cucumber, rice pudding, and the customer favorite pistachio. With their secret recipe, owners Juan and Juanito Andrade use old-fashioned methods to create their creamy specialties. While a scoop will only set you back $1.90, make sure to bring cash."

"This old-school (and cash only) gem in the South Bay has been making delicious Mexican style ice cream and traditional paletas, plus sundaes, fresh sorbets and banana splits since the late 1970s. Still family owned and operated, flavors here range from tropical guava and coconut to jamaica and tamarindo."

"Step into what feels like a true Italian gelateria at Chocolat Cremerie in the heart of the the Gaslamp. Choose from flavors like Basil Lemon, Chocolate Pear, and Gianduia Chocolate (with hazelnut and almond paste). Wear your stretchy pants — there are also tarts, crepes, and brulées to be had!"

"A post shared by Steph Mernagh (@stephmernagh) on Apr 26, 2016 at 10:03pm PDT. Chocolat Cremerie arguably ranks at the top when it comes to mouthwatering gelato displays. This photo alone gives each of us an intense desire to try out all flavors behind the glass!"

"Famous for gelato, exquisite chocolate and tasty crepes, this bistro is a local favorite. It's even open late-night for those who need to satisfy a sweet tooth. Try cream-stuffed croissants and eggs for breakfast."

"The buzz: A multifaceted culinary experience in one of San Diego's fanciest neighborhoods.The food: Fort Oak is conveniently situated in the new mixed-use building The Fort, and in normal times offers disjointed bars and dining rooms that provide a variety of experiences, including the main dining room, a separate bar, and a chef’s table section with a grill and intimate seating. The menu at Fort Oak zeroes in on wood-fired cooking with surprising and creative twists like hearth-roasted carrots with quinoa, Humboldt fog, pickled fennel, and smoky yogurt; and garlicky hearth-grilled prawns with elote aioli and shishito relish. The quirky cocktail menu features separate sections for martinis and low-ABV drinks, ensuring something for everyone.The cost: Shareable starters are $7-24, chilled raw seafood and towers run $16-138, entrees cost $34-99, cocktails are $12-15 while beer and by the glass wine are $12-18.How to book: Make a reservation for indoor or patio dining via Tock."

"Housed in a former Ford dealership in the upscale, pedestrian-friendly Mission Hills neighborhood, Fort Oak draws foodies of every age. pauch like their wildly successful Trust restaurant in the nearby Hillcrest neighborhood, executive chef and co-owner Brad Wise and his team focus on rustic, wood-fired dishes. The proof is in the custom-built 7,000-pound grill used to cook most dishes."

"1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 722-3398Set Up Your Reservations Here$$$$ | Surf & Turf. This is where rustic meets elegance. At Fort Oak, everything that can be made from scratch is made from scratch with prime ingredients."

"It comes complete with cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, spatulas and decorations for you to decorate your own unique cupcake treats at home."