This is the fifteenth in the series Travel Destinations in the USA for retired life. This destination starts with the Letter O. The Oakland Zoo is a pretty cool place to spend a day. A weekday is even better, fewer crowds!
When to Visit
A zoo isn’t just for kids, there’s so much to see and do at the zoo that I have included the Oakland Zoo, Oakland, California in the list of travel destinations in the USA for your retirement. Visit the Zoo on a weekday rather than a weekend as there will be fewer crowds and you can enjoy a stroll through the zoo, sit peacefully in the sun or shade and enjoy your time with your favorite animals.
The Stars of the Zoo
The monkeys create quite a racket high up in the trees! So, you may want to visit them first out of curiosity! The tigers are nearby, if you’re lucky you will find one prowling around and another snoozing. There are elephants, bears and other species. Do follow the map that you can collect at the entrance to find your favorite exhibits.
Suggested Activities
The Oakland Zoo is 500+ acres with almost 700 species of animals. You can walk through the exhibits arranged according to their location in the world. They have tried to give the animals a habitat familiar to their native ecosystems. Stop by to see the rotating cultural collections at the Education Center. There is a play area for kids with a train, roller coaster and a carousel with animal themes. Grandparents can enjoy the time here with their grandchildren.
Where to Eat in Oakland Zoo:
Take the gondola up to California Trail, this four-minute ride will show you a grand view of the Knowland Park hills. You can find The Landing Café here for a bite of lunch or a snack. The hamburgers and fries are good here and so is the pizza! Sit outdoors or inside the restaurant (keep covid protocols in mind) and enjoy your break.
There is even a camping ground – Clorox Outdoor Overnight, but right now it is not available due to the pandemic. Keep an eye out for the reopening.
Spend a relaxing day here with family or alone, both ways it’s enjoyable. Do book tickets in advance as at the time of writing this you must get your tickets ahead of time.
I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z
A zoo is certainly not just for kids. I love to observe the animals.
Seeing Nature is calming- thank you for reading!