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San Diego Zoo opening hours
The San Diego Zoo operates every day, including holidays, ensuring there’s always an opportunity for you to visit:
- Summer hours (June through August): 9am to 9pm
- Fall and Spring hours (March to May & September to October): 9am to 6pm
Winter hours (November through February): 9am to 5pm
Last admission: Entry closes 1 hour before the closing time.
Getting to the zoo
By public transport
- Bus: The most convenient option is Bus Route 7, which stops directly at the zoo on Park Boulevard at Zoo Place. Another option is Rapid 215, which connects from downtown San Diego and stops at the same location. Both buses run frequently every 15 minutes or less during peak times, making it easy to reach the zoo from downtown in 10-15 minutes.
- Trolley: If you're arriving by trolley, you can take the UC San Diego Blue Line or Orange Line to City College Station and transfer to Bus Route 7 for a short 5-10 minute ride to the zoo.
- Taxi/Rideshare: A taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can get you from downtown San Diego to the zoo in about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
By car
- From Downtown San Diego: Drive north on Park Boulevard directly to the zoo entrance, which is located at 2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park. Parking is free in the lot at the entrance, and there is also additional parking available within Balboa Park.
- From Interstate 5: Exit at Park Boulevard and head north; the zoo entrance is well-signposted.
- From Interstate 8: Take Route 163 South and exit at Park Blvd, following the signs to the zoo
- From San Diego International Airport: Head east on North Harbor Drive, then turn left onto West Laurel Street. Continue uphill, then turn right onto Balboa Drive. Follow the signs to Park Boulevard towards the San Diego Zoo entrance.
Know before you go
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules and regulations
Dining
Shops
Nearby
- Lockers: Lockers are available near the entrance for personal items like backpacks, jackets, or other items. Note that there is a fee of $10 to $15 per item depending on its size.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are located throughout the zoo and include family restrooms and accessible facilities.
- Dining options: The zoo offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and snack stands featuring everything from quick bites to full meals.
- Wheelchair accessibility: The zoo is mostly accessible with ramps and pathways throughout, though there are some steep areas. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available for rent at the entrance.
- Assistance animals: Certified service animals are welcome, though pets are not permitted inside.
- Hearing and visual aids: There are assistive listening devices available for tours and interpretive exhibits, and braille guides are available at the front entrance.
- Photography: You are welcome to take non-flash photography, but drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
- Bags and coolers: Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but large coolers and wheeled bags are not permitted inside.
- Food and drink: Outside food is allowed in small quantities, especially for dietary restrictions. However, large meals, coolers, and alcohol are prohibited.
There are several dining spots to choose from, offering something for every taste:
- Sabertooth Grill: Located near Elephant Odyssey, this restaurant offers burgers, sandwiches, and kids’ meals with a view of the elephants.
- Albert’s Restaurant: Albert’s Restaurant is located in Lost Forest. It's a sit-down restaurant with a more refined menu, including salads, seafood, and vegetarian options.
- Multiple snack stands: Scattered across the zoo, you'll find places for quick snacks like pretzels, ice cream, and drinks.
Don’t forget to check out the San Diego Zoo gift shops, which offer a wide range of souvenirs, from plush animals to clothing and educational books. There are various shops spread across the premises like the San Diego Zoo Kids Store, Zootique, Roar Store, and more. Proceeds help support the zoo’s conservation efforts.
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park: About 35 miles away from the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Safari Park offers a unique wildlife experience with expansive open-air enclosures where animals like giraffes, rhinos, and lions roam freely. You can explore safari tours, witness conservation efforts, and even try ziplining over animal habitats.
- Balboa Park: The zoo is part of Balboa Park, home to several museums and gardens. After your zoo visit, you can explore attractions like the San Diego Museum of Art or the Japanese Friendship Garden.
- Old Town San Diego: Just a short drive away, this historic area features original buildings, museums, and shops reflecting the city’s history.
- Seaport Village: Located along the waterfront, Seaport Village is home to shops, restaurants, and views of San Diego Bay.
What to see at the San Diego Zoo
Wildlife presentations
The Wildlife Presentations at San Diego Zoo are held daily at key locations such as Wegeforth Bowl and the Rady Ambassador Presentation Area. These sessions last 15 to 20 minutes and introduce you to various reptiles, birds, and mammals like komodo dragons, candors, and capybaras. Specialists explain their behaviors and discuss conservation efforts.
Balboa Park Miniature Train
This 4-minute train ride takes you on a half-mile loop through four scenic acres of Balboa Park, located just outside the zoo's exit. It’s operated by the zoo, with tickets priced at $4. The train is suitable for all ages, though children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Skyfari Aerial Tram
The Skyfari Aerial Tram is a 4-minute ride with panoramic views of the zoo and Balboa Park. It’s both a practical way to move across the zoo and an opportunity to capture photos from above.
Guided bus tour
This 35-minute narrated tour covers about 70% of the zoo, making it ideal for first-timers. It’s a comfortable way to get an overview without walking, especially useful for families or those short on time. The guides offer insights into the animals and exhibits.
Polar Bear Plunge
At Polar Bear Plunge, you’ll get an up-close look at polar bears in their tundra-like habitat. The exhibit features large glass panels for underwater viewing, letting you see the bears swim and play.
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is a hands-on, kid-friendly zone that replicates ecosystems like deserts and rainforests. Kids can climb, explore caves, and encounter animals like fennec foxes. This area is designed to make learning about nature fun and interactive.
Botanical tours
The zoo features over 700,000 plants across themed gardens, designed to mimic the natural habitats of the animals. You can take a self-guided botanical tour to explore the diverse plant life.
4D Theater
The 4D Theater combines 3D visuals with effects like wind, water, and scents, making the film come to life. Currently, films like "Voyage to the Moon" are playing. The effects are timed with the movie to give you a truly immersive experience.
Book San Diego Zoo tickets
Frequently asked questions about visiting the San Diego Zoo
How long should I plan to spend at the San Diego Zoo?
Plan to spend at least 4 to 6 hours to see most of the exhibits. If you’re short on time, the guided bus tour and Skyfari tram are great ways to cover more ground quickly.
Is there parking available?
Yes, the San Diego Zoo offers free parking, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Additional parking is available in nearby areas of Balboa Park.
Can I bring my own food to the zoo?
Yes, you can bring small snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, but large coolers and full meals are not allowed. There are plenty of dining options inside the zoo as well.
Can I re-enter the zoo on the same day?
Yes, just make sure to get a hand stamp before leaving if you plan to return later in the day.
Are pets allowed in the parks?
No, pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are not allowed at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park due to the presence of rare and endangered species.
Can I drive through the Safari Park?
No, the Safari Park is a walk-through experience, with optional guided tours available. If you want a drive through experience of the park, you can opt for the hop-on, hop-off Kangaroo rides which covers the main areas of the park.
