San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The San Diego Zoo pioneered cageless exhibits and offers travelers a fun and informative experience. Featuring over 4000 animals, the park gives you a peek into the wildlife of several ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests. Ride the tour bus, which crosses three quarters of the zoo’s area, and learn more about the animals from the guide as you view them in their natural habitats. You can also hop on the Skyfari gondola lift to see the entire park from above. Tickets to the San Diego Zoo that also cover the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido are available for a discount. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Admission tickets
from $72.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
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  • NeoAxion
    Detroit, Michigan541 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't miss it!
    This is definitely a must-do if you are visiting San Diego. Been to multiple zoos in major cities throughout the USA, but this is hands down the best I've been to so far. A lot to see, so plan a whole day to visit the park!
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 1, 2023
  • Dennis K
    Plano, Texas230 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the Most Famous Zoos
    I enjoy going to zoos, and I have heard from decades how amazing the San Diego zoo is. We had an opportunity to visit in March. Overall, we enjoyed our trip to the San Diego zoo, but I'm not sure it is superior to some of the local zoos I have visited. The San Diego Zoo has long been regarding as being the gold standard for zoos for a long time. However, it seems that zoos across the country have started to catch up. Make no mistake, the San Diego Zoo is still impressive. They have a really nice polar bear habit and the habits for the their elephants are quite good. But, other zoos, such as the Dallas zoo, now boast similarly impressive spaces for their animals. What surprised me about the San Diego Zoo was how much uphill and downhill walking there is. I had heard there were escalators in this zoo in the past, but I didn't see any. Also, the San Diego has been known for their pandas for over 20 years. Unfortunately, the pandas are no longer there. They went back to China right before the COVID pandemic. What was good about the San Diego Zoo: 1) an abundance of animals and variety. I was very surprised how many snakes and reptiles they had alone. 2) the layout of the exhibits and trails in the zoo. There are plenty of impressive looking habitats around the zoos. For instance, the giraffes have a pen that allows visitors to get up close. Some of the trails around the San Diego Zoo are just fun. 3) availability of food and refreshments. It never seemed we were far from a refreshment stand where we could a beverage or a snack. What were some of the downsides: 1) The layout of the zoo overall is confusing. We had the map available at the zoo entrance, but it was sometimes confusing trying to figure out where to go. On the other hand, the zoo staff was very helpful and always willing to answer questions. 2) Accessibility. There is a lot of hills in this zoo. It would seem like a potentially challenging place for those with mobility issues or if a family needs to push around a stroller. 3) Cost. This was one of the most expensive zoos I have ever visited. I would recommend the San Diego Zoo. However, if you are limited for time in San Diego, you might be better off devoting your tourism dollars to something more unique to the area.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 5, 2023
  • Kevin G
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Coolest SD “attraction”
    I am a San Diegan native who has been coming to the zoo since I was wee little San Diegan. Have been a member for as long as I can remember… and somehow it never gets old for me. From the extensive plant life surrounding the entire zoo to the beautiful animals throughout it. I can just never get enough of it and come on a regular basis. It’s a great place to come and simply just hangout in such a beautiful and magical place. Swag and souvenirs are pricey as to be expected as it is an “attraction” but I’m guilty of indulging in my fair share of zoo swag as the years go on. Overall I could go on and on about how great this place is… but I think it’s best I let it speak for itself. Stop on by next time your in town and you won’t be disappointed!
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 15, 2023
  • WBJM2009
    Little Rock, Arkansas797 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Expensive but fun for the entire family.
    We arrive shortly after opening which was a good idea - parking was close and park wasn't too busy. A little pricey for our family of 5 but we spent all day here. My kids loved the aerial tram that takes you from one part of the zoo to another. Lots of restaurants throughout the zoo.
    Visited March 2023
    Written May 17, 2023
  • Pegers
    Northern Ireland, United Kingdom75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing
    We've been to some zoos around the world but this is by far the best. Everything about the place is what we hoped it would be from the articles we'd read. The whole zoo is set within a park, with trees and shrubs everywhere, the animals have plenty of space and are well cared for, even to the extent that the birds have huge aviaries to fly around. We saw the latest additions, three month old leopards and mum playing. We spent the whole day going to everything we could, and whilst a day ticket for adults is $71, it was money very well spent. The work being done by the zoo in terms of conservation is terrific. If in San Diego you must give yourself a day at the zoo
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 22, 2023
  • colombiajan
    Saint Albans, West Virginia195 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Animals and Plants
    We loved the San Diego Zoo. We rode the tour bus first to get an idea of what we wanted to see. It was informative and I recommend it. We loved all the animals and birds and all of the unusual plants. since we are from the east coast these plants caught our eye. I loved the little red bears and the monkeys. We really liked the aviary with the beautiful birds. I highly recommend this zoo to learn most about saving endangered species and conversing the environment.
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 16, 2023
  • SunnySeattle00
    61 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Alot but worth it
    It's a big zoo so plan accordingly, but well worth it! Good food choices and lots of bathrooms / vendors. Animals are easy to see. The map is a little hard to follow but lots of volunteers walking around to help.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 20, 2023
  • Rebecca Z
    Mukwonago, Wisconsin139 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing!
    My teenage daughter and I were so impressed with the San Diego Zoo! We did walk it ALL in one day (which we didn't think we'd be able to) but we went on a day it was open until 9pm. I was shocked to find this zoo has so many levels! You were on one level and could see exhibits above and beneath you that you hadn't seen yet! The number of volunteers and workers was astonishing!! My daughter was afraid to cross a very high bridge at one point, and a worker offered to take her by the arm while I took the other and help her cross with her eyes shut if needed. We walked her across together, and they worker talked to my daughter the entire way to help keep her mind off of the height. Simply astounding level of commitment and helpfulness. The animals were great, and the zoo was so well maintained and clean. We loved our day!
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 22, 2023
  • Adam
    World38 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Expensive but always worth the visit
    Be prepare to spend money. The price for access is pricey. For a year pass for the family was about $500.00, but that'll be paid for in just a few visits and grants you access to the Wild Animal Safari Park in Escondido, CA. If you're hitting the zoo on foot I recommend packing a lunch unless you don't mind paying for what the zoo offers, which is pricey but good. Also if you're walking, don't try to see the whole park in one day. See a section one day and another section the other day. San Diego has so much to offer, don't burn yourself out on a day visit to the zoo. Spend a couple hours seeing one part of the zoo, go to Balboa Park and see the sights there and see another part of the Zoo the next day. You can get a good look at 90% of the zoo by arriving at opening time and taking the bus tours. I highly recommend this at opening because the line moves quicker and most of the animals are out and about. For gifts the zoo has plenty of knick-knack stands, but the primary shops are by the gates. There's at least one inside the main entry and a kids gift shop and general gift shop by the exit. They have some neat stuff, but I recommend setting a spending limit especially if you have kids. I found this works best for kids that way they actually pick one or two things they really like instead of blowing their money on candy and "dollar store" toys by the registers.
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 10, 2023
  • WiltshireLass
    South West England, United Kingdom49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing!!
    We visit San Diego as often as we can, it was our honeymoon destination & we've returned 3 times, & have a trip planned for the future, we have been to SD Zoo twice & both times were fantastic. 1st time we got to see the 2 pandas that were there only for a short period of time & that was so special, the 2nd time we did the bus tour & the skyline aerial view that takes you from one end of the zoo to the other, it was sooo fun! My husband is scared of heights and was dubious about its safety BUT it was absolutely fine, very enjoyable & he would have done it again he said afterwards. A great zoo that is a million percent worth visiting. I'm sure we'll be visiting for a third time when we return to SD :) x
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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MarkDr777
Omaha, NE174 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Family
A very distinguished, large zoo that is well known in the United States and world. And this zoo is VERY large and contains a large variety of species. However, I actually found the habitats to be quite small for the individual animals or groups of animals and believe the space available actually limits the expansion of these habitats. The zoo, 30 years ago, was “drop your socks” the best zoo I had ever seen. But the zoo has become dated and in many cases the animals are in areas that are only slightly better than cages. A group of seven giraffes were in a relatively tiny enclosure. The one zebra and burro were in a ridiculously small area. The one rhino hardly had any area in which to roam! Now with that said, the cat areas (Jaguar, snow leopards) were nicely displayed with walk ways and huge hanging haunches of goats for the cats to eat when not being watched by the crowds. Many other zoos have moved to newer ways of housing animals to include allowing far larger areas for animals to roam with more realistic environments or features that the animal would experience in their natural habitats ie large watering holes for rhinos, sculpted hills for animals to climb, and the inclusion of multiple animals in the same enclosure as they would be found in the wild (rhinos with elephants with giraffes in the same enclosure). Unfortunately the San Diego Zoo reminded me of a first or second generation facility that was only slightly better than when animals were placed in very small cages. In many cases there was only a single animal or maybe at most a pair representing the species which was disappointing.

Highlights: the koala area which housed 20 koalas in separate areas, the cat enclosures, the baboon area.
Disappointments: the rhino area (one single animal in a small enclosure), the elephants (2?) and their holding cages, the giraffe area, the single zebra, the penguin area.

I found it interesting that many guests were walking around with open containers of wine or beer! We did eat at Alberts which was in a great location. Of course the food was expensive since we were eating within the Zoo but the service was horrible. A small pizza was $18, a burger $20, one of the fancier entrees will run you $30+. We waited over an hour for our food and we didn’t order anything complicated.

If wanting to experience the next generation of zoo, I would recommend the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha Nebraska which I recently visited as it has vast habitats representing regions in which multiple animals are located that would be found together in the wild.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Morgan I
Olathe, KS145 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019 • Couples
I have been to a lot of zoos (Omaha, Cincinnati, St. Louis), and this zoo fell short for me based on how much it had been hyped up by everyone else. First off, it is VERY expensive. You will be paying $100+ for 2 people (compared to St. Louis, which is FREE), and I thought that was ridiculous. Once you’re in, it’s fun enough - definitely a lot to see - but it’s almost too much to see. The maps and signage are not very clear throughout, and it’s easy to get lost in this zoo. Because you spend so much money to get in, we felt like we HAD to stay all day to get our money’s worth. You’ll enjoy it just fine, but I don’t think what you get is worth the price.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bella
Denver, CO15 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Happy that the zoo remained open for our trip to San Diego this summer (in the midst of maintained closures due to COVID) as we had a wonderful day there. It is a little pricey for entry, but they have so many different kinds of animals it is well worth it. The park is very clean and the maps/signs are clear to help you find your way. We went on a Sunday expecting it to be crowded, but found that earlier in the day may have been better as we didn't run into too many other people. We bought the zoo guide with our tickets and were instructed to pick it up with our voucher at any gift shop, but finally after asking 2 different gift shops, we were told we had to wait until the "Exit" gift shop, which somewhat defeated the purpose as we were hoping to have it with us through the whole park. No one seemed to be able to know how to use the voucher, so we did end up waiting a while for a manager to come out and help us. With that being said, they were friendly and apologetic about the wait time. Highly recommend visiting the zoo if you can!
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ken M
Pittsburgh, PA95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This is probably the best zoo that we have ever visited. Included with the zoo admission is a narrated bus tour that takes you all over the zoo. We were lucky as a lot of the animals were active during our bus tour. We took Uber from downtown and the zoo has a convenient drop-off location. The zoo is very hilly so be prepared if you are walking. If you are going to only visit one zoo in your life, the San Diego Zoo should be at the top of your list.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rodger C
Blaine, MN104 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Family
We were on a winter vacation and this was a must see. The zoo is amazing! Great animal exhibits with friendly and knowledgeable staff,. I recommend taking the guided bus tour when you get there which covers 70% of the zoo. Then you can walk back to area you want to see again. It’s a bit pricey but worth the experience.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FloridaSunDevil
West Palm Beach, FL835 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This is my first visit back to the zoo in about 30 years. Unfortunately we had only two hours to spend here. I could have taken several days. We were guests of an annual pass holder who had visitor passes so the short visit was "free". We started our adventure by taking the bus around the park to give us an overview. The driver was very good about pointing animals out that we would have missed and mentioned things we should come back to. Following the bus, we might have seen 25 percent of the zoo in our limited time. Plan a full day if you have the time. This is a national treasure that shouldn't be missed. The one problem we had was finding our way to the exit. The signage isn't the best. However, being lost let us see more.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Violetbsu
50 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
We had a friend recommend this and showed up without checking the price. For 2 people for ONE day, it was $116, not including food, beverages and gifts.

Pros: There were a variety of animals and the habitats were very nice. Most people wore their masks the entire time. Albert’s restaurant was actually very delicious and all 8 of us had food that we enjoyed and great service. There's currently a baby hippo!

Cons: Price. It was outrageous at $58/person. There are a lot of VERY steep hills. Someone will accessibility issues should read their info closely. One of the main reasons we went was for the giant pandas, which were are all gone! It was a serious bummer for our group!

If you're going to go, plan a big budget. You'll want to eat lunch and stay for many hours to get your money's worth!
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DT-PEI
489 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
If there for the first time, take the Bus Tour to get oriented. It skirts the outer perimeter and the driver provides a lot of information on the zoo which helps plan the rest of your visit. Thank goodness for the many guides/assistants around the park who offered to help with directions as it was easy to become disoriented with all the twists, turns, and elevation changes on the many paths that can be taken after taking the Bus Tour.
I suggest bring your own beverage to keep hydrated as they charge an excessive price for soda, beer, and even water. We split a wrap for lunch and downed it with our own water. There are several eateries throughout the zoo so going hungry will not be a problem.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kingrichjohn
San Francisco, CA17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
First let me say the the volunteers are great and very helpful. When we first entered the park we did not know what we wanted to do first. A volunteer saw us and suggested taking the 35 minute bus tour around the zoo and or do the hop on hop off around the zoo. We did the 35 minute bus tour and then walked the park afterwards. My advice is to get there early. Especially if you love the big cats as I do. The zoo is roughly 3.2 miles from the hotels in the Gas Lamp district so the round trip with Uber was way less expensive than renting a car.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dr. J
San Diego, CA8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The San Diego Zoo is the Best Zoo in the world. It is located in the rolling hills and valleys of San Diego's Balboa Park. It's big. Really big. San Diego residents digest it in parts. It you plan on seeing it all, wear comfortable shoes and take time to sit down with some of your favorite animals (for me that's the great apes and the polar bears) and catch your breath.
I recommend taking in the exhibits closest to the entrance of the zoo and then take the sky ride to the far side, then work your way back. As an alternative you may want to take the bus tour and then go back to the areas that interest you the most.
My "not to be missed" animals are the apes, the polar bears, the koala bears and the reptiles (I know they're not everyone's cup of tea).
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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San Diego Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $72.00, while a popular guided tour starts around $14.99 per person.

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