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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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.
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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.
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Your ticket includes a guided bus tour, giving you a whirlwind introduction to this world-renowned sanctuary.
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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.
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Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo's West African Forest exhibit is home to a 65-foot manmade waterfall, Rady Falls.
More details
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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.
-
Fun fact: The San Diego Zoo's West African Forest exhibit is home to a 65-foot manmade waterfall, Rady Falls.
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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.
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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.
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Witness the sheer speed of the Cheetah Run, these magnificent creatures will leave you in awe as they showcase their natural hunting prowess.
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Love bird-watching? From eagles to parrots, see over 140 bird species in the aviary.
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Did you know? The Safari Park is home to the world's largest veterinary hospital, demonstrating their dedication to animal wellbeing and conservation.
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Step away from the city and explore diverse habitats in an open environment on a much larger scale.
More details
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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.
-
Step away from the city and explore diverse habitats in an open environment on a much larger scale.
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With flexible booking, you can visit both attractions on the same day or spread them across different days, ensuring your visit fits your schedule.
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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.
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Wander through lush exhibits and meet over 3,700 animals from across the globe. The San Diego Zoo offers a world-class wildlife experience.
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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
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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.
5% off
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Get up close with exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most celebrated zoos.
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See San Diego’s landmarks your way with the flexible Old Town Trolley, featuring live commentary and 11 stops.
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Stop J on the trolley route makes it easy to combine your city tour with a visit to the San Diego Zoo.
More details
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Get up close with exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most celebrated zoos.
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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.
5% off
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An adventure of a lifetime awaits you and your family with this super-saver combo of San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park.
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The zoo, a 100-acre spread with 4500 species of animals, offers an incredible experience that's both interactive and immersive.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Access over 45 attractions and save up to $37 with Go City's San Diego Explorer Pass.
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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%.
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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!
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Visit your first attraction, get your pass scanned and it's activated. Your pass is then valid for 60 days.
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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
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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
Similar 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.
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