Lonely PlanetSep 14, 2026
7 of the Best Zoos in the USA
From San Diego to the Bronx, here
17 sights in this story
- Cheyenne Mountain ZooZooOffers memorable experiences, including feeding giraffes eye-to-eye.
- Elsewhere
- Bronx ZooZooNew York City, United StatesOne of the country's largest metropolitan zoos, spread across 265 acres.
- San Diego ZooZooSan Diego, United StatesPioneered cageless exhibits, home to rare and endangered animals.
- Disney’s Animal KingdomSightOrlando, United StatesTheme park with AZA accreditation and rigorous animal care standards.
- Kilimanjaro SafarisSightOrlando, United StatesSafari ride across savannas with giraffes, rhinos, and elephants.
- Henry Doorly Zoo and AquariumZooOmaha, United StatesFeatures the world's largest indoor desert and a rainforest under glass.
- Desert DomeSightOmaha, United StatesWorld's largest indoor desert, recreating ecosystems from Namibia to Australia.
- Kingdoms of the NightSightOmaha, United StatesUnderground exhibit recreating caves, swamps, and nocturnal forests.
- Lied JungleSightOmaha, United StatesAmerica’s largest indoor rainforest, home to pygmy hippos and tapirs.
- Congo Gorilla ForestAttractionNew York City, United StatesAdmission fees directly support conservation work in Central Africa.
- Frozen ZooSightSan Diego, United StatesPreserves living genetic material from 1300 species at -320°F.
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology InstituteSightWashington, United StatesA scientific establishment working on wildlife health and species conservation.
- ZooMontanaSightBillings, United StatesFocuses on species adapted to northern climates, with botanical gardens.
- Columbus ZooSightColumbus, United StatesPremier family destination with eight geographic regions and interactive exhibits.
- The WildsZooCumberland, United StatesSister facility to Columbus Zoo, supporting wildlife projects globally.
- Tiger MountainSightNew York City, United States
- Himalayan HighlandsSightNew York City, United States
