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
4,443 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Crazy about cats!
LeilahZS,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crazy about cats experience was truly so so amazing! Sydney and Laura were great and we had the best time!
ZOOtacular
MissSunshineDuffy,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My sister and I had a fabulous time at the San Diego zoo. We were disappointed that the free parking had gone away. However, all the animal that we experienced today were awesome and our favorite people that we met were Matt at Albert’s treehouse, Robert informational guide and John another informational guide. Thank you to the San Diego Zoo. We love you.
The San Diego Zoo constantly provides a fun and special learning experience on every visit!
Y8126LMmikeh,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We always start with the tour bus. We go to the zoo about 35 to 40 times a year. On almost every bus ride, we learn at least 1 or 2 NEW facts! Most of the tour bus drivers are so knowledgeable. We love the skyfari ride and are able to use it on 1/2 of our visits. It would be nice if notice was provided at the front of polar bear plunge, when none can be seen at all, anywhere in their habitat. Lastly, we hope to see the acrobatics show next to the giraffe enclosure.
My first trip to the San Diego Zoo!
kellibX7689JX,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful experience. Exceptionally clean, easy to navigate and delightful volunteers posted everywhere that were immensely helpful! Our only disappointing moment was not getting to see the polar bears but it was the heat of the day, so I’m sure they retreated to cooler temps! What a magical day! We can’t wait to return!
Worth a revisit!
ConnieK140,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We hadn't really been to the zoo in a few years and when we did, it was only the bus tour. This time, after the bus tour, we explored the pandas, aviary walk, and base camp. There were new additions and improvements. We will certainly be back.
Always a great time
Q147RDangelm,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had a great time! Loved the app for directions to each animal with the walk time too! The bus tour and sky train were fun. We always enjoy the animals. The only recommendation I’d have is not taking up so much time with giraffe feeding waiting in pictures to be taken. We ended up leaving the line because the family didn’t want to have to wait in two lines to feed them
Had such a great time we’re already planning our next trip!
jessiey435,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day at the San Diego Zoo! I had an issue with my ticket and the supervisor who had to come help me arrived quickly and solved my issue, all with a smile and minimal delay. I was worried I was going to have to get in the long ticket line and she made sure we got in quickly and we were so appreciative. The exhibits were wonderful, we were all delighted by the orangutans antics and the adorable pandas. It’s hard to pick a favorite part of the zoo because all the exhibits were great. Of course the staff makes all the difference - the grounds were well tended and the cleaning crew clearly hustles to keep everything neat and clean. The volunteers were friendly and helpful - the gentleman in the hummingbird and song bird enclosure was kind enough to share his knowledge with us and really enhanced our experience there. On our way out we stopped at the Zootique and the worker there was friendly and fun to chat with and we ended up with some very cute souvenirs. We’re now members and excited for our next visit!
We love the zoo!
Wander65307156947,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So fun! We are pass holders and got in to see the giant pandas up close today. They are so cute! We love walking through fern canyon and riding the tram. We recommend the zoo to all our family and friends that come to town.
Birthday visit.
susancX4308MG,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends bought me the ticket for my birthday. 2 of my friends have never been to a zoo prior to going today. It was an awesome experience for them. Our next trip will the safari experience.
Easy to book in trip advisor- and I used discount cash
GPToak,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I only got my ticket via Trip Advisor since I learned I earned some rewards cash so my ticket was just $13 - I couldn’t resist! I typically order directly from zoo but this ticket was very easy. I could change the date easily (I did twice) and it updated in my Apple Wallet.
From US$78.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance