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Where is the San Diego Zoo located?

The San Diego Zoo is conveniently located in the heart of Balboa Park, one of San Diego’s top cultural destinations. Surrounded by museums, gardens, and other landmarks, it’s the perfect addition to any San Diego itinerary.

Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | Find on Maps
Closest landmark: Balboa Park’s San Diego Museum of Art (0.5 miles)

San Diego Zoo location

Getting to the zoo

San Diego public transport bus on city street with palm trees in background

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

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.

San Diego Zoo restaurants

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.

Shopping at San Diego Zoo

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, & 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.

Visitor tips

Arriving at 9am ensures you catch the animals at their most active and helps you avoid parking hassles. It’s also the coolest time of the day, ideal for walking and exploring before crowds arrive.
The 35-minute Guided Bus Tour is included in your admission and gives a great overview of the zoo. It’s a smart way to start your day, as it helps you get a sense of the layout and decide which exhibits to visit later. Opt for the top deck for the best views.
The Skyfari Aerial Tram not only offers great views but also works as a shortcut to cover the zoo’s large grounds without exhausting yourself. Use it to jump from the front entrance to exhibits like Polar Bear Plunge or the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
Even though there are plenty of spots to grab a drink, you can carry your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
Use the official zoo app or grab a map at the entrance to plan your route and make the most of your day.

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.