First time visiting San Diego from Bay Area. I ima...

First time visiting San Diego from Bay Area. I imagined SD would be such a wonderful relaxing beautiful place to visit even imagined about moving here one day. The zoo visiting made the most horrible parking situation I have ever experienced. The worst is the people I met are so cold, rude, aggressive and low class compare with Bay Area. After 45 minutes of seeking a parking spot with a lot of fighting and pushing from people, we gave up because kids almost throw up in the car and eventually parked far away at the Balboa parking. Then we fought to get on the tram and walked 15 minutes to get to the zoo entrance. We spent a couple of hundred bucks bought the tickets online in advance. At least I want get in.

I feel incredibly disappointed that the zoo had zero employees at the parking lot to help guide people, or charge for parking so we can actually get a spot, or selling me tickets for a certain time or day so we could all enjoy ourselves without fighting or long waiting. At least put a sign to tell us don t get in this particular parking lot because it s completely full. No matter how wonderful the zoo is, for me, it s not worthwhile to come for the fighting and upsetting experience.

Inside the zoo: it s similar to the zoo in your local city like San Francisco Zoo or Oakland Zoo but bigger with mountains of people. Unfortunately, most animals I saw are very sad to be locked here. The elephants area feels like a small parking area. The Condors look depressed with ceiling(cage) just above their head. Overall, it has overly advertised feeling. I can t agree with the word world famous honestly. The bus driver Jeremy was friendly, informative and tried to make everything sound good. However, like other reviewers noticed the fuel is very smelly and the engine is very loud for the animals. I saw the lioness got shocked for a second when the busy was stoping. I suppose she had to get used to it.

The buses and people are sharing roads, so young kids or elderly need to be very careful! You cannot let your young children explore on the road like SF or Oakland zoo.