San Diego Zoo Guide

I am a longtime San Diego Zoo member so will give you my best tips for must-see exhibits, getting around, where to eat, and how to buy tickets.

It is our most popular attraction, at the top of my list of things to do in San Diego with kids, and a world-class facility that has helped save endangered species worldwide. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting. And don’t forget that I have the best price on tickets!

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Top 5 Reasons To Visit San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo opened its doors in 1916 and is home to over 4000 animals representing over 800 species. The exhibits across 100 acres are designed around habitats to feature animals that would normally live in the wild together. You can spend a half-day, full-day, or multiple days enjoying all of it in San Diego sunshine. Five out of a very long list of reasons to visit the San Diego Zoo.

  • It’s nonprofit: Every dollar you spend goes toward animals. San Diego Zoo Global has been instrumental in breeding the giant panda, bringing California condors back from extinction, and supporting many, many other conservation efforts in over 35 countries.
  • The animals: The pandas are back! And you can see the largest colony of koalas outside of the United States and many more San Diego Zoo animals.
  • Edutainment: San Diego Zoo has done an excellent job of integrating animal and environmental education throughout its website, exhibit displays, on-site docents, and other programming.
  • It’s a Botanical Garden: Not only is it an accredited zoo, but it’s a botanical garden accredited by the American Association of Museums for its collection of over 750,000 plants, many of which are rare or endangered.
  • Convenient location: San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, about 10 minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Airport. Its city location near major freeways makes it easy to get to no matter what part of town you’re staying in.

Must-See Highlights

Around the Zoo, you’ll find kangaroos, Galapagos tortoises, rhinos, giraffes, African penguins, baboons, and more. However, my favorite exhibits and experiences include the below.

  • Panda Ridge: Right now, you’ll need a free-timed ticket or to wait in a standby line to see our new pandas, Yu Chuan and Xin Bao.
  • Polar Bear Plunge: Yes, polar bears thrive in our sunshine. The exhibit is designed so that you can see them “plunge” into the water and swim underneath it.
  • Australian Outback koalas: We have the largest colony of koalas outside of Australia. They sleep a lot, but the pathway is raised so that you can get a better look at them in the trees.
  • Keeper Talks: Locate the schedule in the app. The keepers usually feed and interact with the animals while answering questions from the guests.
  • Skyfari Aerial Tram: Enjoy one of the most panoramic views in all of San Diego while getting from the south end to the north end of the park.
  • Upgraded Tours: Get even more out of your visit by going behind the scenes and learning more about your favorite animals or plants. I highly encourage both residents and visitors to take advantage of these San Diego Zoo tours. Inside Look and Animals in Action tours are popular.
  • Pygmy hippos: We have a new baby on exhibit! And you can see them swim underwater through exhibit glass.
A fish taco at Albert's, one of the best San Diego Zoo restaurants

Where To Eat

We like to take advantage of table service at Albert’s Restaurant in the Lost Forest where you can have a good fish taco, craft cocktail or glass of wine, and even brunch.

You can pick up carne asada burritos and salads at Sabertooth Cafe in Elephant Odyssey and even a local craft beer to walk the park with at San Diego Craft Beer and Margaritas.

As a sweets lover, I always stop for soft serve at Hua Mei Cones in Asian Passage. Stay up-to-date on San Diego Zoo restaurants.

San Diego Zoo Hours, Address & Parking

I would get there early or go after lunch.

HOURS

Visit 365 days per year.

You can visit the San Diego Zoo 365 days per year. Check the schedule before you go, but normal operating hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

ADDRESS

It’s in Balboa Park.

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

PARKING

It’s FREE!

The lot is quite large but can fill up. Take a photo of the animal marker near your car so that you don’t forget where it is.

San Diego Zoo Map and Directions

Public TRANSPORTATION

  • Both Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the Zoo. You can check sdmts.com for more details.
  • Use Stop K to get there via the Old Town Trolley hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.

San Diego Zoo DIRECTIONS

  • From I-5 South (Orange County, Carlsbad, La Jolla): Once you reach downtown San Diego, take the Pershing Exit and follow the signage.
  • From I-15 South (Orange County, Riverside, Temecula): Take Route 163 South to the Park Blvd/I-5 exit. Take the Park Blvd exit and turn left (north) and you’ll see the parking lot.
  • From I-5 North (Chula Vista, Coronado, Mexico): Take Route 163 North. Exit on Richmond Street (the sign says Zoo/Museums) and follow the signs.
  • From I-8 East (Arizona, El Centro): Take Route 163 South to the Park Blvd/I-5 exit. Take the Park Blvd exit and turn left (north) and you’ll see the parking lot.

Know Before You Go

You can read my tips for visiting the San Diego Zoo in more detail, but here is a quick summary.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

There really isn’t a bad time of day to visit. We’ve been on peak days and weekdays. In either case, I recommend that you come in the morning as this is also when the animals are the most active. They may sleep or seek shade in the afternoons on sunny days. There is always plenty to see though. Peak attendance is usually around midmorning to just after lunch. Weekdays from Tuesday through Thursday are usually less crowded.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

  • Download the San Diego Zoo app, which will help you navigate the park between its map and daily schedule.
  • Strollers and locker rentals, in addition to luggage storage, are available on Front Street on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Reservations to visit the Zoo are not required.

San Diego Zoo Live Cams

Get excited before you visit or connect with animals after you get home via the many live cams. Animals that you can watch include (and there are other cams at San Diego Zoo Safari Park) include:

  • Hippo Cam
  • Baboon Cam
  • Polar Cam
  • Ape Cam
  • Koala Cam
  • Panda Cam (Archive)

I would also suggest that you take a look at episodes from Animal Planet’s The Zoo: San Diego show to understand even more about what goes into animal care and wildlife conservation efforts at both San Diego Zoo Global parks.

Where to Stay

I have written extensively about hotels near San Diego Zoo. Most people stay in downtown San Diego hotels. My favorites include:

San Diego Zoo

The Lafayette Hotel swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs on a sunny day.

10 Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo

My list of best hotels near San Diego Zoo includes options for closest, luxury, families, and cheap in fun neighborhoods surrounding this top attraction.