English
English
Contents
Where is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park located
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, United States | Find on Maps
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is in Escondido, which is a city in San Diego County, California. It’s approximately a 40-minute to 1 hr drive from downtown San Diego. The Park has a number of habitats from different regions of the world with over 300 species of wildlife for you to explore and see.
Getting there by public transport
By bus
While public bus service to the Safari Park exists, options are limited, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Travelers starting in downtown San Diego can take an MTS Express bus (routes 235, 280, or 290) to the Escondido Transit Center.
- From there, you can board the NCTD FLEX 371 bus, which provides direct service to the Safari Park.
However, note that FLEX 371 does not operate on weekends and stops at the Safari Park’s outside gate, a short walk from the entrance. Due to its limited schedule, taking a taxi or rideshare from the Escondido Transit Center to the Safari Park becomes a more convenient option.
By rail
- Amtrak’s rail service starts from Los Angeles to downtown San Diego, with a stop at Oceanside where you can exit.
- From Oceanside, transfer to the Sprinter rail, which will take you to the Escondido Transit Center in downtown Escondido.
- From there, it’s a short 7-mile ride to the Safari Park, easily accessible by taxi or rideshare services.
Getting there by car
If you’re traveling by car, the directions below will guide you to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park based on your starting point:
Driving route
Parking
From the North (Southbound):
- From Orange County/Los Angeles: Travel south on Interstate 5, then exit onto State Route 78 East at Oceanside. Continue east to Interstate 15 South and take Exit 27 (Via Rancho Parkway). Follow the signs east to the Safari Park.
- From Riverside County: Take Interstate 15 South to Exit 27 (Via Rancho Parkway), then follow the signs leading to the park.
From the South (Northbound):
- From downtown San Diego: Take State Route 163 North to Interstate 15 North. Exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and head east to the Safari Park.
- From Mexico: Use Interstate 5 or 805 North to connect to State Route 163 North. Continue to Interstate 15 North and take Exit 27 (Via Rancho Parkway), then go east.
From the East (Westbound):
- From Imperial County/Arizona: Drive west on Interstate 8, merge onto Interstate 15 North, and take Exit 27 (Via Rancho Parkway). Follow the signs east to the Safari Park.
The Safari Park has a paid parking area close to the entrance where you can park your vehicle before you enter. Overnight parking is not allowed at the Park. There are two charging stations available at different locations in the parking area for you to charge your EV if needed. There is also a designated parking area for those with disabilities. The parking is available on a first come first serve basis, and the parking ticket doesn’t come with a re-entry access.
The parking rates for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are:
- Automobiles and motorcycles: $20 per vehicle
- RVs: starting at $38
- Preferred parking: starting at $38
Book San Diego Safari Park tickets
Frequently asked questions about getting to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Is free parking available at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
No, there is no free parking at the Park, but the paid parking lot can be used by cars, motorcycles, and RVs.
Is public transport a good way to reach the Park?
Public transport is available, but there are no direct routes to the Park. You can travel via rail or bus to the Escondido Transit Center and then take a bus or taxi to the Park.
What are the parking hours at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
The parking lot is open from 9am to 5pm; the same as the Park’s operating hours.
Does the park offer parking for electric vehicles (EVs)?
Yes, there are electric vehicle charging stations available in the parking lot. Be sure to arrive early if you need a spot, because it’s available on a first come first serve basis.
How do I find the entrance to the parking lot?
The main entrance is well-signposted and located on San Pasqual Valley Road. If you’re traveling by car, you’ll be able to find multiple signs right after you take Exit 27 that will lead you to the parking area.
What is the most budget-friendly way to get to San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
Public transportation is the most cost-effective option. You can use the train or bus to get to the Escondido Transit Center and take the bus to the Park, which drops you off a short walking distance away from the Park’s main entrance. Using rideshares with a group can also reduce costs.