A visit to Southern California is not complete without spending a day at the famous San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park. Welcoming guests since 1922, this 100-acre Zoological Park is home to more than 3,500 animals and a botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants.
Must See Zoo Areas:
– Elephant Odyssey
– Outback
– Lost Forest
– Africa Rocks
– Northern Frontier Special Events: Nighttime Zoo
From June 16th to September 2nd the zoo is open until 8:00pm. Plan your visit to have dinner at the zoo and stay late to enjoy the evening special events that include live music, fun shows and activities, animal encounters, and more!
Exploring the Zoo
Exploring on Foot: The San Diego Zoo has been designed to make you feel like you are on safari and it takes an avid explorer with a map to get the full experience. The signage is helpful, there is minimal walking between areas, and the zoo is visually interesting to explore and enjoy.
Skyfari Aerial Tram – While not a great option to see the animals at the zoo, it is a great way to get from the back of the park (Northern Frontier) to the front of the park (Discovery Outpost). The aerial tram operates from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Guided Bus Tour – Enjoy a 35-minute narrated tour on a double-decker bus covering much of the Zoo. The bus runs from 9:00am to 7:00pm, and the tour begins on Front Street, near the Flamingo exhibit.
Kangaroo Express Bus – Is a continuous shuttle with four pick-up and drop-off locations in the park. Essentially the zoo can be separated into two sections, and the express bus reaches about half of the park. Except for the 1st Bus Stop (Urban Jungle), the other three bus stops are conveniently located between zoo areas. Using the express bus will significantly reduce the distance you walk. Keep in mind the other half of the park has been designed for walking the various trails within the Lost Forest.
Entertainment
Animal Shows – The Wild About Animals! show is at 3:00pm daily at the Wegeforth Bowl. Animal ambassadors and trainers will entertain guests in this up close and personal experience. Geared towards children, the Dr. Zoolittle Explores Africa show runs at 5:30pm and 6:30pm on Africa Rocks Stage.
Theater Show – Located in the Northern Frontier, Smallfoot 4-D Experience is the only indoor theater at the zoo and requires an additional fee or upgraded ticket to experience.
Food & Beverage
There are over a dozen places to get a quick bite to eat while touring the zoo. A trip to the zoo is not about the food, but the San Diego Zoo does have a few unique options. If you are one of the first visitors of the day at the zoo, grab a coffee at Jungle Java. Albert’s Restaurant is a great place for a sit-down meal in the treetops of the Lost Forest. If you are looking for an adult beverage, make your way to Zoo Brew, Boardwalk Beer Garden, or San Diego Craft Beer and Margaritas.
Insider Tip: Pick a place you would like to eat before you begin exploring, choose a direction that will bring you to your snack, lunch, or dinner spot at the appropriate time.
Tours & Experiences
To upgrade your San Diego Zoo experience, consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour or experience that is not available with the standard visit. These tours and experiences are great for animal lovers, photographers, and anyone that wants to learn more about the animals and how the San Diego Zoo Global is protecting wildlife both at the zoo and around the world. Keep in mind, the cost is in addition to the admission price.
VIP Experience – A five- to eight-hour guided tour of the zoo. This is the ultimate experience at one of the best zoos on the planet. It’s not inexpensive, but you will be telling your friends and family about the experience for years to come.
Animals in Action Experience – Join an expert trainer who will take you behind-the-scenes to feed, touch, or help train some of their animal ambassadors.
Inside Look Tours – There are multiple behind-the-scenes tours that bring small groups on foot and in a shuttle to visit some off-exhibit areas. When you book the tour you can choose the location that interests you the most.
Discovery Cart Tour – Enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Zoo led by one of their knowledgeable guides. The tour route deviates from the Guided Bus Tour route to get you closer to the animals.
Crazy About Cats – Take an early morning tour of the Zoo’s most iconic and fascinating cat species. Go behind-the scenes with your tour guide with some of the felines and other animals. This is the perfect tour for guests interested in Tigers, Lions, Jaguars and Big Cats in general.
Early Morning Photo Expedition – This small group cart tour explores the Zoo before it opens. Hop on and off the cart to get amazing shots of the animals before the gates open. his tour is great for animal lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Sunrise Surprise Stroll – This is a very limited tour and only available on select days. Take a stroll of the zoo with experienced animal educators as they share the latest updates on the animal collection and the “inside secrets”. The 90-minute tour changes every month – breakfast muffins and coffee are included!!
Bonus: Explore the Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood for shopping, entertainment, restaurants and lodging while visiting San Diego. We also recommend staying at the Sofia Hotel and spending an evening in the Old Town neighborhood for authentic Mexican food.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive,
San Diego, CA 92101
