San Diego Zoo Tickets in San Diego, CA

2920 Zoo DrSan Diego, CA 92101
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Starting at
$72.00
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NO SERVICE FEES

San Diego Zoo Ticket Prices

Overview

Entertaining and educating families for over 100 years, San Diego Zoo offers a 100-acre home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species, as well as more than 700,000 exotic plants. Enjoy guided bus tours, interactive play areas, live performances, 4-D theater shows, up-close views of exotic animals and a Wildlife Explorers Basecamp that’s fun for all ages.

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Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our San Diego Travel Experts
  • One of the best zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo spans 100 acres and is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals.
  • San Diego's weather can vary, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated.
  • The zoo has several dining options, including cafes and snack stands. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle.
  • Parking is free in the zoo's front lot and additional free parking is available throughout Balboa Park.
  • Take advantage of the open-air double-decker bus tours - included in your San Diego Zoo ticket price.
  • Expect wait times during busy peak periods.
  • The zoo is accessible, but some areas may have inclines. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent on a first-come, first served basis.
  • Self-service lockers are available inside Front Street (this doesn't include luggage check).
  • Open 365 days a year, rain or shine.

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Insights from Tripster's own team members
Diana K. Tripster User Profile Image

Diana K.

The Skyfari provides an excellent overview of the park grounds. Plan to stay the day, and go mid-week if possible as it's less crowded. Best zoo I've visited!

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Description

from San Diego Zoo
An urban paradise for all ages, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Located in Balboa Park just north of downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre wildlife park, as well as an accredited botanical garden.

Winding paths through the tropical oasis of the botanical garden bring you to more than 12,000 rare and fascinating animals, representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Some of the wildlife you'll encounter on a visit to the San Diego Zoo include great apes, Komodo dragons, tigers, flamingos, polar bears, eagles, koalas, and more. Africa Rocks are home to amur leopards, penguins, baboons, and the mysterious fossa.

The festive, lively atmosphere makes the San Diego Zoo a great place for family fun and gathering friends. With your San Diego Zoo tickets, discover the wonders of wildlife with animal encounters, interactive experiences, and exciting animal presentations and shows. A leader in animal care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience. Hope to see you soon!

Facial coverings are no longer required while visiting. However, due to the proximity of wildlife, some tours and safaris require all guests ages 2 and older to wear a facial covering during a portion of the experience.



San Diego Zoo Reviews

746 Reviews
Christal  Saunders Tripster User Profile Image
Christal Saunders
San Manuel, AZ
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Always wanted to the san Diego zoo"
September 2023
The best part is when we got to the polar bears right at feeding time so all 3 came out to eat. The tiger was amazing. I love tigers so to be really right next to it and the only thing probably stopping it from attacking me is the glass between us. I loved everything about this zoo. The ani.als are very well kept and look very healthy
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Tip: It is a lot of walking, so worth it.

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Tripster Customer
Rancho Cucamonga , CA
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Be prepared for a lot of walking!"
August 2023
Very steep walkways, I rented a scooter, never would have made it without it. A lot of the animal areas were empty , expected more animals. The bus tour was great. The guides around the zoo were excellent, very friendly and eager to help.
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Tip: Expected more animals. Very steep walkways.

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Tripster Customer
Van Nuys, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"So much to see!"
August 2023
I took my kids on a weekend summer vacation with Tripster and included the San Diego zoo! My kids are 8 years old, and they had a blast! They saw and learned about many animals. The guided bus tour inside the zoo was included, was informational, and gave us an a nice rest from walking and the heat. We had a great time!
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Tip: There is a lot of walking, west comfortable shoes and bring food with you or expect to spend quite a bit of money for food and beverages.

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Ermine Dieckman Tripster User Profile Image
Ermine Dieckman
Franklin, TX
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great experience!"
July 2023
I have been coming here since I was a little girl. Now I’m 70! It gets better every time. So much to see and do.
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Tip: Take the bus tour first to get oriented, then go back to areas to visit in detail.

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Jeff Hardy
Novato, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Just as good with my granddaughter as it was for my grandfather’s grandson!"
July 2022
Sometimes same old same old is as good as it gets!
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Tip: Make sure the kiddies get a good night sleep before you get to the zoo when it opens

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Tripster Customer
tulare, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"San Diego zoo"
October 2021
It was soo much fun walking around looking at the different animals there isn’t usually around your local zoo! The food was good especially the teriyaki chicken with rice! Definitely recommend going on the weekend
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Tip: Where comfortable shoes

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Lori Clark Tripster User Profile Image
Lori Clark
EMPORIA, KS
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Zoo"
August 2021
Beautiful zoo
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Ellen Lester Tripster User Profile Image
Ellen Lester
Kodiak , AK
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Girls week zoo trip"
January 2020
We bought our tickets on Tripster before the trip to San Diego. The tickets were on our phone and getting into the zoo was very simple. We enjoyed the aviaries, sky tram, and all the animals.
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Tip: The zoo is large so plan to bring water and snacks and plan to be there all day.

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Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Zoo

Does the San Diego Zoo have stroller rentals?

Yes. The Zoo and Safari Park have strollers available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Rentals prices are $16 for a single stroller and $20 for a double stroller.

Does the Zoo offer wheelchair rentals?

Manual wheelchairs and ECVs (Electronic Conveyance Vehicles) are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis near the entrance. Rental prices are $16 for a manual wheelchair and $60 for an ECV. Availability and prices subject to change without notice. You are welcome to bring your own wheelchair or ECV. Rental ECVs cannot be accommodated on Zoo shuttles or Africa Tram.

Does the San Diego Zoo have access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, the Zoo offers a variety of options to assist you and your family. In addition, there are complimentary shuttles to assist you and your party in accessing the lower canyon areas. Please stop in at Guest Services to request an ADA Packet, which includes information on these services, as well as descriptions of habitats and show access.

Does the San Diego Zoo have lockers for guests to use?

Outdoor lockers are available at Safari Park. At the Zoo, self-service lockers are available at Front Street (please note this does not include luggage check). Guests may carry small backpacks and bags into the parks.

How much is parking at the San Diego Zoo/Safari Park?

The San Diego Zoo has free parking. The parking lot in front of the Zoo is owned and operated by the City of San Diego and is used by guests, volunteers and employees of Balboa Park. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park parking lot is privately owned and has a parking fee.

Is it possible to leave the Zoo and re-enter on the same day?

Yes! For same-day re-entry, guests should have their hands stamped at the exit, and re-enter through the main turnstiles, showing their tickets and hand stamps.

What time of day will I see more animals?

There really isn't any special time that more wildlife are in view, although many of the Zoo's animals are early risers and may be a bit more active in the morning. Out of concern for the many endangered species housed at the facilities, the San Diego Zoo built habitats that mimic natural environments. Like natural environments, these areas give the animals plenty of room to hide, which is important to the well-being of many species.

Are pets allowed in the parks?

No. Pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are not permitted at the Zoo or Safari Park. Because they house significant populations of rare and endangered species, both the Zoo and the Safari Park are considered to be quarantined facilities. State and federal regulations for such facilities do not allow for the access of pets, comfort animals, or emotional support animals accompanying guests to these facilities.

Can I bring food into the parks?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own single-person food, in small containers, into both parks. No coolers, glass containers, alcohol, party trays, birthday cakes, or decorations are allowed on grounds, and no facilities are available for food storage. For the safety of guests and the wildlife in their care, please do not bring glass, alcohol, or straws into the parks.

Are backpacks allowed?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a backpack in the parks.

What is the smoking policy at the Zoo?

Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted anywhere on Zoo or Safari Park grounds or parking lots. Zoo guests who wish to smoke are welcome to have their hands stamped for same-day re-entry when leaving the grounds to smoke. Please keep your ticket!

Can my child enter the San Diego Zoo without an adult?

Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult age 18+ to enter and throughout their visits to the parks.

Do I need to wear a facial covering to take a Tour or Safari?

Facial coverings are not required. However, due to the proximity of wildlife, some tours and safaris may require guests ages 2 and older to wear a facial covering during a portion of the experience.