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Top things to do in San Diego

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo sprawls over 100 acres in Balboa Park, featuring over 4,000 animals representing 650 species. With enclosures mimicking natural habitats, you can see polar bears diving in simulated arctic pools and pandas munching on bamboo. Hop on a tour bus, soar in the Skyfari gondola, or stroll through the zoo for a day well spent.
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Slide 1 of 13, San Diego Zoo entrance with visitors and ticket booths.
San Diego Zoo entrance with visitors and ticket booths.

San Diego Zoo Tickets

Extended validity
Explore at your pace

  • Get ready to meet more than 4,500 rare animals! Book your ticket and make unforgettable memories in this 100-acre animal paradise, located right in the city.

  • Come face-to-face with a polar bear at the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, and ride the Skyfari aerial tram, providing a downhill perspective of the exhibits.

  • Your ticket includes a guided bus tour, giving you a whirlwind introduction to this world-renowned sanctuary.

  • Interact with nature’s most fascinating creatures, from petting Galápagos tortoises to hopping on an Arctic research helicopter, it's all part of your day.

  • Unlock more wildlife encounters with the 2-visit pass, granting access to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park or a return visit to one.

  • Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo's West African Forest exhibit is home to a 65-foot manmade waterfall, Rady Falls.

More details

  • Get ready to meet more than 4,500 rare animals! Book your ticket and make unforgettable memories in this 100-acre animal paradise, located right in the city.

  • Come face-to-face with a polar bear at the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, and ride the Skyfari aerial tram, providing a downhill perspective of the exhibits.

  • Your ticket includes a guided bus tour, giving you a whirlwind introduction to this world-renowned sanctuary.

  • Interact with nature’s most fascinating creatures, from petting Galápagos tortoises to hopping on an Arctic research helicopter, it's all part of your day.

  • Unlock more wildlife encounters with the 2-visit pass, granting access to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park or a return visit to one.

  • Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo's West African Forest exhibit is home to a 65-foot manmade waterfall, Rady Falls.

from
$78
Slide 1 of 13, Visitors on Africa Tram viewing giraffes at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Visitors on Africa Tram viewing giraffes at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

Extended validity
1 more

  • Feel the thrill of being in the wild, as you explore one of the world's largest and advanced safari parks! Meet over 2,600 animals in their natural habitats.

  • Strap in for the Africa tram tour, an unforgettable journey through a recreated African savannah in California, and spot giraffes, rhinos, and gazelles along the way.

  • Witness the sheer speed of the Cheetah Run, these magnificent creatures will leave you in awe as they showcase their natural hunting prowess.

  • Choose the 2-visit pass for more flexibility—experience San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park or spend extra time at your favorite.

  • Did you know? The Safari Park is home to the world's largest veterinary hospital, demonstrating their dedication to animal wellbeing and conservation.

More details

  • Feel the thrill of being in the wild, as you explore one of the world's largest and advanced safari parks! Meet over 2,600 animals in their natural habitats.

  • Strap in for the Africa tram tour, an unforgettable journey through a recreated African savannah in California, and spot giraffes, rhinos, and gazelles along the way.

  • Witness the sheer speed of the Cheetah Run, these magnificent creatures will leave you in awe as they showcase their natural hunting prowess.

  • Choose the 2-visit pass for more flexibility—experience San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park or spend extra time at your favorite.

  • Did you know? The Safari Park is home to the world's largest veterinary hospital, demonstrating their dedication to animal wellbeing and conservation.

from
$78
Slide 1 of 12, African tram touring San Diego Zoo Safari Park with scenic landscape and palm trees.
African tram touring San Diego Zoo Safari Park with scenic landscape and palm trees.

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park 2-Visit Pass

Extended validity
1 more

  • The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are home to wildlife from around the world, offering the chance to see rare and endangered animals up close in their naturalistic habitats.

  • Choose to visit the Zoo or the Safari Park twice with your ticket, or experience both attractions once.

  • The Zoo and Safari Park offer engaging experiences for people of all ages, making them ideal choices for families, young explorers, and nature enthusiasts.

  • Visit polar bears, koalas, penguins, tigers, and many other endangered species at the San Diego Zoo, home to a total of 12,000 exotic animals.

  • Go on a safari experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and get a chance to see gorillas, Sumatran tigers, kangaroos, and more in their natural habitats.

More details

  • The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are home to wildlife from around the world, offering the chance to see rare and endangered animals up close in their naturalistic habitats.

  • Choose to visit the Zoo or the Safari Park twice with your ticket, or experience both attractions once.

  • The Zoo and Safari Park offer engaging experiences for people of all ages, making them ideal choices for families, young explorers, and nature enthusiasts.

  • Visit polar bears, koalas, penguins, tigers, and many other endangered species at the San Diego Zoo, home to a total of 12,000 exotic animals.

  • Go on a safari experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and get a chance to see gorillas, Sumatran tigers, kangaroos, and more in their natural habitats.

from Original price$154.37
$130

16% off

Slide 1 of 11, San Diego Zoo treetop walkway and USS Midway Museum aircraft display.
San Diego Zoo treetop walkway and USS Midway Museum aircraft display.

Combo (Save 8%): San Diego Zoo + USS Midway Museum Tickets

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • With flexible booking, you can visit both attractions on the same day or spread them across different days, ensuring your visit fits your schedule.

  • With just a 16-minute drive between the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum, visiting both is simple and convenient, making the most of your day.

  • Wander through lush exhibits and meet over 3,700 animals from across the globe. The San Diego Zoo offers a world-class wildlife experience.

  • Walk the historic decks of the USS Midway, where you can see over 25 restored aircraft and dive into the fascinating stories of naval aviation.

More details

  • With flexible booking, you can visit both attractions on the same day or spread them across different days, ensuring your visit fits your schedule.

  • With just a 16-minute drive between the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum, visiting both is simple and convenient, making the most of your day.

  • Wander through lush exhibits and meet over 3,700 animals from across the globe. The San Diego Zoo offers a world-class wildlife experience.

  • Walk the historic decks of the USS Midway, where you can see over 25 restored aircraft and dive into the fascinating stories of naval aviation.

from Original price$118.98
$109.46

8% off

Slide 1 of 20, Couple kayaking on ocean near San Diego with Go City Explorer Pass.
Couple kayaking on ocean near San Diego with Go City Explorer Pass.

Go City San Diego Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

Extended validity
1 more
  • Access over 45 attractions and save up to $37 with Go City's San Diego Explorer Pass.
  • Eliminate the hassle of buying individual tickets to San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, and a 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off tour by Old Town Trolley tour and save 48%.
  • Choose between a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-choice pass, and don't worry about standing in line as your pass is completely digital!
  • Visit your first attraction, get your pass scanned and it's activated. Your pass is then valid for 30 days.
  • Some attractions that are included in your pass are Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass, 45 Min. Jet Ski Rental and San Diego Speed Boat Adventures.
More details
  • Access over 45 attractions and save up to $37 with Go City's San Diego Explorer Pass.
  • Eliminate the hassle of buying individual tickets to San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, and a 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off tour by Old Town Trolley tour and save 48%.
  • Choose between a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-choice pass, and don't worry about standing in line as your pass is completely digital!
  • Visit your first attraction, get your pass scanned and it's activated. Your pass is then valid for 30 days.
  • Some attractions that are included in your pass are Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass, 45 Min. Jet Ski Rental and San Diego Speed Boat Adventures.
from
$124
Slide 1 of 11, San Diego Zoo polar bear swimming and Old Town Trolley near historic ship.
San Diego Zoo polar bear swimming and Old Town Trolley near historic ship.

Combo (Save 5%): San Diego Zoo Tickets + Old Town Trolley Tour

Explore at your pace

  • Get up close with exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most celebrated zoos.

  • See San Diego’s landmarks your way with the flexible Old Town Trolley, featuring live commentary and 11 stops.

  • Stop J on the trolley route makes it easy to combine your city tour with a visit to the San Diego Zoo.

More details

  • Get up close with exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most celebrated zoos.

  • See San Diego’s landmarks your way with the flexible Old Town Trolley, featuring live commentary and 11 stops.

  • Stop J on the trolley route makes it easy to combine your city tour with a visit to the San Diego Zoo.

from Original price$135
$128.25

5% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Save time and money by purchasing tickets in advance online. Look for combo tickets with nearby attractions in San Diego like Safari Park or USS Midway Museum for added value.

About San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is a must-visit for wildlife lovers, home to over 650 species. It offers unique experiences, such as the Skyfari Aerial Tram and the Kangaroo Express Bus, along with interactive animal encounters and conservation efforts.

Address2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Also known asSD Zoo
Year opened1916
Founded byDr. Harry Wegeforth
Visitors per year4000000
Expected wait time - Standard0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Koala colony: The San Diego Zoo has the largest colony of koalas and the most successful koala breeding program outside of Australia.

Why visit San Diego Zoo?

Conservation at the core

The San Diego Zoo is a leader in wildlife conservation, housing breeding programs and global projects to save species such as the California condor and Sumatran tigers.

Highlights

Guided bus tour

Ideal for first-time visitors, the 35-minute narrated bus tour covers approximately 70% of the Zoo, providing an excellent overview of its sprawling grounds and habitats. The tour gives guests insight into animal care, conservation efforts, and fun facts about the animals as they ride in comfort.

Wildlife presentations

These engaging presentations feature some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and wildlife care specialists, who educate visitors on animal behaviors, species characteristics, and the Zoo’s conservation efforts. The live demonstrations offer a close-up view of the animals, which might include birds, reptiles, or small mammals.

4D theater

The 4D theater provides an immersive experience, combining 3D visual effects with real-life environmental effects like wind, mist, and seat movements. It’s a great way to take a break while still enjoying an educational, fun experience. Currently showing is Happy Family 4D, which is a hit with families and kids.

Botanical tours

The San Diego Zoo is home to over 700,000 plants, and visitors can take a self-guided botanical tour through the lush gardens. These tours highlight the importance of plants in the Zoo’s ecosystems, featuring rare and exotic plant species that contribute to the habitats of various animals.

Balboa Park Miniature Train

A charming and fun ride for families, the Balboa Park Railroad takes passengers on a four-minute, half-mile loop through scenic parts of the park, adjacent to the Zoo. This is especially popular with younger visitors who enjoy the playful atmosphere and the chance to ride a classic miniature train.

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp

This recently opened interactive zone is designed for kids and families. It features four zones based on ecosystems: rainforest, desert, wild woods, and marsh meadows. It offers hands-on activities, animal encounters, and educational displays about ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Plan your visit

Main entrance

Main entrance

The main entrance to the San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, within Balboa Park and features a grand, welcoming plaza with ticket booths and guest services. It's easily accessible by car, with a large parking lot right in front of the zoo.

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What our guests say

Lesa M

United States
Solo
Last week

+2 more

This was the Best Birthday present I have given for myself. The day spent at the Safari Park was Spectacular! It's easy to buy tickets on line and on person with ample parking. All the staff was extremely nice,knowledgeable and very helpful and friendly. This should be on everyone's Bucket List!!!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

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