Timeline
10:00
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Enter the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens right when it opens. The morning air is cooler and the animals, like the chimpanzees and elephants, are most active before the midday heat. Use the quiet opening hour to see the popular exhibits without the usual lunchtime crowds.
11:15
Walk south to the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. This 1926 antique carousel with its large band organ is a charming break from the zoo. It is a gentle, nostalgic pause that appeals to all ages and sits near a large playground if you need a quick stretch.
12:15
Head south again to the Helipad at Griffith Park. This open space offers a clear, unobstructed view of the surrounding hills and the city skyline beyond. It is a quiet spot to rest your feet and take in the vastness of the park before you finish your morning.
Local tip
The zoo opens at 10:00. Arriving exactly at opening time ensures you get the quietest possible experience for the first exhibit you choose.
Check before you go
- The Los Angeles Zoo opens at 10:00 daily.
- Check the zoo website for specific animal show times if you wish to time your visit around the bird show or rhino feeding.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Los Angeles (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).