Taking a trip to the zoo has long been a favored American pastime and the experience today is better than ever. Zoos in the United States come in all forms and sizes, from traditional zoos such as those in Houston or Phoenix to a unique nature park in the Texas Hill Country.

No matter how many zoos you have visited, each one offers a different perspective on the amazing world of animals. Regardless of where you live or where you are traveling, you are sure to find a great zoological destination nearby.

Although it's nice to learn about the animal kingdom on television, it's even better when you can experience the excitement first hand. So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes and join me on a whirlwind tour of some top United States zoos, from the world-famous Los Angeles Zoo to the historic Virginia Zoo. You'll need a place to rest your feet along the way, so some convenient lodging options will also be suggested.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Nestled in Los Angeles' Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo was established in 1966 and encompasses 113 acres. In addition to exhibiting a wide variety of plants and animals, this zoo also focuses efforts on education and conservation. The Los Angeles Zoo features:

• 1,200 animals, including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates
• 15 different collections with over 800 different plant species
• Winnick Family Children's Zoo with educational programs, shows, a petting zoo & more
• Neil Papiano Play Park, with animal sculptures for climbing, play structures and an ample picnic area

Enjoy a trip to the Los Angeles Zoo and stay at Holiday Inn Santa Monica Beach - At the Pier, the best option for Santa Monica Beach hotels, tucked away from the big-city hassles, yet convenient to all the most popular sights in Los Angeles.

Voted "One of the Nation's Top Five Zoos for Kids", Phoenix Zoo offers something fun for guests of any age. Opened in 1962, Phoenix Zoo is located on 125 acres in Papago Park and is one of the largest privately-owned, non-profit zoos in the United States. The Phoenix Zoo features:

• 1,300 animals, housed along four trails including: Tropics, Africa, Arizona and the Nina Mason Pulliam Children's Trail
• 400 species of mammals, 500 species of birds and 500 species of reptiles and amphibians
• A botanical collection with 1,200 plant specimens
• Safari Train, a narrated tour of the zoo
• ZooLights, a popular annual lighting event

When visiting the Phoenix Zoo, stay in stylish comfort at Crowne Plaza Phoenix, the preferred choice in North Phoenix, Arizona hotels.

For a different kind of zoological experience, make your way to the heart of the scenic Texas Hill Country. Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan offers a wonderful opportunity to be immersed in the flora and fauna of central Texas, free of enclosures or bars. With 940 secluded acres, this Burnet, Texas resort is the perfect place for up-close animal encounters, and best of all, its right outside your room!

• Enjoy 14 miles of hiking trails, including a bird and butterfly trail
• Take advantage of fishing, kayaking, canoeing and sailing on Lake Buchanan
• Join Vanishing Texas River Cruises from November through March to witness the majesty of the American Bald Eagle
• Stay on the lookout for endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler

Nature's splendor is at your disposal when you reserve your stay at Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park, one of the best Texas Hill Country lodging options.

Observe the antics of a Bornean orangutan, immerse yourself in the environment of the Texas wetlands and explore the world under the waves at Kip Aquarium. All this and more is offered at the Houston Zoo, founded in 1922 and located on 55 lushly-landscaped acres. This renowned zoo takes pride in offering a glimpse of the animal kingdom in a naturalistic habitat, featuring:

• 3,100 animals representing more than 500 species, from alligators and Komodo dragons to koalas and kudu
• Tropical Bird House, a free-flight tropical rainforest aviary featuring more than 100 birds
• Reptile House, home to one of only 14 leucistic American alligators on exhibit
• Giant Eland exhibit, housing the largest antelopes in the world
• John P. McGovern Children's Zoo, encompassing forty exhibits on the six ecosystems of Texas

Insider tip: Visit the Houston Zoo on Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Columbus Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving and New Year's Day for FREE admission!

Travel to the Space City to visit the Houston Zoo and reserve accommodations at Crowne Plaza Houston - Downtown, your best bet among Houston, Texas hotels.

Experience a one-stop destination brimming with excitement and adventures of all kinds at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota. From a "landscape park" with a few plants and three deer to the attraction it is today, Como Park is a must-visit on your Twin Cities vacation, welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors annually. Not just a zoo with all your favorite animals, this entertainment heaven includes:

• Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory, featuring 6 indoor garden rooms and two outdoor gardens
• Como Town, amusement park for children
• Como pool, athletic fields, lake and 18-hole golf course
• Putt'er There, miniature golf course

When searching for Twin Cities hotels in St. Paul, MN near Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, look no further than Crowne Plaza St. Paul - Riverfront.

Just because a zoo may be smaller, the experience offered is no less rewarding. This is true of the Brevard Zoo, located in Melbourne, Florida, less than thirty minutes from Cocoa Beach. Opened in 1994, this 50-acre zoo is smaller in stature but big on innovative ideas. Along with viewing around 550 animals representing 165 species from Florida to the far reaches of Australia, visitors can:

• Feed animals such as giraffes and lorikeets
• Hop on the train to tour the grounds
• Take a guided kayaking tour of the wetlands in Wild Florida or Expedition Africa
• Watch the feedings, including the alligator and crocodile, vulture and river otter

Enjoy the fun of the Brevard Zoo while savoring an unforgettable oceanfront vacation at Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort, a refreshing alternative to other Port Canaveral hotels near Brevard Zoo.

When visiting Hollywood Beach, Florida, make time in your itinerary to take a short drive to Miami Metrozoo, rated one of the "Top Ten Zoos in the U.S." by Travel and Leisure magazine. Although it is about forty-five minutes from Hollywood Beach, once you arrive, you will see that this zoo is well worth the drive.

Habitats of the more than 1,300 animals housed at this Florida zoo are meticulously-designed to imitate natural environments, guaranteeing a pleasant experience for visitors and animals. Miami Metrozoo features:

• Over 80 exhibits throughout 300 developed acres (740 acres total)
• More than 1,300 animals representing over 400 species, including 48 endangered species
• More than 900 species of palms, trees and plants
• Amazon & Beyond, a 27-acre tropical exhibit set to open December 2008
• Children's zoo, with petting yard, Butterfly Garden, Wildlife Conservation Carousel and a fun-filled show featuring Diego, from Nick Jr.'s "Go, Diego Go!"
• Wildlife show, keeper talks and feeding encounters (giraffe and pelican)

Have your fun in Miami, and then relax to the soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean at Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach, the newest option for full-service Fort Lauderdale, Florida hotels.

Significant for its history as well as its wide variety of animals, Virginia Zoo in Norfolk invites you to enjoy a large collection of animals residing in habitats patterned after their natural environments. The 53-acre Virginia Zoo began acquiring animals in 1900, but was not officially named until 1985. Located along the Lafayette River, this world-class zoo today houses almost 400 animals in a variety of garden themes. Visit the Virginia Zoo to experience:

• Compass Rose Plaza, with an interactive water fountain, perfect for a warm day
• African Village, consisting of 8 acres patterned after villages of Botswana and includes: restaurant, Interpretive Center and exhibits on the flora and fauna of Africa
• Virginia Barnyard Garden, a great place for the kids to get into the action

Get in a full day at the Virginia Zoo, and return to the comfort of Crowne Plaza Williamsburg at Fort Magruder, a Williamsburg lodging option offering all the conveniences of home and more.

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