Shasta Lake California Zoos & Animal Parks


Listed below are top destinations for zoos and animal parks for Shasta Lake, California.


1. Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Los Angeles California Stroll through Griffith Park to see animals from around the world amid landscaped gardens and hillside habitats. Rotating exhibits, educational shows, and play areas make it a full-service family day out in the city.


2. San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

San Francisco California Visit a large coastal zoo at the edge of the Pacific with a broad mix of global species. Ocean views, historic zoo architecture, and kid-focused attractions like the Little Puffer steam train round out the experience.


3. Safari West

Santa Rosa California Join guided safari drives past giraffes, antelope, and other African wildlife at a private preserve in Sonoma’s hills. Optional overnight stays in tent cabins turn a day visit into a full safari-style getaway.


4. California Academy of Sciences

San Francisco California Combine a major indoor aquarium, rainforest dome, and natural history museum under one green-roofed city landmark. Living exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on science spaces make it an all-day Golden Gate Park stop.


5. Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Folsom California See rescued bears, big cats, and native wildlife in a zoo-sanctuary that focuses on animals that cannot return to the wild. Compact exhibits, adjacent parks, and a strong educational mission keep the emphasis on animal stories and welfare.



6. Aquarium of the Bay

San Francisco California Walk through underwater tunnels to watch sharks, rays, and schooling fish from San Francisco Bay glide overhead. Interactive touch pools and pierfront views connect the exhibits directly to the surrounding waterfront.


7. Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach California Discover sharks, rays, penguins, and colorful reef life in a major waterfront aquarium focused on Pacific Ocean ecosystems. Outdoor habitats, touch pools, and seasonal events add extra reasons to linger along the harbor.


8. San Diego Zoo

San Diego California Explore world-famous habitats filled with rare and endangered animals, lush gardens, and immersive exhibits spread across Balboa Park. Expansive pathways, shows, and themed zones make it easy to spend a full day discovering wildlife from every continent.


9. Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara California Enjoy coastal views while visiting giraffes, penguins, and other animals in a compact, walkable zoo above the beach. Lush landscaping, hilltop viewpoints, and a laid-back pace fit well with a Santa Barbara getaway.


10. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

San Pedro California Learn about Southern California’s coastal ecosystems through touch tanks, local marine exhibits, and beachside programs. Outdoor tidepooling, educational labs, and frequent public events keep the focus on nearby ocean life.



Contact Us Our goal is to provide the best possible list of zoos and animal parks for the Shasta Lake area. Please share your experiences and recommendations with us.