San Diego Zoo vs. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Which Is Better to Visit?

As a longtime San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance member, I can tell you that the answer to “Which is better: San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park?” is never a short one. They are glorious parks in their own ways. Ideally, you would visit both. I get this question a lot because, with everything to do in San Diego, tourists don’t always have time to see both parks.

I will point out the differences between the two parks to help you decide which is best for your trip when you can only pick one. Both are top-rated San Diego tourist attractions and are at the top of my list of best things to do in San Diego with kids.

The Quick Answer to Zoo or Safari Park

• Choose the San Diego Zoo if you want a world-renowned, traditional zoo experience with a huge variety of animals (including the newly returned GIANT PANDAS), lush botanical gardens, a convenient location in Balboa Park, and free parking. It’s great for first-timers and families staying centrally.
• Choose the San Diego Zoo Safari Park if you prefer seeing herds of animals roaming in vast, savanna-like habitats, want unique safari tour upgrades, have more time (including travel), and don’t mind paying for parking. While there is some animal overlap, it’s different — platypuses live here, and wallabies jump around you freely, for example.

San Diego Zoo vs. Safari Park: At-a-Glance Comparison

1. Two Different Locations: Balboa Park vs. Escondido

I don’t recommend visiting the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on the same day because they are about 45 minutes apart without traffic, and there can be traffic along this busy freeway corridor, which would make the journey even longer.

San Diego Zoo: Balboa Park

We are so lucky to have San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, about 15 minutes by car from downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport. Many people take Uber from downtown or Coronado Island hotels.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Escondido

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in northeast San Diego County amid the rolling hills of the San Pasqual Valley in Escondido, north of downtown San Diego. It is a very large park, with the world’s largest veterinary hospital and an abundance of animals that need more space.

Without traffic, the drive takes about 45 minutes from La Jolla, downtown San Diego, and Coronado. You’ll drive about 35 minutes from the popular Carlsbad hotels near LEGOLAND (the same amount of time from these hotels to the San Diego Zoo).

Public transportation isn’t convenient—Uber or a car is best. While Escondido isn’t a typical tourist base, nearby hotels are ideal if the Safari Park is your main destination.

Here you can see the two parks on a map!

2. Weather and What to Wear

Choosing San Diego Zoo or Safari Park may also depend on the weather during your stay. Why? San Diego is home to several microclimates. You must wear sunscreen at both parks.

San Diego Zoo: Coastal

San Diego Zoo is located in the coastal microclimate, which is where most of our popular hotels, beaches, and tourist attractions are located. This means that you can wear the same thing all day as you explore this part of town, though light layers are always a good idea.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Inland Valley

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is situated in the inland valley microclimate, which can necessitate more intensive layering. This is because daytime temperatures are hotter than they are along the coast (especially in the summer), and it is usually colder at night and in the mornings.

So, wearing shorts over there on an otherwise sunny November day may mean you’ll freeze in the morning (I made this mistake once), be fine in the afternoon, and need your heavier layers again in the evening.

3. Differences in Size and Walking: Urban vs. Inland

Plan to walk a fair bit at either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Both parks are stroller-friendly and have provisions for wheelchair accessibility.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: For Larger Animals

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary home to 3000 animals from 300 species. The park’s emphasis is on African and Asian animals that require more space. It was built in 1964 to give animals more space than the Zoo could offer so they could roam more freely and breed.

So, much of this acreage is for the large African Plains and Asian Savanna enclosures. It’s also for off-view working facilities, like the Nikita Khan Rhino Rescue Center, where they are working to save the northern white rhino. There are also enormous laboratory spaces, libraries, and even the Frozen Zoo (with its 10,000 living cell cultures, oocytes, sperm, and embryos that have helped or will help bring back endangered species) — to name a few. A lot happens at this park behind the scenes.

San Diego Zoo: Urban

San Diego Zoo is 100 acres and has about 3,500 animals representing over 650 species and subspecies. Many more animals are on smaller acreages, so there is less walking between exhibits.

4. Getting Around: Included Transport & Walking

Both parks offer tours included with admission that give you the lay of the land.

San Diego Zoo: Guided Bus Tour & Skyfari Tram

San Diego Zoo tours include a guided bus tour but also a few free ways to get around the park, which is hilly in parts and not on a mostly level grade like San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Board the double-decker bus for a 35-minute guided tour of the Zoo. Buses start departing at 9:30 a.m., half an hour after the Zoo opens. Many guests like to take the guided bus tour first thing to get acquainted. Families of small children take it in the late afternoon to recharge batteries. I do this too sometimes. Either way, it is included with your tickets.

One of the top things to do at San Diego Zoo is to ride the Skyfari Aerial Tram to and/or from Front Street near the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (Children’s Zoo) to the Northern Frontier near Polar Beach Plunge. The views of Balboa Park and the Zoo are stunning.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Africa Tram

The free Africa tram takes guests around the larger field exhibits, such as African Plains and Asian Savanna, for a closer, narrated look at the animals in them. It starts running at 10 a.m., an hour after the park opens, and lasts for 25 minutes.

5. Popular Animals at Each Park

There is some overlap between the two parks regarding animals (they are also occasionally moved between parks). Both parks have popular animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, meerkats, lemurs, and many others.

However, the way you see the animals they have in common is a very different experience. Tiger Trail at San Diego Zoo is like walking through a jungle, while Tiger Trail at San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a handful of other experiences like keeper talks, a playground, and usually a closer look at the tigers.

The animals listed below are unique to each park, but I’ve also called out a few specific can’t-miss animal exhibits or shows.

San Diego Zoo

There is a more diverse selection of animals to view at San Diego Zoo in a smaller land area.

• Giant Pandas: They’re back! And you must see them.
• Polar Bears: One of my favorite San Diego Zoo exhibits is Polar Bear Plunge. These Arctic giants actually thrive in our sunshine, and the exhibit allows guests to see them swim underwater. They do plunge! In fact, if you want to see bears, they are all at San Diego Zoo.
• Koalas: This is the largest colony of koalas outside of Australia. Go in the morning when they are active, but they are still super cute when sleeping in their trees.
• Pygmy Hippopotamuses: Hippos live at San Diego Zoo, but the pygmies live with Wolf monkeys. Every once in a while, you see the two very different animals interact, and it’s adorable.
• Reptile House: Fans of all things slithery will enjoy a cool visit to the indoor reptile house where more snakes and lizards than I can name live.
• Two-Toed Sloth: If anyone in your group loves sloths as I do, they are at San Diego Zoo as animal ambassadors. You might see them in an upgraded tour, but they aren’t on display for the general public to see.
• Galapagos Turtles: See one of the largest colonies of Galapagos Turtles in the world. I love watching them eat and slowly walk around.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

• Platypuses: These are the only platypuses outside of Australia. You’ll catch a glimpse of the nocturnal animals flurrying around their dark exhibit and learn about what makes them so unique. My family helped sponsor this exhibit.
• Fruit Bats: These giant bats can be visited in the Nairobi Village Bat House.
• Southern Cassowary: This crazy-looking bird is enormous and has what looks like a horn on its head. They live in Walkabout Australia.
• Przewalski’s Horse: These pretty Mongolian horses are on the critically endangered list, and the Safari Park participates in a breeding program with other Zoos to promote genetic diversity. You can see them only on a Cart Safari or a Behind-the-Scenes Safari.
• California Condors: San Diego Zoo Safari Park has been instrumental in helping to save this rare bird, helping to bring the population from 22 to over 500. You can see them in Condor Ridge, though many at the park live out of view in their “condor-minium.”

6. Animal Encounters: More at the Safari Park

Animal enthusiasts often want to know how or where to interact with animals safely. Here is the answer.

San Diego Zoo

There are definitely opportunities for close-up interactions, but they are mostly available through San Diego Zoo tours, which are upgraded experiences that require booking in advance.

We’ve taken Inside Look Tours and were able to feed a giraffe. I also recommend these tours because you’ll have the keeper’s full attention. The tours can also start before the Zoo opens to the public. So, you’ll already be inside with a head start, and likely see animals when many are most active and having breakfast.

During the Exclusive VIP Experience, you’ll have your own guide take you around the Zoo for five hours. This is the only way to see the sloths, I’m told. Opportunities to get a little closer to animals that are free with admission are:

• Hummingbird Habitat: This fairly new exhibit is pretty neat because hummingbirds flutter around you as you walk in.
• Various aviaries: You can also walk through aviaries around the zoo, where the birds fly around you as well.

There used to be a petting zoo at San Diego Zoo in the Children’s Zoo that moved to Safari Park—but it is now closed. The Zoo also recently opened Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, an area dedicated to kids, that replaces the Children’s Zoo. It’s awesome. You can also look at my list of activities at San Diego Zoo for kids.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Here, there are more opportunities to get up close with animals where there are no barriers between you and them, which is one advantage of the park’s size.

These activities are already included with admission:

• Walk into the kangaroo and wallaby exhibit in Walkabout Australia, and they will hop around you. I think this is really fun.
• View close-up Animal Encounters throughout the day at Nairobi Station with various animal ambassadors.
• Plan to see the Frequent Fliers Bird Show where magnificent birds fly over the audience.
• Wings of the World Aviary where birds fly around you.
• Seasonal butterfly jungle where butterflies flutter all around you.

If you can upgrade your day to include a Wildlife Safari, I highly recommend doing so. On this tour, if the animals are willing, you can feed a giraffe and a rhino. And we learned a great deal on our last tour about what happens at the park, including research and care.

7. Upgrade Your Day: Paid Safaris & Experiences

I highly encourage residents and frequent visitors to see a new side of the parks by taking San Diego Zoo tours and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tours. Themes and offerings change, so the selection of my favorite tour offerings below may not be available during your visit.

San Diego Zoo

• Inside Look Tours: Themed tours with keepers take guests behind the scenes, sometimes before the Zoo opens to the public, with koalas, tigers, and more.
• Discovery Cart Tour: This is popular with families of young kids because it’s a 60-minute small-group cart tour that cuts out a lot of walking.
• Animals in Action: A 60-minute demonstration and behind-the-scenes look at various animals and their abilities.
• Early Morning with the Cheetahs: Visit with the cheetahs, and their keepers, and see a few other park animals on this 2-hour cart tour.
• Exclusive VIP Experience: They will give you the red carpet treatment on a 5-hour private tour customized to viewing your favorite animals.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

• Wildlife Safari (most popular and highly recommended): The basic tour takes guests out on a mostly covered safari vehicle into the African Plains, and Asian Savanna exhibits for an up-close look at these animals and opportunities to feed giraffes and rhinos (if they’re willing). This tour was formerly known as Caravan Safari.
• Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Visit the platypuses, elephants, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, or cheetahs (and a few other friends) on a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour with a keeper.
• Balloon Safari: A 10-12 minute ride into the sky on a tethered helium balloon.
• Sun Up Cheetah Safari: Come before the Safari Park opens to watch the cheetah run at top speed.
• Flightline Safari: Yes, it’s a zip line that is 2/3 of a mile long and 130 feet in the air!
• Cart Safari: This 1-hour tour takes you behind the scenes to viewing and photo areas that you normally wouldn’t see (choose Asia or Africa).
• Ultimate Safari: You will learn so much on a private San Diego Zoo Safari Park VIP tour tailored to your interests for up to five hours.
• Roar and Snore Safari: Yes, you can spend the night at San Diego Zoo Safari Park! Various tent and theme options are available.

8. Nearby Things to Do: Balboa Park vs. Escondido

Families with younger children often find themselves exhausted after a fun day at the parks and head back to their San Diego hotels. However, energetic sightseers may want to keep exploring San Diego attractions near both the Zoo and Safari Park. Here’s what you can do in both parts of town.

San Diego Zoo: Balboa Park

As mentioned above, San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park with 18 museums, neat places to eat, hiking trails, and more things to do.

It is possible to visit Balboa Park and the Zoo on the same day without needing to move your car. San Diego Zoo’s parking lot is close to the San Diego Natural History Museum and Fleet Science Center. From these museums, you can walk down the pedestrianized street called El Prado toward the California Tower, hopping into museums along the way if you choose.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Escondido

Most of our San Diego tourist attractions are located in other parts of the county, but there are things to do in Escondido you can enjoy while up here. On the way to and from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you’ll pass Orfila Winery, where they have a lovely terrace and opportunities to purchase locally made wines.

Family-friendly Stone Brewing is just on the other side of the I-15 freeway, should you want to stop for a meal in their gardens. If the kids have energy left over, you could also stop at the fantastic San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, a small detour on your way back to the freeway.

9. Cost Considerations: Tickets and Parking

Tickets

San Diego Zoo tickets and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are exactly the same price. At the gate for each park, you’ll pay $76/adult and $66/child. There’s a 2-Visit pass that will save you money if you visit both parks.

I have discounts for both parks. It’s the best publicly available price.

Parking

This is the key difference in price. San Diego Zoo parking is free. The lot is so big that we’ve never had an issue parking. (We tend to arrive earlier in the day and avoid holidays, however.) You can also park on the street for free, or the Balboa Park parking lots also offer free parking.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park parking costs $20 per car. Preferred Parking, closer to the entrance, can be purchased for an additional $18 or $38 total.

Memberships

Admission to both parks can also be included on a sightseeing pass like Go San Diego.

What They Both Have in Common: Conservation

Both parks are part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and work cohesively to save species worldwide through impressive conservation initiatives.

It is important to know that the parks are non-profit organizations. Hence, the money you spend on tickets, food, tours, and souvenirs goes toward operating expenses, animals in residence, and protecting animals worldwide. That’s it.

Which Park is Right for You?

Visit the San Diego Zoo if:

• It’s your first visit to either park.
• You are thrilled about seeing Giant Pandas!
• You want to see the widest variety of animals (apes, reptiles, polar bears, etc.).
• You’re staying centrally in San Diego and prefer easier access.
• You appreciate a lush, botanical garden setting.
• Free parking is important.
• You’re traveling with younger children who might appreciate the slightly more contained (though still large!) environment and transport options.

Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park if:

• You’ve been to the Zoo before and want a different experience.
• You dream of seeing animals in vast, open habitats resembling their natural environments.
• You’re particularly interested in African savanna animals like rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.
• You’re excited by the prospect of unique paid safari upgrades (truck tours, cheetah encounters, etc.).
• You have a full day dedicated to the park, including travel time.
• You don’t mind paying for parking.
• You prefer a more open, expansive feel.

Can You Do Both?

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy experiencing both unique parks. The 2-Visit Pass is designed for this or you can consider a Go City San Diego All-Inclusive pass. Just be sure to allow a full day for each park, especially considering the travel time to the Safari Park.

Both parks have some animals in common, but their exhibits are different. Visiting both parks on a single vacation will not feel repetitive. I enjoy my visits to both.

FAQ About San Diego Zoo vs. Safari Park

This is the TL;DR (too little didn’t read) for those who want the bottom line.

While I hope that you don’t have to choose between San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, if you are short on time, you can always visit the other park on a different San Diego vacation. Most importantly, have fun!