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’m a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance member with lots of insider tips for buying discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets through authorized sellers — including access to my exclusive promo code for 1-Day tickets.

I spend a lot of time analyzing coupons and crunching numbers to bring you only worthwhile Safari Park deals. A membership might save you more if you plan to visit more than once. Sightseeing passes, combo tickets, and vacation packages are also worth considering.

The idea is to leave a little extra cash in your pocket to upgrade your day with animal encounters, safaris, sweet treats, or fun souvenirs. I love this park, and my family supports its initiatives. We also fact-check our recommendations regularly.

Key Takeaways


  • I have the best 1-Day ticket price without you needing a special membership.
  • A sightseeing pass or combo tickets might save you even more money if you visit other attractions.
  • I don’t think the 10% discounts some memberships offer are worth it.
  • This post has everything you need to decide which Safari Park ticket to buy.

(You may still hear people refer to San Diego Zoo Safari Park by its old name, San Diego Wild Animal Park, or as the Escondido Wild Animal Park.)

First, These Are San Diego Zoo Safari Park Ticket Prices at the Gate

First, learn how much San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets cost and what they include. You can jump to my discount code if you already know all of this.

General admission prices are consistent across authorized ticket sellers, which is why my promo code is so valuable. First, you need to know the gate San Diego Safari Park prices to understand the savings.

Ticket NameAdult 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
2-Visit Pass (gate and online price)$126$116
Our 1-Day Tickets Discounted Price$67$57

Admission includes the Africa Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences (subject to availability).

Parking Fees

San Diego Zoo Safari Park parking is $20 per vehicle and $38 for RV parking year-round. Preferred parking is available and starts at $38 per vehicle. You’ll pay for parking when you arrive at the park. No $100 bills are accepted. I like to get there early because while I’ve never had issues parking, it’s not a huge lot.

How to Analyze the Savings

Some methods are better for those on longer San Diego vacations, while others are a better deal for day-trippers, but here is the bottom line:

  • Decide whether you need a 1-Day ticket because you only visit the Safari Park. If so, you will save the most with my exclusive San Diego Zoo Safari Park discount code.
  • If you also visit other San Diego attractions, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to decide which sightseeing pass, combo ticket, or a la carte discount ticket purchases are best for you.

1. The Lowest Price for 1-Day Tickets — Request My Promo Code

The most popular (and easiest) way to get discounted admission to San Diego attractions, including the Safari Park, is through my affiliation with San Diego-based aRes Travel. They are an authorized ticket seller that I am comfortable recommending because I know people in the company and use the tickets personally.

Logo for San Diego Zoo Safari Park Authorized Ticket Seller

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

Passes can be printed at home or shown on a mobile device to skip the ticket line. Either way, proceed directly to the entrance turnstiles, where the gate attendant will scan a QR code on your ticket.

If you want to buy 1-Day San Diego Zoo Safari Park discount tickets, this is your best deal all-in.

You will love these tickets! I offer them because I prefer to support San Diego businesses like mine where I can, have personal contacts at the company, and readers use tens of thousands of these tickets through me every year without issues.

  • Purchase using my San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets discount.
  • Tickets are immediately emailed to you.
  • Print the ticket or pull it up on your phone at the gate.
  • The gate attendant will scan the QR code on your mobile phone or printed ticket.

It’s really that easy. You do not need to redeem a voucher at the ticket booth. You can skip the ticket line completely. The Zoo charges a $2 per ticket transaction fee, but all fees and taxes are included in the prices of my 1-Day tickets!

If you have customer service issues or questions, you can call my dedicated aRes Travel line or email me.

Save $7

1-Day Pass— Request my Promo Code for the Lowest Public Price!

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): $67/ages 12+ and $57/ages 3–11

We can’t publish the promo code online, but can send it by text or email.

*By texting the word SAFARI to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount, and this agreement isn’t a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Read my full privacy policy.

Pros: This is the lowest all-in publicly available price with no membership required.

Cons: You need to ask us for the promo code, so there is an extra step (that I wish we didn’t have to take).

2. Go Twice for Less With 2-Visit Passes

If you want to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park twice, do not buy two separate 1-Day tickets. You’ll save significantly by purchasing the 2-Visit Pass. The pass must be used by the same person each time and is valid for one year from the day of purchase. No reservations are required.

2-Day Pass

The 2-Day 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. The ticket also needs to be used 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. Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate. Price: $126/adult and $116/ages 3–11

Pros: You have a year to use the pass so it can even be a good option for residents. You get the opportunity to see both parks.

Cons: A sightseeing pass might be cheaper for tourists visiting other attractions.

3. Go City San Diego Sightseeing Pass

Go City San Diego is the most popular bundled attraction pass used by tourists and locals alike. With it, you can save up to 50% off admission to most of the top San Diego theme parks, museums, and attractions — including San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo.

It’s extremely easy to buy and use. Just choose the pass option that gives you the best discount on the attractions you want to visit. You have two pass choices:

  • Purchase admission to 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions with the Explorer Pass — OR —
  • Choose the All-Inclusive pass, available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7-day options, which allows you to visit all included attractions.
  • Get your pass on a mobile device through the app or print it at home.
  • Show the pass at any participating attraction, and you’re in.

Once you buy your pass, it will appear on your phone and serve as your ticket. My discount below on All-Inclusive passes stacks on top of Go San Diego pass sale pricing for extra savings.

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!

(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: The All-Inclusive pass is popular for active sightseeing. They have a generous refund policy on unused passes (just read all terms and conditions).

Cons: You do need to be certain that you will see a lot of sights to get the most value out of it.

4. Combo Ticket Packages With Other Theme Parks

Bundling your discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket with other San Diego theme parks can result in deeper savings.

Save $24

LEGOLAND & San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo Deal

This combo deal includes one LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper and a 1-Day Pass to San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Price: $163.99/adults (ages 12+) and $153.99/kids (ages 3-11)

Save $34

LEGOLAND California, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo Deal

This combo deal includes 1 LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Hopper, 1 day at the San Diego Zoo, and 1 day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Price: $232.99/adults (ages 10+) and $212.99/kids (ages 3-9)

Save $66

San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, + SeaWorld San Diego Combo Deal

This combo deal includes 1 day each at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. Price: $205.99/adults (ages 10+) and $185.99/kids (ages 3-9)

Pros: If you are only visiting the parks in these bundles, you will save money.

Cons: You have to crunch numbers against what each park is offering individually and the cost of an equivalent sightseeing pass to understand the savings. It can be tedious.

5. Save on Safaris — Upgrade Your Day

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Flightline Safari
Flightline Safari! (Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo Safari Park)

San Diego Zoo Safari Park tours are called “safaris” and are at an additional cost to your general admission with one exception — the Africa Tram Safari is free. You will still need to purchase San Diego Safari Park admission and parking in addition to the safaris. These safaris offer some of the best animal encounters in San Diego and are narrated by expert guides who answer questions and provide a rare opportunity to get even closer to amazing wildlife. If you’re a conservation or animal enthusiast, I recommend them.

When you purchase through the park, prices for these exciting safari expeditions vary based on whether you attend on a value, standard, or peak day.

Through aRes Travel, I have access to good any-day safari prices. On peak days, these will be less expensive than buying directly, and on standard days, they are usually the same price.

If you buy a safari, you must still pay for admission and parking.

Behind the Scenes Safari

Enjoy what happens behind the scenes of your favorite wildlife at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Price: $105.00/ages 3+

Wildlife Safari

Head out to see amazing wildlife living in the savannah habitats from the comfort of an open-air safari truck at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Price: $105.00/ages 3+

Flightline Safari

Enjoy the views of the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park while flying over the park on a zip line! Price: $87.00/ages 3+

No More Cheetah Run


Speaking of safaris, to see the cheetah run, you’ll need to book the Sun Up Cheetah Safari for an additional fee. On this exciting expedition, you’ll enter the park before the general public, and there are definitely perks to being inside first, like animal viewing before the crowds.

Pros: Safaris can get you closer to the animals, and you may learn a bit more.

Cons: The cost is additional and you will have less time to see other areas of the park (depending on which safari you choose).

6. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Vacation Packages

There are a few popular ways to combine San Diego Safari Park tickets with hotels near San Diego Zoo Safari Park for extra savings.

There are many reasons to stay in the Escondido area, where hotel prices can be more reasonable. But you can also bundle admission with hotels across San Diego County.

Look for Price Drop Alerts!


When you shop the San Diego Zoo Safari Park vacation packages below, look for the special Price Drop alerts that indicate deeper hotel savings. The longer you stay, the more you save!

An Adventurer’s Paradise at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

These 18 hotels are among the closest to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Bundle your stay with tickets to save more.

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

Bundle your San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets with one of more than 103 centrally located hotels that are relatively close to the Safari Park.

San Diego Family Fun Package

You can bundle USS Midway, San Diego Zoo, Old Town Trolley, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets with a stay at more than 121 hotels.

The Best of San Diego Adventure Package!

Customize your own San Diego vacation package! This package includes your choice of tickets to four popular San Diego theme parks: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND California, as well as hotel accommodations.

Pros: Savings on hotels are bundled into these packages.

Cons: They are often prepaid and a bit difficult to search.

My daughter feeds a duck at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
My daughter feeds the ducks.

7. San Diego CityPASS

San Diego CityPASS offers an opportunity to bundle San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets with a handful of other experiences. Here’s how it works:

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

I think Go San Diego provides more flexibility, but which sightseeing pass you choose depends on your itinerary.

Pros: People tend to buy this pass for shorter trips that include the above attractions.

Cons: It only makes sense if you visit LEGOLAND California and/or SeaWorld San Diego AND San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

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

One of the best times to visit San Diego as a family is in October, when kids eat, stay, and play for free at over 90 venues around town. Throughout the entire month, up to five kids ages 11 and under enjoy free admission to San Diego Zoo Safari Park when accompanied by a paying adult with a qualifying ticket

Tickets purchased with my exclusive discount code qualify for Kids Free October! Sightseeing passes typically do not qualify for the promotion. Kids free tickets include the Africa Tram and everything typically included with a 1-Day pass.

Pros: Kids are FREE! The Zoo and Safari Park participate every year.

Cons: None at the Zoo or Safari Park, but here’s an FYI for other attractions… The exact details aren’t released until the fall, which can make it a little difficult for families to plan. You need a special ticket at some places, so read the fine print.

See also: Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

9. Military Discounts and Free Tickets

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers special military discounts, including free passes for active-duty members and discounts for spouses and dependents. These discounts are available year-round, and you can take advantage of them more than once a year. If you are a military member or family reading this, thank you for your service!

For Active-Duty U.S. Armed Forces Personnel

If you present a Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID card at the ticket window, you’ll receive a free single-day pass to the Safari Park. Free tickets are for active-duty members.

For Military Families

Spouses and children of active-duty personnel who present a valid dependent ID card at the ticket window will receive a 10% discount on a single-day pass.

TIP: Your MWR Department may know of other discount programs for veterans and military members that can be applied to San Diego Zoo Safari Park admission.

Pros: Free Safari Park tickets for active-duty members!

Cons: You need to go to the ticket window, and there can be lines, but it’s worth it.

Wallabees in Walkabout Australia.
The wallabies jump around you in Walkabout Australia.

Are 10% Discounts Worth It?


‘m about to list some memberships that will give you a 10% off gate price discount on 1-Day tickets. If you go this route, here are the numbers crunched with taxes and fees included.

  • Gate San Diego Zoo Safari Park prices: $74/adult and $64/kids ages 3-9
  • 10% discount off gate prices: $66.6/adult and $57.6/child
  • Compare to online price with my promo code: $67/adult and $57/child

I am all for using membership perks. But you’ll also have to wait at the gate for these discounts.

10. AAA Discount San Diego Safari Park Tickets

While this isn’t the deepest discount available, AAA San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are 10% off for members with valid membership cards. You can buy these at the ticket window for up to 6 people or check with your local branch to see if you can purchase them in advance.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance encourages people to arrive at their parks with tickets in hand as part of their increased health and safety measures. My promo offers nearly the same discount, and the tickets can be purchased online right now, saving a little bit of hassle.

Pros: AAA members get some value out of their membership.

Cons: My promo code is easier to buy, and you’ll have to wait in line.

11. Group Ticket Discounts

Groups of 15 people or more who purchase tickets together can receive a 10% discount on single-day passes. Groups of 100 or more can get a 15% discount on their 1-Day Passes.

You can also arrange meal vouchers for your group for cashless transactions at participating restaurants. To expedite entry, I would highly suggest arranging your group discount before arriving. You can do this by calling the Reservation Sales Department at 619-718-3000. Group tickets are typically not available at the park entrance gates.

Pros: The discount on groups of 100 or more is an especially good deal.

Cons: Group tickets are typically not available at the park entrance gates.

12. Teacher Discounts, School Field Trips, & Youth Groups

Teachers and other accredited educators who plan to bring their classes to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park can organize field trips for free or for a small fee by calling the Safari Park at 760-738-5057.

San Diego County students and their chaperones are free during most school days. Some neighboring county school groups may pay a discounted price of $15 per student on regular school dates.

Youth groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts can also visit for a cheaper price. The price is $32 for each guest ages 17 and younger and $37 for each guest ages 18 and older, including chaperones.

Read the details and requirements for these special offers.

Pros: We’ve been on these organized trips with my daughter’s school and they are fun. It is nice that the chaperones get free tickets.

Cons: Your group will need to be 15 or more people with a reservation made at least 14 days in advance. (Not really a con but more of a good to know.)

13. Student Discounts

The Safari Park student discount applies to students ages 18 and older. Students who live in San Diego County receive 10% off San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, or Wildlife Protector Premium memberships.

Students who do not live in San Diego County will receive 10% off a Wildlife Protector or Wildlife Protector Premium membership.

Pros: I’m a huge fan of memberships because they do save money typically if you go twice a year.

Cons: These discounts can only be realized when purchasing memberships in person at the park using a student ID.

14. Senior Discounts – Free in February

During the month of February, guests aged 65 and up received free general admission to San Diego Zoo Safari Park. If you qualify for this discount, you will present your ID at a ticket booth window when you arrive at the park. Parking is not included. You can get the details for 2024.

Outside of the seniors free in February promotion, visitors who are 65 and older can get a 10% discount on memberships. Seniors age 65 and older who live in San Diego County receive a 10% discount on San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships. Seniors aged 65 and over who live outside San Diego County receive a 10% discount on Wildlife Protector and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships.

Pros: Free tickets and a great reason for grandparents to take grandkids for a visit.

Cons: None, really. Just that you may have to wait in a ticket booth line.

A tiger looks around his enclosure at Tiger Trail, which you can see with discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets.
Don’t miss the rare Sumatran tigers in Tiger Trail.

15. Travel Industry Discount Tickets

If you are a travel agent, airline employee, or cruise line employee, you can receive a 10% discount on a 1-Day Pass. You must present the required identification at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket booth window.

Pros: I’m a San Diego travel advisor. It’s nice when people in our industry are recognized.

Cons: You may have to wait in line (my promo code is easier to buy).

16. Gift Cards

While not part of a discount program, San Diego Zoo Safari Park gift cards let you give your favorite people the gift of visiting the park more often. Gift cards can be applied to regular passes, a safari experience, or even an annual membership. Gift card amounts start at $50.

Pros: Recipients have the flexibility to use the money where they like, inside the park, or on ticket purchases.

Cons: None that I can think of.

See also: How to Buy Discounted Tickets to the San Diego Zoo

17. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Memberships

We have an annual San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance membership and believe it’s of great value. Regular visitors should absolutely consider a San Diego Zoo Safari Park membership that will allow weekday or unlimited admission per year for one flat rate. Here are some of the benefits:

  • All membership tiers (except for the Wildlife Explorer) receive Wild Perks benefits around the parks, which are discounts on food, merchandise, and more when showing your membership card. Discounts range from 5–15%, depending on your membership tier.
  • If you’re looking to cover multiple family members, adults choose the membership tier that is best for them. Kids ages 3–17 use the Wildlife Explorer annual membership ($74/year).

San Diego Resident and San Diego Resident Premium Passes

San Diego Zoo Safari Park annual passes are for San Diego County residents in these zip codes who would like to enjoy the Zoo and Safari Park as much as they like during a membership year. You have two membership types to choose from. A mandatory $2 processing fee is charged per membership and an adult membership is for ages 18-64. Senior memberships are for ages 65+.

San Diego Resident: Get weekday-only admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park with some blackout dates. You’ll also receive two 50% off admission coupons, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% Wild Perks discounts.  ($99/adult or $89.10/senior)

San Diego Resident Premium: Get unlimited admission to both parks and two 50% off admission coupons, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% off Wild Perks.  ($129/adult or $116.10/senior)

Membership Clubs

Wildlife Protector: This pass includes weekday admission to both parks with some blackout dates, one free 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 or $134.10/senior)

Wildlife Protector Premium (I have this): This pass includes unlimited admission to both parks, one free coupon for a 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 resembles the old Keeper’s Club pass the most. ($169/adult or $152.10/senior)

Wildlife Guardian: Get unlimited admission to both parks, two free coupons for 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)

Wildlife Champion: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks, two complimentary coupons for 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)

President’s Clubs

Choose one of the President’s Club donor club levels to get more out of our membership.

You’ll receive everything in the Wildlife Champion membership and access to some pretty incredible special events filled with insider news and a closer look at some of the animals. The higher the level, the more exclusive experiences and events you’re invited to at both parks.

We have been to many of these events, and they are pretty incredible for those who enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences and animal interactions. Memberships range from $1,200–10,000.

Tip: Always check blockout dates! Certain membership levels have blockout dates that can include weekends, holidays, and random peak days.

Pros: SO MANY! Memberships drop the average cost of your visit if you go more than once per year. It feels like a community and I love being a member.

Cons: If you purchase a membership and don’t visit enough to get its value, this could be a negative. However, it’s a nonprofit organization, so you are supporting its operations and animals.

What to Know Before Buying San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

Here is what you need to know:

  • Reservations are not required.
  • You should purchase San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets (use my promo code for 1-Day tickets) and upgraded safaris in advance to minimize transactional contact while at the park.
  • Take your valid admission ticket straight to the turnstiles for scanning.
  • Check park policies during your visit.
  • Locker rentals are available near the entrance at Safari Outfitters.
  • Don’t forget that unlike San Diego Zoo you must pay for parking at the Safari Park.

Other San Diego Zoo Safari Park Discounts for Saving Money Inside the Park

People always want to know whether there are other ways to save money at the park after purchasing admission. Here are a couple of ways.

Wildperks

Outside of the ticket deals mentioned above, an annual membership is the best way to save on purchases inside the park. Memberships include WildPerks, which provide San Diego Zoo Safari Park discounts on food and merchandise.

To give you an idea, San Diego Resident Premium passholders receive a WildPerks 5% discount. Wildlife Protector passholders receive a 10% discount.

Bring Your Own Food and Water

You can bring in food and drinks, which is one way to minimize costs. Park re-entry is permitted (get a hand stamp on your way out), so you can grab things from your car. But you can also put a small soft-sided cooler and snacks in a locker.

Be sure to avoid disposable straws (these are prohibited inside the park) and be very careful to manage trash that may harm the animals if blown away.

What Else to Spend Money on (Or Not)

I recommend planning to spend a few dollars on food to feed the ducks, especially if you visit with kids. Outside of this, you don’t need to spend money in the park.

Where the Money Goes

Part of my job involves looking for reliable San Diego Safari Park coupons, cheap admission tickets, and discount codes, so if they exist, I’ll list them in this post.

However, I’ll say it again: If you spend money in the park, every dollar you spend goes to operating costs and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s amazing conservation initiatives as a nonprofit organization.

FAQs About San Diego Safari Park Tickets & More

These are the questions about San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket prices and admission I receive the most in my inbox.

Is there a first responders or essential workers ticket discount?

In September 2019 and 2020, the park celebrated Firefighter Appreciation Month by giving active firefighters free 1-Day tickets upon presenting a firefighter identification card and a photo ID. Up to six accompanying family members or friends can receive 10% off of 1-Day tickets as well.

This promotion did not occur in 2023. However, there are discounts of up to 20% on tickets at shop.id.me.

Is there a Costco discount?

People often ask me if they can get San Diego Safari Park Costco tickets thanks to false information online. I haven’t seen cheap tickets at my local store, which is one of the largest Costcos in San Diego. You can check online because availability may change.

Costco has removed the theme park ticket section from its website and has stopped regularly selling tickets to major theme parks across the country. Some people report that tickets appear seasonally, but I haven’t seen them.

Which is cheaper, San Diego Zoo or Safari Park?

San Diego Zoo is cheaper to visit because the parking is free. The price of admission to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park is exactly the same. The main cost difference between the two parks is that you pay a parking fee at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Is there an AZA Reciprocal discount?

No. San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), but the park does not participate in the reciprocal admissions program.

The AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program means that if you are a member of an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, you can receive free or discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in this program. You can check the list of participants.

What about Groupon?

Groupon sells tickets to the Safari Park at full price. There are no discounted tickets available through them at the time of this writing.

Is there an AARP discount?

There is no AARP discount. Seniors aged 65 or older can receive 10% off memberships. There are no senior discounts on 1-Day or 2-Day passes but it is free for seniors to visit the park in February.

Can you drive through San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

No. While there are other safari parks across the United States where you can drive your car through to see animals, this park is not set up like that.

You can book the Caravan Safari, which will drive you into the African Plains to see rhinos, giraffes, and other animals up close. Or, you can take the Africa Tram around the park.

Are tickets separate for San Diego Zoo and Safari Park?

Yes. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, but they are separate parks with separate tickets.

I have a San Diego Zoo ticket. Can I use it at the Safari Park?

Technically, no. I have heard of people accidentally buying tickets for one park and being able to use them at the other park. I highly suggest avoiding this. Make sure that you buy the correct tickets for each park.

What does a San Diego safari park ticket include?

A San Diego Safari Park ticket gets you into the park with access to all open public exhibits, unlimited rides on the Africa Tram, and all regularly scheduled shows. You may upgrade your day with various safaris at an additional cost.

Are there San Diego resident discounts?

San Diego County residents who live in zip codes 91900–92899 are eligible to purchase annual passes at a cheaper price.

Annual passes are the only way that residents can save a little bit more on tickets, dining, and merchandise in the park. Anyone, including SD residents, can get a better price by using my promo code on tickets.

Is there a safari park and Legoland package?

San Diego Zoo Safari Park and LEGOLAND ticket packages are very popular for those staying in North County San Diego. Visit these two San Diego attractions with an All-Inclusive or Explorer Go San Diego pass.

You can also bundle these two parks with San Diego Zoo tickets or San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego at aRes Travel.

How do I use an Ares travel ticket?

It’s so easy. I buy these tickets myself. All you need to do is pull your ticket up on a mobile device and the park will scan its QR code at the front entrance turnstiles. Alternatively, you can take a printed copy, which you will receive immediately after purchase by email, and they’ll scan the QR code on your printed copy. With an aRes Travel ticket, you can go straight to the gate and skip the ticket booth queues.

Where can I find San Diego Wild Animal Park ticket discounts?

The best San Diego Wild Animal Park ticket discounts are secured by using my promo code for San Diego Safari Park tickets because they are the same place! San Diego Wild Animal Park is the Safari Park’s former name.

Can I upgrade my ticket to a membership?

Yes, while you’re in the park, if you decide to become a member (yay), go to a ticket booth and pay the difference between your ticket and a membership.


Why You Should Visit & My Favorite Exhibits

You can feel good about visiting this park and will leave it with a deeper understanding of its important conservation initiatives.

It’s the world’s largest veterinary hospital, home to a Frozen Zoo (from which they plan to bring the white rhino back from extinction, for example), and their research is shared with organizations worldwide to help save native species.

Not to mention you’ll enjoy one-of-a-kind views of zebras, camels, cheetahs, gorillas, giraffes, lions, meerkats, tigers, warthogs, wild cattle, and more in free-range enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats closely. Some of my many favorite highlights include:

  • The wallabies that freely jump around you in Walkabout Australia.
  • The only platypuses outside of Australia (you will see my name on the wall in this exhibit)
  • Feeding rhinos during the Caravan Safari (an upgraded experience).
  • Tiger Trail.
  • Condor Ridge to appreciate how instrumental the park was in saving the California condor from extinction.

More San Diego Zoo Safari Park Resources for Your Visit

I’ve been visiting for over two decades, so I have a lot of recommendations to help maximize your day in the park.

Want to score more theme park ticket discounts? I’ve written comprehensive guides to buying discount:

How do you buy discounted San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets?