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.

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Top 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.

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.
Rhinos that you can see with discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park Discount tickets.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park tiger
A butterfly lands on a boy's face at Butterfly Jungle.
Photo credit: Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park The 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as Wild Animal Park) is operated by the not-for-profit San Diego Zoo and includes an 800-acre native species reserve. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego. PERMITTED USE: Images are provided to the media solely for reproduction, public display, and distribution in a professional journalistic context in connection with newspaper, magazine, broadcast media (radio, television) or Internet media (ad enabled blog, webcasts, webinars, podcasts). Images may not be made available for public or commercial download, licensing or sale. REQUIRED CREDIT AND CAPTION: All image uses must bear the copyright notice and be properly credited to the relevant photographer, as shown in this metadata, and must be accompanied by a caption which makes reference to Butterfly Jungle. Any uses in
Feeding a giraffe at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Wallabees in Walkabout Australia.
My daughter on a play structure at Tiger Trail
Feeding lorikeets at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
My daughter feeds a duck at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Entrance to San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

I am a member and a huge fan of San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It’s a wildlife refuge with interesting safaris that you can upgrade your day to take. I have lots of tips for maximizing your day, which animals to see, and how to buy tickets.