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4.1-Rated Hotels Near Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is more than a park—it’s a wild adventure playground! Meet Arctic foxes, spot elusive big cats, and join hands-on conservation workshops. It’s education with heart, where kids learn compassion while having epic fun. A must-visit for nature lovers of all ages.
InterContinental San Diego
This hotel is your ideal San Diego getaway! Nestled downtown, just a 10-minute walk to the USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum. Enjoy top-notch amenities like the outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and even yoga classes to unwind. Food lovers rejoice with two on-site restaurants and a poolside bar for cocktails. Pet-friendly policies mean no furry friend gets left behind. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting rooms and business center. With 400 cozy rooms featuring smart TVs and luxury toiletries, every stay feels like a lavish retreat!
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
This hotel is a perfect choice for family vacations! Located in the heart of San Diego, just 5 minutes from the USS Midway Museum and Convention Center, it offers unbeatable convenience. Enjoy outdoor pools, a fitness center, and bike rentals, along with free WiFi and concierge services to cater to all your needs. The 600 rooms feature private balconies and luxury toiletries for a comfortable stay. With 3 restaurants and a café, you can savor local flavors. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting facilities and complimentary airport shuttle!
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Nestled in the heart of downtown San Diego, this boutique hotel is a traveler's dream! Just a 5-minute drive from Waterfront Park and Petco Park, its location is unbeatable. Enjoy the outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center to unwind, or savor delicious meals at one of the two on-site restaurants and the poolside bar. With free WiFi and luxury toiletries, every detail is thoughtfully curated. Perfect for business trips or weddings, the hotel offers 14 meeting rooms and top-notch services. Plus, its pet-friendly policy means your furry friends can join the adventure too!
Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo
Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego - Mission Valley
Gaslamp Plaza Suites
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
The Sofia Hotel
The Bristol Hotel San Diego
Abpopa Hillcrest
AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter
Residence Inn San Diego Mission Valley
Best Western Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/SeaWorld Area
ITH Adventure Hostel San Diego
Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn
Berkshire Motor Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Lodge is a top choice, located just steps from Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. It offers immersive eco-exploration programs and animal interaction experiences tailored for children. Rooms feature nature-inspired design with select views of giraffes and antelope. The lodge includes a dedicated kids’ discovery zone and guided night-time tracking tours, enabling families to safely engage with African savanna wildlife. Its convenient access—just a 5-minute walk to the main entrance—makes it ideal for memorable, educational trips.
Take Metro Bus Route 936 or use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft from downtown—approximately 25 minutes. For public transit, board at the San Diego Zoo Entrance stop and walk 10 minutes to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Alternatively, the Safari Park Shuttle provides free on-site transportation from parking lots directly to the basecamp. The route is well-maintained and suitable for families and elderly travelers. Avoid weekend peak hours to minimize wait times.
At Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, guests can enjoy immersive activities such as the Safari Adventure Vehicle Tour, elephant feeding program, and bioluminescent night exploration. Ride an off-road safari vehicle through simulated savanna terrain to observe giraffes, zebras, and lions in their naturalistic habitats. The elephant feeding experience requires advance HopeGoo and is led by trained experts to ensure safe interaction. At night, join a glow-in-the-dark nature walk to discover fireflies and nocturnal insects. All programs integrate conservation education, making them ideal for visitors of all ages seeking meaningful, hands-on wildlife engagement.
Try the Savannah Grill’s signature wildlife-themed meal set, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a safari-inspired interior. Located adjacent to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, it serves grilled chicken skewers, wild boar steak, and plant-based mains with house-made herb sauces. Outdoor seating offers panoramic views of the simulated savanna landscape—perfect for sunset dining while watching animals return to their enclosures. Kids will love the mini explorer meal box, filled with animal-shaped snacks and healthy treats. The restaurant promotes sustainability using compostable tableware and eco-conscious practices.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
InterContinental San Diego
The InterContinental San Diego offers an absolutely stunning view, especially from the room facing the ocean. Waking up to the sunrise over the water was a dream-like experience. The cleanliness of the property is outstanding—every area, from the lobby to the hallway, felt spotless and well-maintained. Staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The location is super convenient for getting around town, with easy access to public transit. This place truly delivers on comfort, service, and atmosphere. A fantastic stay overall—I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting San Diego.
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
This hotel's location is absolutely unbeatable. Right next to the Maritime Museum, it's just a short 10-minute walk to Little Italy and the USS Midway Museum—perfect for exploring without needing to rely on transportation. The property itself is spacious with plenty of parking available, which made our stay incredibly convenient, especially with family in tow. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and an excellent balance of comfort and value. I’d definitely return and recommend this spot to anyone visiting San Diego.
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Located in a quiet yet convenient part of town, this hotel stands out as one of the few truly satisfying options on the west side. From the moment I walked in, the elegant yet understated lobby set the tone for a relaxing stay. The staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing, making check-in smooth and stress-free. My room was spacious, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep—plus, excellent soundproofing meant no outside noise disturbed my peace. What really impressed me was the location: just a short walk or quick transit ride into downtown San Diego, with plenty of dining and shopping options nearby. It’s rare to find such a peaceful retreat with such great access to city life. Highly recommend this gem for travelers who value both comfort and convenience.
Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
This hotel is absolutely charming with a true resort vibe. Nestled on a gentle hillside, the separate cottages give it a unique, laid-back feel—though it might be a bit tricky to find at first glance due to the varying elevations. Once you get settled in, it all makes perfect sense. The breakfast buffet is fantastic—abundant, delicious, and served with scenic views that make mornings even better. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always going the extra mile. Best of all, it’s just a 5-minute walk from Old Town train station and the main bus terminal, making getting around San Diego super easy. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or exploring the city, this place offers great value and a memorable stay.
Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
I stayed at the Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle and had a fantastic experience overall. The room was immaculately clean—right from the moment I walked in, it felt fresh and welcoming. The mattress was a bit soft for my taste, but it still provided good support, and the pillows were comfortable enough to help me sleep well. The location is super convenient—just a short walk or quick ride to downtown, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The staff were friendly and efficient during check-in and check-out. It’s one of those places that makes you feel right at home. I’d definitely return and recommend it to anyone visiting San Diego.
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo
I absolutely loved the layout of my room at Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo—it felt spacious and well thought out. The full kitchen was a game-changer; having all the essentials like pots, pans, dishes, and basic cooking supplies made it so easy to prepare meals in-house. I’m already planning my next trip just so I can cook something fresh instead of eating out every night. The location is excellent too—super close to the zoo and other attractions, with easy access to public transit. It’s rare to find a hotel that combines comfort, convenience, and value this well. Definitely a top pick for future visits.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego - Mission Valley
The location is excellent—just a 10-minute drive from the airport, making travel super convenient. The room was spacious and well-maintained, with all the essentials you’d expect. I especially appreciated the complimentary breakfast, which offered a wide variety of options—from fresh pastries and fruit to hot dishes like eggs and pancakes. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, going out of their way to assist with luggage storage and local recommendations. It’s clear they care about guest experience. This hotel offers great value for the price, and I’d definitely stay here again when visiting San Diego. A solid 10/10!
Gaslamp Plaza Suites
The room was spacious and immaculately clean—so much so I’m not even sure if I got upgraded without being told! 😇 I absolutely love the classic, timeless design throughout the property. It’s not just stylish—it feels warm and inviting. The location is incredibly convenient, right in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter, with everything you’d want within walking distance. Plus, there’s a health-focused grocery store called Krisp nearby, perfect for grabbing fresh, wholesome ingredients and everyday essentials. Whether you’re here for work or leisure, this place hits all the right notes—comfort, style, and practicality.
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from downtown San Diego's main attractions and perfect for exploring the city. The room was spacious, clean, and well-designed, offering plenty of comfort and convenience. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. While breakfast wasn’t outstanding—limited options and nothing stand-out in flavor—it didn’t take away from the overall excellent experience. With such a great location, high-quality accommodations, and top-notch service, this hotel offers incredible value. Definitely recommend for travelers looking for a reliable and convenient base in San Diego.
The Sofia Hotel
Staying at The Sofia Hotel in San Diego was a pleasant surprise! While the facilities aren’t flashy or ultra-modern, everything is clean, well-maintained, and functional. The room was cozy with a comfortable bed—perfect for a good night’s sleep after a long day of exploring. Location-wise, it’s incredibly convenient: just a short walk to the metro station and close to downtown attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The staff were friendly and efficient during check-in and check-out—no delays, no hassle. Sure, the surroundings aren’t luxurious, but the value-for-money is solid, especially if you’re looking for a quiet, hassle-free base while enjoying all that San Diego has to offer. I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit!
The Bristol Hotel San Diego
Staying at The Bristol Hotel in San Diego was an absolute delight! From the moment I arrived, everything felt welcoming and well-organized. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from downtown and surrounded by great dining options and local spots. My room was clean, spacious, and beautifully designed with modern touches; the bed was incredibly comfortable, making it easy to relax after a long day. The bathroom was spotless and stocked with high-quality amenities. Staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive—always ready to help with anything I needed. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. If you're visiting San Diego, this hotel should be at the top of your list. A truly memorable stay!
Abpopa Hillcrest
Staying right in the heart of Hillcrest made everything so convenient—UCSD Hospital, Owen Clinic, Walgreens, Urban Mos, and The Rail are all within walking distance. I felt completely safe and genuinely welcomed by the staff, who made me feel like I was at home away from home. The hospitality truly stood out, and I’ve already decided to extend my stay for another month. This place exceeds expectations in every way—comfortable, well-located, and warmly managed. If you’re looking for a peaceful yet central spot in San Diego, this is it. Exceptional experience from start to finish.
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