12 Incredible Zoos From Coast to Coast, Washington To Florida

Across America, extraordinary zoos deliver unforgettable wildlife experiences for animal lovers of all ages.

Stretching between Washington state and sunny Florida, these spectacular animal sanctuaries combine conservation efforts with interactive exhibits that educate and inspire visitors.

Ready for a wild adventure? Pack your bags as we explore 12 must-visit zoos showcasing the very best of animal care, conservation, and family entertainment.

1. Woodland Park Zoo: Seattle’s Lush Wildlife Haven

Nestled among Seattle’s greenery, this award-winning zoo pioneered naturalistic exhibits that revolutionized how animals are displayed worldwide.

Wandering through 92 acres feels like globe-trotting as you encounter over 1,000 animals in meticulously designed habitats. The immersive Assam Rhino Reserve and tropical Jaguar Cove stand out as visitor favorites.

2. San Diego Zoo: California’s World-Famous Animal Kingdom

Sprawling across 100 acres in Balboa Park, this iconic destination houses more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing 650+ species.

Visitors marvel at the expansive Elephant Odyssey and the remarkable Skyfari aerial tram offering breathtaking panoramic views. Since opening in 1916, the zoo has evolved into a global leader in conservation and breeding programs.

3. Bronx Zoo: New York’s Urban Wildlife Treasure

As America’s largest metropolitan zoo, this 265-acre wilderness in the heart of New York City astonishes with its scale and diversity.

Opened in 1899, the historic institution now welcomes visitors to explore Congo Gorilla Forest where majestic primates roam. Animal lovers particularly enjoy the Wild Asia Monorail tour, offering intimate glimpses of tigers, elephants, and rhinos in spacious natural settings.

4. Dallas Zoo: Texas-Sized Animal Adventures

Spanning 106 acres just south of downtown, Dallas Zoo splits into two distinct regions: ZooNorth and Wilds of Africa.

Visitors rave about the Giants of the Savanna habitat where elephants, giraffes, and lions roam together as they would in nature. Little ones squeal with delight at the award-winning Children’s Zoo, featuring hands-on experiences with friendly farm animals and interactive play areas.

5. Philadelphia Zoo: America’s First Animal Park

Making history as America’s first true zoo in 1874, this 42-acre Victorian garden remains both pioneering and charming.

Visitors adore the revolutionary Zoo360 trail system – mesh trails allowing animals to travel above guests’ heads between habitats. Families flock to the KidZooU education center where youngsters interact with rare heritage breeds while learning about conservation through engaging hands-on activities.

6. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: Historic Home of Fiona

Founded in 1875, this beloved institution seamlessly blends animal exhibits with stunning gardens across 75 meticulously maintained acres.

Worldwide fame came when Fiona the hippo, born premature in 2017, captured hearts through her inspiring survival story. Beyond celebrity hippos, visitors marvel at the Cat Canyon’s close encounters with magnificent felines and the breathtaking 4-acre Africa exhibit featuring cheetahs and lions.

7. Fort Worth Zoo: Texas’ Premier Wildlife Experience

Starting with just a handful of animals in 1909, Fort Worth Zoo now ranks among America’s top zoological parks with over 7,000 native and exotic animals.

Visitors swoon over the 10-acre African Savanna where giraffes, rhinos, and hippos roam in naturalistic settings. Kids especially love the nationally acclaimed Museum of Living Art (MOLA) featuring 5,700 reptiles and amphibians in state-of-the-art, environmentally controlled habitats.

8. St. Louis Zoo: Missouri’s Free Wildlife Wonderland

Remarkably offering free admission to all, this world-class zoo welcomes over 3 million visitors annually to its 90-acre Forest Park location.

Animal lovers marvel at the Historic Hill area, featuring the 1904 World’s Fair Flight Cage – now a walk-through aviary. Families particularly enjoy the Penguin & Puffin Coast exhibit where visitors can watch these charismatic birds dive and swim just inches away through glass viewing panels.

9. Smithsonian’s National Zoo: Washington DC’s Living Treasure

Situated on 163 acres in Rock Creek Park, this iconic institution offers free admission as part of the Smithsonian museum system.

Giant pandas remain the undisputed stars here, drawing crowds since the first pair arrived as gifts from China in 1972. Beyond pandas, visitors marvel at the Think Tank exhibit demonstrating orangutan intelligence and the immersive Amazonia habitat recreating a complete rainforest ecosystem.

10. Brookfield Zoo: Chicago’s Suburban Safari

Pioneering naturalistic habitats since 1934, this 216-acre oasis just outside Chicago houses approximately 2,300 animals across 450 species.

Visitors marvel at Tropic World, one of the largest indoor zoo exhibits worldwide, featuring three distinct rainforest habitats. Families especially love the Great Bear Wilderness with its underwater viewing areas for polar bears and the Seven Seas dolphin show featuring spectacular acrobatic performances.

11. Miami Zoo: Tropical Paradise for Wildlife Lovers

Sprawling across 750 acres, Miami Zoo uniquely houses animals in barrier-free exhibits grouped by geographical region rather than species.

Visitors adore the Amazon & Beyond area showcasing jaguars, giant river otters, and harpy eagles in lush tropical settings. During hot Florida days, families flock to the refreshing water play areas while animal lovers appreciate the innovative moated habitats allowing unobstructed views of magnificent creatures.

12. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Jack Hanna’s Legacy of Excellence

Forever associated with beloved wildlife advocate Jack Hanna, this world-renowned facility spans 580 acres divided into global regions.

Visitors marvel at the Heart of Africa exhibit featuring giraffes, lions, and cheetahs roaming vast savannas. During winter holidays, the spectacular Wildlights display transforms the zoo into a magical wonderland with millions of LED lights synchronized to music, drawing crowds from across the Midwest.