San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
4.5
09:00 - 17:00
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 17:00
Sunday
09:00 - 17:00
About
The San Diego Zoo pioneered cageless exhibits and offers travelers a fun and informative experience. Featuring over 4000 animals, the park gives you a peek into the wildlife of several ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests. Ride the tour bus, which crosses three quarters of the zoo’s area, and learn more about the animals from the guide as you view them in their natural habitats. You can also hop on the Skyfari gondola lift to see the entire park from above. Tickets to the San Diego Zoo that also cover the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido are available for a discount. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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from €67.29
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Address
Neighbourhood: Balboa Park
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See what travellers are saying
- NeoAxionDetroit, Michigan541 contributionsDon't miss it!This is definitely a must-do if you are visiting San Diego. Been to multiple zoos in major cities throughout the USA, but this is hands down the best I've been to so far. A lot to see, so plan a whole day to visit the park!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 April 2023
- Dennis KPlano, Texas230 contributionsOne of the Most Famous ZoosI enjoy going to zoos, and I have heard from decades how amazing the San Diego zoo is. We had an opportunity to visit in March. Overall, we enjoyed our trip to the San Diego zoo, but I'm not sure it is superior to some of the local zoos I have visited. The San Diego Zoo has long been regarding as being the gold standard for zoos for a long time. However, it seems that zoos across the country have started to catch up. Make no mistake, the San Diego Zoo is still impressive. They have a really nice polar bear habit and the habits for the their elephants are quite good. But, other zoos, such as the Dallas zoo, now boast similarly impressive spaces for their animals. What surprised me about the San Diego Zoo was how much uphill and downhill walking there is. I had heard there were escalators in this zoo in the past, but I didn't see any. Also, the San Diego has been known for their pandas for over 20 years. Unfortunately, the pandas are no longer there. They went back to China right before the COVID pandemic. What was good about the San Diego Zoo: 1) an abundance of animals and variety. I was very surprised how many snakes and reptiles they had alone. 2) the layout of the exhibits and trails in the zoo. There are plenty of impressive looking habitats around the zoos. For instance, the giraffes have a pen that allows visitors to get up close. Some of the trails around the San Diego Zoo are just fun. 3) availability of food and refreshments. It never seemed we were far from a refreshment stand where we could a beverage or a snack. What were some of the downsides: 1) The layout of the zoo overall is confusing. We had the map available at the zoo entrance, but it was sometimes confusing trying to figure out where to go. On the other hand, the zoo staff was very helpful and always willing to answer questions. 2) Accessibility. There is a lot of hills in this zoo. It would seem like a potentially challenging place for those with mobility issues or if a family needs to push around a stroller. 3) Cost. This was one of the most expensive zoos I have ever visited. I would recommend the San Diego Zoo. However, if you are limited for time in San Diego, you might be better off devoting your tourism dollars to something more unique to the area.Visited March 2023Written 5 April 2023
- Kevin G1 contributionCoolest SD “attraction”I am a San Diegan native who has been coming to the zoo since I was wee little San Diegan. Have been a member for as long as I can remember… and somehow it never gets old for me. From the extensive plant life surrounding the entire zoo to the beautiful animals throughout it. I can just never get enough of it and come on a regular basis. It’s a great place to come and simply just hangout in such a beautiful and magical place. Swag and souvenirs are pricey as to be expected as it is an “attraction” but I’m guilty of indulging in my fair share of zoo swag as the years go on. Overall I could go on and on about how great this place is… but I think it’s best I let it speak for itself. Stop on by next time your in town and you won’t be disappointed!Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 15 May 2023
- WBJM2009Little Rock, Arkansas797 contributionsExpensive but fun for the entire family.We arrive shortly after opening which was a good idea - parking was close and park wasn't too busy. A little pricey for our family of 5 but we spent all day here. My kids loved the aerial tram that takes you from one part of the zoo to another. Lots of restaurants throughout the zoo.Visited March 2023Written 17 May 2023
- PegersNorthern Ireland, United Kingdom75 contributionsAmazingWe've been to some zoos around the world but this is by far the best. Everything about the place is what we hoped it would be from the articles we'd read. The whole zoo is set within a park, with trees and shrubs everywhere, the animals have plenty of space and are well cared for, even to the extent that the birds have huge aviaries to fly around. We saw the latest additions, three month old leopards and mum playing. We spent the whole day going to everything we could, and whilst a day ticket for adults is $71, it was money very well spent. The work being done by the zoo in terms of conservation is terrific. If in San Diego you must give yourself a day at the zooVisited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 May 2023
- colombiajanSaint Albans, West Virginia195 contributionsWonderful Animals and PlantsWe loved the San Diego Zoo. We rode the tour bus first to get an idea of what we wanted to see. It was informative and I recommend it. We loved all the animals and birds and all of the unusual plants. since we are from the east coast these plants caught our eye. I loved the little red bears and the monkeys. We really liked the aviary with the beautiful birds. I highly recommend this zoo to learn most about saving endangered species and conversing the environment.Visited May 2023Written 16 June 2023
- SunnySeattle0061 contributionsAlot but worth itIt's a big zoo so plan accordingly, but well worth it! Good food choices and lots of bathrooms / vendors. Animals are easy to see. The map is a little hard to follow but lots of volunteers walking around to help.Visited June 2023Written 20 June 2023
- Rebecca ZMukwonago, Wisconsin139 contributionsAmazing!My teenage daughter and I were so impressed with the San Diego Zoo! We did walk it ALL in one day (which we didn't think we'd be able to) but we went on a day it was open until 9pm. I was shocked to find this zoo has so many levels! You were on one level and could see exhibits above and beneath you that you hadn't seen yet! The number of volunteers and workers was astonishing!! My daughter was afraid to cross a very high bridge at one point, and a worker offered to take her by the arm while I took the other and help her cross with her eyes shut if needed. We walked her across together, and they worker talked to my daughter the entire way to help keep her mind off of the height. Simply astounding level of commitment and helpfulness. The animals were great, and the zoo was so well maintained and clean. We loved our day!Visited June 2023Written 22 June 2023
- AdamWorld38 contributionsExpensive but always worth the visitBe prepare to spend money. The price for access is pricey. For a year pass for the family was about $500.00, but that'll be paid for in just a few visits and grants you access to the Wild Animal Safari Park in Escondido, CA. If you're hitting the zoo on foot I recommend packing a lunch unless you don't mind paying for what the zoo offers, which is pricey but good. Also if you're walking, don't try to see the whole park in one day. See a section one day and another section the other day. San Diego has so much to offer, don't burn yourself out on a day visit to the zoo. Spend a couple hours seeing one part of the zoo, go to Balboa Park and see the sights there and see another part of the Zoo the next day. You can get a good look at 90% of the zoo by arriving at opening time and taking the bus tours. I highly recommend this at opening because the line moves quicker and most of the animals are out and about. For gifts the zoo has plenty of knick-knack stands, but the primary shops are by the gates. There's at least one inside the main entry and a kids gift shop and general gift shop by the exit. They have some neat stuff, but I recommend setting a spending limit especially if you have kids. I found this works best for kids that way they actually pick one or two things they really like instead of blowing their money on candy and "dollar store" toys by the registers.Visited July 2023Written 10 July 2023
- WiltshireLassSouth West England, United Kingdom48 contributionsAmazing!!We visit San Diego as often as we can, it was our honeymoon destination & we've returned 3 times, & have a trip planned for the future, we have been to SD Zoo twice & both times were fantastic. 1st time we got to see the 2 pandas that were there only for a short period of time & that was so special, the 2nd time we did the bus tour & the skyline aerial view that takes you from one end of the zoo to the other, it was sooo fun! My husband is scared of heights and was dubious about its safety BUT it was absolutely fine, very enjoyable & he would have done it again he said afterwards. A great zoo that is a million percent worth visiting. I'm sure we'll be visiting for a third time when we return to SD :) xVisited September 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 July 2023
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4.5
29,463 reviews
Excellent
21,125
Very good
5,752
Average
1,892
Poor
470
Terrible
228
Bridget M
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
We had the best time! Very easy to navigate with kids and a stroller. I really enjoyed the fact there are so many friendly volunteers to give directions, provide facts about animals, and answer questions. I also enjoyed how expansive and interactive the zoo was. My kids love the kids base camp area and the skyfari. Definitely worth it!
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaxon S
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
I live here and have a 1 year old. We have been to the zoo more than ten times and I still see something new every time. Such an incredible place!
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy G
Springfield, MO4 contributions
Top 3 zoos in the country that we have visited. Beautiful botanical gardens.
Loved by all.
Highly enjoyed by the whole family.
Loved by all.
Highly enjoyed by the whole family.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quest62279421163
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Absolutely loved our visit! Incredibly impressed by the quality of the exhibits for the animals and for people viewing! The bus and skyfari were a ton of fun, super cool they’re included in ticket price. All the employees and volunteers were delightful, the animals seemed to be thriving and healthy. Best zoo I’ve ever been to. We were able to take part in Animals in Action as well it was amazing to see. Got to feed flamingos, pet a zebra and take a closer look at a two toed sloth, clouded leopard and cheetah! An absolute delight of a trip for my gorilla obsessed five year old. Hope to come again some day.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave Y
San Diego, CA2 contributions
we live in San Diego but still come here all the time with a membership. its a great place for a stroll, and great for the kiddos
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crusadercc
Georgetown, TX842 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
It's hard to beat this zoo. We've been to many, and a few of the things we appreciated were the included bus tour and the included gondola ("Zoo-fari") ride. These can help you see the areas you might run out of energy walking to. If you get there right before it opens you also get the witness the release of macaw parrots that coincides with the opening of the gates - that was a fun surprise. Also, be sure to utilize the free phone app! It's a great way to map and get walking directions to the animals you want to see. I really liked how you could filter by animals/food/restrooms.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan J
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
we took lots of photos for my daughters first trip to the zoo. And it was a great time as always. the zoo never disappoints.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hailee D
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Absolutely amazing experience from beginning to end. I have zero complaints. It was clean, uplifting, and we had such close encounters with all of the wildlife ambassadors. We learned a lot and enjoyed our time!
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Immyness
San Antonio, TX147 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Hands down an excellent Zoo with amazing exhibits! We purchased the 2-Day Zoo pass to make sure we had ample time to see everything. Collectively, we spent 5-6 hours walking through and enjoying the animals. One thing we all enjoyed was the variety of habitats and we saw some animals never seen before. We do make it a point to visit zoos whenever we travel and we would not hesitate to return here!
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cody T
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Was a great day. Staff was great answering our questions and everything was easily accessible.
However our 11 year old was extremely disappointed the Tuatara was not able to be seen
However our 11 year old was extremely disappointed the Tuatara was not able to be seen
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy L
Kissimmee1 contribution
Do you have rentable electric scooters?
Clarence And G
San Diego, CA160 contributions
I want to also say that they do not take reservations!!! AND THEY CAN SELL OUT!!! We always try to start right when they place opens at 9:00 AM. It's a good time to start anyway because the animals are wide awake, and usually eating. We also usually start by renting the scooter, then riding it over to the Bus Tour.
Judy L
Kissimmee1 contribution
Do you have rentable electric scooters?
Clarence And G
San Diego, CA160 contributions
Hi Judy, Whenever I go to the SD Zoo, I rent one, as well as to the Safari Park; and to Sea World. These things are amazing. At the Zoo and the Safari Park, they are about $60, but at Sea World they are about $100. In fact, I was at Sea World last weekend, only for 4 hours, but still worth it!!!
What is in the San Diego 3-for-1 Pass? Does it include everything in the one day( ex. Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences. )?
Jeannie B
Indiana, PA15 contributions
Hmmmm I think the 3 for 1 pass is for the zoo plus two other attractions..but not 100% sure-sorry! My son and I just bought the “regular” zoo pass and it included all the features you mentioned-the kangaroo bus, entrance fee, skyfari, the zoo bus, etc. It was fantastic !! Hope this helps!
minx6469
Baltimore, MD389 contributions
Hello! Can the entire zoo be seen in 1 full day or would you recommend dedicating 2 days? This trip will likely be the first and only time I visit San Diego so don't want to miss anything. Thanks!!
colombiajan
Saint Albans, WV195 contributions
One full day to see the zoo add a day if you are also doing the safari
Beverly H
Wenatchee, WA
Am disabled for much walking. Is there availability for seniors?
121mlord
Manchester, NH27 contributions
The roadways and walking paths will allow for wheelchairs and such. I did see others that had strollers and others with wheelchairs. I would recommend calling or going to their website for full list of restrictions.
Do you have an exhibit with cactus wrens?
Notsure
Los Angeles, California38 contributions
No
Whitney A
Safety Harbor, FL1 contribution
Hey Kris! I was wanting to fly out to San Diego to visit the zoo and was interested in getting the VIP experience but I had a question for you. My primary purpose is to see the platypuses! Do you happen to know if there's a "behind the scenes" option for that? Thanks for your time!
bryce c
Plattsburgh, NY14 contributions
if you got 600 to pay the VIP, yes they will accomdate you im sure. but as a stand alone you can see its not listed as an expereince. but that VIP, thats what its all about. you pay that kind of money and you get a Zoo personal to cart you around th eplace to see whatever and get close up with the handlers and trainers. i dont even rememeber seeing the platapose, thanks for remidnign me! ill be there in the 10th again
How do I print a copy of my tickets.
LennyKChandler
Prescott, AZ46 contributions
If you bought the tickets either from their site or through some other discount source you should see an option to print the tickets in your browser OR if you get an email with the tickets, simply print the email..... they will scan the code(s) as you enter, no waiting in line for ticket purchase.....
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Claim your listingSAN DIEGO ZOO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost €66.50, while a popular guided tour starts around €13.85 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience San Diego Zoo:
- San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass Any Day Ticket (From €66.50)
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Pass Any Day Ticket (From €66.50)
- San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour (From €45.26)
- GoCar 2HR Tour: Downtown & Balboa (From €79.86)
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter (From €58.29)
- Hotels near San Diego Zoo:
- (2.02 km) Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast
- (1.06 km) Inn at the Park
- (2.44 km) The Westgate Hotel
- (2.22 km) Urban Boutique Hotel
- (2.64 km) The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
- Restaurants near San Diego Zoo:
- (0.00 km) Hua Mei Cafe
- (0.00 km) Sabertooth Grill
- (0.21 km) Daniel's Coffee
- (0.29 km) Albert's Restaurant
- (0.48 km) Prado
- Attractions near San Diego Zoo:
- (0.07 km) Balboa Park Carousel
- (0.24 km) Spanish Village Art Center
- (0.43 km) Balboa Park
- (0.44 km) Old Globe Theatre
- (0.45 km) Botanical Building and Lily Pond