do the zoo - View this location on map it is almost impossible to not visit the 100-acre san diego zoo (619-231-1515), home to more than 4,000 creatures in habitats ranging from a showcase for indonesian orangutans and siamangs (the first time these two apes are living together at the zoo), to the polar bear plunge. mornings, when it's still cool, are far preferable to afternoons. the zoo doesn't open till 9 a.m., but get to the parking lot a half hour early to minimize the walk to the entrance. consider taking the 40-minute bus tour first: it covers 75 percent of the zoo, and you can always go back to visit favorite animals. if you're planning on seeing the zoo's pair of giant pandas and their 6-month-old cub, mei sheng, call the hotline first (888-697-2632) because the animals aren't always on display. admission is $32 for adults, $19.75 for ages 3 to 11 and includes the bus tour. NYT 2920 zoo drive, San Diego, CA Kids, Active

---