For Costco members, typing “Costco” before any major purchase is second nature. San Diego Zoo tickets briefly belonged on that list, and the answer keeps changing. As of July 15, 2026, Costco.com sells a San Diego Zoo Safari Park one-day pass, but it still does not sell tickets to the San Diego Zoo itself in Balboa Park.
As a Costco member and longtime San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance member, I check regularly. Below is the current status for each park, what the Costco Safari Park pass includes, and how its price compares once the membership fee enters the math.
The Short Version
- Costco does not sell San Diego Zoo (Balboa Park) tickets through any channel.
- Costco.com does sell a San Diego Zoo Safari Park one-day pass: $64.99 adult, $57.99 child (verified July 15, 2026). Online only, valid one year, Africa Tram included.
- That is the lowest Safari Park price we track, but it requires a Costco membership (from $65 per year).
- Without a membership, my promo code lajollamom gets a one-day Safari Park ticket for $70 adult, $60 child.
Are San Diego Zoo Tickets Available at Costco Right Now?
For the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, no. Costco does not sell San Diego Zoo tickets through any channel. The Safari Park is a different story. Here is where things stand as of July 15, 2026:
- 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 now sells a San Diego Zoo Safari Park one-day pass at $64.99 for adults and $57.99 for children (verified July 15, 2026). San Diego Zoo tickets are not listed. Full details 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 Safari Park One-Day Pass, Decoded
Costco’s current offering is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park – One Day Pass, sold on Costco.com only at $64.99 for adults and $57.99 for children as of July 15, 2026. It is not stocked in warehouses, and there is no equivalent listing for the San Diego Zoo.
The pass is valid for one year from the purchase date and includes admission plus the Africa Tram. Costco delivers it by email, it is non-refundable, and purchases are limited to six tickets per membership every 14 days.
The catch is the one Costco shoppers already know: you need a membership, which starts at $65 per year. If your household already has one, this is the lowest one-day Safari Park price among the sellers we track (verified July 15, 2026). If you would be buying a membership just for the tickets, the math flips. My promo code lajollamom brings a one-day Safari Park ticket to $70 for adults and $60 for children (ages 3-11) with no membership and the same one-year validity. My Safari Park discount tickets guide walks through it and every other option.
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.
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.
Costco San Diego Zoo Tickets FAQ
Does Costco sell San Diego Zoo tickets right now?
No for the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. Costco does not sell San Diego Zoo tickets in warehouses, on Costco.com, or through Costco Travel. Costco.com does sell a San Diego Zoo Safari Park one-day pass as of July 15, 2026, covered below.
Does Costco sell San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets?
Yes. As of July 15, 2026, Costco.com sells a San Diego Zoo Safari Park one-day pass for $64.99 (adult) and $57.99 (child). It is online only, valid for one year from purchase, includes the Africa Tram, and is non-refundable, with a limit of six tickets per membership every 14 days. A Costco membership is required. Without one, my promo code lajollamom gets a one-day Safari Park ticket for $70 (adult) or $60 (child) with no membership.
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
