I talk to people every day about where to find discount 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.
My promo code gets you the cheapest 1-Day San Diego Zoo tickets available to the general public, and it works only on my authorized ticket site, not on the San Diego Zoo’s website.
Start Here
Which San Diego Zoo Discount Is Right for You?
Tap your situation to jump straight to the right deal.
San Diego Zoo Ticket Prices and What’s Included
Or, jump to the discounts if you already know all this.
To compare any San Diego Zoo ticket deal, you first need to know the gate price and what is included. The Zoo charges the same Any Day price at the gate and on its website, and only its Value Days tickets, sold online for select dates, cost less.
General admission tickets include:
- Park entry
- Skyfari Aerial Tram
- Guided Bus Tour
- All regularly scheduled experiences
- Special holiday events like HalGLOWeen, Jungle Bells, and Nighttime Zoo
- Panda Ridge, home to Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, where staff keep the line moving to about 15 minutes per visit on the busiest days
No reservations are required to enter the Zoo, and children ages two and under are free. San Diego Zoo prices are currently:
| Ticket | Adult (12+) | Child (3–11) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass, Any Day | $78 | $68 |
| 1-Day Pass, Value Days | $73 | $63 |
| 2-Visit Pass | $130 | $120 |
| Our October price (Kids Free) | $70 | $0 |
| Our 1-Day price | $70 | $60 |
San Diego Zoo Parking Prices & Address
The Zoo charges for parking, and one payment covers the whole day, so you can drive out and come back without paying again, as long as you park in the lot in front of the Zoo.
- Members park free in the Zoo lot. Don’t forget to register your car.
- General parking is $16 per vehicle, and oversized vehicles are $44.
- City of San Diego residents (not the county) pay $8 per vehicle and $22 for an oversized vehicle, with advance registration.
- Paying by text or QR code adds a $0.55 processing fee.
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.
The Zoo runs a free shuttle from the Lower Inspiration Point lot on select days, and the City of San Diego gives non-residents the first three hours free in that lot. Member parking does not cover that lot. The Zoo lot also has five EV charging stations, for a small fee.
1. The Lowest Price on 1-Day Tickets: My Exclusive Promo Code

aRes Travel is a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to the San Diego Zoo and major California attractions. They power my discounted ticket site and the Zoo’s ticketing system.
78,000+
1-Day Zoo tickets sold
35,000+
Readers who saved money
The upside
- Easy way to save without a special membership.
- Mobile entry, with no blackout dates.
- Cheaper than Groupon.
Keep in mind
- A sightseeing pass may save more if you also visit other attractions.
- Add ticket insurance for $25 at checkout for a full refund. Without it, tickets are non-refundable.
How to Use Your aRes Travel Ticket & Contact Info
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.
Call my dedicated aRes Travel line or email me with customer service issues or questions.
- (888) 795-3715 for reservation assistance
- International callers use +1 (619) 577-4068
- tickets@lajollamom.com

Helpful Tips
Bundle & save
Add more attractions before you check out
Already buying Zoo tickets? Add these to the same cart:
- USS Midway Museum
- Old Town Trolley
- LEGOLAND California
- SeaWorld San Diego
- And many more!
Use promo code at checkout on our ticket store for your Zoo tickets.
2. The 2-Visit Pass for the Zoo and Safari Park
If you want a day at the San Diego Zoo and a day at the Safari Park, buy the 2-Visit Pass. My ticket store and the Zoo sell it for the same price.
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
The same person must use both visits within a year of the purchase date. Parking is not included in the ticket price.

2-Visit Pass
Valid for one person to use twice within a year, across the Zoo and Safari Park or twice at one park. No reservations needed.
Adult (12+) $130 $156
Child (3–11) $120 $136
Save up to $26 per adult vs. two 1-Day Passes
If Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at the Safari Park is on your list as well as the Zoo, this pass covers both. If you are still deciding between them, I compare the two in San Diego Zoo vs. Safari Park.
San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld Combo
Pairing the Zoo with SeaWorld San Diego instead of the Safari Park? My store sells a combo ticket for the two parks.

San Diego Zoo + SeaWorld San Diego Combo Deal
One day at the San Diego Zoo, plus up to seven consecutive days at SeaWorld San Diego. No reservations needed.
Adult (10+) $155.99
Child (3–9) $145.99
Save $49 vs. buying tickets separately
3. Free Kids Tickets Every October (Ages 11 and Younger)
Every October, each ticketed adult can bring up to six children ages 11 and younger in free, as part of the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion. This is why October is one of the best times to visit San Diego with kids.
Adults need a valid form of entry, which includes an admission ticket, a membership, or a U.S. military ID. Kids 11 and under don’t need a pass; they can walk in with you. My adult tickets qualify, so you can use my San Diego Zoo discount code and pay less for the adult ticket.
Another reason to visit in October is the Halloween (called HalGLOWeen at the Zoo) activities, which run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October, with the Zoo open late on those nights. HalGLOWeen is included with admission, so you don’t need a separate event ticket. Expect glow-in-the-dark decor, costumed characters, and live music after dark.
The upside
- One adult covers up to six kids, so you pay only for the adults in your group.
- Locals and visitors get the same deal all month.
Keep in mind
- Children 15 and younger must be with an adult 18 or older for the entire visit.

4. Go City San Diego: The Zoo Plus Other Attractions
A Go City San Diego pass bundles the San Diego Zoo with other top attractions, so it can cost less than separate tickets when you visit several. It’s a digital pass on your phone that the attendant at the entry turnstiles scans to let you in. Some attractions on the pass need a reservation, so check each one before you go.
To include the Zoo, you must choose one of these two Go City San Diego passes:
- Essentials Pass: Pick one of five big parks (the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California, or Knott’s Berry Farm), plus two more attractions from Go City’s top 12. You have 30 days from activation to use it.
- All-Inclusive Pass Plus: A day-based pass with everything on the All-Inclusive Pass plus five extras: SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California, Knott’s Berry Farm, the San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park. Go City’s San Diego lineup includes 40+ attractions.
Note: The standard All-Inclusive Pass (the one without ‘Plus’) does not include the San Diego Zoo.
Doing the Zoo, the Safari Park, and SeaWorld on one trip? The All-Inclusive Pass Plus covers all three in one purchase.
See also: my Go City San Diego pass review

Go City San Diego Promo Code
Save up to 50% on 40+ San Diego attractions, including the Safari Park.
Two ways to buy · pick one
Lowest price
Through my ticket store
No extra code needed.
or
Buy direct
Straight from Go City
Apply code at checkout for an extra 5%.
90-Day Risk-Free Guarantee
Go City refunds any pass you haven’t activated within 90 days of your purchase date, so a trip that falls through doesn’t cost you the pass. Some terms and conditions apply.
The upside
- The All-Inclusive Pass Plus suits active sightseeing, and it includes Balboa Park museums next to the Zoo.
Keep in mind
- The Essentials Pass includes either the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park, not both. Parking is not included.
5. CityPASS: Bundle the Zoo With SeaWorld or 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, because one of those is the anchor. You then choose three more attractions from a list of six. The San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park share a single slot on that list, so you pick one or the other, and neither one is required. The pass is valid for nine days from first use.
Otherwise, buy discounted tickets one at a time with my Zoo and Safari Park promo code, or choose a Go City San Diego pass for more 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
The upside
- I find that vacationers on shorter trips choose this pass.
- For instance, a popular option is to visit SeaWorld one day, the Zoo the next, and maybe USS Midway in between.
Keep in mind
- You need to be sure you’re visiting these attractions.
- Parking is not included.
You can buy it straight from CityPASS or from my ticket store, where the code in the box below takes a little more off at checkout.

San Diego CityPASS Promo Code
Bundle SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND California with three more top attractions, including the Safari Park, USS Midway, and Birch Aquarium.
Two ways to buy · pick one
Lowest price
Through my ticket store
Apply code at checkout.
or
Buy direct
Straight from CityPASS
No extra code needed.
Planning Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood too? Southern California CityPASS pairs either one (or both) with two more parks, and the San Diego Zoo is on that list.
6. San Diego Zoo Packages: Hotel + Tickets
You can sometimes save more when you buy a San Diego Zoo vacation package that includes tickets and a hotel room. You won’t need my promo code in this case, as the discounts have already been factored in.
One Big Exception · Luxury Hotels
Our hotel benefits include daily breakfast, a resort credit, and an upgrade when available. If you’re considering a hotel in my portfolio, you’re better off booking the hotel through us and buying tickets with my San Diego Zoo tickets discount or Go City San Diego.
Otherwise, both packages let you build around the hotel you want.

San Diego Family Fun Vacation Package
Build your own bundle: pick a featured hotel, then choose your attraction, whether that’s the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, USS Midway, or Old Town Trolley.
Your hotel, your attraction

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park Vacation Package Hotel + 1- or 2-Day Tickets
Your choice of hotel plus 1- or 2-day tickets to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Go two days to do both parks, or one day for your favorite.
Both parks, your way
The upside
- These packages work well if you’re booking a budget hotel in San Diego.
Keep in mind
- Vacation packages sometimes require prepayment.
7. Memberships for Residents and Frequent Visitors
We have an annual San Diego Zoo membership. If you visit regularly, a membership gives you weekday or unlimited admission to both parks for the year at a flat rate.
For San Diego County residents, the Resident Limited membership costs less than two 1-Day tickets bought with my code, so it pays for itself by your second weekday visit, and the free parking saves more every time you go.
Memberships are managed through San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the nonprofit organization that operates both the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Your membership supports their conservation work and gives you access to both parks.
- All tiers (except for the kids’ Wildlife Explorer pass) receive free parking and Wild Perks. Wild Perks are 5% to 20% discounts on food, merchandise, and more within the parks when you show 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.
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 renew as an adult member.
Renewing members save $10 on the annual price. Seniors 65 and older and students 18 and older get 10% off the new-member price of four tiers (see senior and student discounts).
San Diego Resident Limited and Resident Premium Passes
San Diego Zoo resident passes are for San Diego County residents in these zip codes, and they cover the Zoo and Safari Park for a membership year. You can choose between two options, and I’ve listed current prices below.
- San Diego Resident Limited ($99 adult, $89.10 senior): Weekday-only admission to both parks with some blockout dates, plus two 50%-off admission coupons, exclusive member specials, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% Wild Perks.
- San Diego Resident Premium ($144 adult, $129.60 senior): Everything in Resident Limited, but with unlimited admission to both parks (no blockout dates).
Membership Clubs
These tiers suit San Diego and Southern California residents who visit often enough to use the member benefits.
- Wildlife Protector Limited ($149 adult, $134.10 senior): Weekday admission to both parks (some blockout dates), one complimentary 1-Day Pass, free parking, 10% Wild Perks, and a Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription.
- Wildlife Protector Premium ($184 adult, $165.60 senior): Everything in Protector Limited, but with unlimited admission (no blockout dates) and special early hours. This is the closest pass to the old Keeper’s Club.
- Wildlife Guardian ($259 adult): Everything in Protector Premium, plus a second complimentary 1-Day Pass, one 50%-off Special Experience or Safari Tour, and access to exclusive member events. This is the membership I have.
- Wildlife Champion ($499 adult): Everything in Guardian, plus one accompanying guest per day, Preferred Parking at the Safari Park (subject to availability), 15% Wild Perks (up from 10%), a second 50%-off experience, and priority boarding on the Guided Bus Tour and Africa Tram for you and your guest.
- Wildlife Associate ($1,200): Everything in Champion, plus shared admission for up to two accompanying guests per visit, four complimentary 1-Day guest passes, and the Special Member Appreciation Day.
President’s Clubs
The President’s Clubs are donor clubs for people who can give more. You’ll receive everything in the Wildlife Associate membership, plus President’s Clubs 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 $2,500 to $10,000.
Helpful Membership Tips
- Always check blockout dates.
- Certain membership levels have blockout dates, including weekends, holidays, and peak days, and they are easy to forget.
8. 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. active duty personnel get in free at both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, year-round and as often as they like, with a valid military ID at the entrance. Special ticketed events and programs are not included.
- Everyone ages 3 and older who comes with them needs a ticket or a membership, except in October, when kids 11 and younger are free.
- To park, active duty members register their vehicle at a Zoo ticket window when they arrive.
- 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, and the service member does not need to be with them.
- Retirees and veterans do not receive discounts at the gate.
ID.me also lists a 10% San Diego Zoo offer for verified military members, along with nurses, teachers, first responders, government employees, medical providers, and students. Your MWR Ticket Office and GovX may list other offers.
9. 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. It doesn’t apply to tickets bought online from the Zoo.
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.
The upside
- It’s nice to get value out of your membership.
Keep in mind
- My promo code offers a slightly lower price.
- Plus, my tickets arrive by email right away.
- You may wait in line at the ticket booth.
10. 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. Both also get 10% off the new-member price of the San Diego Resident Limited, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector Limited, and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships. The two resident tiers are for San Diego County residents, so visitors from outside the county get the discount on the two Wildlife Protector tiers.
Neither discount is available online. Seniors show a photo ID, and students show a photo ID and proof of current enrollment, 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. The Safari Park also lets guests 65 and older in free all February with a photo ID (parking not included), which I cover in my Safari Park tickets guide.
The upside
- I’m a massive fan of the memberships, so if you qualify for the discount, take it.
Keep in mind
- You need to go to the gate booth.
11. 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.
The discount applies to the Any Day 1-Day Pass, at the window or booked ahead, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. The sales department can also arrange meal vouchers that make group dining cashless, cheaper, and easier. Group rates do not extend to tours, safaris, or other special experiences.
The upside
- It’s easier to get multiple tickets at once than to buy them individually.
- Plus, the large group discount is a good one.
Keep in mind
- Your entire group must arrive together.
- Reservations go through Reservation Sales at 619-718-3000, open daily from 8:30 a.m.
Student groups and field trips get discounted rates: $34 per student under 18 for groups from outside Southern California, and as low as free for San Diego County schools. Read more about education group discounts.
12. Behind-the-Scenes Tours & Experiences
One of the San Diego Zoo tours is your best chance at a closer look at the animals and the keepers who care for them.
You’ll still need to purchase San Diego Zoo admission in addition to the tour cost, but it’s well worth it. aRes Travel sells the two below. You can also book an exclusive VIP experience directly through the Zoo, which allows you to take private Zoo tours.
The Zoo’s tour prices change by date, so compare its price for your day with mine before you buy.

Animals in Action Tour
See the animals up close. A wildlife expert brings them right to you and shares the stories behind them, for a full hour you won’t get on your own. Ages 5 and up, and no more than two children per group.
$95

Inside Look Tour
A Zoo educator leads a shared 90-minute cart tour that stops at two wildlife habitats up close, including spaces the public doesn’t usually see. All ages, and no more than two children per group.
$108

13. Travel Agents, Gift Cards, and the Shopper’s Pass
Travel Industry Professional Discounts
Travel agents, wholesalers, and tour operators with a valid IATA or IATAN card and photo ID get 10% off the 1-Day Pass at a Zoo ticket window, and so does one accompanying guest. Everyone else in the party pays the regular price, and the discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Or buy online with my promo code and go straight to the gate.
San Diego Zoo Gift Cards
San Diego Zoo gift cards make a good gift for Zoo lovers. They never expire, and they work on admission, tours, education programs, memberships, food, and the gift shops, though not on online purchases.
Buy them at the bottom of the Zoo’s tickets page, by phone through Reservation Sales, or at any gift shop or ticket window at either park.
The upside
- A great way to gift an annual membership.
Keep in mind
- These are not ideal for one-day tickets, as you’ll have to pay gate prices.
- It’s best to use them for memberships and souvenirs.

Free Zoo Entry for Quick Shopping Trips (The Shopper’s Pass)
You can shop at the San Diego Zoo for free with a Shopper’s Pass. Buy one at a gate window at the entrance. You pay the price of a 1-Day ticket, which gets you 30 minutes inside to shop at the 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.
The upside
- Shopping at the San Diego Zoo is a great way to support the animals and their wildlife conservation initiatives.
Keep in mind
- You may decide you want to stay and explore (and will have paid full price).
Costco, Resellers, and What Doesn’t Work
Costco San Diego Zoo Tickets (Not Sold)
Costco doesn’t sell San Diego Zoo tickets right now. It does sell a San Diego Zoo Safari Park One Day Pass, which I cover in my Costco San Diego Zoo tickets guide.
I haven’t seen cheap tickets in my local store, and ours is among the largest Costco stores in San Diego.
Ticket Resales Are Prohibited
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.
What to Know Before You Arrive at the Park

Hours
San Diego Zoo opens at 9 a.m. every day of the year, including holidays. Closing time varies, running later in summer and during evening events like Nighttime Zoo, HalGLOWeen, and Jungle Bells, so check the Zoo’s hours for your date before you plan the end of your day.
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.
Rentals and Storage
Are you headed to the airport after your visit? Guest Services will store your luggage for a fee. You may also rent electric scooters, wheelchairs, and strollers, and the Zoo has self-service lockers at Front Street.
You can keep up with changes on the San Diego Zoo website help center, and I have written in more detail about San Diego Zoo tips.
Get directions to the San Diego Zoo →
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, with my promo code, and from the Zoo itself only on Value Days. The Zoo charges the same Any Day price at the gate and on its website, and its cheaper Value Days tickets are sold online only, for select dates. My San Diego Zoo promo code is lower than both on any day, and it is the best price I’ve seen so far without a special membership.
Should I link my ticket to the San Diego Zoo app?
You can link your 1-Day 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 wait in line to purchase admission at the ticket window at the full price.
Is aRes Travel legit for San Diego Zoo tickets?
Yes. aRes Travel is a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to the San Diego Zoo, and it powers my discounted ticket site and the Zoo’s ticketing system. Your tickets are emailed to you right away, and the gate scans the QR code on your phone or printout, so there is no voucher to trade in. If you need help, my dedicated aRes line is (888) 795-3715, and you can email me at tickets@lajollamom.com.
Are San Diego Zoo tickets refundable?
Not on their own. San Diego Zoo tickets are non-refundable, but you typically have one year from the date of purchase to use them. If you buy from my ticket store, you can add ticket insurance for $25 at checkout for a full refund.
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 experiences.
San Diego Zoo admission includes access to all public exhibits. My favorites are the pandas, polar bears, koalas, Galapagos tortoises, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more animals that 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 interactive experiences, such as the Zoo’s wildlife presentations, where you meet animal ambassadors and the wildlife care specialists who look after them.
Your best chance of enjoying closer animal encounters (they are not guaranteed) is through a San Diego Zoo tour (which you buy in addition to admission).
Can I upgrade my 1-Day ticket to an annual pass?
Yes. The person who used the ticket can bring it, with the receipt, to a ticket window on the day of the visit or within seven days, and staff will credit it toward a new membership for that person. It can’t be done online or by phone, and it doesn’t apply to renewals or membership upgrades.
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 are available through annual passes, which are offered to anyone living in San Diego County (the Zoo publishes the list of eligible locations). Passholders get admission to the Zoo and Safari Park for the year (weekdays only, with blockout dates, on Resident Limited), discounts on food and merchandise, and free parking.
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. Getting a library card is free, and I explain how the program works in my Discover & Go guide.
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 seven consecutive days of admission to the Balboa Park museums 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, the Go City San Diego All-Inclusive Pass Plus includes both the San Diego Zoo and most Balboa Park museums.
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 ages 11 and younger receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo, up to six per ticketed adult, during the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion. Kids must enter with an adult 18 or older who has a valid form of entry, which includes a membership or a U.S. military ID as well as a paid 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 the Zoo’s Discovery Tour, a one-hour guided 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 at the world-famous San Diego Zoo to have a different experience every time.
Is there a Snap/EBT San Diego Zoo discount?
There is currently no Snap/EBT discount for the 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?
Not from me. Memberships are sold by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and its own discounts are the ones to use: renewing members save $10, and seniors and students get 10% off four tiers (see senior and student discounts).
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. A separate ticket is required.
Are Groupon San Diego Zoo tickets cheaper?
No. Groupon currently lists San Diego Zoo 1-Day tickets at the regular gate price, without any real discount. That’s why Groupon isn’t one of my ways to save. There are no savings to pass along.
If you do see Groupon advertising “up to 70% off,” that usually applies to other attractions or limited-time experiences, not standard Zoo admission.
What are San Diego Zoo Value Days?
Value Days are select dates (mostly weekdays, excluding holidays and peak periods) when 1-Day tickets are $73/adult and $63/child if purchased online in advance. You can check the Zoo’s Value Days calendar to see which dates qualify. For help picking a day, see my guide to the best time to visit the San Diego Zoo.
However, my promo code brings the price to $70/adult and $60/child on any day, including weekends and holidays, with no restrictions. So unless you need to buy directly from the Zoo, Value Days pricing isn’t your cheapest option.
Are there San Diego Zoo coupons in 2026?
The San Diego Zoo doesn’t issue traditional paper or printable coupons. The closest equivalents are the discounts covered above including sightseeing passes (Go City, CityPASS), AAA and military rates, membership savings, and the online promo code I’ve negotiated for readers. Which one saves most depends on how many attractions you’re visiting and whether you’re local.
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 a great way to cut 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.
Bring your own refillable water bottles, because 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 their long-term value.
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.
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Quick Decision: Where to Start
If you plan to return often or you’re seeing other San Diego attractions, a membership or a Go City San Diego pass can work out cheaper than buying separate tickets. For a single visit, start with my code at checkout on my ticket store, and if the Zoo wins you over, you can put that ticket toward a membership at a ticket window within seven days of your visit.
Questions? Drop a comment below, and I respond to every one.
I also explain how to buy discount tickets for these parks and attractions:






Am I able to scan the tickets from my phone at the door or do I have to print them at home?
The tickets can be scanned on your phone. Thanks for asking!
Thank you for your recommendation of aRes travel. Thankfully, kids are free in October so we are saving a lot of money on both hotel and tickets. Great job!
Hi, is Ares Travel legit for San diego Zoo ticket purchasing? Has anyone used it before and able to enter the park?
Thanks
Hi Tracey. aRes Travel is an authorized seller of San Diego Zoo tickets so you don’t have to worry. I sell thousands of these tickets per month and haven’t received a single complaint.
Hi there! You’re discount worked for a weekend hop over to San Diego from Arizona. Thanks so much for helping us save a little money for our family of 4 to the zoo – it was fun!
Is the discount code for 1 day tickets not available? I got an error message that it was expired or needed to be used at the door.
Hi! You need to use it on my aRes Travel site and not on the Zoo’s website. That’s usually when people get the error message.
Just bought tickets but I’m not seeing anything for them to scan. It’s only saying to print them. Are we going to have problems when we get there?
Hi! No, you should see a QR code and that’s what they scan. They can be resent to you (it would be in a PDF).
Thank you so much for the zoo promo code! Your discount definitely helps and you’re right that I didn’t find one better. I have just purchased my 1-day pass and can’t wait to go to the zoo today.