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I am a longtime San Diego Zoo member, so this guide collects 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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Zoo MemberI (Katie Dillon) am a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Member and my family is involved in supporting their initiatives.

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The basics

Five reasons to visit San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo opened in 1916 and is home to over 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species. The exhibits across 100 acres are designed around habitats so that animals who'd share a wild range share an enclosure.

It's a nonprofit. Every dollar you spend goes toward animals. San Diego Zoo Global has bred the giant panda, brought California condors back from extinction, and supported conservation efforts in over 35 countries.
The animals. The pandas are back (see Yu Chuan and Xin Bao at Panda Ridge). You can also see the largest colony of koalas outside the United States, and many more San Diego Zoo animals.
Edutainment. San Diego Zoo integrates animal and environmental education throughout its website, exhibit displays, on-site docents, and other programming.
An accredited 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. The Zoo sits in Balboa Park, about 10 minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Airport. Its city location near major freeways makes it easy to reach no matter where you're staying.

What to see

Must-see highlights

Beyond the kangaroos, Galapagos tortoises, rhinos, giraffes, African penguins, and baboons, my favorite exhibits and experiences include:

Panda Ridge. A free timed ticket or standby line gets you in to see Yu Chuan and Xin Bao.
Polar Bear Plunge. Yes, polar bears thrive in our sunshine. Watch them plunge and swim underwater through the viewing glass.
Australian Outback koalas. The largest colony outside Australia, on a raised path that lets you see them up in the trees.
Keeper Talks. Find the schedule in the app. Keepers feed and interact with the animals while taking questions.
Skyfari Aerial Tram. One of the best panoramic views in San Diego, with a ride from the south end of the park to the north.
Upgraded tours. Inside Look and Animals in Action take you behind the scenes with the animals you care most about. See all San Diego Zoo tours.
Pygmy hippos. A new baby is on exhibit, and you can watch them swim underwater through the glass.

Where to eat

Dining inside the Zoo

Hua Mei Cones soft serve at San Diego Zoo

We take advantage of table service at Albert's Restaurant in the Lost Forest, a quieter stop for a good fish taco, craft cocktail or glass of wine, and even brunch.

For something faster, Sabertooth Cafe in Elephant Odyssey has carne asada burritos and salads, and San Diego Craft Beer and Margaritas is good for a local beer to walk the park with.

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.

The essentials

Hours, address & parking

Hours

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Open 365 days a year. Check the schedule for seasonal hours before you go.

Address

2920 Zoo Drive

San Diego, CA 92101. Located in Balboa Park.

Parking

$16 per car

$8 for non-member City of San Diego residents. Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends for the closest spaces.

Getting there

Map & directions

Most people drive or take rideshare. Public transportation works but it is a grind.

By car

From I-5 South (Orange County, Carlsbad, La Jolla). Reach downtown, take the Pershing Exit, follow the signage.
From I-15 South (Riverside, Temecula). Route 163 South to the Park Blvd / I-5 exit, then Park Blvd north.
From I-5 North (Chula Vista, Coronado, Mexico). Route 163 North, exit Richmond Street, follow Zoo / Museums signs.
From I-8 East (Arizona, El Centro). Route 163 South to Park Blvd / I-5, then Park Blvd north.

Public transportation

Rapid 215 and Route 7 both stop at the Zoo. See sdmts.com.
Stop K on the Old Town Trolley hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour.

Plan ahead

Know before you go

A short version of my full tips for visiting the San Diego Zoo.

Best times to visit

Mornings, in any season. The animals are most active before lunch and can sleep or seek shade in the afternoon. Peak attendance runs midmorning through lunch. Tuesday through Thursday tends to be quieter.

Useful to know

The San Diego Zoo app has the map and the day's schedule. Download it before you arrive.
Stroller and locker rentals, plus luggage storage, are on Front Street, first come first served.
Reservations to enter the Zoo are not required.

Combine attractions

Sightseeing passes

My discount is the best deal for 1-Day tickets. If you are visiting more than one attraction, a sightseeing pass may save more.

Go City San Diego. Use code GOSDO5LJM.
Go City Los Angeles. Use code GOLA5LJM.
San Diego CityPASS. Use code SAVEMORE.

Sightseeing pass purchases redirect to the partner site (Go City or CityPASS), not to my ticket site. Promo codes apply at the partner's checkout.

From home

San Diego Zoo live cams

Get excited before your trip or stay connected after via the Zoo's live cams on the hippo, baboon, polar bear, ape, koala, and a panda archive. There are more cams at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

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