Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks and guided bus tours. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

Admission to the San Diego Zoo
Marvel at the diverse collection of animals including many that are on the endangered species list
Take a complimentary guided bus tour for a comprehensive introduction to the zoo
This is a direct entry ticket, no need to exchange for tickets at Will Call

What's Included

*Unlimited use of Kangaroo Bus
*Unlimited use of Skyfari Aerial Tram
*Unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour

Food and drink
Hotel pick up and drop-off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Zoo Drive
Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Start time

Opening hours

3/3/2021 - 6/6/2024
Monday - Sunday : 09:00 am - 07:00 pm

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

After making your own way to the San Diego Zoo on the day of your choice, you can head into the zoo's visitor center to pick up a map and plan your route through this acclaimed zoo. The animals live in spacious and beautifully designed enclosures that replicate their natural habitats. The koala and giant panda exhibits are always popular, as are the orangutans and siamangs that climb around in lush forest settings.

Other highlights include the Tiger River exhibit, which features a realistic Asian rainforest environment, and the Gorilla Tropics, which recreates a lush African rainforest. Zoo keeper talks take place at regular intervals every day, with the experts introducing animals such as giraffes, elephants, wolves, lions or jaguars, and more. In the animal nursery, you might get to see some of the zoo’s newest arrivals.

Kids enjoy petting small tame critters in the Petting Paddock and four different play zones provide a safe and entertaining spot to climb and explore.

As you make your way through the zoo, note the extensive gardens — some of the plants growing there supply ingredients for the specialized diets of particular zoo residents.

San Diego Zoo

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental at the front plaza near the entrance
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:How do I redeem my San Diego Zoo Ticket?

A:This is a direct entry ticket, no need to exchange for tickets at Will Call. Take your ticket directly to the turnstiles for admission.

Apr. 2021

Q:Where is the San Diego Zoo located?

A:The San Diego Zoo is located at 2929 Zoo Drive Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101

Apr. 2021

Q:How much is parking at the San Diego Zoo?

A:The San Diego Zoo has free parking. The parking lot in front of the Zoo is owned and operated by the City of San Diego and is used by guests, volunteers, and employees of Balboa Park.

Apr. 2021

Q:Can I park an RV at the San Diego Zoo?

A:The parking lot in front of the San Diego Zoo does not have RV or bus parking spaces. We recommend guests with RVs park along Park Boulevard in front of the Zoo or at the Inspiration Point parking lot for easy access to the Zoo via the free tram.

Apr. 2021

Q:Do I have to use my San Diego Zoo Ticket on the date specified on my ticket?

A:No - The travel date on your ticket is for reference only. Tickets are redeemable one year after the purchase date. Amendment/date change is not required for travel within one year of purchase.

Apr. 2021

Q:What is included in my San Diego Zoo Ticket?

A:Admission, All Exhibits and Shows, Children's Zoo admission, and unlimited use of the following: Kangaroo Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, Guided Bus Tour, and Africa Tram.

Apr. 2021

Q:Can I bring young children to the San Diego Zoo?

A:Yes - There is a discounted rate for children aged 3-11 and children 2 and under are free!

Apr. 2021

Q:Is the San Diego Zoo open every day?

A:Yes! The San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park are open every day of the year, rain or shine, including ALL holidays!

Apr. 2021

Q:What is the distance between the Zoo and the Safari Park?

A:The Zoo and Safari Park are approximately 35 miles apart from each other. The drive time between the two parks is about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic and other factors.

Apr. 2021

Q:How many different types of animals can we see at the San Diego Zoo?

A:The zoo is well known for its naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters and is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing approximately 660 species and subspecies & a botanical collection with more than 700,000 plants.

Apr. 2021

Traveller Photos

Traveller Tips

The zoo, itself is quite hilly, making it difficult to walk in places.

It was a perfect time of year as it was cool and sunny.

Reviews

4.5

1,638 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 1,638 reviews

So happy

lynn_s, May 2023

Having the mobile tickets in advance saved having to stand in line to purchase or pick up. The zoo experience was great! Every staff person was helpful and knowledgeable about the animals, and the love and compassion they have towards them is obvious. We spent the ENTIRE day there! Highly recommend!

Great family day in San Diego

Jennie_S, May 2023

Great day with the family of all ages. Used the app to plan the day which was a success. Highly recommend if you're going for the day to eat lunch at Albertos restaurant, get reservations in advance if you're a large party. Take the sky tram to get an aerial view of the park.

Thank you for a good time

Alejandra_M, May 2023

Thank you for a very nice easy fast experience…tickets were fast to get..no trouble going in…I had fun with my dad.. thank you

Fun attraction

Graham_F, May 2023

Seeing a variety of animals and scenic views adjacent to the zoo. A must go to place for anyone traveling to San Diego.

Great

deannabublik, May 2023

The zoo was amazing. So easy to have tickets in the app. Pro tip go when park opens for better parking and low crowds.

Amazing for a little boy from NC

Joe_E, Apr 2023

Watching our 3 yr old great grandson with the giraffes and gorillas! He had the best time at the spider exhibit.

A wonderful experience

Marcia_R, Apr 2023

Had a wonderful time at the zoo. We went midweek, it was easy to park and walk right to the entrance. We were there for 5 to 6 hours and saw almost everything. There are lots of interesting animals, birds, and reptiles. If you buy water they will refill your bottle for free.

DO NOT BUY THESE TICKETS

Brooke_R, Apr 2023

The tickets they sold were not even able to be used. The barcode did not work and the zoo said that viator had to reissue tickets. I was on the phone for over 30 minutes and they were not able to re-issue tickets. I finally decided to just buy tickets at the gate as this was our last day and didn’t want to waste anymore time. Viator has not refunded my money yet. DO NOT BUY THE TICKETS FROM HERE.

Fleeced in San Diego

Stephen_S, Apr 2023

Seeing the Red Panda and the animals. The Caracal was really cute as were the mountain lions. The Polar Bears were cool. The Grizzly looked like a greaser.

Tickets didn’t work

Jennifer_D, Apr 2023

The actual zoo was good but when we got there our Viator tickets didn’t work and it took us an hour to get it all resolved. It was a frustrating way to start our day and set us back an hour. Buying the tickets ahead of time was supposed to make it easier, not harder.

More Than Expected

Rachel_L, Apr 2023

We had a wonderful time. Our experience began with a delicious snack of avocado toast at one of the cafes. We then got on the bus and enjoyed a tour around the park. We concluded with a private tour which exceeded our expectations. I can’t wait to go again.

Great way to spend the day

Elizabethl_W, Apr 2023

I asked the guy at the door what we should see first and he prompted guided us to the bus tour which was exceptional and a great way to begin the day! It was a week day with rain in the forecast so we bought cheap ponchos at a local store and went for it! We had the zoo to ourselves for the first several hours of the day - Was such a great experience.. Preapre to walk a lot, bring snacks and beverages. Did not do 4D experience, this looked juvenile for my crew and didn't have time to the the safari..

great full day activity

Shonda_Y, Mar 2023

This was a full day activity and very much worth it. All the animals were out in most habitats although they weren't very active. We will come again for sure

An amazing place

Patricia_A, Mar 2023

Seeing all of the different monkeys bears the plant life and how the zoo grows all of the food for the animals

San Diego Zoo is definitely worth a visit.

Patricia_M, Jan 2023

The zoo was a great experience! Loved the initial guided tour of the property, then explored on our own afterwards. The pathways were all well marked and we found our way around easily. The animals that we saw all seemed healthy and content, and it was great to hear about the conservation focus at the zoo. We had a great lunch at the Mexican restaurant. We were a group of 8 adults and it was an educational and entertaining day.

Green and big

Dimitriy_D, Dec 2022

I liked the insect section. The bee hive was interesting. The best about the Zoo was air ride and the busses that you can hop on and of certain places

My wife needed to see all...

Dave_D, Dec 2022

My wife needed to see all koala 🐻. Twice. Once wasn’t enough very nice volunteers at zoo to assist u Very educational

Fun trip

Annette_C, Dec 2022

The zoo was huge and so much to see. There are many tours around so if you are interested, it is good to do the bus tour. There are also guides along the pathways to direct you In case you get lost because it is very easy to get lost in this zoo. The zoo is also next to the park which also a nice experience.

I want my refund

Bridget_B, Dec 2022

I requested a refund for my ticket because I got really sick and there was confusion sbout the dates. I cancelled my tickets and asked for a refund but nothing. my trip hirrible

Visit in San Diego Zoo

Tamar_B, Nov 2022

I liked the place and we enjoyed a lot spending a day at San Diego Zoo. It is a great place. Infrastructure is fantastic, it provides a lot of information about endangered animals and species conservation.

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