The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned attraction that offers visitors a chance to explore over 100 acres of exhibits and see more than 3,500 animals representing 650 species. For zoo touring enthusiasts, the recommended time to spend at the San Diego Zoo is between 4 to 6 hours.
Cost and Hours
The San Diego Zoo is open every day of the year, including holidays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months (March 1 through September 30) and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter months (October 1 through February 28). The last entry is one hour before closing.
As of 2024, the one-day admission prices for the San Diego Zoo are:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (ages 12+) | $66 |
| Child (ages 3-11) | $56 |
| Children under 3 | Free |
The zoo also offers various membership options, providing unlimited admission for 12 months and other benefits such as early entry, discounts on food and merchandise, and free parking.
Attractions and Exhibits
The San Diego Zoo is divided into several distinct areas, each featuring a variety of animals and exhibits. Some of the most popular attractions include:
African Woods
- Gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates
- African elephants, lions, and rhinos
Asian Passage
- Tigers, orangutans, and other Asian animals
- Diverse plant species
Australian Outback
- Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and other Australian animals
- Walk-through aviary
Discovery Outpost
- Interactive animal encounters
- Petting zoo
- Playground for children
Elephant Odyssey
- Asian and African elephants
- Lions, jaguars, and meerkats
Monkey Trails
- Exhibits featuring various species of monkeys and apes
North America
- Grizzly bears, bald eagles, and bison
Panda Canyon
- Giant pandas and red pandas
Reptile House
- Variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects
Urban Jungle
- Lemurs, sloths, and bats
Dining and Shopping
The San Diego Zoo offers a variety of dining options, ranging from quick-service restaurants and cafes to sit-down restaurants with table service. Some of the most popular dining options include Albert’s, Front Street Cafe, Sabertooth Grill, and Treetops Cafe.
The zoo also provides a range of shopping opportunities, including gift shops, clothing stores, and specialty stores selling items such as toys, books, and art. Some of the most popular shopping options include the African Trading Company, Asian Passage Gift Shop, Discovery Outpost Gift Shop, Elephant Odyssey Gift Shop, and Front Street Marketplace.
Transportation and Parking
The San Diego Zoo offers several transportation options, including the Skyfari aerial tram, Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Bus, and Double-Decker Bus, to help visitors navigate the large park.
Parking is available in several lots near the zoo’s main entrance, as well as in nearby parking garages. Parking fees vary depending on the lot and time of day, ranging from $10 to $25. Valet parking is also available for an additional fee.
Real-Life Incidents and Statistics
In 2023, the San Diego Zoo welcomed over 4 million visitors, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The zoo is also home to several conservation and research programs, including the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy, which works to protect endangered species and their habitats around the world.
In 2022, the zoo’s giant panda exhibit welcomed a new addition, a male panda cub named Xiao Liwu. The cub was born to the zoo’s resident giant pandas, Bai Yun and Gao Gao, and is part of a breeding program aimed at increasing the population of this critically endangered species.
In 2021, the zoo’s Elephant Odyssey exhibit underwent a major renovation, adding new exhibits and interactive features to enhance the visitor experience. The renovation was part of a larger effort to improve the zoo’s animal habitats and conservation programs.
References:
– San Diego Zoo. (n.d.). Help Center – FAQ. Retrieved from https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/help-center
– Full Suitcase. (2023, January 31). San Diego Itinerary Ideas from 1 to 3 Days (+ Maps & Tips). Retrieved from https://fullsuitcase.com/san-diego-itinerary/
– USS Midway Museum. (n.d.). Know Before You Go. Retrieved from https://www.midway.org/visit/know-before-you-go
– San Diego International Airport. (n.d.). Travel Tips, Travel FAQs & Travel Information. Retrieved from https://www.san.org/travel-info/travel-tips
– Tripadvisor. (2024). San Diego, CA: All You Must Know Before You Go. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g60750-San_Diego_California-Vacations.html