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
4,526 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Zoo, a highlight of our SD trip
S1824ZKmeghanb,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The San Diego Zoo was fantastic. We got there a little after opening on a Friday and were able to snag a parking spot pretty quick. We decided to take the free bus tour to get a lay of the land and were able to see animals including the elephants. We used the Zoo app to prioritize the animals we wanted to see and also get around since they had a live map with directions. Our preschooler loved the water feature and play area, we were happy they had big dryers but also brought a change of clothes to make things easier after so much play. The Zoo is indeed huge, if you only have one day and want to see a lot, bring your walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, strollers (if applicable) and use the app! Before our trip we watched the Animal Planet series about it and it shaped our perspective of how well cared for all of the animals are as well as the Zoo’s overall conservation efforts.
Spectacular
zimb0man,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful zoo with great exhibits and grounds fit for any botanical garden
Great Zoo!
Pr0fPhred,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The map was good, the search...not so much. The bathrooms and water fountains were difficult to find. Maybe if a person uses the app, they could get a discount code for the stores.
Costly and disappointing San Diego parks tickets
Richard K,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We bought the tickets for the Zoo, Sea World and the Safari Park. The first day after arriving from Sacramento we went to the San Diego Zoo. The bus tour provided a good overview of the zoo. We rented electric scooters to avoid a lot of walking. The scooters worked out well but cost $60 each. The layout of the zoo is difficult to follow on the map provided. We did get to see quite a bit The second day we went to Sea World. We paid for the fast pass with reserved seating. The $50 per person upgrade was a waste of money. The layout of the park is difficult to follow. We enjoyed the dolphin and the Orca shows After the first two days of the San Diego package we decided to skip the Safari Park
Well-worth the Visit!
919beckyj,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing zoo. We spent 4 hours there and there was still so much more to see. Both the animals and human customers are well cared for. Starting with the bus tour really helped us to get our bearings and decide what was most important to see. There are some nice eating places with good food and pretty reasonable prices. We went there in the afternoon when quite a few animals were snoozing; mornings or evenings may be better. It was a pretty hot day - we wish there were more drinking fountains and bottle refill stations. It's fine to bring in snacks and water bottles.
Best zoo I've ever seen!
jim s,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It's a lot of walking to see the whole park. But it's worth it. We walked for over 6 hours. Many of the animals were active and visible. Our favorites were all the big cats, the meerkats, and the polar bears.
Not what I expected
kydzrn3,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Wow. I don’t know how a family can afford this zoo. $78 for an adult ticket. $68 for child. There is a senior price offered. A souvenir cup for drinks ( free refills for that day only) was $17. Popcorn $7. Great exhibits but a lot of them were empty. There was only one animal of a species in a lot of the exhibits. It’s hilly so you get your steps in - and more. Plenty of bathrooms around. No interaction available (I guess you have to pay more for that at the safari location. It is set in a beautiful, botanical garden setting which is why this review got 3 stars from me. The kicker - parking. There is nothing that tells you to pay before you enter the zoo. There are signs telling you to scan QR code but that’s it. Came back to our car with a $52 ticket . We were told to take the ticket to the check in and they’d get us in the system so everything should be ok, hopefully. I’ll take our St. Louis Zoo any day. Free entry. Free parking ( there is a paid parking lot available closer to the zoo). You can buy a souvenir cup for drinks but it’s good forever.
Don’t Miss Out
christinadT1797WI,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everyone has heard how amazing this zoo is. It didn’t disappoint, just make sure and give yourself enough time to see it all.
Beautiful
Randy G,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect zoo day. The skyliner wasn’t working but we used the bus when our feet got tired. I recommend Albert’s restaurant for a lunch in the treetops.
Made my heart happier than ever.
jimenjnj,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing! It was much better than I dreamt and being honest my expectations were already huge!! But it surprised me even more. One of my favorite places in mi life. I feel it in my heart already, i need to go again soon!
From US$78.00
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Operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance