- Hours: Open daily, later in summer
- Reservations: Not required
- Cost: Admission charge, free parking. Find out how to get tickets
- Location: Balboa Park, near downtown
- How Long: Allow at least half a day
- Best Time to Visit: Animals are active in the early morning and late afternoon, less crowded fall through spring
- See It Now: Photo Tour
San Diego Zoo Exhibits
Over the past decade, the San Diego Zoo has continued to transform itself, creating state-of-the art animal areas that include Polar Rim, Panda Canyon and Elephant Odyssey. Connecting these centerpieces are "trails," each with a theme. Some are wheelchair accessible and all are marked with their distance, time and level of difficulty.
The pandas are perennially popular at the San Diego Zoo. However, their exhibit is sometimes closed for the good of these shy animals. When they are on display, lines can get quite long to see them.
The observant visitor may notice that the zoo is also a botanical garden with more than 6,500 plant species, and some of its plants are more exotic than the animals. Plant-lovers can pick up special garden guides near the entrance.
The zoo sponsors a number of interesting special programs which change seasonally. Their sleepovers are especially fun and include a tent to sleep in, dinner, evening snack, and hot breakfast. Check their website to see what's on when you will be visiting.
San Diego Zoo Review
The San Diego Zoo continues to improve their facilities and visitors who went there as little as 5 years ago will find it changed significantly, all in ways we think are better. We rate it 4 stars out of 5 because we always have a good time, even if we get worn out doing it.Poll: What do you think of the San Diego Zoo?
Yuck! | So-So | OK | Good | Great | Awesome!
See what other people just like you think about it
Hints for a Good San Diego Zoo Visit
- Write down the location where you parked or take a picture of the nearest sign with your camera phone. After a long day, it's easy to forget whether you parked near the ostrich or the elephant.
- The entrance closes two hours before the day's stated closing time. Don't dash up at the last minute, hoping to get in.
- ATMs inside the zoo charge fees no matter where you bank. Get cash somewhere else before you go.
- It's hot and sunny at the zoo much of the year, but shady paths help. Nevertheless, bring hats and sunscreen. The aviaries and indoor exhibits are good spots to cool off.
- Many of the animals also go inside during the hottest parts of the day. Your best strategy is to go early or late, taking advantage of their late closing time in summer.
- Save your feet; sit down with a zoo map and plan your route in advance.
- The best way to see the animals is by foot, but you'll walk about 3 to 4 miles if you see everything, and some of the paths are steep. Avoid the steepest climbs by using the moving sidewalks or Skyfari sky ride to get up to Polar Rim and then walk downhill. The express bus (all day with on/off privileges) is a good way to get around with less walking and the guided bus tours are an excellent option for those with limited mobility.
- Refreshments are plentiful but expensive and you can find a reasonable number of healthy choices if you look around. You can also bring your own food in if you want.
- For the safety of the animals, pets are not allowed and the zoo doesn't have kennels.
- It is not feasible to visit the Safari Park in the same day as the zoo. It's too far away, and each park offers too much to do.
If You're in a Hurry
We don't recommend this because you'll pay too much money for not enough enjoyment, but we know you'll try it with our without our help, so these tips might help. If you're in a hurry, take the skyride directly from the entrance area to Polar Rim, walk downhill through Panda Canyon, then take the moving sidewalk up to Elephant Odyssey. From there, continue downhill and loop through the Urban Jungle on the way toward the entrance. If you have time left, go back up on the skyride and make another trip downhill, using the map to find what interests you most.Where Is the San Diego Zoo Located?
2920 Zoo DriveThe San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park. Follow signs from I-5.
San Diego, CA
(619) 234-3153
San Diego Zoo Website
If you are coming from downtown, take 5th Ave away from the water. Turn right on Laurel and follow it straight into Balboa Park. After crossing a bridge and passing through an archway, turn right in the plaza and follow the road around past the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, then follow the signs.
Avoid local tour companies who offer ticket/transportation packages. They can cost significantly more than the full ticket price with no chance for discounts, and your time is limited. Check car rental prices first and you may find it's more economical.
If you can't drive or don't want to, you can use public transport. The #7 bus stops at the Zoo or try the Old Town Trolley Tours bus service. The San Diego Trolley which runs through downtown and Old Town doesn't go to the zoo.
