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
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!
Options
San Diego Zoo
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4,565 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
World-class zoo
Sightseer00188700767,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The zoo has an incredible range of animals in near natural settings compliments of the “micro climates” possible in this. I recommend going to the the bus tour first and getting an overview of the entire park first before the line get long. When the weather is good, views from the (open) upper deck are best. This bus tour is included with the entry fee to the zoo.. The markings for directions is poor and the map (online or in the pamphlet only available at the info booth at the entry) is dismal.
Best Zoo Ever
fredrickm811,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve been to a lot of zoos, and each has their own character, but this one tops them all. My favorite animal ever since I was a kid has always been koalas. All the other times I’ve seen them they were either hidden, or not available to be seen, etc. here there were so many and they looked so happy. Honestly, all the animals looked incredibly healthy and well taken care of. For example, I’ve been to other zoos where the animals pace nervously, or their skin/fur look distressed. Their polar bear, although past life expectancy, looked jovial and spry! I definitely recommend!
Not to be missed
melaniemM8870VL,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The San Diego Zoo is a must-see attraction in Southern California. If you enjoy a good zoo, this is the cream of the crop. You should definitely wear good shoes and bring sunscreen. Although the zoo has thoughtfully incorporated shady spots, there's still plenty of direct sun and lots of walking - this zoo is huge! One drawback of the experience is the cost of food - it is exorbitant for what it is. The zoo allows you to bring in food and drinks, and I would definitely recommend that.
The pandas 🐼 are my favorite animal ever!!!
kristincH7632KQ,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had seen ! it was my first time seeing pandas 🐼 I adore them so much and all the other animals as well 😍thank you San Diego zoo for the best birthday gift ever all thanks to my mom 🥲
The best day at the zoo!!!
nadianZ1621HI,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience for the whole family! The incredible variety of plants, animals, and interactive activities for kids made this visit truly unforgettable. We loved it so much that I’m becoming a member so we can come back again and again!
Fun for family
theresahP1638VS,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just got our membership. 4 year old loved the sky tram. Saw so many animals and was a great experience. Stayed 3 hours but will have to come back to see more.
The joy of Seniors Annual passes!
patio3,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This 84 year old went with my 90 year old friend to what used to be called the Children’s Zoo. I used to take my children there while my husband was deployed in Vietnam. What a difference 50 years has made in the zoo and especially the Cjildrens section. My friend and I were absolutely enamored..overwhelmed by the wonderful and educational exhibits. Such a job well done! We loved our visit and we thank you for giving us Seniors such a wonderful deal for our annual zoo and safari passes.
Great Experience
zoeyr736,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This Zoo is extremely immersive with many different areas feeling like you are transported around the world. The Zoo also did a great job by providing multiple viewing locations per inclosure to give you the best chance at viewing every animal. There were also helpful volunteers all around the park with answers to any and all questions and amazing facts about the animals. All in all this was a great day trip and I would highly recommend to families ready to walk a lot ready to see all sorts of amazing animals.
New Member exceptional customer service
JenniferL347,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went to register after online membership. Alagia helped me enormously & set me up. Got Membership Card & Passes & confirmed car registration.
Good Zoo
496bryanz,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The zoo is massive. Expect to spend all day there. I'm typically economical with my time, but it took me 5+ hours to see everything.
Related Experiences
Operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance