How To Buy Discount San Diego Zoo Tickets: Top 17 Ways (2024) (2024)

Due to my volume and role as a San Diego vacation expert,I havethe best 1-Day San Diego Zoo ticket discountyou’ll find legitimately. It’s a better final price than you’ll see publicly available. My savings are kept unpublished because they are so low, but I will show you how to access the deal. Readers have happily used tens of thousands of these cheaper tickets over the years.

If you need discount San Diego Zoo tickets for two days, combo tickets with other theme parks, or sightseeing passes, I’ve also outlined options and have exclusive promo codes on some of these, too.

I’m a longtime Zoo member, and my family is involved in supporting their programs and exhibits. I keep a keen eye on park updates, including ways to save money. We fact-check this post regularly so you don’t waste time on expired offers and coupons that don’t work. We also only mention authorized ticket sellers.

You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through some links in this post, I may be compensated. Our editorial guidelines.

First, Get Familiar with San Diego Zoo Ticket Prices at the Gate

Black Friday year-round! aRes Travel is a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to major California attractions that I partner with (they also power the Zoo’s ticketing system).

They offer ways to secure a San Diego Zoo tickets discount in addition to cheap tickets to LEGOLAND, Disneyland, SeaWorld San Diego, and other theme parks. If you want to buy 1-Day San Diego Zoo tickets, this is your cheapest choice because fees and taxes are included. Plus, you can ask for my exclusive savings.

*By texting the word SDZOO to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this agreement isn’t a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Read my fullprivacy policy.

2. Multiple Day + Combo Tickets with Other San Diego Theme Parks

DON’T NEED THE SEA LIFE HOPPER?

You will save more by purchasing my San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets with my promo code. Then, use my LEGOLAND California promo code which applies to 1-Day park-only tickets. Add all tickets to the cart and checkout.

3. Discounted Special Experiences (Tours)

Consider upgrading your day with one of the amazing San Diego Zoo tours that will give you exclusive access to animals and keepers. You’ll still need to buy San Diego Zoo admission in addition to the cost of the tour, but it’s well worth it. aRes Travel has discounts on the two below.

Tours have dynamic pricing, so you’ll find that purchasing this way is cheaper on peak days, especially.

4. Go City San Diego (Most Popular Sightseeing Pass)

A Go City San Diego pass saves up to 50% off of admission to 45+ top San Diego attractions in three simple steps:

1. Choose the option that best suits you (All-Inclusive or Explorer) and buy your Go San Diego pass in advance.
2. Get your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
3. Show the Go San Diego pass at any eligible attraction, and you’re in for free.

See also: 10 Benefits of the Go San Diego Discounted Attractions Pass

All-Inclusive passes are available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 7-day options, each at different prices. Ensure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy. The Go San Diego Card is the most popular way to save money on multiple San Diego theme parks, tours, and museums.

You can bypass the ticket windows with a Go City San Diego pass at the Zoo. I personally use Go City passes when sightseeing worldwide and love going paperless with their app. You also do not need to make a reservation.

90-DAY RISK FREE GUARANTEE

You have 90 days from the purchase date to get a refund on unactivated passes. The guarantee is only for passes purchased directly through Go City. Some terms and conditions apply.

5. Vacation Packages with San Diego Zoo Tickets

You can sometimes save more when you buy a San Diego Zoo vacation package that includes tickets and a hotel room. Don’t worry about my cheap tickets in this case — the discounts are factored in here already.

EXCEPTION: LUXURY HOTELS

If you’re considering a hotel in my portfolio, you’re better off booking with my perks and using my San Diego Zoo tickets discount or a Go San Diego Card.

When searching the San Diego Zoo packages below, look for the new Price Drop notifications. The longer you stay, the more that you save!

6. Go City Los Angeles Pass

Go, San Diego includes much more value (and more activities) to those spending time in my city. If you plan to take a road trip between San Diego and Los Angeles, you may want to consider a Go City Los Angeles sightseeing pass because it includes Universal Studios Hollywood and other Southern California attractions.

To make your pass even cheaper, use my exclusive 10% discount.

Note: Go, Los Angeles, does not include the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

7. San Diego CityPASS

San Diego CityPASS is also a sightseeing pass with limited attractions. This pass ONLY makes sense if you visit LEGOLAND California and/or SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park and at least one of the other six participating attractions.

Otherwise, buying discounted tickets individually using my discounts and Zoo/Safari Park promo code or Go San Diego (for maximum flexibility) is more advantageous.

The pass types include:

• SeaWorld San Diego + 3 Attractions
• LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
• SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions

The three attractions can be your choice of:

• San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park (not both)
• USS Midway Museum
• City Cruises
• Old Town Trolley Tours
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• Maritime Museum of San Diego

8. Kids Free San Diego in October (For Ages 11 & Under)

During the month of October, up to five children between 3 and 11, accompanied by a paid adult, receive free entrance during the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion. Yes, this is why October is one of the best times to visit San Diego with kids.

You must purchase a qualifying adult ticket, but children do not need to present any San Diego Zoo passes to enter. They walk right in with you.

The good news is that my adult tickets qualify, so use my San Diego Zoo discount code to buy at a cheaper price if you visit in October! Note that sightseeing passes do not qualify for the promotion.

Kids Free San Diego Zoo tickets include unlimited rides on the Skyfari Aerial Tram and access to everything typically included with a 1-Day ticket.

The other reason to visit in October is for the Halloween activities. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to some glow-in-the-dark decor, live entertainment, including a DJ, a dance party, and much more on select October weekends. You can find all the information on the Zoo’s HalGLOWeen information page.

9. AAA Ticket Discounts

The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer a 10% discount for AAA memberswhen you show your membership card at a ticket booth window. AAA Members may purchase up to six AAA San Diego Zoo tickets.

Tickets can also be purchased at AAA branches. AAA has multiple regional outlets, and they don’t always sell the same products. Call your local branch to see if you can buy San Diego Zoo tickets.

The Zoo prefers that guests arrive with tickets already in hand. If you plan to use this way to save, consider picking up the tickets beforehand.

My promo code offers nearly the same savings. Plus, you can use it now and save the usual time to purchase discounted tickets in a branch.

10. Military Ticket Discounts and Free Tickets

The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer special military discounts and even free tickets that can be used year-round.

• U.S. Armed Forces personnel receive a complimentary 1-Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park upon presenting a Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card at any ticket window. Complimentary admission is reserved exclusively for active duty service members, however.
• Military spouses and eligible dependents receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass at the Zoo and Safari Park when showing a valid dependent ID card.
• Check withMWR Departments for other applicable San Diego Zoo discount tickets with special military pricing.

11. Costco Ticket Discounts (None)

People also often ask me how much San Diego Zoo tickets are at Costco, thanks to deceptive websites mentioning this as a valid method of paying less.

I haven’t seen cheap tickets in my local store. And ours is among the largest Costcos in San Diego. You can check online (non-members pay a 5% surcharge) and in your local store because availability may change.

I will tell you that Costco has removed the theme park ticket from their website and stopped selling tickets to major theme parks across the U.S. online. Some have reported that theme park tickets and memberships appear in the stores seasonally, but I haven’t seen them, and neither has anyone else who has emailed about it. If you have seen them, please leave a comment.

12. Group Discounts

Groups of 15 or more can receive a 10% discount off the regular 1-Day Pass ticket price. Groups of 100 or more receive a 15% discount off the regular 1-Day Pass ticket price. You’ll need to make reservations with the sales department. They can also arrange meal vouchers that make group dining cashless, cheaper, and easier.

13. Senior and Student Discounts

Seniors aged 65 and older and students aged 18 and above are eligible for a 10% discount off the current price of a San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships for San Diego Residents. Additionally, seniors and students outside San Diego County receive a 10% discount off the current price of Wildlife Protector and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships.

Neither can be secured online. A photo ID needs to be presented at a Zoo ticket booth window to be eligible for the discount.

14. Discounts for the Travel Industry

A 10% discounton a 1-Day Pass is available to members of the travel industry for themselves and one guest.

Head to a ticket booth window with a valid ID (such as an IATA, IATAN, or CLIA card) to take advantage of this discount if you are a travel agent, cruise line employee, or airline employee.

15. San Diego Zoo Gift Cards

Did you know that it’s possible to give San Diego Zoo gift cards? This could provide excellent value to Zoo lovers and enable them to save on San Diego Zoo tickets, enjoy one of their many upgraded experiences, or save on an annual membership.

A gift card can be purchased in denominations of $50 and above. Think about gifting these for special occasions and holidays so that gift recipients can purchase admission for less out of pocket.

16. San Diego Zoo Memberships for Residents and Frequent Visitors

We have an annual San Diego Zoo membership and believe it’s of great value. Regular visitors should absolutely consider a San Diego Zoo membershipthat will allow weekday or unlimited admission per year for one flat rate. The membership tiers and perks were revised in 2021. Here’s what’s new.

• All membership tiers (except for the San Diego Zoo Kids Club) now receive Wild Perks. Wild Perks are discounts on food, merchandise, and more within the parks you receive when showing your membership card. Discounts range from 5–15%, depending on your membership tier.
• All kids ages 3–17 will use the Wildlife Explorer annual membership ($71/year). Adults choose which membership tier is best for them. Then, a San Diego Kids Zoo Kids Club membership is added to the cart for any kids.

San Diego Resident and San Diego Resident Premium Passes

San Diego Zoo annual passes for residents are designed for San Diego County residents in these zip codes to enjoy the Zoo and Safari Park as much as they like during a membership year. You have two types to choose from.

San Diego Resident: This includes weekday-only admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park with some blackout dates. You’ll also receive two 50% off admission coupons, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% Wild Perks discounts. ($99/adult – $71/child — $89.10/senior)

San Diego Resident Premium: You’ll receive unlimited admission to both parks in addition to two 50% off admission coupons, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% off Wild Perks. ($129/adult – $71/child — $116.10/senior)

Membership Clubs

These options are excellent for San Diego and Southern California residents who can visit frequently enough to enjoy the amazing perks.

Wildlife Protector: This pass includes weekday admission to both parks (some blackout dates apply),one complimentary 1-Day Pass,free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, and a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription. ($149/adult – $71/child – $134.10/senior)

Wildlife Protector Premium (Top Pick – Best Value! No Blockout Dates!): This pass includes unlimited admission to both parks, one complimentary 1-Day Pass,free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours. This is the pass that is closest to the old Keeper’s Club pass. ($169/adult – $71/child – $152.10/senior)

Wildlife Guardian: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks,two complimentary 1-Day Passes,free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours, a 50% off Special Experience/Safari Tour, member appreciation day and access to special events. ($225/adult and 18+)

Wildlife Champion: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks,two complimentary 1-Day Passes,free Preferred Parking at the Safari Park, 15% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours, two 50% off Special Experience/Safari Tour, priority boarding for the Bus Tour at the Zoo and Africa Tram at the Safari Park, member appreciation day and access to special events (including the annual “Evening with the Directors” event. ($425/adult 18+)

President’s Clubs

The President’s Clubs are donor clubs are for people who can give more. You’ll receive everything in the Wildlife Champion membership and much more.

President’s Clubs are also great for people who enjoy special events. The higher the level you choose to join, the more exclusive events and experiences you are invited to at both San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks.

We have been to many of these events, and they are incredible for those who enjoy behind-the-scenes private experiences and animal interactions. Memberships range from $1,200–10,000.

Tip: Always check blockout dates! It’s very easy to forget that certain levels of membership have blockout dates that can include weekends, holidays, and random peak days.

17. The Free Shopper’s Pass

You may enter San Diego Zoo for free with a Shopper’s Pass. Here’s how it works. Go to one of the gate windows at the entrance to purchase a Shopper’s Pass. You’ll pay the price of a 1-Day ticket to enter for 30 minutes to go shopping at one of the amazing stores near the front gate.

Return to the gate when you’re finished shopping, but before your time is up, for a refund of your 1-Day ticket price. If you need to extend it to 60 minutes, you must inform a staff member, and they’ll take care of it.

Ticket Resales Are Prohibited: Here’s Where Not to Buy

San Diego Zoo prohibits the resale of park tickets. Plus, buying through a reseller carries enormous risk. How do you know that the tickets are valid and unused? I’ve seen many physical and online tickets up close – you really could not know with 100% certainty that a second-hand ticket is real or fake just by looking at it.

Therefore, stay away from sites like eBay and Craigslist. If you are sitting on an unused ticket, remember that you have an entire year from the date of purchase to use it.

What to Know Before You Arrive at the Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is the new name for San Diego Zoo Global. With the recent rebrand came new logos. I thought I’d mention it in case your ticket and signage around the parks look a little different to you.

Hours

San Diego Zoo is usually open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., including major holidays. Hours may be extended during holidays and special Zoo events like Jungle Bells.

Parking

Parking is free at San Diego Zoo. They’ll run a free shuttle from the Inspiration Point parking lot in Balboa Park on certain peak days. Electric vehicle charging is available.

Rentals and Storage

Headed to the airport after you visit? No problem. Guest Services will store your luggage for a fee. You may also rent EV scooters, strollers, and lockers.

You can read more about the enhanced measures and keep up with changes in the San Diego Zoo website help center, and I have written in more detail about San Diego Zoo tips.

FAQs About San Diego Zoo Tickets and Discounts

These questions about tickets for San Diego Zoo and other park discounts land in my inbox the most.

Other Ways to Save Money in the Zoo

Besides cheap San Diego Zoo tickets that you can buy through the trusted methods outlined above, other ways to save are limited. Certain member passes include in-park San Diego Zoo discounts on food and merchandise that are called WildPerks.

Keeper’s Club andCurator’s Club members receive a WildPerks 10% discount. Director’s Club and President’s Club members, and Circle of Friends receive a WildPerks 15% discount. You’ll need to present your membership card at the time of purchase.

You can bring in your own food and drinks, which is one way to cut costs during your visit. Outside of dining, you don’t need to spend money on extras once you’re inside the park.

A big part of my job includes identifying reliable San Diego Zoo coupons, cheap tickets, promotions, and discount codes for this popular attraction. If they exist and I can trust them, they’ll always be listed in this post. However, remember, every dollar that you spend in the park goes to operating costs and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s amazing conservation initiatives as a nonprofit organization.

More San Diego Zoo Resources for Your Visit

As a member who has been visiting for over two decades (!!!), I have many recommendations to help maximize your day so that you can enjoy the animals and plants (the Zoo is also an official Botanic Garden). For even more advice, browse all San Diego Zoo posts.

San Diego Zoo Restaurants

Whether it’s takeaway food or table service at Albert’s, I’ve listed my favorite snacks and dining options inside the theme park.

WHERE TO EAT

Nearby Hotels

If you need a nearby hotel, I recommend staying in downtown San Diego and a few other surrounding areas at these properties.

BEST HOTELS NEAR SAN DIEGO ZOO

Top Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo

My insider tips for how to structure your day are helpful, especially for first-time visitors.

GET ADVICE

Learn also how to buy discount tickets for Southern California and other United States theme parks including:

• San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• SeaWorld San Diego
• LEGOLAND California
• Sesame Place San Diego
• Disneyland
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Knotts Berry Farm
• LEGOLAND Florida
• Universal Orlando
• San Francisco Zoo

See also: 15 San Diego Discounts: Experience the City for Less and San Diego Zoo or Safari Park: Which Is Best?

EXPLORE MORE OF SAN DIEGO ZOO