San Diego Zoo: Tickets and Info

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San Diego Zoo

Highlights

Explore a 100-acre wildlife park with hundreds of species in recreated natural environments.

Enjoy unlimited rides on the Skyfari aerial tram offering unique views.

Experience a variety of animals including elephants, polar bears, gorillas, and more.

See themed habitats like the Polar Bear Plunge, Gorilla Tropics, and Tiger River.

Witness engaging shows and explore diverse exhibits throughout the zoo.

Good to Know Before Visiting the San Diego Zoo

Parking in the Zoo’s main lot in front of the entrance has been paid since January 5, 2026, at a flat daily rate per vehicle; the Inspiration Point lot, about a mile south, offers a cheaper alternative with a free tram.

Bringing your own food and non-alcoholic drinks is permitted, though coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches, glass containers, disposable straws, and alcohol are not allowed.

The 100-acre park features steep hills and canyon topography, making comfortable walking shoes essential for a full day of exploration.

Taking the Guided Bus Tour, which is included with admission, early in your visit provides a comprehensive overview of the grounds and helps you plan your walk.

The Skyfari Aerial Tram, also included with admission, offers a scenic shortcut between the front of the park and the back, cutting down on steep uphill walks.

Giant pandas have returned to the San Diego Zoo; to visit Panda Ridge, scan the QR code on signs around the Zoo for a free same-day timed ticket, or join the standby line.

Animals are generally most active during the cooler morning hours, making the first two hours after opening the best time to view key exhibits.

Essential Visitor Info

Timings
Address & Directions
Facilities
Accessibility

Timings

The San Diego Zoo is open 365 days a year, including major holidays.
Regular daily hours begin at 9:00 AM.
Closing times vary by season, with earlier closing in the winter months and later closing in spring, summer, and autumn.
During special seasonal events, such as Nighttime Zoo in summer and Jungle Bells over the holidays, the Zoo stays open later into the evening.
Best Time of Day to Arrive
Arriving right at the 9:00 AM opening time offers significant advantages. Temperatures are cooler, crowd density is lowest, and animal activity levels are typically highest as many species feed and explore early in the day. Popular attractions - including Panda Ridge, the Guided Bus Tour, and the Skyfari Aerial Tram - tend to have shorter wait times early in the day.
Late afternoon, roughly two hours before closing, is another favorable window as mid-day crowds begin to clear.
Estimated Time Needed
A thorough visit to the 100-acre park requires approximately 4 to 6 hours. Visitors planning to cover every major zone, ride the Guided Bus Tour, and take in scheduled keeper talks should budget a full day.

About the San Diego Zoo

Founded in 1916 following the Panama-California Exposition, the San Diego Zoo pioneered the concept of cageless, open-air exhibits designed to recreate natural animal habitats. Spanning 100 acres within historic Balboa Park, the Zoo has grown from a small collection of exotic animals into a world-famous conservation hub. Today, it is home to more than 12,000 animals representing over 680 species and subspecies, set within an accredited botanical garden caring for more than 700,000 plants.

The Zoo is one of the two parks operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization, alongside the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Visitors can explore distinct zones - ranging from the dense canopy of Lost Forest to the expansive terrain of Africa Rocks - while learning about global species recovery programs. Key highlights include the renowned koala habitat, the giant pandas at Panda Ridge, and transport options like the Skyfari Aerial Tram and Guided Bus Tour.

Area: 100 acres (40 hectares)
Number of Animals: Over 12,000
Number of Species: Over 680 species and subspecies
Botanical Collection: Over 700,000 individual plants, including specimens representing 3,100 species
Annual Attendance: Approximately 4 million visitors
Year Established: 1916

Why Visit the San Diego Zoo?

Pioneering Naturalistic Habitats

The San Diego Zoo pioneered open-air, cageless exhibits designed to recreate natural ecosystems. Visitors can walk through immersive zones like Lost Forest and Africa Rocks, where multi-species habitats allow animals to roam, climb, and swim naturally.

Unmatched Biodiversity

Home to more than 12,000 animals representing over 680 species and subspecies, the Zoo offers rare encounters with wildlife from across the globe. Guests can see iconic species such as giant pandas, polar bears, and the largest breeding colony of koalas outside Australia.

A Living Botanical Garden

The 100-acre park doubles as an accredited botanical garden caring for more than 700,000 plants. These lush gardens enrich the park's landscape while supplying fresh browse and food for many resident species.

Panoramas and Easy Navigation

Navigating the park's canyons and terrain is easier thanks to the Guided Bus Tour and the Skyfari Aerial Tram, both included with admission. The Skyfari offers scenic aerial views of Balboa Park while linking distant areas of the grounds.

Direct Support for Wildlife Conservation

Ticket purchases support the field work and research conducted by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Visitors contribute to global species restoration, habitat protection, and endangered animal breeding programs.

San Diego Zoo - Additional Info

Dining
Souvenir Store

Dining

Dining options across the Zoo range from quick-service kiosks to sit-down restaurants, serving a variety of diets including vegetarian choices.
Albert’s Restaurant, the park's full-service dining venue in Lost Forest, offers seating surrounded by tropical greenery alongside a menu of chef-prepared entrees, craft beers, and wines. Zoo admission is required, and reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends and during peak travel seasons.
Casual counter-service eateries, including Sabertooth Grill at Elephant Odyssey and Sydney’s Grill, provide fast options like burgers, salads, and kids' meals near high-traffic exhibit areas. Outdoor seating is distributed throughout the grounds.
Guests are also permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the park, as long as they leave glass containers, disposable straws, and coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches at home.

Interesting Facts about the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo originated in 1916 after exotic animals were left behind from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.

It was one of the first zoos in the world to introduce open-air, cageless exhibits designed to replicate natural environments.

The facility is an accredited botanical garden caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including close to 13,000 specimens representing 3,100 species.

The Zoo grows eucalyptus on site to supply fresh browse for its resident koala colony.

It holds the largest breeding population of koalas located anywhere outside of Australia.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Frozen Zoo, housed at the Beckman Center at the Safari Park, stores living cell lines and genetic material from more than 1,000 rare and endangered species.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance researchers helped rescue the California condor from near-extinction through a groundbreaking breeding program.

In 1988, the first California condor ever hatched in human care, a chick named Molloko, hatched at the Alliance's Wild Animal Park, now the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The park features a dedicated browse operation that harvests fresh leaves and branches to feed herbivorous animals.

The Skyfari Aerial Tram, installed in 1969, carries guests across the park's canyons every day.

The Zoo cares for more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing over 680 species and subspecies.

Hua Mei, born at the San Diego Zoo in 1999, was the first giant panda cub born in the United States to survive to adulthood.

The main entrance is watched over by Rex's Roar, a bronze lion sculpture that has become one of the Zoo's best-known photo spots.

FAQs about the San Diego Zoo

When was the San Diego Zoo established and how did it begin?

The San Diego Zoo was founded in 1916 after exotic animals were left behind from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth subsequently established the park to care for the remaining wildlife.

How large is the San Diego Zoo and how many animals live there?

The Zoo covers 100 acres in Balboa Park and is home to more than 12,000 animals, representing more than 680 species and subspecies from around the globe.

What makes the zoo's exhibit design historically significant?

The San Diego Zoo pioneered open-air, cageless exhibits designed to recreate natural ecosystems. These naturalistic habitats allow multi-species groups to climb, swim, and roam as they would in the wild.

Is the San Diego Zoo also a botanical garden?

Yes, the 100-acre park is an accredited botanical garden caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including specimens representing 3,100 species. The gardens enrich the landscape while providing fresh browse for resident animals like koalas.

What organization operates the San Diego Zoo?

The Zoo is operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization that also runs the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Ticket purchases help fund the Alliance's species recovery, habitat protection, and research work.

What are some of the most notable animals hosted at the park?

Key highlights include giant pandas at Panda Ridge, polar bears, and the largest breeding colony of koalas outside Australia.

What is the Frozen Zoo repository?

The Frozen Zoo is San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's cryogenic repository, housed at the Beckman Center at the Safari Park. It preserves living cell lines and genetic material from more than 1,000 rare and endangered species for conservation research.

Is vehicle parking free for zoo visitors?

No. Since January 5, 2026, parking in the Zoo's main lot costs a flat daily rate per vehicle. The Inspiration Point lot, about a mile south at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, is an alternative, with a free tram into the park.

What are the general operating hours for the zoo?

The San Diego Zoo is open 365 days a year from 9:00 AM daily. Closing times vary by season, with later hours during summer's Nighttime Zoo and holiday events.

Are park transit rides included with standard day admission?

Standard day admission includes the Guided Bus Tour and the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which help visitors navigate the park's steep canyon terrain.

Can guests bring outside food and beverages into the park?

Yes. Visitors may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but alcohol, glass containers, disposable straws, and coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches are not allowed.

How can visitors view the giant pandas?

Guests can get a free same-day timed ticket for Panda Ridge by scanning the QR code on signs around the Zoo, or join the standby line, which does not guarantee entry.

What public transportation routes serve the zoo?

MTS Route 7 and Rapid 215 stop on Park Boulevard near the Zoo. Trolley and train riders can connect to these buses downtown; the nearest Trolley station, City College, is about a mile away.

What services are available for guests with accessibility or sensory needs?

The Zoo provides wheelchair and electric scooter rentals, accessible transit options, and KultureCity sensory bags with items such as noise-canceling headphones at Guest Services.