Ultimate Guide to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park

Does Disneyland Resort have a theme park where Guests can see and learn about exotic animals? On the East Coast, Disney World has a wonderful theme park called Animal Kingdom where Guests are able to experience the wonders of animals and nature. Unfortunately, back at Disneyland, a park like this doesn’t exist but it is located within driving distance to the San Diego Zoo.

Luckily, not far from the Disneyland Resort, there are TWO wonderful parks where Guests can go to enjoy wild animals – San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. At both of these locations you’ll be able to get up close and personal with amazing animals, take part in exciting activities, and enjoy special experiences!

In this article, I’m going to give you a complete guide to both San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Follow along and get ready to plan your wild adventure!

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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Similarly to Animal Kingdom, the main goal of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is conservation. This nonprofit organization uses wildlife healthcare, science, and education to create new and long-lasting ways to help conserve the livelihood of wild animals.

The animals that you’ll see at the zoo aren’t the only ones who benefit from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts. The work of the SDZWA takes place all over the world. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park help make their worldwide mission possible. In return, new information and stories are able to be brought back and shared with those visiting and working at the zoos.

Both the Zoo and Safari Park have something special to bring to the Guests who are visiting. Let’s take a closer look at each one to see what they both have to offer!

San Diego Zoo

Wildlife

There is a wide variety of wildlife that you’ll be able to see at the San Diego Zoo including mammals, reptiles, plant life, birds, insects, and more! During the times when you’re not visiting, you can still see many of the animals. Multiple species have live cams set up in their habitats, giving you a firsthand look at what they’re up to during the day! Click here to view the available wildlife live cams.

Animals

Amur Leopard
Anaconda
Babirusa
Bee-eater
Black-headed Weaver
Bonobo
California Condor
Camel
Capybara
Cheetah
Chinese Alligator
Clouded Leopard
Dung Beetle
Elephant
Fossa
Galápagos Tortoise
Gelada
Giraffe
Grizzly Bear
Hamadryas Baboon
Harpy Eagle
Hippo
Jaguar
King Cobra
Klipspringer
Koala
Komodo Dragon
Laughing Kookaburra
Lemur
Lion
Mang Mountain Viper
Meerkat
Monkey
Mountain Lion
Penguin
Polar Bear
Pygmy Hippopotamus
Rattlesnake
Red Panda
Rhinoceros
Serval
Snow Leopard
Sun Bear
Takin
Tapir
Tasmanian Devil
Turtle and Terrapin
Two-toed Sloth
Vervet Monkey
Zebra

Plants/Nature

Australian Wonders
Bromeliads
Fern Canyon
Gingers
Gorilla Tropics and Scripps Aviary
Hawaiian Native Plant Garden
Reptile Mesa
Sun Bear Forest
Terrace Lagoon

Things to Do

Not only can you see amazing wildlife when you visit the San Diego Zoo, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy additional activities and special experiences! These special add-ons will make your zoo day even more special.

Activities

4D Theater – At this theater, 3D movies are taken to the next level! Enjoy a 3D movie that’s accompanied with additional special effects. When you watch movies at the 4D theater, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the movie! This theater opens daily at 10am. The last show will play one hour before the park closes. Tickets are available for purchase at the theater. The price is $8 per ticket.
Botanical Tours – Explore the beautiful gardens of the San Diego Zoo on a self-guided tour. You can use a zoo map to find your way and the provided brochures to help guide your experience. During your tour, you’ll be able to explore five different gardens – Australian Outback, Elephant Odyssey Trees, Fern Canyon, Monkey Trails, and Africa Rocks. On your journey, you’ll be able to view Aloes, Bamboos, Cycads, Orchids, Coral Trees, Palms, Carnivorous Plants, and Figs (Ficus).
Guided Bus Tour – If you’d like to give your legs a rest, explore the zoo, and learn more about what you’re seeing, a Guided Bus Tour would be a great activity for you to do! This tour takes place on a double-decker bus that takes you throughout the zoo. During your 35-minute ride, your knowledgeable guide will give you information on everything that you’re seeing – from animals, to plant life, and even the conservation efforts that are in place!
Play Areas – The play areas at the San Diego Zoo aren’t just simple playgrounds. These areas where kids can explore, learn, and put their skills to the test! There are three play areas in total – Tree of Dreams, Polar Play Area, and Elephant Play Yard.
Wildlife Presentations – Through a variety of presentations, zoo visitors can get a special viewing of wildlife and learn from their caretakers. There are three presentations that you can watch – Africa Rocks Encounter at Africa Rocks Stage 12pm, Rady Ambassador Presentation Area 1pm, and Wildlife Wonders at Wegeforth Bowl 2pm.
Kangaroo Bus – Since the wildlife and their habitats require so much space, you can end up doing a lot of walking at the zoo. The Kangaroo Bus can help you save some steps! This is a free transportation service that travels throughout the zoo. There are four Kangaroo Bus stops where visitors can get on or off the bus. These bus stops are marked by yellow kangaroo-shaped signs.
Skyfari Aerial Tram – Another way to travel through the San Diego Zoo is the Skyfari Aerial Tram. This gondola-style transportation system will transport you from one end of the zoo to the other. During your ride, you’ll have a fantastic view of the zoo!
Balboa Park Miniature Train – Outside of the San Diego Zoo exit, you’ll find the Balboa Park Miniature Train! While this train makes its way through the four acres of Balboa Park, it is owned by the San Diego Zoo. Guests of all ages can ride this miniature train! Tickets are $4 per rider. Riders 5 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Special Experiences

Inside Look Tours – These guided tours are a way for you to experience the zoo like never before. Your guide will personally take you throughout special areas of the zoo, educate you about the wildlife, and give you more detailed information on conservation efforts. These tours give you the opportunity to get an up close look at habitats and a chance to see behind the scenes areas of the zoo!
- Inside Look: Wild Africa
  - For all ages
  - $92 and up
  - 90 minutes
- Inside Look: World Famous Wildlife
  - For all ages
  - $92 and up
  - 90 minutes
- Inside Look: Underwater Wonders
  - For all ages
  - $92 and up
  - 90 minutes
- Inside Look Deluxe: Paws & Claws
  - All ages
  - $117 and up
  - Select dates
  - 2 hours
- Inside Look Deluxe: Crazy About Cats
  - Ages 5 and up
  - $117 and up
  - Offered daily
  - 2 hours; 8:30am – 10:30am. Guests need to arrive 10 minutes prior to departure.
- Inside Look: Elite Adventure
  - Recommended for ages 5 and up
  - $425 and up, per person
  - Select dates
  - 3.5 hours
Discovery Cart Tours – If you’d like your own personal guide, consider doing a Discovery Cart Tour at the San Diego Zoo! These are 60-minute guided tours led by knowledgeable tour guides. During your tour, you’ll be able to step off the cart to get a closer look at the wildlife and take pictures! Discovery Cart Tours are for guests of all ages and costs $60 and up.
Animals in Action Experience – During this one hour experience, you’ll be able to see animals up close! Some of the animals in this experience are exclusive and can only be seen by those who participate in the Animals in Action Experience! See these animals like never before, hear amazing stories about the specific animals that you’re watching, and learn from the wildlife behavior specialists of the San Diego Zoo. This experience costs $95 and up and is for visitors who are 5 years of age or older.
Hike to Hippos – This 60-minute hike will give you an exclusive look at the hippos of the San Diego Zoo. Not just the large river hippos, but also pygmy hippos! This hike is led by the wildlife experts of the San Diego Zoo. Guests ages 5 and up are able to participate. However, this experience is recommended for those who are 12 years of age or older. The price of this experience is $49 and up.
Exclusive VIP Experience – By doing an Exclusive VIP Experience, you’ll have ultimate access to habitats, animal interactions, and personalized service from San Diego Zoo professionals! You can choose to have a 5- or 7-hour personalized, guided experience. This experience is open to guests of all ages and starts at $710 per person. If you’re wanting to do this experience, you’ll need to book it at least 72 hours in advance. To book your Exclusive VIP Experience, call (619) 718-3000.
Early Morning Explorers – Do you have kiddos coming along with you to the San Diego Zoo? The Early Morning Explorers experience is designed specifically for families with little ones ages 3-12. Before the park opens to the public, Dr. Zoolittle will entertain the children with jokes, games, and special activities! This 60-minute experience is available for a limited time on select dates from June 29th, 2024 through December 28th, 2024. The cost is $39 and up.

Plan Your Visit

Location

7920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, California 92101

Hours

The zoo opens daily at 9am. However, closing times vary depending on the date. You can click here to check the exact hours for the day you plan on visiting the San Diego Zoo.

Parking

Parking is FREE at the San Diego Zoo. You’ll be able to find free parking at the lot in front of the zoo. Additional parking is also available in Balboa Park. This additional parking is also free!

Tickets

When purchasing tickets for the San Diego Zoo, you’ll get the best value when you purchase them online! There are a variety of ticket options available including Single Day, Multi Day, and Memberships. There are also Gift Cards that are available for purchase! Adult tickets are for visitors who are 12 years of age or older. Child tickets are for children ages 3-11. 2 year olds and younger are free!

Single Day Tickets

1-Day Pass: Any Day – Adult: $72 Child: 62
- Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo, Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences.
- 1-Day Pass: Any Day tickets are valid any day within one year from the date of purchase.
1-Day Pass: Value Days – Adult: $68 Child: $58 Online offer only, Advance purchase required, Select days only
- Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo, Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences.
- 1-Day Pass: Value Days tickets are valid on any Value Day within one year from date of purchase. Click here to see the calendar.
1-Day Pass Plus: Any Day – Adult: $79 Child: $69 Online offer only, Advance purchase required
- Includes all the features of the 1-Day Pass, plus one 4D Theater Experience.
- 1-Day Pass Plus: Any Day tickets are valid any day within one year from date of purchase.
1-Day Pass Plus: Value Days – Adult: $75 Child $65 Online offer only, Advance purchase required, Select days only
- Includes all of the features of the 1-Day Pass, plus one 4D Theater Experience.
- 1-Day Pass Plus: Value Days tickets are valid on any Value Day within one year from date of purchase. Click here to see the calendar.

Multi-Day / Multi-Park Tickets

2-Visit Pass – Adult: $124 Child: $114
- Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park -OR- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo -OR- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- Two total visits by the same person on any and all days.
- 2-Visit Pass tickets are valid on any day within one year from date of purchase
San Diego 3-for-1 Pass – Adult: $199 Child: $189
- Enjoy visits to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego.
- The San Diego 3-for-1 Pass is valid for one visit per attraction – three total visits – by the same person on any and all days.
- Valid for seven consecutive days from the first visit.
Membership -starting at $95
- If you’re a local or a frequent visitor of San Diego, you may be interested in buying a Membership! With a membership, you are able to visit the Zoo and Safari Park for an entire year. Click here to learn more about Memberships.

Mobile App

To make your experience at the zoo extra convenient, download the San Diego Zoo App. With this app, you’ll be able to see dining, activities, and other attractions on the GPS-enabled map. Keep your day on track by using the day planner where you can add your preferences and see the daily schedule. You’ll also have quick and easy access to your tickets or memberships when you import them to your mobile wallet!