Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to the 133-acre Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Griffith Park. The zoo is home to more than 1,100 animals, while its botanical gardens include more than 800 species, many of which supply food for those animals.
The zoo is hilly, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes. A shuttle is also available for a nominal fee (around $2 to $4).
Best and worst time to go to Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The best time to go is on weekdays in the late spring, before it gets too warm and crowded, and early in the day, when the animals are the most active.
The worst time is August and any hot day, because most of the animals just want to snooze in the shade.
Must see/do at Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Every weekend and holiday at noon, the zoo offers the behind-the-scenes Indian Rhino Encounter Tour, where up to 25 visitors can touch and feed a rhinoceros. Tickets (in addition to the zoo admission fee) are about $15. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult; children under 4 are not allowed on this tour.
In the state-of-the-art Rainforest of the Americas exhibit, visitors will feel as if they're walking through an actual rainforest while observing critters like a jaguar, howler monkey, toucan and piranha.
The LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates and Reptiles) features 60 species, many of which are endangered. Visitors can watch zookeepers feed and care for these animals in the building's various sections, including the desert, crocodile swamp and arroyo lagarto (lizard stream).
Admission to Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Admission prices are around $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $15 for children ages 2 to 12. Children under 2 are admitted free.
The zoo is open every day except Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking at Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
It is usually free to park in the zoo's lot, except on peak attendance days such as holiday weekends and special events, when a nominal fee (around $5) is charged.
Public transportation to Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Metro Local Line 96 bus, which runs between Union Station and the Burbank Metrolink Station, stops at the zoo.
Food at Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
There are eight places to grab a meal or snack in the zoo. The most fun is Reggie's Bistro, named after an elusive alligator that lived in the lake in a Harbor City park for two years. Reggie was finally captured in 2007 and brought to the zoo. Visitors dining on the outdoor patio might catch a glimpse of him while enjoying a sandwich (about $10), gourmet salad (around $11) or craft beer (around $6).
Insider tip for visitors to Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
On Fridays during the summer, the zoo offers a Family Four Pack that includes four discounted admissions and about 10 percent off merchandise in the gift shops.
Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer, lifelong Angeleno and longtime animal welfare advocate. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.