12 Top Rated Zoos in the U.S

There’s nothing like spending the day outdoors, viewing our world’s most fascinating animals and plants. With the help of zoos across the U.S., we can watch playful sea lions splash in water or primates swing from tree branches.

As incredible as it is to see these Animals up close and personal, many zoos provide face-to-face animal encounters. Some of the best zoos in the U.S. do a fantastic job to protect endangered species, provide animal welfare, and help educate their guests.

To help you plan your next outdoor activity, we’ve compiled a list of the top zoos in the United States. Can you guess as to who took our top spot? Let’s find out!

12. Zoo Miami

Get ready to embark on a fun-filled journey by tram tour or safari cycle. Home to over 2,500 animals, Zoo Miami has almost 400 various species homed for your viewing pleasure. From Australian koalas to jaguars from the Amazon, traveling to Zoo Miami will feel like traveling worldwide!

When planning your visit, you must stop by their new interactive exhibit, the Conservation Action Center. In this indoor exhibit, you’ll make your way through a python while you’ll learn more about this fascinating species.

After strolling through the zoo, grab a bite to eat at Nourish 305. As Zoo Miami’s first indoor restaurant, Zoo Miami offers wraps, flatbreads, and made-to-order salads for guests.

11. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Ohio

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is home to more than 400 animal specials and 3,000 plant species. As one of the best and oldest zoos in the nation, it also leads to the reproduction of endangered species.

When planning your adventure, you can experience various rides and attractions. While walking through the African habitat, you’ll have face-to-face encounters with vultures, lesser kudu, and more! Also found at the Cincinnati Zoo are painted dogs, giraffes, and African lions.

Of course, we can’t forget to mention the African Penguin Point. Here, you’ll learn and see about endangered African penguins. Watch these magnificent birds swim underwater for a face-to-face experience.

10. Bronx Zoo in New York City

Spanning over such a large area, the Bronx Zoo allows you to connect with animals you love. With their one-of-a-kind butterfly exhibit, you can view over a dozen species. Here, you can view the most fascinating life cycle of these uniquely-colored insects.

When visiting, you must see the star attraction, the Congo Gorilla Forest. Watch these nurturing and playful gorillas with their unique personality. We guarantee it will be a thrill watching these animals interact.

As a popular destination for families, take your little ones to ride Bug Carousel. From riding a dung beetle to a long-legged praying mantis, this ride will surely put a smile on your child’s face.

9. Denver Zoo in Colorado

With more than 2,500 animals to view, the Denver Zoo has many habitats to explore. Here, you can learn about the endangered Huon tree kangaroos from down under. Spend time in the Emerald Forest, where the acrobatic primates spend their days swinging and climbing.

Are you interested more in predator species? You’ll love Predator Ridge, where you’ll view spotted hyenas and African lions. This habitat resembles the landscaping of the African Savanna and has indoor viewing areas for up close and personal experiences.

Take a break in between habitat viewings and make your way to Brown Bear BBQ. Enjoy massive BBQ sandwiches, Mac n cheese, and many traditional side dishes.

8. Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Home to over 2,200 Animals, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a popular and free tourist destination. With approximately two million visitors each year, you’ll get to view more than 400 different species during your trip.

If you’re Traveling with little ones, check out the Kid Farm exhibit. Watch their eyes light up as they see chickens, fish, donkeys, hogs, alpacas, and cows.

Next, explore the Elephant Trail exhibit, where you’ll see the behaviors of seven Asian elephants. At this exhibit, you’ll experience the sounds, sights, and smells of this endangered herd of elephants. Don’t worry; these fascinating animals have plenty of space to move around in this exhibit.

The Smithsonian National Zoo takes around two-to-three hours to tour fully. Additionally, it sits on a hill, so ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes.

7. Brookfield Zoo in Illinois

The Brookfield Zoo in Illinois is home to 3,481 animals, all of which belong to 511 species. Boasting a diverse collection of wildlife, the Tropical World exhibit is a hit among visitors. Coming from three continents, the exhibit includes orangutans, gorillas, colobus, and spider monkeys.

Of course, you can’t leave the zoo without heading over to the Penguin Encounter Room. Here, you’ll mingle with precious penguins, learn about their behaviors, and more! The Penguin Encounter Room has limited capacity, so reserve your ticket online in advance.

The Brookfield Zoo offers wagons, child strollers, wheelchairs, and electronic convenience vehicles for renting. You can reserve any of these on their online website.

6. Houston Zoo in Texas

Situated in a tropical landscape, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals from 800 species. This southern zoo is dedicated to helping endangered species, providing educational opportunities, and offering stimulating exhibits.

Check out the elephant herd, including the youngest elephants, Teddy and Winnie, who love splashing in the pool. Other Animals you’ll see inside are Malayan tigers, western lowland gorillas, southern white rhinos, and more!

One of the top encounters at the Houston Zoo, however, is the Sea Lion encounter. You’ll get to learn all about sea lions, pose for photos, and help the keepers with short training sessions!

5. Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago

The Lincoln Park Zoo is an exceptional tourist spot to hang out when the weather is nice, and you want to get outdoors. It has educational programs for adults and children, such as Garden Tours and Sing Alongs. From polar bear training to feeding birds, you’ll want to stay in the know about activities and programs at this zoo.

This zoo has over 1,100 mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds representing over 200 species. Whether you want to say gray seals, slow-moving sloths, or giraffes, the Lincoln Park Zoo has it all. The park is constantly getting new animals, so check their website.

4. St. Louis Zoo in Missouri

The St. Louis Zoo is one of the only US zoos with more than 14,000 Animals. Many of these Animals are endangered and rare, coming from 500 species. These species represent biomes and major continents worldwide.

The St. Louis Zoo is the perfect activity to spend your day outdoors, learning about zebras, great apes, lions, and more! Interested in animals who love the water? Go to the splash zone to see playful sea lions from the underwater viewing tunnel.

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by Rivers Edge. Here, you can view herds of elephants, hippos, hyenas, bears, and painted dogs!

3. Henry Doorly Zoo in Nebraska

Known as one of the best zoos worldwide, the Henry Doorly Zoo will give you a fantastic interactive zoo experience. This zoo will also provide you with many travel-worthy experiences.

Take a stroll through the biggest indoor desert and rainforest. Explore underground caves and exotic locations to see many animals worldwide in their natural habitat.

With the world’s largest indoor desert, you’ll see animal and plant life from the Namib Desert, the Sonoran Desert, and the Red Center of Australia. When strolling through the rainforest, you’ll go through wet caves over a swing bridge and see primates swinging among trees. With large indoor exhibits, this Omaha zoo is a must-visit for locals and tourists!

2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

You know we had to save one of the best for last! As the runner-up to the best zoos in the US, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is every adult’s and child’s dream vacation! With some of the top attractions, you’ll receive the ultimate animal-viewing experience.

Take a ride on the Avatar Flight of Passage, where you’ll ride on a winged mountain banshee. Take a 60-minute tour to view African Elephants. Or, visit the Hippopotamus’ who loves playing and lounging around while you walk through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

Be sure to bring your comfortable walking shoes! Tourists take more than one day to explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

1. San Diego Zoo in California

Known for its naturalistic habitats and one-of-a-kind animal encounters, the San Diego Zoo has more than 3,700 animals. These endangered animals represent 600 species, along with the collection of 700,000 plants.

With their Zoo Discovery upgraded experience, you can enjoy a guided tour to learn about the animals and animals and plants cared for. Learn about an Amur Leopard, watching it climb, explore, and play with new things in its habitat.

Want the ultimate zoo experience?! Take a 3.5-hour VIP tour to explore the zoo’s unique habitats. From a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the zoo’s conservation efforts and collaborative wildlife.