How to Buy Discount San Diego Zoo Tickets: 18 Verified Deals (2026)

I talk to people every day about how to save on San Diego Zoo tickets. I’m a long-time member, and my family actively supports the Zoo’s programs and exhibits. I know the most effective ways to avoid paying full price at the gate.

If you’re visiting once, I have the best 1-Day discounted San Diego Zoo tickets available to the public—no special memberships or employee programs required.

For tourists visiting multiple San Diego attractions, I’ll show you when sightseeing passes save up to 50%. And for San Diego County residents and frequent visitors, I’ll explain when membership pays for itself.

We regularly fact-check this guide and monitor Zoo updates so you don’t waste time on outdated offers. Let’s find the best deal for your visit.

San Diego Zoo Ticket Gate Prices and What’s Included

1. The Lowest Price on 1-Day Tickets — Use My Exclusive Promo Code!

If you want to buy 1-Day San Diego Zoo tickets, this is your cheapest choice without a special membership. Fees and taxes are included. I have a dedicated customer service phone line, and you can always email me with questions.

2. Beyond a Single Day: 2-Visit Passes & Theme Park Bundles

You should buy the 2-Visit Pass if you plan to visit only the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. You can also crunch the numbers to see if a combo ticket with other theme parks is a better deal for your visit.

Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate. No reservations are required.

3. Discounts on Behind-the-Scenes Tours & Experiences

Upgrade your day with one of the amazing San Diego Zoo tours that will give you exclusive access to your favorite animals and keepers.

You’ll still need to purchase San Diego Zoo admission in addition to the tour cost, but it’s well worth it. aRes Travel has discounts on the two below. You can also book an exclusive VIP experience directly through the Zoo, which allows you to take private Zoo tours.

Tours have dynamic pricing, so purchasing this way is cheaper on peak days. On off-peak days, it might cost less to buy it directly from the Zoo.

4. Go City San Diego: Most Popular Tourist Pass

A Go City San Diego pass will save you money by bundling the San Diego Zoo with other top attractions. It’s a digital pass on your phone that the attendant at the entry turnstiles scans to let you in. No reservations are needed.

To include the Zoo, you must choose one of these two Go City passes:

• Essentials Pass: Lets you visit 3 attractions. You choose San Diego Zoo as your 1 premium park, plus 2 other standard attractions.  
• All-Inclusive Pass Plus: A day-based pass that includes the Zoo, other major theme parks like SeaWorld and LEGOLAND, and over 45 other tours and museums. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is also included.

Crucial Note: The standard All-Inclusive Pass (the one without ‘Plus’) does not include the San Diego Zoo.

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

5. San Diego Zoo Ticket & Hotel Packages

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 have already been factored in.

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

6. Go City Los Angeles: For SoCal Trips Including Universal or Knott’s

Go City offers significantly more value (and a wider range of activities) for those spending time in my city. If you plan to take a road trip between San Diego and Los Angeles, you should consider a Go City Los Angeles sightseeing pass, as it includes Universal Studios Hollywood and other top Southern California attractions.

To make your pass even cheaper, use my exclusive 5% discount.

7. CityPASS: Bundle the Zoo with SeaWorld & LEGOLAND

San Diego CityPASS is a sightseeing pass that offers access to select attractions. We often see tourists buying it, but locals occasionally buy it to take their kids to attractions during school breaks.

This pass only makes sense if you visit LEGOLAND California and/or SeaWorld San Diego, and either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, along with at least one of the other six participating attractions.

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

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

There are two ways to buy, but my promo code will save you more.

8. San Diego Library’s Discover & Go Program

If you have a San Diego Public Library Card, you should take advantage of the Discover & Go program, which offers free admission to many San Diego museums and attractions on pre-scheduled dates.

Log in to the Discover & Go portal using your library card number and PIN. Then select the available tickets you would like to use. A free San Diego Zoo ticket is available, but I have logged in multiple times recently to check availability. They are currently unavailable, but it is worth checking.

Pros: A free San Diego Zoo ticket is a tremendous value! Plus, getting a library card is free. I recommend that all residents get one. City residents would pay $8 parking.

Cons: The Zoo tickets are rarely available. I have a library card and check every time we update this article. Does not include parking.

9. Costco Ticket Discounts (Unavailable)

Tickets are not available through Costco year-round. There was a great deal for members on 1-Day tickets, but they are currently sold out.

I haven’t seen cheap tickets in my local store, and ours is among the largest Costcos in San Diego. You can check online and your store’s theme park ticket section.

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.

Pros: A great deal for Costco members when available.

10. Free Kids Tickets in October 2026 (For Ages 11 & Under)

During October, up to four children ages 3-11, accompanied by a paid adult, receive free admission as part of 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, and kids don’t need a pass—they walk right in with you. The good news is that my adult tickets qualify, so if you visit in October, you can use my San Diego Zoo discount code for a lower price!

The other reason to visit in October is for the Halloween (called HalGLOWween at the Zoo) activities. On select October weekends, as the sun sets, you’ll be treated to glow-in-the-dark decor, live entertainment, including a DJ, a dance party, and much more.

11. AAA Member Discount (10% Off)

I’m a member of AAA. San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer a 10% discount for AAA members when you show your membership card at a ticket booth window.

You can also purchase through the Auto Club app (tickets can take up to 24 hours to arrive). AAA Members may purchase up to six tickets with this deal.

Since AAA deals vary by region, you must check your specific AAA deal. My discount on San Diego Zoo tickets is slightly lower anyway.

12. Military Discounts & Free Admission

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

• U.S. Armed Forces Active Duty 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.
• Military spouses and eligible dependents receive a 10% discount on the 1-Day Pass at the Zoo and Safari Park when showing a valid dependent ID card.
• Check with MWR Departments for other applicable San Diego Zoo discount tickets with special military pricing.

13. Group Discounts for 15+ People

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.

14. Senior (65+) & College 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 1-Day Pass. They can also get a 10% discount on San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships.

Additionally, seniors and students outside San Diego County receive a 10% discount on the current price of Wildlife Protector memberships and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships. 

Neither can be secured online. A photo ID must be presented at the Zoo ticket booth window to be eligible for the discount. Unfortunately, there are no AARP coupons or discounted park admission offers to either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

15. Travel Industry Professional Discounts

Travel industry members can purchase a 1-Day Pass for themselves and one guest at a 10% discount.

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

16. San Diego Zoo Gift Cards

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

Gift cards are available in denominations of $50 or more. Consider gifting these for special occasions and holidays so gift recipients can purchase admission at a lower out-of-pocket cost.

17. Memberships for Residents and Frequent Visitors

We have an annual San Diego Zoo membership. Regular visitors should consider purchasing weekday or unlimited admission for the year at a flat rate. Here’s what it can include.

• All tiers (except for the kids’ Wildlife Explorer pass) receive free parking and Wild Perks. Wild Perks are 5% to 15% discounts on food, merchandise, and more within the parks that you receive when showing your membership card.
• All children ages 3–17 will use the Wildlife Explorer annual membership ($78/year for new members and $68/year for renewals). Adults choose the membership tier that best suits them.

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, and I’ve listed 2026 prices below.

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 coupons for 50% off admission, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% Wild Perks discounts. ($99/adult and $89.10/senior)

San Diego Resident Premium: You’ll receive unlimited admission to both parks in addition to two coupons for 50% off admission, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% off Wild Perks. ($144/adult and $129.60/senior)

Membership Clubs

These options are excellent for San Diego and Southern California residents who can visit frequently enough to take advantage of 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, access to the Donor Club entrance, and a subscription to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal. ($149/adult or $134.10/senior)

Wildlife Protector Premium: 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, and special early hours. This is the pass that is closest to the old Keeper’s Club pass and doesn’t have blockout dates ($174/adult or $156.60/senior)

Wildlife Guardian (I have this pass): 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. ($259/adult)

Wildlife Champion: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks, two complimentary 1-Day Passes, free Preferred Parking, 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. ($499/adult)

Wildlife Associate: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks, share admission with up to two accompanying guests per visit, four complimentary 1-Day Guest Passes, complimentary parking, 15% Wild Perks discounts, special early hours, priority boarding for the Guided Bus Tour and Africa Tram, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, member appreciation day, and access to special events.($1200/adult plus two guests)

President’s Clubs

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

These memberships are also great for people who enjoy special events. The higher the level, the more exclusive events and experiences you are invited to at both San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks.

We have attended many of these events, and they are excellent for those who enjoy behind-the-scenes private experiences and animal interactions. Memberships and membership renewals range from $5000 to $10,000.

18. Free Zoo Entry for Quick Shopping Trips (The Shopper’s Pass)

You may enter the 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 & What Doesn’t Work

San Diego Zoo prohibits the resale of park tickets. Plus, buying through an unauthorized 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 couldn’t know with 100% certainty whether a second-hand ticket is real or fake just by looking at it.

Therefore, avoid sites like eBay and Craigslist. If you have an unused ticket, remember you have 1 year from the purchase date to use it.

Unfortunately, the Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not include the San Diego Zoo. Many years ago, it did.

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. to 5 p.m., including major holidays. Hours may be extended during holidays and special Zoo events, such as Jungle Bells.

It’s also open rain or shine, so if it’s raining, don’t worry. Some animals like mud, and you’ll be able to use your ticket and avoid crowds. See my guide to visiting San Diego Zoo in the rain.

Parking Prices

Parking is no longer free at the San Diego Zoo. There are also no in-and-out privileges, so you can’t leave and come back without paying parking again.

Vehicle Type	Daily Fee	Notes
Standard Automobile	$16.00	Applies to most rental cars, sedans, and SUVs.
Motorcycle	$16.00	Treated as a full vehicle unit for billing purposes.
Oversized Vehicle	$44.00	Includes RVs and campers. Capacity is strictly limited.
Resident (Standard)	$8.00	Reduced rate for City of San Diego residents (Proof required).
Resident (Oversized)	$22.00	Reduced rate for local residents with large vehicles.

A free shuttle will run from the Inspiration Point parking lot in Balboa Park on certain peak days when the Zoo lot fills up. You will still pay to park at Balboa Park. Electric vehicle charging is available.

Rentals and Storage

Are you headed to the airport after your 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 on 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.

Beyond the Ticket: Smart Savings Inside the San Diego Zoo

Part of my job involves identifying reliable San Diego Zoo coupons, promotions, and discount codes, which you’ll always find listed here if available. Besides admission, there are only a handful of other ways to save money during your visit. (Though remember, every dollar spent in the park supports the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts.)

San Diego Zoo generously allows you to pack your own food and drinks. It’s the best way to cut down on expenses during your visit. I’ve written about their food and bag policy, but the main rules are no glass containers, no outside alcohol, no disposable plastic straws, and appropriate cooler sizes. You can comfortably enjoy your packed meals at picnic tables all over the park.

Definitely bring your own refillable water bottles; most food stands and restaurants will happily refill them.  

Refillable souvenir containers, such as popcorn buckets and souvenir drink cups, often include a free refill on the day of purchase (keep your receipt). On future dates, bring your cup, and you’ll only be charged $1.99 per refill. My daughter has purchased several over the years and often forgets to bring them back to the Zoo, so I’m mixed on these.

Another tip is to check the official ShopZoo.com website before or after your visit. It often has a sale section with discounts on merchandise.

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 you make the most of your day and enjoy the animals and plants (the Zoo is also an official Botanic Garden). For even more advice, browse all San Diego Zoo posts.

Quick Decision: Which San Diego Zoo Ticket Discount Is Right for You?

Your Situation	Best Option	Price
Visiting once	My discount code	$70 adult / $60 child
Visiting 2-3 times	2-Visit Pass	$130 adult / $120 child
Visiting 3+ times/year	Membership	From $99 (residents)
Multiple SD attractions	Go City Pass	Varies, up to 50% off
Active military	Free admission	$0
AAA member	My discount code	$70 (beats AAA rate)

Still unsure? Start with my discount code lajollamom for your first visit—valid 1 year, works any day, no blackout dates. You can always upgrade your 1-Day ticket to a membership at the Zoo if you love it.

Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Next Update: February 2026

Questions? Drop a comment below—I respond to every one.

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