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Los Angeles Zoo, California

Nature & parks
In Los Angeles, California
3.8 mi from Route 66

The Los Angeles Zoo covers 133 acres in Los Angeles, CA, about 3.3 miles off the old road, and its full name adds Botanical Gardens. It opened in 1966, replacing the older zoo nearby in Griffith Park. The city owns everything here, from the land and buildings to the animals themselves. For families finishing a long Route 66 drive, it is an easy half-day of walking with plenty to see.

What is Los Angeles Zoo?

This is a full-size municipal zoo combined with planted gardens, so the plants are part of the attraction rather than just the backdrop. Because the grounds are large, expect a fair amount of walking between exhibits. The zoo is listed as wheelchair accessible.

History of Los Angeles Zoo

The zoo dates from 1966. Its opening closed the older Griffith Park Zoo, whose empty enclosures still stand about a mile away and can be explored today. Seeing both makes an interesting before-and-after on how the city has cared for its animals.

Visiting Los Angeles Zoo: tips

Allow three to four hours, more with young children. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water on warm days.

The Autry Museum of the American West is only about 0.1 miles away, so a zoo morning and museum afternoon is simple to arrange. The Griffith Park Zoo ruins are about 1 mile off, and Travel Town Museum is about 1.4 miles away.

Practical info

Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: +1 323-644-4200
Website: lazoo.org
Hours: Daily 10–5
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Los Angeles Zoo

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Musso & Frank Grill
Los Angeles, CA · 4.3 mi from Los Angeles Zoo
Hollywood's oldest restaurant, operating on Hollywood Boulevard since 1919 and named for its two founders.
Diner & restaurant
Formosa Cafe
West Hollywood, CA · 5.3 mi from Los Angeles Zoo
A West Hollywood restaurant and bar from 1925, long a hangout for film stars from the studio lot nearby.
Diner & restaurant
Pink's Hot Dogs
Los Angeles, CA · 5.6 mi from Los Angeles Zoo
A Los Angeles hot dog stand on North La Brea Avenue, serving since 1939 at the edge of Hollywood.