San Diego Zoo vs. 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 both glorious parks in their own ways, and ideally, you would visit both. I do get this question a lot because, with all of the things to do in San Diego, tourists don’t always have time to see both parks.

Here, I will point out the differences between the two parks to decide which one suits your interests most when you can only pick one. Sometimes, people realize that they must see both parks after reading about how great they are. 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.

Tip: San Diego Zoo Safari Park was known as San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010.

You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated.

What They Both Have in Common: Conservation

An elephant eats plants near a pond in its enclosure at San Diego Zoo. — An elephant eats lunch at San Diego Zoo.

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

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

Both parks have some animals in common, but their exhibits are different. Do not fear that visiting both parks will feel repetitive. I enjoy my visits to both.

Two Different Locations: Balboa Park and Escondido

The reason you should not visit both San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park on the same day is that they are about 45 minutes apart from each other, without traffic (and there can be traffic along this busy freeway corridor).

San Diego Zoo

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 just take Uber there from Downtown or Coronado Island hotels.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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. The reason for this is that it is a very large park, with the world’s largest veterinary hospital and an abundance of animals who 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 (which is the same amount of time from these hotels to the San Diego Zoo).

Public transportation to San Diego Zoo Safari Park is difficult as the closest bus stop is near the freeway, so you’d need to Uber from it.

Escondido isn’t a part of San Diego where tourists usually stay, but there are hotels near San Diego Zoo Safari Park that make perfect sense for those who are coming only to visit this park.

San Diego Zoo vs. San Diego Zoo Safari Park location map:

Weather considerations: Coastal Vs. Inland Valley

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

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 as you travel around this part of town though light layers are always a good idea.
INLAND VALLEY – San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in the inland valley microclimate, which can require more intense 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.

Differences in Size and Walking

At either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, plan to do a fair bit of walking. Both parks are stroller friendly with provisions for wheelchair accessibility.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an 1800-acre wildlife sanctuary that is home to 3000 animals from 300 species. You’ll see an emphasis on African and Asian animals that require more space. In fact, the park was built in 1964 to give animals more space to breed than the Zoo could offer.

So, a lot of this acreage is for the large African Plains and Asian Savanna enclosures. It’s also for the off-view working facilities like the Nikita Khan Rhino Rescue center (where they are working to save the northern white rhino), 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.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo is 100 acres with about 3500 animals in residence representing over 650 species and subspecies. There are a lot more animals across smaller acreage which means that there is less walking in between exhibits.

Don’t forget the Plants

In between looking at the animals, you’ll want to pay attention to the plants around you at both parks, which are famous for their botanical collections.

SAN DIEGO ZOO – San Diego Zoo is also a botanical garden with over 700,000 exotic plants in various gardens around the park.
SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK – Half of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park acreage has been set aside as a native species habitat.

Many locals, including me, take their morning walks around both parks for garden inspiration. Most plants are labeled.

Free Tours to Get You Acquainted

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

San Diego Zoo Guided Bus Tour, Skyfari, and Kangaroo Bus

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

Guests ride the San Diego Zoo guided bus tour through the park.

Board the double-decker bus for a 35-minute guided tour of the Zoo. Buses start departing at 9:30 a.m., a half-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. Either way, it is included with your tickets.

The Kangaroo Bus stops at four spaced-out stops around the Zoo at 15-minute intervals for those who need to maximize time and lessen walking.

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 Northern Frontier near Polar Beach Plunge. The views of Balboa Park and the Zoo are stunning.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Africa Tram

Africa tram drives by the African Plains enclosure at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The Africa tram takes guests around the larger field exhibits like 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.

Popular Animals in Residence

A koala sleeps in a tree at San Diego Zoo. — A koala rests in the Australian Outback at San Diego Zoo.

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.

The way you see the animals that they have in common though, are very different experiences. 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 and a playground.

Of course, each park has different themed areas, but what people tend to care about most is not missing their favorite animals in action. 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.

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.
Red Pandas: Sadly, our giant pandas returned to China. However, you can still see our adorable red pandas.
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.
Cheetah Run: Both parks have cheetahs, but the highlight of any visit to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, weather permitting, is the Cheetah Run. Not only will you see the cheetah’s companion dog but also a chance to see him or her chase a toy at full speed.
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 Behind-the-Scenes Safari.
California Condors: San Diego Zoo Safari Park has been instrumental in helping to save our state 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.”

Animal Encounters: More at the Safari Park

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

San Diego Zoo

There are definitely opportunities for close-up interactions, but they are mostly via San Diego Zoo tours that are upgraded experiences you will need to book 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 also can 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.

Keepers bring out various animals to showcase their abilities and answer questions during Animals in Action. You’ll also be able to go behind the scenes and maybe give one a snack.

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:

Keeper Talks that happen throughout the day feature various animals and are worth scheduling your itinerary around. I like the meerkat one in particular because the keeper gives them snacks so guests can watch them eat.
Animal Encounters on the Front Street Stage with various animal ambassadors.

There used to be a petting zoo at San Diego Zoo in the Children’s Zoo but it has moved to the Safari Park. Instead, the Zoo 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 through the Lorikeet Landing aviary (you can buy nectar to feed them, and they’ll land on your arms).
Walk into the kangaroo and wallaby exhibit in Walkabout Australia, and they will hop around you.
Walk through Lemur Walk as the lemurs sleep or swing around.
Visit the Petting Kraal (petting zoo with goats, sheep, and pigs).
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.

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 so much on our last tour along the way about what happens at the park, research and care-wise.

Feeding a rhino on Caravan Safari at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. — We fed rhinos on the Wildlife Safari.

Upgraded Tours You Can Book

I highly encourage residents and frequent visitors especially 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 what is on offer 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.
Sunrise Surprise Stroll: Walk the Zoo with a keeper before it opens for an insider’s view on what’s happening with the animals and initiatives. The theme changes monthly (you won’t know what it is until you get there), and the price is reasonable since it includes muffins and coffee.
Early Morning Photo Expedition: Arrive with your camera before the Zoo opens to take photos from the best vantage points, whether you’re a pro photographer or just want to see the animals.
Crazy About Cats: Take a 2-hour cart and walking tour dedicated to all things cat.
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 used to be called 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.

Nearby Things to Do

Families with younger children find that they are exhausted after a fun day at the parks and head back to their hotels. However, energetic sightseers may want to keep exploring San Diego attractions near both the Zoo and Safari Park.

San Diego Zoo

As mentioned above, San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, which is the nation’s largest urban cultural park with 17 museums, neat places to eat, hiking trails, and more things to do.

It is possible to see Balboa Park and the Zoo on the same day without moving 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.

Tip: The cost of museums can add up as you will want to pop into more than one. If you are going to visit museums and the San Diego Zoo, look into a Go San Diego pass (my 10% LJM10SDO promo code), which will be less expensive than buying a la carte tickets.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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 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.

Tickets and Parking

San Diego Zoo tickets and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are exactly the same price. You can buy 1-Day or 2-Day tickets or annual memberships. Annual memberships cover access to both parks.

I have discounts to both parks which you can request by text or email.

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Check for unpublished deeper savings on tickets through my partnership with aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance ticket seller.

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

LJM Exclusive: Use promo code LJM10SDO to apply an extra 10% discount on ALL Go San Diego passes. The discount stacks on top of sale prices. Expires 12/31/23.

San Diego Zoo parking is free, and 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.

The cost for San Diego Zoo Safari Park parking is $15 per car. Preferred Parking, which is closer to the entrance, can be purchased for an additional $18 or $33 total.

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.

Are San Diego Zoo and Safari Park the same?

No. San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are both a part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance nonprofit organization, but the parks are very different from each other.

San Diego Zoo is near downtown San Diego and is home to more animals in a smaller space. San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in Escondido and focuses more on larger African and Asian animals because it has significantly more acreage.

Is San Diego Zoo or Safari Park better?

They’re both fantastic, but if you can only pick one, you’ll need to decide which is better for your holiday.

While some species of animals in residence overlap, some are exclusive to each park. Therefore, you might decide to choose a park based on an animal you’d like to see. For instance, polar bears are at San Diego Zoo, while platypuses live at San Diego Safari Park.

Which is better for you to visit may depend on the part of San Diego that you need to be in. It can be more convenient for tourists in Coronado to choose the Zoo and for visitors in North County San Diego to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The decision could also be made by the types of upgraded experiences you’d like to take. If feeding a rhino is on your bucket list, if the stars align (meaning, if the rhinos are up for it) you can do this on the Wildlife Safari at the Safari Park. If you want to learn more about the largest koala colony outside of Australia, book the Koalas and Friends Inside Look tour at San Diego Zoo.

How far is San Diego Zoo from the Safari Park?

Without traffic, the two parks are 45 minutes away from each other. There is commonly traffic on the 1-15 freeway corridor during rush hour. The distance is about 35 miles.

I don’t recommend that you try to visit both parks on the same day. If you are short on time during your San Diego vacation, I would choose one or the other.

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!