Top American Zoos – The Phoenix Zoo

In the wake of our notorious article, “The Top 10 Zoos in America“, we more or less let our individual zoo articles fall by the wayside. But no more! We’re coming back strong with our choice as the #4 zoo in America: The Phoenix Zoo.

You might not place your finger on it immediately, but you’ll realize during you’re very first visit to the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona that something is different. Maybe it’s the unique, sprawling, trail-like structure, maybe it’s the inline skaters whizzing past, maybe it’s the picnicking families, or maybe it’s just the animals themselves. Indeed, with more than 1,300 scaled, furred and feathered friends to discover, over 200 of which belong to endangered species, the Phoenix Zoo is an endlessly rewarding attraction for animal-lovers and conservation enthusiasts of any age.

When forming our Top Ten list a few months back, we were drawn to the unusual build of the Phoenix Zoo, along with some decidedly customer-friendly policies. Rather than the more common habitat clusters, the zoo is structured into four lengthy walking trails – Africa, Arizona, Tropics and Children’s – each housing a wide glimpse of its theme in vast, natural habitats. Along with the four major trails, there are numerous side attractions including Harmony Farms, a large lake and the humongous 15,000-gallon Stingray Bay “touch” tank, featuring numerous rays and also horseshoe crabs, white-spotted bamboo sharks and nurse sharks.

We suspect you won’t be able to help but see them all, but absolute “must-sees” include white rhinoceros, spectacled bear, reticulated giraffe, Asian elephant, Sumatran tiger, and Padfoot the painting Ocelot.

At USA Travel Guide we always appreciate a customer-oriented approach, which is absolutely what you get at the Phoenix Zoo. Not only has the institution been recognized as one of the top five in the country for kids (the variety of interactive exhibits and kid/family-centric programming is rarely matched), it seems zoo administrators have gone out of their way not to gouge your wallets or your experience. Inline skates and bikes are allowed (but they request no skateboards, ’cause they’re, like, scared of being tubular) and you may also bring in coolers, beverages and food for a picnic at home-cooked prices. Wow!

The Phoenix Zoo is open 364 days a year, though hours vary by season. Regular adult admission is $16, but you can save a dollar on admission if you sign up for the newsletter before you go. The Web site recommends approximately 3 hours to enjoy the park, but for our money that pace is a little brisk. We can give it 4-5 easy. Learn more here.

For hotels in Phoenix, we always have luck with the Crowne Plaza Phoenix Hotel. It’s not quite on the same side of town, but things like free Internet, a five-mile area shuttle, and surprisingly affordable pet accommodations make the deal a good bit sweeter.

Have a great time at the Phoenix Zoo!

Related Posts

1. Top American Zoos – The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum
2. Top American Zoos – San Francisco Zoo
3. Top American Zoos – San Diego Zoo
4. Top American Zoos – San Antonio Zoo
5. Top American Zoos – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
6. Top American Zoos – Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo
7. Top American Zoos: Zoo Atlanta