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Location
Parking
Paid parking fees apply for general visitors; San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance members receive complimentary parking by registering their vehicle
Best time
Arrive early when the zoo opens to secure good parking and beat crowds. Plan to spend a full day (5+ hours) to properly experience the entire park at a comfortable pace without rushing.
Visitor tip
Take advantage of the free Skyfari sky tram and bus tour included with admission to cover ground efficiently and see animals throughout the park without additional fees. These are especially valuable for families with young children or those with limited mobility.
About San Diego Zoo
Zoo & wildlife conservation area. Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Location
- Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
- Hours
- 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Highlights
- Giant Pandas, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, live animal interactions
What visitors say
We had an awesome time at San Diego Zoo! Everything was great—from the animals to the atmosphere. My daughter really enjoyed it and had so much fun exploring and seeing all the different animals. It was a wonderful experience for us,…
This is one of the most AMAZING zoos I’ve ever been to! The ticket price is on the higher end, but it is so worth it! For those active duty military you’re able to get in for free, and dependents are offered a discount! We were able to…
Words aren't enough! Hands down the best Zoo I've ever been. The most thoughtful and generous to all animals. The design of the entire place is incredible! From catering to the animals to landscaping, everything is top notch. You must…
From 65,709 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- San Diego Zoo recently opened a Giant Pandas exhibit, which is mentioned as a special event and is the most-discussed topic in visitor reviews with 1,694 mentions of pandas
- Active duty military personnel receive free admission to San Diego Zoo, with discounts for dependents, making it one of the most military-friendly major zoos
- The zoo offers a Skyfari aerial tramway system that provides free transportation across the park, mentioned in 124 visitor reviews as a valued amenity
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