- Hours: Open daily
- Reservations: Not required
- Cost: Admission charged but parking is free; find out how to get tickets
- Location: Balboa Park, near downtown
- How Long: Allow at least half a day, but a full day is better
- Best Time to Visit: Animals are active in the early morning and afternoon, and it's less crowded fall through spring
- See It Now: Photo Tour
The zoo sponsors a number of interesting special programs which change seasonally, including VIP tours and other activities. Check their website to see what's on when you will be visiting.
Review
The San Diego Zoo is one of the country's top-rated zoos and in recent years, they've managed to get rid of most of their old, outdated cages and enclosures. Nevertheless, some visitors will object to it in concept.We rate it 4 stars out of 5 because we always have a good time, even if we get worn out doing it. Others may disagree. You can see what other people just like you think about it, then bookmark this page and after you've been there, come back and tell us what you think.
What do you think of the San Diego Zoo???
- 5 = Awesome! It's a must-see sight that I recommend to everyone
- 4 = Great I really liked it, and I think you will, too
- 3 = Good Go if you have time, but it's not a big deal if you miss it
- 2 = OK Some people find it interesting, but I didn't
- 1 = So-So More fun than a night in jail, but you might enjoy a good nap more
- 0 = Yuck! Just say no to this flea-bitten hole of a tourist trap
San Diego Zoo Exhibits
The Ituri Forest exhibit is a geographically-oriented area where hippos swim underwater alongside monkeys and forest buffaloes (like water buffaloes but without the water). Monkey Trails, which replaced the old cages, offers great opportunities to see the monkeys from a treetop-level view.The pandas are perennially popular at the San Diego Zoo. However, their exhibit is sometimes closed for the good of these shy animals. When they are on display, lines can get quite long to see them.
Some of the other popular exhibits include Tiger River, Sun Bear Forest, Gorilla Tropics, the Scripps Aviary, and Polar Bear Plunge. A new area called Elephant Odyssey was under construction in late 2008.
The Wild Ones and Sea Lion shows are held several times a day. Check the schedule that comes with the map.
Hints for a Good San Diego Zoo Visit
- Write down the location where you parked or take a picture of the nearest sign with your camera phone. After a long day, it's easy to forget whether you parked near the ostrich or the elephant.
- The entrance closes two hours before the day's stated closing time. Don't dash up at the last minute, hoping to get in.
- The ATMs inside the zoo charge fees no matter where you bank. Get cash somewhere else before you go.
- It's hot and sunny at the zoo much of the year, with little shade on the paths. Bring hats and sunscreen. The aviary and any of the indoor exhibits are good spots to cool off.
- Many of the animals also go inside during the hottest parts of the day. Your best strategy is to go early or late, taking advantage of their late closing time in summer.
- Save your feet; sit down with a zoo map and plan your route in advance.
- The best way to see the animals is by foot, but you'll walk about 3-4 miles if you see everything, and some of the paths are steep. Avoid the steepest climbs by using the moving sidewalks or Skyfari sky ride to get up to Polar Bear Plunge and then walking downhill. The express bus (all day with on/off privileges) is a good way to get around with less walking and the guided bus tours are an excellent option for those with limited mobility.
- Some paths are too steep for manual wheelchairs. They're marked on the zoo map and you can ask for shuttle to help you get around if needed.
- If you buy a general admission ticket, there is an extra charge for the Skyfari sky ride and the tram.
- Refreshments are plentiful but expensive and you can find a reasonable number of healthy choices if you look around.
- Cold drinks come in a souvenir cup cute enough that you may want to take it home. However, they don't come with lids or straws. If you've got a spill-prone child with you, consider bringing a lidded drink container with you.
- It is not feasible to visit the Wild Animal Park in the same day as the zoo. It's too far away, and each park offers too much to do.
If You're in a Hurry
We don't recommend this because you'll pay too much money for not enough enjoyment, but we know you'll try it with our without our help. If you're in a hurry, take the skyride directly from the entrance area to the Polar Bear Plunge, walk downhill to the panda exhibit, then take the moving sidewalk up to Gorilla Tropics. From there, continue downhill through the apes exhibit. If you have any time to spare, make a loop on the other side of the entrance to see the koalas and up into Elephant Mesa.Getting to the San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DriveThe San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park. Follow signs from I-5.
San Diego, CA
(619) 234-3153
San Diego Zoo Website
If you are coming from downtown, take 5th Street away from the water. Turn right on Laurel and enter Balboa Park. After crossing a bridge and passing through an archway, turn right in the plaza and follow the road around past the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, then follow the signs.
Avoid local tour companies who offer ticket/transportation packages. They can cost as much as $25 per person over the full ticket price with no chance for discounts, and your time is limited. Check car rental prices first and you may find it's more economical.
If you can't drive or don't want to, you can use public transport. For the impatient, a taxi from downtown runs about $20 which is partly offset by the money you save on parking. Call Yellow Cab at 619-234-6161 Orange Cab at 619-223-5555.
