San Diego Zoo Safari Park Guide

Plan your visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park confidently using my in-depth guides and recommendations covering essentials, from navigating ticket options to selecting the experiences that will make your day special.

You’ll gain insights into the park’s diverse habitats, find out where to have close-up animal interactions and learn where the best dining experiences are. After all, it’s an 1800-acre park and home to more than 3000 animals heavily focused on conservation.

I (Katie Dillon) am a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Member and my family is involved in supporting their initiatives.

Access My Exclusive Discount

Use promo code lajollamom for $8 off 1-Day tickets through my ticket site powered by aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket seller.

Your final price: $70/adult and $60/kids (ages 3-11)

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Top 5 Reasons To Visit

  • The Safari Park has larger habitats designed for bigger animals to roam in herds more freely.
  • It is a different way to view animals than at San Diego Zoo so you can visit both parks in one trip (not on the same day — too far apart) and be entertained.
  • You can get closer to some animals such as Walkabout Australia’s western gray kangaroos and red-necked wallabies jumping around you and goats in Petting Kraal.
  • Behind-the-scenes and up-close Safaris where you can learn more about animals and conservation efforts.
  • It’s nonprofit so the money you spend goes to operating costs and their extensive conservation programs.
  • Caravan Safari at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • See the tigers at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with discount tickets.
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park Flightline Safari
  • Things to do in San Diego with kids: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • san diego zoo safari park tiger trail play area
  • Cheetah Run at San Diego Zoo Safari Park is not-to-be-missed!
  • A detailed guide to San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Must-See Highlights

  • The only platypus exhibit in the United States.
  • Wildlife Safari that takes you into the African Plains for closer looks at rhinos and giraffes.
  • The park’s multiple play areas, including the Conservation Carousel and the Petting Kraal.
  • Seasonal Butterfly Jungle in the spring.
  • The spacious Tiger Trail habitat for Sumatran and Bengal tigers, where you can observe these magnificent big cats up close.
  • Robert the Zebra, especially if you have kids, offers daily shows and sometimes will just talk to you as you walk by him.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Dining

You can actually bring your own food and drinks into the park. However, there are lots of places for snacks like churros and build-your-own slushies at Lion Camp Slush & Snacks. Chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, wraps, and more can be found at various outlets.

Make reservations at The Watering Hole for sandwiches, fresh salads, and a full-service bar with a view over the African Plains.

Adults will be happy to know that local craft and draft beer, wine, and gourmet coffee are served throughout the park.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Getting There

Address

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd,
Escondido, CA 92027

Parking

$20 per vehicle. RV parking: starting at $38. Preferred parking: starting at $38. Spaces are limited so arrive early.

Check Hours

The park is open nearly every day but check before you go anyway.

View the Calendar >

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Map and Directions

Most people drive or take rideshare because public transportation to the park is a grind.

Getting There by Public Transportation

Check the MTS trip planner for possible routes. You can call 511 for suggestions as well.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Directions

  • From I-5 (North or South): Take the State Route 78 East exit at Oceanside, proceed east to Interstate 15 South, exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs to the Park.
  • From Downtown San Diego: Take State Route 163, proceed to Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit (Exit 27). Go east and follow signs to the Park.

Dropping off kids and not staying?
No problem. You can enter and drop off at the front entrance.

Sightseeing Passes

My discount is best for 1-Day tickets but if you are visiting multiple attractions you may want to consider a sightseeing pass.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Articles

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    Where to Eat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Restaurants, Snacks & Drinks Guide (2026)

    My best tips on where to eat at San Diego Zoo Safari Park for sit-down, snacks, and fast-casual meals.

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    25 Insider Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (2026)

    I’ve spent years exploring the Safari Park with my family and know the best ways to navigate its 1,800 acres in every season. My insider tips cover tickets and tours to kid-friendly breaks and animal encounters, so you can enjoy the park like a pro.

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    San Diego Zoo Safari Park Paid Safaris (Tours): Are They Worth The Upgrade?

    As a longtime Safari Park member, I love the free Africa Tram and feel that you don’t need a paid safari to have a great visit. But for families who want a deeper, more hands-on experience, our clients consistently say these tours are a highlight of their San Diego trip. Here’s what to know before you book.

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    How to Buy Discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets: 17 Cheaper Ways

    Trusted advice from a San Diego travel advisor and Safari Park member — plus access to the best publicly available 1-Day ticket deal that qualifies for Kids Free October!

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    11 Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, CA

    Find boutique, resort, or budget hotels near San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido to relax in after your day at the park and what to know before booking.

    Member insight for how to decide if the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park is better to visit when you can't see both on the same vacation and other insider tips.

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

    I’m a member of and frequent visitor to both parks. I’ll share how to decide if the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park is best to visit when you can’t see both on the same vacation plus other insider tips.

    Tiger Trail is the conservation-minded Sumatran tiger exhibit at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. As a member, I share our favorite things to do and see.

    8 Fun Activities at San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Tiger Trail

    Tiger Trail is the conservation-minded Sumatran tiger habitat at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We’re members so I’ll share our favorite things to do and see here.

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