Being at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, located just outside of Escondido, is probably the next best thing to an African safari. Cruising around some of the park's 1,800 acres on the Journey into Africa tram tour (free with a one-day pass),

(+) More

Being at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, located just outside of Escondido, is probably the next best thing to an African safari. Cruising around some of the park's 1,800 acres on the Journey into Africa tram tour (free with a one-day pass), you'll see giraffes roaming the grounds alongside rhinos, gazelles, and an enormous flock of flamingos. And beyond the expansive field exhibits, there's more to explore, from gazing at newborn elephants to watching east African crowned cranes in flight during the Frequent Flyers bird show. Along with your own two feet and the wheels of the tram, there are other ways to learn more about the lives of the park's 3,000-plus animals. Flightline, a zipline adventure, gives you a bird's eye view on the Asian and African field exhibits; photo caravan safaris roll into the field exhibits to find the perfect shots of animals from cape buffalo to wildebeest. For the ultimate animal experience, stay overnight in the Roar & Snore campground, where you can step out of your safari tent at dawn to see animals crossing the plains. It just may take you a moment to remember you're still in southern California.

(-) Close