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I talk to people daily about affordable ways to visit the San Diego Zoo. I’m a long-time member, and my family supports its programs and exhibits. I know the best ways to avoid paying full price at the gate.
If you plan to go once, I have the best 1-Day discounted San Diego Zoo tickets you’ll find legitimately without a special membership.
A sightseeing pass or combo ticket could also make sense if you visit other theme parks and museums. I’ll help you figure that out and have exclusive promo codes for some. I’ll also discuss how residents can save money with annual passes.
We fact-check this post regularly, only mention authorized ticket sellers, and monitor Zoo updates so you don’t waste time on other offers and coupons. Now, let’s figure out the best price for your visit!
San Diego Zoo Ticket Gate Prices and What They Include
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 entrance
- Skyfari Aerial Tram
- Guided Bus tour
- Kangaroo Express Buss
- All regularly scheduled shows
- Special holiday events like Halgloween, Jungle Bells, and Nighttime Zoo
No reservations are required. Children ages two and under always receive free admission and do not require a ticket. San Diego Zoo prices are currently:
| Ticket Name | Adult Price (ages 12) | Kids Price (ages 3–11) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Passes – Any Day (gate and online price) | $74 | $64 |
| 1-Day Passes — Value Dates (online only) | $70 | $60 |
| 1-Day Pass Plus — Any Day (online only) 1-Day Pass & one 4D theater experience | $81 | $71 |
| 1-Day Pass Plus — Value Dates (online only) 1-Day Pass and one 4D theater experience | $77 | $67 |
| 4D theater tickets (buy in person) | $8 | $8 |
| 2-Visit Pass (gate and online price) | $126 | $116 |
| Our Kids Free October Discounted Price (October 1–31, 2025) | $66 | $0 (usually up to 5 kids w/ a paid adult) |
| Our 1-Day Tickets Discounted Price | $66 | $56 |
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!
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 because fees and taxes are included. I have a special customer service phone line, but you can always email me with questions, too.
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): $66/ages 12+ and $56/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.
1-Day SAN DIEGO ZOO
TICKETS SOLD
READERS WHO
SAVED Money
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:
Just don’t forget to get my Zoo promo code first. Browse our Zoo tickets–>
2. Multiple Day + Combo Tickets With Other San Diego Theme Parks
If you’re only going to San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, the 2-Visit Pass is the way to go. 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 except for LEGOLAND where you’ll pick a date-specific ticket.
2-Visit Pass
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
There is no parking fee at the Zoo. Parking at the Safari Park is not included in the ticket price. Price: $126/adult and $116/kids
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: $137.99/ages 10+ and $127.99/ages 3-9
San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, + SeaWorld San Diego Combo Deal
Save $64 per adult ticket! This combo deal includes 1 day each at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. Price: $206.99/ages 12+ and $186.99/ages 3-11
LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper, San Diego Zoo, & San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo Deal
Save $64 per adult ticket! This combo deal includes 1 day each at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. Price: $206.99/ages 12+ and $186.99/ages 3-11
If You 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, add a 1-Day LEGOLAND ticket to the cart and use promo code LEGO to save on that before you check out.
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 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. You can also book an exclusive VIP experience directly through the Zoo, which is how you would 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.
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: $105/all ages
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+
4. Go City San Diego (Most Popular Sightseeing Pass)
A Go City San Diego pass saves up to 50% off of admission to 55+ top San Diego attractions in three simple steps:
- Buy the option that best suits your trip (All-Inclusive or Explorer).
- Get your pass on a mobile device through the Go City app or print it at home.
- Show the Go City 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, where you can see as many of the included attractions as you like. Explorer passes allow you to visit 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 included attractions. Each pass type has different included attractions.
You don’t need to make a reservation to visit the Zoo or Safari Park using Go City. Go straight to the gate, where an attendant will scan your pass for entry. I personally use Go City passes when sightseeing worldwide and love going paperless with their app.
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!
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
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.
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 that 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 104 hotels to choose from). Look for the Price Drop alerts!
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 5% discount.
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.)
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. You can buy directly through CityPASS or use promo code WINTER to save an extra $5 off through our ticket page.
8. Costco Ticket Discounts
Tickets are not available through Costco year-round but I DO currently see a super good deal for members 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’re able to buy as a non-member) and in your local store because availability may change.
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.
9. Kids Free San Diego in October (For Ages 11 & Under)
Any adult admission, according to my conversation with San Diego Zoo, qualified for Kids Free San Diego in 2024.
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 are qualifying tickets, so if you visit in October, you can use my San Diego Zoo discount code for a cheaper price!
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 the Halloween 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. You can find all the information on the San Diego Zoo’s HalGLOWeen information page.
10. AAA Ticket Discounts
The 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. 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.
11. 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.
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 1-Day Pass. They also can 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. I also don’t see a senior discount using AARP.
14. 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.
15. San Diego Zoo 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.
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 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
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 coupons for 50% off admission, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% Wild Perks discounts. ($99/adult, $74/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. ($129/adult, $74/child, and $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, $74/child, and $134.10/senior)
Wildlife Protector Premium (I have this): 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 ($169/adult, $74/child, and $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. ($229/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. ($469/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
17. 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.
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. 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 1-Visit and 2-Visit tickets to the San Diego Zoo app if you like, but it isn’t at all 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.
Do I need a special ticket for Halloween?
No. Admission to the weekend Halloween Halloween festivities is usually included with your ticket. Check the HalGLOWeen information page for future Halloween Festivity information!
Is Jungle Bells included with regular admission?
Yes. The annual holiday Jungle Bells festivities are included with regular admission.
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.
Do I need a reservation to visit the Zoo?
No. You do not need a reservation to visit the San Diego Zoo. I recommend arriving when it opens, if not a little before. On weekdays, the busiest times are normally between 12 and 2 p.m., and on weekends between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can check their website for more information.
Where can I find a San Diego Zoo coupon?
I have not seen a coupon that is printable or offered in print for admission to redeem online or at the Zoo front gate. Clipping coupons for attractions has largely been replaced by promo codes that can be redeemed online.
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, Kangaroo Express Bus, 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 you get tickets to both the Zoo and Safari Park?
Yes, there are several multi-park ticket options. The 2-Visit Pass provides you with one visit to the Zoo and one visit to the Safari Park, or two visits to either attraction.
My favorite option is to purchase a Go San Diego pass, which provides admission to more than 50 local attractions for one low price. The San Diego 3-For-1 Pass gets you into the Zoo, Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego and is valid for seven consecutive days.
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.
Is there a San Diego Zoo senior discount?
Yes. Seniors may present their IDs at the gate for a 10% discount on memberships and 1-Day tickets.
Unfortunately, there are no AARP coupons or discounted park admission offers to either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Are there San Diego Zoo teacher discounts?
It is advertised that there are San Diego Zoo teacher discounts through ID.me. I haven’t been able to verify this, so if you successfully save money through this method, please leave a comment and let me know.
Are there San Diego resident discounts?
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.
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 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!
Other Ways to Save Money in the Zoo
Besides cheap San Diego Zoo tickets 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 called WildPerks.
Keeper’s Club and Curator’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 when you make your purchase.
You can bring 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 that every dollar you spend in the park goes to operating costs and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s amazing conservation work 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.
Learn also how to buy discount tickets for Southern California and other United States theme parks including:
Katie Dillon
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