San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
Overview
Mobile ticket
The San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre wildlife park and home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals, representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden, caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including a prominent curated assemblage of close to 13,000 specimens, representing 3,100 species.
The expansive new 3.2-acre Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is designed to appeal to all ages and foster empathy for wildlife by exploring nature. Built on the site of the historic Children’s Zoo, the basecamp features fresh and innovative elements, including eight buildings and habitats dispersed throughout four different habitat zones: Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows and Desert Dunes.
Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental at the front plaza near the entrance
Please visit the San Diego Zoo's website for more information on complimentary timed tickets and standby lines for the giant panda viewing
Giant Panda Timed Tickets are only available on Saturdays and Sundays at the San Diego Zoo on the same day as your visit. These tickets are complimentary, limited, and first come, first served. Simply scan the ticket QR code on the sign at the main entrance of the Zoo, select an available time, and head to the Timed Ticket line at Denny Sanford Panda Ridge at your designated time. You may also seek assistance with timed tickets at any Admissions Booth
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
San Diego Zoo
A majestic wildlife park and botanical garden, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Winding paths through forests and mesas bring you close to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals, including koalas, tigers, Galápagos tortoises, polar bears, and more. Explore Africa Rocks to discover penguins, baboons, lemurs, weaver birds, and other unique wildlife. Enjoy up-close encounters, interactive experiences, and exciting educational presentations. This wild and fun atmosphere makes the San Diego Zoo a great place for families to connect with animals and plants, and learn how to become wildlife allies. As a leader in wildlife care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience. We hope to see you soon!
What‘s Included
*Unlimited use of Skyfari Aerial Tram
*Unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour
Tickets good one year from original date of purchase
Food and drink
Hotel pick up and drop-off
Parking Fees - beginning January 5, 2026 Balboa Park charges a flat rate of $16 per vehicle, per day
Options
San Diego Zoo
Reviews
4,492 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best zoo experience.
Nancy D,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This zoo is by far the best zoo I've ever been too. The animals are beautiful and are well taken care of. The zoo is very clean, there are lots of benches to sit and rest, many vendors to get a drink or snack and there are a lot of volunteers available to give directions and answer your questions.
Lions, Tigers, and Panda Bears, Oh My!
Jacob S,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It is a wonderful time here at the zoo. Staff was energetic and friendly and drinks were cold and snacks were good. The animals steal the show as the should and you can see an assortment of animals from penguins to elephants to lions. I’d recommend bringing some friends and family and having yourself a great time here!
Loved it!
P1726NVheleno,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came on a Saturday afternoon and it was actually not as crowded as I thought it would be. Was so fun coming! We watched a show that was so informative and fun! Everything was nice and clean. We signed up for a membership the day and now we get free admission and parking, 1 free pass a year and 2 super discounted passes a year.
Amazing zoo
AngtheOwl,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! I spent the day there solo, and it took the full day to see everything and there was still more I could have done! I upgraded to a membership and I can’t wait to return
Gagging from exhaust from buses
lorrainejU3751FS,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took the sky ride walked back up me 70s female. One thing I can’t stand or my grandson is the exhaust fumes from the buses. Gagging us both, me I had an asthma attack I almost called 911. I sat on a bench trying to catch my breath.
AH-MAY-ZING- you gotta go🙂↕️
I7772PAclaudiac,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved the zoo! It was so much fun and so many cute animals! My bf and I went around 3:30/4 and we got to see most when we kinda rushed. Would def recommend going earlier if you want to take your time. I think the price is worth it because there are so many animals to view. I really loved the plants as well! The crowd size wasn’t that bad. Maybe it was because of the time my bf and I went. The staff were super sweet and helpful when we had questions. The only downside is having to pay for photos when they give you a proof. I think we should get to keep the proofs but it’s fine. Amazing time!!!
Great
Lukeleidiger,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was extremely accessible for my autistic client. They offered a lot of assistance. It was such a lovely and well kept park. It felt like walking through a jungle in peace.
First trip to the SD Zoo did not disappoint!
Lisa G,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00First time visiting the zoo and it did not disappoint! The online tips said it probably takes 6-7 hours to see everything and they were not kidding. We stayed around 7 hours and still didn’t see it all. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and unlike any zoo I’ve ever visited. The conservation abounds and shows how much the animals are cared for here. We took the bus tour first thing which was a great way to get our bearings. We then took the tram up to the top and walked down to see the sights. Would definitely recommend this approach to save energy as the zoo is basically uphill! We loved seeing all the animals but especially the giraffes, elephants, and meerkats! Enjoy!
Fun for all ages! Takes the whole day to view
Quest04641498681,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lots of things to do for all ages. Spent the whole day there and did not get to visit it all. I would skip the bus tour and just walk around to really be able to see the animals. The sky tram which comes with any tickets is amazing!
This Zoo is spectacular!!...
Jenelle D,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This Zoo is spectacular!! My husband and I first came here for our Honeymoon. We returned for our 27th Anniversary!! I love how close you can get to the animals without being in harms way. There's so many places to eat and they're not your typical pizza, hot dogs or burgers. I would highly recommend taking a full day(yes, it will take a full day) and seeing this zoo.
From US$78.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance