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.
San Diego Zoo Tickets
-
Get ready to meet more than 4,500 rare animals! Book your ticket and make unforgettable memories in this 100-acre animal paradise.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo's West African Forest exhibit is home to a 65-foot manmade waterfall, Rady Falls.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets
-
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.
-
Love bird-watching? From eagles to parrots, see over 140 bird species in the aviary.
-
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.
-
Love bird-watching? From eagles to parrots, see over 140 bird species in the aviary.
-
Did you know? The Safari Park is home to the world's largest veterinary hospital, demonstrating their dedication to animal wellbeing and conservation.
Combo (Save 5%): San Diego Zoo + San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets
-
An adventure of a lifetime awaits you and your family with this super-saver combo of San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park.
-
The zoo, a 100-acre spread with 4500 species of animals, offers an incredible experience that's both interactive and immersive.
-
Blend into the natural habitat of animals like the African Elephant and koalas, enjoy a guided bus tour, and ride the Skyfari aerial tram for a unique view.
-
The Zoo Safari Park au contraire, is recreated into the savannah with giraffes, gazelles, cheetahs, and has an aviary with over 140 species of birds.
-
Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo's West African Forest exhibit is home to a 65-foot manmade waterfall, Rady Falls.
More details
-
An adventure of a lifetime awaits you and your family with this super-saver combo of San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park.
-
The zoo, a 100-acre spread with 4500 species of animals, offers an incredible experience that's both interactive and immersive.
-
Blend into the natural habitat of animals like the African Elephant and koalas, enjoy a guided bus tour, and ride the Skyfari aerial tram for a unique view.
-
The Zoo Safari Park au contraire, is recreated into the savannah with giraffes, gazelles, cheetahs, and has an aviary with over 140 species of birds.
-
Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo's West African Forest exhibit is home to a 65-foot manmade waterfall, Rady Falls.
5% off
Go City San Diego Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
-
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 60 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 60 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.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Arrive early: To avoid crowds and see the animals when they are most active, visit early in the morning, especially during weekends and holidays.
Book online: Save time and money by purchasing tickets in advance online. Look for combo tickets with Safari Park for added value.
Wear comfortable shoes: The zoo covers a large area with hilly terrain. Be prepared for walking by wearing comfortable shoes.
Utilize the bus tour: Take the 35-minute guided bus tour for a comprehensive overview of the zoo and tips on where to explore.
Bring your own water: The zoo allows you to bring in reusable water bottles, and hydration stations are located throughout the park.
Top things to do in San Diego
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.
Koala colony: The San Diego Zoo has the largest colony of koalas and the most successful koala breeding program outside of Australia.
First cageless zoo: The zoo pioneered the concept of cageless, open-air exhibits to simulate natural environments for its animals.
Frozen zoo: The San Diego Zoo Global’s Frozen Zoo stores genetic materials of over 1,000 species, helping preserve biodiversity.
Skyfari aerial tram: This unique tramway offers panoramic views of the zoo, providing easy transport while offering a birds-eye view of the park.
Oldest zoo exhibit: The reptile house, built in 1922, is one of the zoo’s oldest features and still houses some of the world's rarest reptiles.
Why visit San Diego Zoo?
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
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.
Browse by themes
Nearby cities to explore
World at your tap.
Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
