For Costco members, typing “Costco” before any major purchase is second nature. San Diego Zoo tickets briefly belonged on that list. Costco ran a short promotional sprint on Zoo admission that members appreciated, though the offer is no longer active.
As a Costco member and longtime San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance member, I check regularly. Below is the current status and where to find publicly available alternatives.
Are San Diego Zoo Tickets Available at Costco Right Now?
No. Costco does not currently sell San Diego Zoo tickets through any channel:
- Costco warehouses: Theme park tickets are no longer regularly carried at the register or in the gift card section. I’m a Costco member, and my local warehouse happens to be the original San Diego location, so I check when I go. Our readers haven’t found them either.
- Costco.com: The online theme park section currently lists a San Diego Zoo offering as sold out. More below.
- Costco Travel: Vacation packages are available for Disneyland, Disney World, and Universal Studios, but not for San Diego Zoo or Safari Park.
If you do spot San Diego Zoo or Safari Park tickets in your local warehouse, please let me know in the comments. Inventory occasionally returns without much warning.
The Costco.com Listing
Costco’s online theme park section currently lists a San Diego Zoo offering as sold out. Costco hasn’t said whether they plan to restock, so the deal may return. For now, it isn’t an option, and I’ll update this page if that changes.
That said, Costco does run occasional flash sales on theme park admission, including 3-day LEGOLAND California passes and Disneyland tickets (that sell out quickly). The Zoo isn’t currently part of that rotation, but if your itinerary includes other parks, it’s worth a quick look when in a warehouse or online.
San Diego Zoo Ticket Prices Compared (2026)
| Where to buy | 1-Day Adult | 1-Day Child (3-11) | Available now? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco (warehouse + Costco.com) | n/a | n/a | No |
| La Jolla Mom promo code | Best public 1-Day rate | Best public 1-Day rate | Yes |
| Go City San Diego (multi-attraction pass) | Varies by package | Varies by package | Yes |
| San Diego CityPASS | Varies by package | Varies by package | Yes |
| AAA member discount | Small discount off gate | Small discount off gate | Yes |
| San Diego Zoo direct (sandiegozoo.org) | $76 | $66 | Yes |
| San Diego Zoo at the gate (walk-up) | $78 | $68 | Yes |
Where to Find Legitimate Costco Alternatives
The right Zoo ticket source depends on your itinerary. For Zoo-only or Zoo and Safari Park trips, see the rate I recommend below. For multi-attraction trips, a multi-attraction pass may suit you better.
Recommended Path
When Costco Isn’t an Option
Our full guide walks through what’s currently available.
Costco San Diego Zoo Tickets FAQ
Does Costco sell San Diego Zoo tickets right now?
No. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park tickets aren’t currently sold in Costco warehouses or on Costco.com. The online theme park section has been sold out for a while.
Does Costco Travel sell San Diego Zoo vacation packages?
No. Costco Travel offers vacation packages that bundle hotels and tickets for Disneyland, Disney World, and Universal Studios, but does not currently include San Diego Zoo or Safari Park.
Does Costco sell San Diego Zoo annual passes or memberships?
No. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance memberships are sold directly through sandiegozoo.org, not Costco.
Can I use a Costco Shop Card to buy San Diego Zoo tickets?
Costco Shop Cards are only valid at Costco. The Zoo doesn’t accept them, so they can’t be used for admission.
What’s the best alternative to a Costco San Diego Zoo discount?
Our discount tickets guide is the right starting point. It walks through the rates currently available.
Why We Love San Diego Zoo
I’ve been a San Diego Wildlife Alliance member for some time because I love both parks. Since the focus of this post is on San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, you can later dive deeper into my love of San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.
- The animals: You’re going to see animals after all. My favorites include the koalas, polar bears, Galapagos turtles, elephants, pygmy hippos, and the monkeys. And the pandas are here too.
- The new children’s zoo: Wildlife Explorer’s Basecamp is a special area to the left of the entrance just for younger kids. It includes animals and insects you won’t see in other parts of the Zoo, plus a huge climbing area and splash pads.
- Free transportation once inside: The Zoo is hilly, so the aerial tram is a welcome ride between sections. The guided bus tour is also included with general admission.
- Free parking: The lot is large. If it’s full, try street parking or a nearby Balboa Park museum lot.
- Easy navigation with the app: Download it before you go to map exhibits, plan a route, and check show times.
More San Diego Zoo Planning Resources
- 15 Insider San Diego Zoo Tips From a Long-Time Member
- San Diego Zoo Animals and Attractions: The Must-See List
- San Diego Zoo for Kids and Toddlers: Tips From a Member
- Where to Eat at the San Diego Zoo: Restaurants, Snacks & Drinks Guide
- San Diego Zoo vs. SeaWorld San Diego: Which Is Best to Visit?
- 10 Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo: Luxury To Budget
- 7 Ways the San Diego Zoo App Helps Plan Your Visit
- The Unexpected Origins of the San Diego Zoo
Katie Dillon
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