We can help you save on tickets, tours, and hotels. If you purchase through some of the links below, we may be compensated. Our editorial guidelines.

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 on my ticket site—no memberships required. (Residents save the most with annual passes—I’ll cover this.)

If you plan to visit our other theme parks and museums, I’ll explain why a sightseeing pass or combo ticket could save you even more money.

We regularly fact-check this guide and monitor Zoo updates to ensure you don’t waste time on less valuable offers and coupons. Let’s find the best fit for your trip.

Quick Guide to San Diego Zoo Discounts


  • Best Deal for 1-Day Tickets: Use promo code lajollamom to unlock the lowest public price without a membership on my ticket site.
    Final Price: $68 Adult / $58 Children (ages 3–11) -> SAVE NOW
  • Best for Multi-Attraction Trips: The Go City San Diego pass offers up to 50% off if you’re visiting attractions like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, or museums.
  • Skip These: Standard 10% discounts (AAA, senior, military, etc.) often cost more than using my promo code. Always compare the final price.

San Diego Zoo Ticket Gate Prices and What They Include

Or, jump to my promo code if you already know all this.

First, you’ll need to understand gate prices and what they include to determine the savings you can get elsewhere.

General admission tickets include:

  • Park entry
  • Skyfari Aerial Tram
  • Guided Bus tour
  • All regularly scheduled shows
  • Special holiday events like Halgloween, Jungle Bells, and Nighttime Zoo
  • A timed ticket to see the giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, may be required. Scan the QR code after entering the park. Admission to the panda exhibit is included with your visit!

No reservations are required. Children ages two and under always receive free admission and don’t need a ticket. San Diego Zoo prices are currently:

Ticket NameAdult Price (ages 12) Kids Price (ages 3–11)
1-Day Passes – Any Day
(gate and online price)
$76$66
1-Day Passes — Value Dates (online only)$72$62
1-Day Pass Plus — Any Day (online only)
1-Day Pass & one 4D theater experience
$83$73
1-Day Pass Plus — Value Dates (online only)
1-Day Pass and one 4D theater experience
$79$69
4D theater tickets (buy in person)$8$8
2-Visit Pass (gate and online price)$128$118
Our Kids Free October Discounted Price
(October 1–31, 2025)
$68$0
(usually up to 5 kids with a paid adult)
Our 1-Day Tickets Discounted Price$68$58

San Diego Zoo Parking Price & Address


It’s FREE to park your car, and the lot is large. Remember where you parked by taking a photo of the animal marking the section your car is in. The address for GPS is:

📍 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

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

logo for San Diego Zoo authorized ticket sellers.

aRes Travel is a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to San Diego Zoo and other major California attractions. They power my discounted ticket site and the Zoo’s ticketing system.

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 special customer service phone line, but you can always email me with questions.

Save $8

1-Day Pass— Use My Exclusive Promo Code

Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate with a mobile or printed ticket. Valid for one year from the purchase date.

Final price (after my discount): $68/ages 12+ and $58/ages 3–11

Use promo code lajollamom to save $8!

Get All San Diego Discounts by Email


You can also receive my San Diego Zoo promo code and list of theme park, tour, and sightseeing pass discounts to be sent to you. Request by email.

78,000+

1-Day SAN DIEGO ZOO
TICKETS SOLD

35,000+

READERS WHO
SAVED Money

Pros: This is an easy and legitimate way to save money on 1-Day tickets without a special membership. This is cheaper than Groupon and many other discount ticket sites.

Cons: A sightseeing pass could help you save more if you visit other attractions.

I prefer to support local businesses like mine where I can. I have personal contacts at the company, and readers use hundreds of thousands of these tickets through me every year without issues.

  • Purchase using my San Diego Zoo ticket discount.
  • Tickets are immediately emailed to you.
  • Print the ticket or pull it up on your phone at the gate. You can also link your ticket to the San Diego Zoo app (though this is not necessary).
  • The gate attendant will scan the QR code on your printed or mobile ticket.

It’s really that easy. You do not need to redeem a voucher at the ticket booth, and you can skip the ticket line completely. All taxes and fees are included in the price of these 1-Day tickets!

Call my dedicated aRes Travel line or email me with customer service issues or questions.

An aRes Travel discount San Diego Zoo ticket on top of a Zoo map.
Here’s an example of an aRes Travel ticket that I’ve used.
The Zoo scans the QR code on a printed voucher or your phone, and you’re in. Easy.

Helpful Tips


Don’t forget that you can add discounted tickets to these popular San Diego area attractions to your cart before checking out:

  • USS Midway Museum
  • Old Town Trolley (promo code SAVEMORE)
  • LEGOLAND California (promo code SAVEMORE)
  • SeaWorld San Diego (promo code SAVEMORE)
  • And many more!

Just don’t forget to use promo code lajollamom on Zoo and Safari Park tickets. Browse our Zoo tickets–>

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

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.

2-Visit Pass

The 2-Visit Pass includes:

• One visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park -or-
• Two visits to the San Diego Zoo -or-
• Two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Both visits must occur within a year of the purchase date by the same person on all visits.

Parking at the Zoo is Free. Parking at the Safari Park is not included in the ticket price. Price: $128/adult and $118/ages 3–11

Save $27

San Diego Zoo + SeaWorld San Diego Combo Deal

This combo deal includes one day each at the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. Price: $171.99/ages 10+ and $161.99/ages 3-9

Pros: This is a money saver if you know exactly which attractions you’ll visit.

Cons: If you decide to visit an attraction that’s not listed, you might have been better off with a sightseeing pass.

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 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 especially cheaper on peak days. On off-peak days, it might be less to buy it directly through the Zoo.

Animals in Action Tour

This experience includes a wildlife expert bringing the animals to you and teaching you about them and other spectacular animals in the park. The tour is 1 hour long. Price: $95/ages 5+

Inside Look Tour

Enjoy a personal 90-minute tour with a tour guide who will take you around the park in a deluxe cart, where you can learn about the animals in a more up close and personal way. There are various Inside Look tours, such as Giraffes & Friends and Polar Bears & Friends, where you get a closer look at how the zoo cares for these amazing animals. Price: $108/all ages

Pros: You can beat the Zoo’s higher price on peak days with these tickets.

Cons: On off-peak and value days, when the price is lower, you should buy directly through the Zoo.

The guided bus tour at San Diego Zoo.
The Guided Bus Tour is included with admission!

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

A Go City San Diego pass can 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 for entry.  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.

Save 5%

Go City San Diego – Exclusive Discount!

Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! However if you buy on July weekends they are advertising a promo code SUMMER25 for 10% off.

(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)

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

30-Day Risk Free Guarantee


Unactivated passes can be refunded 30 days from the purchase date. The guarantee applies only to passes purchased directly through Go City. Some terms and conditions apply.

Pros: People buy the All-Inclusive Plus pass for active sightseeing, which includes the Balboa Park museums adjacent to the Zoo.

Cons: The Essentials pass includes either the San Diego Zoo OR the Safari Park, not both.

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 have already been factored in.

One Big 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 Go San Diego.

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

San Diego Family Fun Vacation Package

When you build a custom San Diego Family Fun Package, it can include your favorite hotel with tickets to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, and USS Midway Museum. Save up to 30%.

Lions, Tigers, and Baby Elephants, Oh My! – The San Diego Zoo or Safari Park Vacation Package

This package allows you to bundle tickets to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park with the hotel of your choice (at the time of this writing, there are over 83 hotels to choose from). Look for the Price Drop alerts!

Pros: These packages are excellent options for budget hotels throughout San Diego.

Cons: Vacation packages sometimes require prepayment.

The entrance to the San Diego Zoo.
San Diego Zoo entrance gate with ticket windows.

6. Go City Los Angeles Pass

Go City offers significantly more value (and more activities) for 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, as it includes Universal Studios Hollywood and other top Southern California attractions.

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

Save 5%

Exclusive Go City Los Angeles Discount!

Use promo code GOLA5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go City Los Angeles sightseeing passes! This discount stacks on top of sale rates.

(Pass has limited value for families in San Diego during Kids Free October — we recommend individual tickets instead during this timeframe. See promotional terms and conditions.)

Pros: It’s great for people visiting Los Angeles and San Diego.

Cons: Go City 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, it is more advantageous to buy discounted tickets individually using my discounts and Zoo/Safari Park promo code or Go San Diego (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.

45% off

San Diego CityPASS – Big Savings + Promo Code!

Unlock your savings with San Diego CityPASS! You can check CityPASS direct but using our promo code SAVEMORE on our ticket site is cheaper right now!

(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)

Pros: I find that people on shorter trips choose this pass. For instance, a popular combo includes visiting SeaWorld one day, the Zoo one day, and maybe USS Midway in between.

Cons: You need to be certain you’re visiting these attractions.

8. San Diego Library Cards 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, you can select the available tickets you would like to use. A free San Diego Zoo ticket is an option, but I have logged in multiple times lately to check availability. They are currently unavailable, but it is worth checking.

Pros: A free San Diego Zoo ticket is a huge value! Plus, getting a library card is free. I recommend all residents get one.

Cons: Rarely available.

9. Costco Ticket Discounts

Tickets are not available through Costco year-round, but I DO currently see a super good deal for Costco only in their theme park ticket section online.

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 if you can buy as a non-member, which you can’t in this case).

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 members!

Cons: Not in the warehouse. Gift cards and tickets may take some time to arrive via email. They say an hour, but I’ve had them take up to a full day before. If you are not a member, use my ticket deal above.

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

Any adult admission, according to my conversation with San Diego Zoo, qualified for Kids Free San Diego in 2025.

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

The other reason to visit in October is 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.

Pros: San Diego Zoo participates every year, but the number of kids you can bring for free changes. The bottom line is that one adult can take some kids for free all month.

Cons: The exact details are usually not released until September. But don’t worry; they always participate.

A Galapagos tortoise rests in the shade. at San Diego Zoo.
I love the Galapagos tortoises.

11. AAA Ticket Discounts

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 or through the 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’ll want to check your specific AAA deal. My discount on San Diego Zoo tickets is a tiny bit less anyway!

Pros: It’s nice to get value out of your membership.

Cons: My promo code offers a bit lower price. Plus, it’s immediate delivery for valid transactions.

12. Military Ticket Discounts and Free Tickets

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 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 military personnel, 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 with MWR Departments for other applicable San Diego Zoo discount tickets with special military pricing.

Pros: Free tickets without restrictions!

Cons: None, really. Thank you for your service!

13. 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.

Pros: It’s easier to get a bunch of tickets at once than individually. Plus, the large group discount is a good one.

Cons: These aren’t usually available at the gate.

14. 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 1-Day Pass. They can also get a 10% discount on 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 memberships 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. Unfortunately, there are no AARP coupons or discounted park admission offers to either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Pros: I’m a huge fan of the memberships, so if you can get a discount on them, do it!

Cons: You need to go to the gate booth.

15. Discounts for the Travel Industry

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, head to a ticket booth window with a valid ID (such as an IATA, IATAN, or CLIA card) to take advantage of this discount.

Pros: Yay for travel industry discounts!

Cons: Must be purchased in person. You can use my promo code if you want to skip the line.

16. Gift Cards

Did you know that you can 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.

Pros: A great way to gift an annual membership.

Cons: These are not great for one-day tickets because you’ll have to pay gate prices. It’s best to use them for memberships and souvenirs.

The Skyfari Aerial Tram at San Diego Zoo in the sky on a sunny day.
Skyfari is also included with your San Diego Zoo ticket

17. 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 membership that will allow weekday or unlimited admission per year for one flat rate. Here’s what it can include.

  • All tiers (except for the kids’ Wildlife Explorer pass) 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% to 15%, depending on your membership tier.
  • All kids ages 3–17 will use the Wildlife Explorer annual membership ($74/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.

Helpful Tip for Teens About to Turn 18


  • Get the Wildlife Explorer membership while you are still 17.
  • If you turn 18 during your membership year, you can continue using it until the renewal date.
  • Then, you’d renew as an adult member.

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 2025 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, $76/child, 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. ($134/adult, $76/child, and $120.60/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, $76/child, and $134.10/senior)

Wildlife Protector Premium (I have this pass): 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 and doesn’t have blockout dates ($174/adult, $76/child, and $156.60/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. ($244/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. ($484/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.

Helpful Membership Tips


  • Always check blockout dates!
  • It’s very easy to forget that certain membership levels have blockout dates, including weekends, holidays, and random peak days.

Pros: So many, but the biggest one is saving money on multiple visits throughout the year.

Cons: Not many!

18. The Free 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.

Pros: Shopping at San Diego Zoo is a great way to support the animals and their wildlife conservation initiatives.

Cons: You may decide you want to stay and explore (and will have paid full price).

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

A koala in a tree, a popular site at San Diego Zoo for kids.
Don’t miss the koalas in the Australian Outback!

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 like Jungle Bells.

Parking

Parking is free at the San Diego Zoo. A free shuttle will run from the Inspiration Point parking lot in Balboa Park on certain peak days. 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 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.

Is it cheaper to buy San Diego Zoo tickets online?

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 without a special membership. Plus, the Zoo encourages guests to arrive with tickets purchased online to minimize in-person transactions as part of enhanced health and safety measures.

Should I link my ticket to the San Diego Zoo app?

You can link your 1-Visit and 2-Visit tickets to the San Diego Zoo app if you like, but it isn’t necessary. Besides scanning for Zoo entry at the turnstiles, you won’t need your ticket for the rest of your visit.

Can I buy San Diego Zoo tickets at the gate?

Yes. You can purchase admission at the ticket window at the full price.

Are San Diego Zoo tickets refundable?

No. Tickets for San Diego Zoo are not eligible for refunds, but you typically have one year from the date of purchase to use them.

What is included with a 1-Day ticket?

A 1-Day or 2-Visit San Diego Zoo ticket gets you into the Zoo and on the Guided Bus Tour, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled shows.

Admission to a 4-D movie in one of the two theaters is an additional $8. You can buy a combination ticket that includes 1-Day admission and a 4-D movie through the San Diego Zoo. However, it’s cheaper to use my 1-Day tickets (request my discount) and then add the movie at the park, which is easy to do.

San Diego Zoo admission includes access to all public exhibits. My favorites are the polar bears, koalas, Galapagos tortoises, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more animals who live in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. You can read my list of top San Diego Zoo animals. You’ll be able to enjoy some interactive experiences, such as animal presentations that include Keeper Talks and shows.

Your best chance of enjoying closer animal encounters (they are not guaranteed) is through a San Diego Zoo tour (which requires a separate admission ticket).

Can I upgrade my 1-Day ticket to an annual pass?

Yes. Bring your paper or digital ticket to a ticket booth, and staff members will be able to credit the amount paid for your 1-Day ticket to the purchase of an annual pass.

The discounted aRes Travel tickets that you can purchase through me DO qualify for an upgrade.

Are there San Diego resident discounts on 1-Day tickets?

The only San Diego resident discounts available are through annual passes, which are available for guests who live in zip codes 91900–92899. Passholders receive year-round admission to SD Zoo in addition to discounts on food and merchandise.

Residents can also occasionally get a free ticket through the San Diego Public Library’s Discover & Go program using their library card. I have this card and I don’t currently see an option for the Zoo.

Is the Zoo included in the Balboa Park Explorer Pass?

No. There used to be a Parkwide Explorer Pass with One Day Zoo Admission that included visiting the Balboa Park museums for seven consecutive days AND one-day admission to the San Diego Zoo. This was convenient because the zoo is right next to Balboa Park. This pass has been paused.

However, both the San Diego Zoo and most Balboa Park museums are included with the Go San Diego sightseeing pass.

Tip: Some museums are closed on various weekdays, so be sure to check their calendars.

What day is the Zoo free? 

From October 1-31, children under 11 receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo during the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion. Kids must enter the Zoo with a paid adult with a qualifying ticket.

Is one day at the San Diego Zoo enough?

It is possible to see the majority of the Zoo in one day. However, families traveling with young children can benefit from breaking a full-day visit into two half-day visits. Or, book a Discovery Cart Tour to see the animals at a faster pace before small children become tired.

We go multiple times per year. There is enough family fun in the theme park to have a different experience every time at the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Is there a snap/EBT San Diego Zoo discount?

There currently is no Snap/EBT discount for San Diego Zoo. I saw mention of this online, so I asked the Zoo’s ticket customer service, and they said this discount does not exist.

Do you have a discount on annual passes?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a discount on San Diego Zoo Memberships. I’ve never seen a discount for them, and they’re best bought through San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Is the Balboa Park Miniature Train part of the Zoo?

You can get a handstamp to leave the zoo to ride this cool historic train. It runs on limited hours and is a few minutes’ walk from the entrance right near the parking lot it’s super close!

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 your personal bottles.  

Refillable souvenir containers, such as popcorn buckets and souvenir drink cups, often come with free refills on the day of purchase (be sure to keep your receipt).  

Another tip is to check the official ShopZoo.com website before or after your visit. It often has a sale section where you can find 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 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.

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