Southern California - 2019 6 San Diego Zoo Safari Park

[Libby]

I’ve been an absolute failure with this trip report and nearly 2 years on I can’t find my trip notes. So … I’m going to continue with some photos and things I remember. Sorry the next entries will be very brief, but I hope you enjoy the photos.

Southern California - 2019 6 San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Today was a drive over the mountains to San Diego stopping at San Diego Zoo Safari Park on the way.

The drive was stunning, if a little scary as a passenger. We were pleased to find a large viewpoint en route as DH hadn’t had a chance to enjoy the view as he was driving (and I had occasionally had my eyes closed!)

We stopped for a while to take photos and then made a nervous return to the opposite side of the road on a nearly blind corner …
Once over the top of the mountain it was a classic geography lesson with that side of the mountain being much greener where the clouds dump their rain. That side had much more human habitation too.

It was about 2 hours to the safari park.

We bought a 2 day ticket as we were planning to visit the original zoo laterin the week.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I knew we wouldn’t be driving around in our own car. I hadn’t realised how much walking we would be doing and found the park rather sprawling as a visitor. I’m sure it is much better for the animals to have the space though.

There was a ride through the African plains but the rest we walked.

We bought lunch at one of the cafes and had our bottle refilled with iced water for free a couple of times too.
We then put our faith in the Satnav (after our Boston trip the year before we were a tad nervous to do this) to find our Hotel in San Diego. (Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown)

The hotel only had valet parking but we had budgeted this into the room price so were ok with parting with an arm and a leg just to park. (First time we’ve used valet parking and won’t be the last.)

Nice room with a partial view of the bay and a quick walk to the Cheesecake Factory.

That evening we wandered around the old jailhouse before having dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

(Hidden Mickeys)