San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
Overview
Mobile ticket
The San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre wildlife park and home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals, representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden, caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including a prominent curated assemblage of close to 13,000 specimens, representing 3,100 species.
The expansive new 3.2-acre Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is designed to appeal to all ages and foster empathy for wildlife by exploring nature. Built on the site of the historic Children’s Zoo, the basecamp features fresh and innovative elements, including eight buildings and habitats dispersed throughout four different habitat zones: Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows and Desert Dunes.
Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental at the front plaza near the entrance
Please visit the San Diego Zoo's website for more information on complimentary timed tickets and standby lines for the giant panda viewing
Giant Panda Timed Tickets are only available on Saturdays and Sundays at the San Diego Zoo on the same day as your visit. These tickets are complimentary, limited, and first come, first served. Simply scan the ticket QR code on the sign at the main entrance of the Zoo, select an available time, and head to the Timed Ticket line at Denny Sanford Panda Ridge at your designated time. You may also seek assistance with timed tickets at any Admissions Booth
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
San Diego Zoo
A majestic wildlife park and botanical garden, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Winding paths through forests and mesas bring you close to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals, including koalas, tigers, Galápagos tortoises, polar bears, and more. Explore Africa Rocks to discover penguins, baboons, lemurs, weaver birds, and other unique wildlife. Enjoy up-close encounters, interactive experiences, and exciting educational presentations. This wild and fun atmosphere makes the San Diego Zoo a great place for families to connect with animals and plants, and learn how to become wildlife allies. As a leader in wildlife care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience. We hope to see you soon!
What‘s Included
*Unlimited use of Skyfari Aerial Tram
*Unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour
Tickets good one year from original date of purchase
Food and drink
Hotel pick up and drop-off
Parking Fees - beginning January 5, 2026 Balboa Park charges a flat rate of $16 per vehicle, per day
Options
San Diego Zoo
Reviews
4,470 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10
512delilahg,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was fun I was good I was funny I
Love the Giant Pandas
I9018HXsharona,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best zoo we have been! The Giant pandas were with the wait.
Fun day at the Zoo.
Yamaina R,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Used some Tripadvisor cash and it was a good way to get a discounted ticket!
The Best Zoo
727jaydenh,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I saw a lot of different animals and got a lot of pictures of them. This zoo is great
Great day at the SD Zoo!
cathlynf2025,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I’ve been in zoom member often on for years. I renewed my membership and had a great time with family..
San Diego Zoo
ralph S,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You could use a full day to explore all of this zoo. It is fantastic. You’re allowed to bring in food and drinks, etc. The price is at the zoo if you buy food are really not that bad.
BEST Zoo
610mariciac,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00BEST zoo we have ever been to. It was myself, hubby and two kids ages 9yo and 16yo. We first jumped in the tour bus and then walk around for a couple hours. Food was good at lunch. Walked around for a few more hours until we made it to the Skyfari (I believe that’s what it was called). Then walked around some more until 20 minutes before closing. Shopped in the bid kids store and spent way too much money lol 10 out of 10 experience for sure
Animal magic
NorthStar440632,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A truly magical experience! The animals seemed very happy and the Zoo was welcoming, clean and educational.
Enjoyed the zoo
Expedition124573,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very Busy. Several exhibits closed.
The real & raw revie
reyiannaw,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A bit crowded as to be expected for spring break. Food was good, highly pricey. Services was a bit slow and lack luster at certain spots. Highly disappointed polar bears were not available and they are my favorite and a big highlight of my trip was for them. The kids had fun that's all that matters. Skybox ride was breezy and enjoyable. Very helpful and friendly guides along the paths. Spent 7 hours and missed some animals but that was to be expected trying to cover so much ground with active kids/teens. Weather was great, didn't expect to be sunburned definitely bring sunscreen just in case. I did pack snacks and lunches but purchased refill cup and some sweet treats. Will go again possibly when school starts back up to beat a lengthy crowd. Some exhibits such as pandas felt rushed due to large crowds and impatient guests. Tourist tend to be rude compared to us locals not a ton of manners and some children unruly. Family bathrooms can be a hit or miss as far as cleanliness. There tends to be a overwhelming amount of large wagons and strollers that collide with walking pedestrians and even elderly on scooters. It makes walking on the street accepting at times until the tour bus comes along.
From US$78.00
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Related Experiences
Operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance