San Diego Zoo
San Diego, CA
~$72 adult / ~$62 child
By Simir Shah
Updated September 13, 2026
★★★★★4.7(67,401 Google reviews)
From our editor — we've been
We grew up going to Brookfield Zoo, so we absolutely embraced going to the San Diego Zoo. It's such a wonderful place, and yes — the pandas are back. There's so much to learn, and the included guided bus tour makes it easy to get around. We always enjoy a day at the zoo — nothing like watching the elephants, giraffes and lions. We're not a reptile family, so we stay away from the reptile house. It really is a wonderful place, and the team there works hard to keep it clean. Always worth the return trip.
💡 Local tip: The guided bus tour is included with admission — do it early in the visit, it's a great way to get oriented before picking where to spend your time.
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Expect a lot of walking on hills, though reviewers say the bus loop and Skyfari are included and give feet a rest. Plenty of shade from mature trees, benches everywhere and water refill stations. There is a splash pad and a play area. Food is pricey, so bring your own bottle and snacks.
World-famous zoo in Balboa Park, home to more than 3,700 animals across 650+ species — including giant pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the first pandas back in the U.S. in 21 years, viewable at the expanded Denny Sanford Panda Ridge habitat since 2024. The Skyfari aerial tram, running since 1969, carries visitors nearly 1,800 feet above the canyons, and the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp area is built for younger kids.
Plan your visit to San Diego Zoo
Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these
- How long to spend
- Plan on most of a day. The zoo covers about 100 hilly acres, and Wildlife Explorers Basecamp alone can absorb several hours with young kids.
- Best time to go
- Arrive at opening, when animals are most active and the lot is emptier; weekdays and spring and fall are quieter than summer weekends.
- Parking & getting there
- The zoo's own lot is paid for non-members, and members park free after registering their vehicle. On select days a free shuttle runs from the Lower Inspiration Point lot on Park Boulevard, and MTS Rapid 215 and Route 7 buses stop at the zoo.
- Best ages
- All ages. Toddlers and preschoolers love Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, a 3-acre play area with rope bridges, tunnels, a waterfall grotto and splash jets, plus the Spineless Marvels insect house. The old Children's Zoo petting area has closed, and its animals moved to the Safari Park's Petting Kraal.
- Food
- Outside snacks and drinks are allowed in small containers; coolers must be small with no wheels, and glass and straws are banned for the animals' safety. Restaurants include Albert's in Lost Forest, Sabertooth Grill in Elephant Odyssey and Busy Bee Cafe in Basecamp, and you can eat your own food at tables near the dining spots.
- What to bring
- Comfortable shoes for the steep grades, plus swimsuits or a change of clothes for the Basecamp splash jets (there are kid-sized body dryers). Folding strollers can ride the Skyfari aerial tram, and strollers can be rented at the entrance.
- Rain or heat plan
- On hot days, head for shaded and enclosed spots like the Reptile House and Owens Aviary in Lost Forest, and use the Guided Bus Tour, the free Kangaroo bus and the Skyfari to cut down on uphill walking. The Skyfari may pause in bad weather.
Pair it with
Common questions
Can you bring food into the San Diego Zoo?
Yes. Snacks and drinks are allowed in small containers, but no glass, no straws, and no large or wheeled coolers.
Does the San Diego Zoo still have a petting zoo?
No. The former Children's Zoo became Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, and the petting animals moved to the Petting Kraal at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Is the San Diego Zoo stroller friendly?
Yes, though there are steep grades. Strollers can be rented at the entrance, folded strollers can ride the Skyfari, and elevators and ADA routes help on the hills.
How do you avoid walking uphill at the San Diego Zoo?
Take the Skyfari aerial tram between the front and back of the zoo, and use the Guided Bus Tour and the hop-on, hop-off Kangaroo bus.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Restrooms
- Food on-site
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2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Patrick Cody★★★★★
An Absolute Must for Families Visiting San Diego—But Come With a Plan! The San Diego Zoo was one of the highlights of our family vacation. This place is massive and offers so much to see and experience, so I strongly recommend choosing your must-see animals ahead of time and planning a route. Without a game plan, it would be easy to miss something your family was excited to see. We also planned time at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp because we knew our daughter would need a chance to play between animal exhibits. Family tip: pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes! The splash pad was one of the highlights of her day, giving her a chance to cool off, play, and recharge. Afterward, we changed her into dry clothes and continued exploring the zoo. The elephants were majestic, the koalas were adorable, and the polar bears and leopards were incredible to watch. We hoped to see the giant pandas, but it was simply too hot for them to be out during our visit—which gives us a reason to return! The San Diego Zoo is much more than a place to see animals; it is a full-day family adventure. Come prepared, wear comfortable shoes, and allow plenty of time. It is an absolute must for any family visiting San Diego!
3 weeks ago
- Tyler Peterschmidt★★★★★
Best zoo experience ever! I've visited many zoos across the country and this is by far the best. It is extremely well maintained and the grounds are beautiful. We arrived upon opening at 9am which is recommended to get the best animal activity and avoid the largest crowds. The right side of the park (Australia and Africa) have the most sun exposure so I'd recommend doing that first before the heat of the day. We ate lunch at Albert's. Reservation would be recommended and ask to sit outside. It's shaded and the waterfall is a nice touch. The food was good. You'll pay the zoo premium price of course. Afternoon was a good time to visit the jungle animals. Most were active and happened to catch the gorilla feeding. All in all an excellent day at the zoo and a great family experience!
3 weeks ago
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