San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Plan Your Visit

Preparing for your visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will help you make the most of one of Southern California's premier wildlife sanctuaries and global conservation hubs.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Ticket Information

Ticket Purchase Options: Booking your tickets online through this page before your visit means your day is sorted ahead of time, which is especially useful on weekends, holidays, and other busy dates.

Ticket Types: The following tickets pertaining to the venue are offered on this site:

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Discover the Adventure of a Lifetime - Includes admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the Africa Tram, and all regularly scheduled shows and exhibits. Upgraded safari experiences are booked separately.

Essential Visitor Info

Timings
Address & Directions
Facilities
Accessibility

Timings

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open 365 days a year, including all holidays.
The park opens daily at 9:00 AM and typically closes at 5:00 PM, with later closing times on select summer and holiday dates.
During peak summer periods and select holiday events, the park may stay open later into the evening, so plan your arrival around the day's closing time.
Recommended Visit Duration
To fully explore the 1,800-acre property, visitors should plan to spend most of the day - typically between 4 to 6 hours.
This duration allows enough time to experience the main walking trails, board the included Africa Tram tour, view scheduled wildlife presentations, and enjoy a sit-down meal without rushing.
Guests who book additional upgraded experiences, such as zip-lining or open-truck safaris, should factor in extra time for check-in and safety briefings.
Best Time of Day to Arrive
Arriving right at park opening offers distinct advantages for wildlife viewing and crowd management. Animals are generally most active during the cooler early morning hours before retreating to shaded areas as afternoon temperatures rise. Arriving early also ensures shorter wait times at the entrance gates and shorter queues for popular attractions like the Africa Tram.

Good to Know Before Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Booking your entry tickets online before you arrive means your visit is sorted ahead of time, which is especially useful on weekends, holidays, and other peak visiting dates.

The park covers 1,800 acres of terrain, so comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are essential for navigating the extensive paved and dirt trails.

Because the park is located in Escondido's inland valley, temperatures are often 5 to 10 degrees warmer than coastal San Diego, making sun hats, sunblock, and refillable water bottles necessary gear.

The Africa Tram ride is included with standard admission, but queues build rapidly around midday, so scheduling your ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended.

Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted inside the grounds, but glass bottles or containers and coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches are not.

Disposable straws are not allowed anywhere in the park, to protect the animals.

The park is cashless for food, retail, and tour purchases, so bring a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment.

Upgraded experiences, such as open-truck Wildlife Safaris or the Flightline zip line, are booked separately from standard admission and have limited space.

Drones, laser pointers, noise makers, and sporting equipment are prohibited on grounds to ensure animal welfare and guest safety.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Additional Info

Dining
Souvenir Store

Dining

Dining options at the Safari Park range from quick-service casual counters to a full-service restaurant, catering to a variety of preferences and schedules.
Thorntree Terrace, in Safari Base Camp, serves burgers, cheesesteak sandwiches, and fish and chips beside the park's namesake thorn tree.
For a sit-down meal with views of the African Plains, The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook offers sandwiches, fresh salads, and a full-service bar, where you can watch rhinos and giraffes as you dine.
Other options include Mombasa Cooker for chicken tenders, burgers, and corn dogs, and Okavango Outpost for pasta, sandwiches, and salads near the Africa Tram.
Snack stands and grab-and-go kiosks are placed along the major walking trails, selling cold drinks, ice cream, popcorn, churros, and coffee to keep visitors energized as they explore.
Guests are also permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, including small coolers up to 12 by 12 inches, for outdoor picnicking.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Nearby Attractions

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park: Located right next to the Safari Park along Highway 78, this state park preserves the site of the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual during the Mexican-American War. Visitors can walk short interpretive trails and, on the days it is open, explore the visitor center detailing native Kumeyaay history and regional military events.

Orfila Vineyards & Winery: Situated a few miles west in the San Pasqual Valley, between Interstate 15 and the Safari Park, this boutique winery offers daily wine tastings, an on-site restaurant, and a patio overlooking its 70-acre estate.
Queen Califia's Magical Circle: Located inside Escondido's Kit Carson Park, this outdoor sculpture garden by artist Niki de Saint Phalle features large mosaic sculptures, snake walls, and a maze entryway constructed with colorful stones and glass.
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum: Located in central Escondido, this hands-on educational facility features interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits focused on science, world cultures, and environmental stewardship for young children.
Daley Ranch: Located north of central Escondido, this 3,058-acre conservation area offers more than 20 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub.
California Center for the Arts, Escondido: Situated in downtown Escondido, this cultural center features a museum, a concert hall of about 1,500 seats, and outdoor spaces hosting concerts and community events.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Discover the Adventure of a Lifetime

Highlights

Explore one of the world’s largest safari parks.

Observe a wide variety of exotic animals in naturalistic settings.

Enjoy the Africa Tram ride through the savannah.

Witness engaging live animal presentations.

Learn about conservation efforts and animal care at the park’s veterinary hospital.

FAQs about Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Should I buy my San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets in advance?

Booking online through this page before you arrive is a good idea, especially for weekends, holidays, and other busy dates.

What is included with the standard entry ticket?

The standard admission ticket includes entry to the park, access to all regularly scheduled shows and exhibits, and a ride on the Africa Tram.

What time does the San Diego Zoo Safari Park open and close?

The park opens daily at 9:00 AM, 365 days a year, and typically closes at 5:00 PM, with later closing times on select summer and holiday dates.

How much time should I plan to spend at the Safari Park?

Visitors should plan for most of a day, typically 4 to 6 hours, to navigate the extensive grounds and experience the main attractions comfortably.

What is the best time of day to view animals and avoid crowds?

Arriving right at the 9:00 AM park opening provides the best opportunity to see active animals during cooler morning hours and enjoy shorter wait times.

Where is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park located?

The park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido, California, about 35 miles northeast of downtown San Diego.

Is public transportation available to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

Yes, visitors can take the MTS Rapid 235 or the SPRINTER rail line to Escondido Transit Center, followed by NCTD Bus Route 371 or a short rideshare.

Can I rent strollers or wheelchairs at the park?

Strollers, wheelchairs, and motorized mobility scooters can be rented at Safari Outfitters, just inside the main entrance, on a first-come, first-served basis.

What accommodations are available for guests with sensory sensitivities or hearing impairments?

The park offers KultureCity sensory bags with items such as noise-canceling headphones, and team members at Park Base near the entrance can help with other accommodations.

Are outside food and drinks allowed inside the Safari Park?

Yes. Guests may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but glass bottles or containers and coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches are prohibited.

What items are banned inside the park for wildlife safety?

Disposable straws, drones, laser pointers, noise makers, sporting equipment, glass containers, and coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches are not allowed in the park.

What dining choices are available inside the Safari Park?

Dining ranges from grab-and-go kiosks to Thorntree Terrace, Mombasa Cooker, Okavango Outpost, and the full-service Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook.

Are credit cards accepted across all venues in the park?

Yes, the park is cashless, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments for purchases.