17 Ways to get San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets (2024)

FAQs

How to get into San Diego Zoo for free? ›

What month is San Diego Zoo Free? The San Diego Zoo offers free admission to San Diego County residents on the fourth Tuesday of each month with a valid ID. Visitors can also purchase discount San Diego Zoo tickets online or through authorized ticket sellers.

Yes, prices for online tickets are definitely cheaper. You'll find the best deals online and my San Diego Zoo promo code is the best price I've seen so far.

One adult with a valid form of admission can bring up to 5 youths ages 11 and younger free—all month long.

October is Kids Free month at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and youths 11 years and younger receive free admission all month long (with an adult).

Get them ahead of time on your smartphone or tablet, and you'll get a barcode which will be scanned at the gate. Buying online, not only can save you time but may save you a few extra dollars too.

How much is parking at the Zoo/Safari Park? The San Diego Zoo has free parking. The parking lot in front of the Zoo is owned and operated by the City of San Diego and is used by guests, volunteers and employees of Balboa Park.

The best time to visit the zoo is on weekday mornings, when crowds are thinner and the animals are at their most active. This is also the time of day you're most likely to see them feeding.

My husband and I travel a lot, and we both agree that one of our favorite destination activities is the San Diego Zoo. You could spend an entire day here, open to close, and it still wouldn't be enough. This time we bought advance tickets and I HIGHLY suggest it.

Complimentary admission is reserved exclusively for active duty service members upon presenting valid ID. Military spouses and eligible dependents receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass at both the Zoo and Safari Park and do not need to be accompanied by an active duty member of the Armed Forces.

Parking fee is $15 per vehicle; $20 for RV parking. Preferred parking is once again available on select weekends and holidays, weather and attendance permitting. This is first come, first served; there are no in and out privileges.

Can you finish San Diego Zoo a day? ›

I recommend that you spend a whole day exploring the zoo, but it is possible to enjoy a half-day here. The tips for visiting the San Diego Zoo that I share below will make your visit a great one no matter how much time you'll spend at the zoo.

Yes! Guests may bring personal food items into the Zoo. Large food storage containers such as coolers are not permitted on grounds, and no facilities are available for food storage.

It takes about three to four hours, at a minimum, to see the entirety of the zoo, but you could easily spend an entire day exploring the many entertainment options, trails, and exhibits.

San Diego Zoo At-Gate Prices

San Diego Zoo's at-gate costs for 1-day passes include admission, a guided bus tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled performances. Adults (ages 12 and up) cost $71, and children (ages 3-11) are $61. Kids under three are free.

San Diego Zoo food policy

You are welcome to bring your own food or picnic with you. This includes water and beverages, but only non-alcoholic ones. Any drinks must be in non-glass containers, and it is worth mentioning that disposable straws and lids are not permitted.

You do not need to show proof of vaccination. All visitors – including those from out-of-state – are welcome.

San Diego Zoo is near downtown San Diego and is home to more animals in a smaller space. San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in Escondido and focuses more on larger African and Asian animals because it has significantly more acreage.

Most types of small and medium sized bags are allowed at the San Diego Zoo. Purses, handbags and satchels can generally be brought into the San Diego Zoo without any issues.

Is the San Diego Zoo included with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass? No, the San Diego Zoo is not included with any Explorer Pass options.

The San Diego Zoo has animals from all over the world, including Australia, Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, and more. Whereas the Safari Park focuses on animals from mostly arid environments, like the African and Asian Savannas. Visitors can easily spend a full day seeing all the animals at each park.

How many miles is it to walk the entire San Diego Zoo? ›

The best time to visit most zoos is during the weekdays when it's less crowded. Avoid the midday heat by visiting in the morning or late afternoon. You'll also have a better chance of seeing animals that are more active during these cooler times of the day.

At A Glance

Some of the Zoo's oldest—and slowest—residents are the Galápagos tortoises. Several have been with us since 1928, making them the oldest residents in the Zoo.

1. San Diego Zoo | San Diego, CA. Renowned across the country, San Diego's zoo, founded in 1916, is home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. Among them are red pandas; African elephants; and bonobo apes.

San Diego Zoo At-Gate Prices

Adults (ages 12 and up) cost $71, and children (ages 3-11) are $61. Kids under three are free. For an additional six-dollars per ticket, guests can also experience one of the 4-D theater experiences.

Re-entry to our Parks will also require a hand stamp. Child membership (San Diego Zoo Kids Club) is for children 3–17 years of age.

The best time to visit the zoo is on weekday mornings, when crowds are thinner and the animals are at their most active. This is also the time of day you're most likely to see them feeding.

Adult tickets to the San Diego Zoo are required for anyone 12 years and older. Children ages 3-11 will need to purchase a Child ticket. Infants 2 and under will receive free park admission.