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Visiting the San Diego Zoo shops
San Diego Zoo Kids Store
If you're taking the family to the San Diego Zoo, shopping should be a must in your itinerary. Take the kids over to the Kids Store and they will be spoiled for choice. Conveniently located next to the exit, this San Diego Zoo shopping spot marks a great ending to your day!
Location: Front Street
What to get: Souvenirs, snacks, clothing, hats, books, toys, and knick-knacks.
Zootique
Here is a San Diego Zoo shopping spot that will prove that gift shopping at a zoo is not only for kids! Zootique is a small but mighty gift shop that'll charm even those who are averse to shopping. Situated right across the Kids Store at the exit, this establishment should not be missed.
Location: Front Street
What to get: International gifts, handicrafts from different countries, clothing, jewelry, and gourmet food.
Front Street Photos
A day at the San Diego Zoo is incomplete without a bunch of photos to remember your best experiences. At the Front Street Photos shop, that is exactly what you'll be able to do! This a must-visit shop on Front Street and the best kind of personal souvenir that you can collect.
Location: Front Street
What to get: Photos, magnets, and CDs.
Roar Store
It is very common to forget to bring something in the excitement of a trip, but fear not—the San Diego Zoo has you covered! The Road Store has all kinds of essentials that will help make your trip as comfortable and safe as possible. You can find this store right next to the entrance.
Location: Front Street
What to get: Hats, sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and sunscreen.
Mercado
If reptiles are what you fancy, then this San Diego Zoo shopping spot will be a little slice of heaven for you. Located right next to the Reptile House, it is also a great spot to visit before going in to see the reptiles in case you have a child who might be scared of the cold-blooded brood.
Location: Front Street
What to get: Reptile-themed novelties, toys, plush animals, soft drinks, and snacks.
Basecamp Provisions
The Basecamp Provisions store has all the things that you need to go off on your adventure at the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. However, if you're already set and ready for the challenge, then you can also get one-of-a-kind gifts and knick-knacks to commemorate your trip!
Location: Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
What to get: Essentials, shirts, bubble wands, plush animals, hats, and bags.
Sydney's Shoppe
Situated right next to the Koalafornia Boardwalk is Sydney's Shoppe, which is themed around one of the most adorable animals from Down Under — the Koala! If you love these adorable marsupials that are native to Australia, check out this gift shop when you're in the Outback section.
Location: Outback
What to get: Koala-themed t-shirts, caps, and other gifts and souvenirs.
Panda Shop
This cute little shop is next to the Hua Mei Cafe and is filled with panda-themed goodies that'll melt the heart of any visitor, no matter their age. This Asian-themed San Diego Zoo shopping spot will make you love pandas more than ever before!
Location: Asian Passage
What to get: Panda plush toys, red lanterns, panda-themed story books, t-shirts, and cups.
Arctic Trader
The only shopping spot in the Northern Frontier, this is also a gift shop that is themed on a particular animal — polar bears! You can see the polar bear in action at the exhibit and take its adorable likeliness back home with you when you shop at Arctic Trader.
Location: Northern Frontier
What to get: Polar bear plush toys, t-shirts, bags, caps, and ice cream.
Tusker's Trunk
This elephant-themed shopping shack is next to the Sabertooth Mexican Grill and sells elephant-inspired memorabilia and souvenirs. Not only can you get some sweet knick-knacks but you can also learn more about the lives of these gentle giants through the books and reading material on offer.
Location: Elephant Odyssey
What to get: Books, plush toys, clothes, home decor, and handicrafts.
Zoo Brew
Zoo Brew will take care of all your needs when you're on a break from your zoo exploration. It is a cafe halfway down Treetops Way, where you can get snacks and drinks while choosing some Monkey Trails-themed gifts and apparel for yourself and your loved ones.
Location: Lost Forest
What to get: Monkey Trails-themed souvenirs, craft beer, mini-donuts and specialty coffee.
Ituri Forest Outpost
For visitors who like their souvenirs eclectic and unusual, Ituri Forest Outpost is a dream come true. This San Diego Zoo shopping spot is themed around Africa and can be found at the farthest part of the zoo, near the Hippo Trail.
Location: Lost Forest
What to get: hats, t-shirts, home decor, tiger plush toys, and tote bags.
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Frequently asked questions about the San Diego Zoo shopping experience
Can I return or exchange items?
You can return and exchange most items that you purchase from the online San Diego Zoo gift shop. If you want to return an item that is not incorrect or damaged, you will have to pay the shipping price for sending it back. If the product is incorrect or damaged, you'll be sent a prepaid return shipping label. Exchanges are complimentary. However, some items are excluded from these norms so read the policies carefully before purchasing.
Are there eco-friendly products available at the shop?
Yes, the zoo sells eco-friendly items both online and in its physical stores. You can get items like eco-friendly T-shirts, caps, jewelry, toys, stuffed animals, tumblers, tote bags, and more!
What can I get kids from the San Diego Zoo store?
The San Diego Zoo shops are like a wonderland for kids. Get all kinds of souvenirs and merchandise like kids' clothes, accessories, plush toys, storybooks, bags, caps, and more in fun animal themes!
What’s the best time to shop to avoid crowds?
The best time to shop at the zoo is in the morning, right after the zoo opens. Usually, people wait till the end of the trip to buy souvenirs so lunchtime and evenings can get quite crowded. If you have a car in the parking lot, consider shopping first and then storing away the merchandise in the car at the beginning since you are allowed same-day re-entry.
Can I just shop at San Diego Zoo without having to pay for entry tickets?
Yes, if you want to visit the shopping stalls at the San Diego Zoo without exploring the exhibits, you can do so with the Shopper’s Pass, which allows you to enter and shop at the venue. You can also avail yourself of a 1-Day Pass and shop for 30 minutes, which can be extended to 60 minutes. If you get back within the deadline, your entry pass money will be refunded.
Is there anywhere I can store my shopping bags while I look around the zoo?
The zoo has self-service lockers on Front Street for small items. You can also store your luggage at the main Guest Services building for a fee.
Can I use credit and debit cards at the store?
Yes, you can use debit and credit cards at the zoo shops, as well as for online shopping, parking, tickets, and memberships.
What are some of the most popular items at the San Diego Zoo shops?
Some of the most popular items at the San Diego Zoo are their accessories, apparel, decor, and more with the 'Colorful Lion' centennial art, the 'Save the Chubby Unicorns' design, and the 'Gorilla Shadow' graphic. The animal-themed plush toys are also wildly popular.