The San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California, with many attractions that can not be fully experienced in just one day.
The San Diego Zoo is home to nearly 4,000 animals and over 700,000 plants in its botanical collection. Visitors can also enjoy a private Backstage Pass tour and reserved seating at shows for a unique experience.
San Diego Zoo Tickets Buy Now
Tickets include a Single day ticket or a San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Day Entry Ticket – City Explorer Pass.
- San Diego Go Cards offer up to 55% off. Go Cards also include SeaWorld and Legoland. You must visit all three parks to enjoy the savings. Both Costco and Groupon offer discounts for the San Diego Zoo. These deals are seasonal; check with your local Costco store for details.Active duty military personnel with valid military IDs get free admission to the zoo, and seniors 65 and older get 10% off at the ticket booth.
Plan on walking several miles and visiting all the exhibits at the zoo. If this sounds too much, take a 40-minute guided bus tour to see most of the park. The San Diego Zoo offers the Skyfari, an overhead gondola lift for those unafraid of heights.
The San Diego Zoo spans over 100 acres and offers express buses with multiple stops for convenient transportation.
There are plenty of exciting things to do and see at the zoo, including the Elephant Odyssey. It is a 7-acre habitat designed for the zoo’s eight elephants, mainly located outdoors. The elephant’s habitat covers 2.5 acres and is divided into three yards, which can be opened to create one large yard for the entire herd to explore.
Monkey Trails features an elevated walkway allowing visitors to see tree-climbing animals up close. The exhibit also boasts diverse plants, including a ficus tree, cycads, and a colorful bog garden.
The Panda Research Station is one of the most popular attractions in the zoo. Visitors can view this rare animal species and experience interactive exhibits at the Giant Panda Discovery Center. These exhibits allow visitors to smell and hear up close what the animals are like.
The Polar Bear Plunge is a zoo section that showcases over 30 species of animals from the Arctic region. The main attraction of this area is the polar bears, Kalluk, and Chinook. Visitors can walk down the bear path to observe these magnificent creatures and even catch a glimpse of them swimming in the underwater viewing area.
Located in the heart of the African forest, the Ituri exhibit is home to various species, such as Allen’s Swamp Monkey, spotted-necked otters, and giant forest buffalo.
Getting to the Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, just a short distance from downtown. Visitors can reach the zoo by car or public transportation from many hotels. Parking is free.
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