San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
San Diego, USA
- 1 to 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
Overview
Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.
- Admission to the San Diego Zoo - welcoming back the giant pandas!
- Marvel at the diverse collection of animals including many that are on the endangered species list
- This is a direct entry ticket, no need to exchange for tickets at Will Call
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
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Zoo DriveZoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours
- 03/03/2021 - 05/21/2027
Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
What To Expect
After making your own way to the San Diego Zoo on the day of your choice, you can head into the zoo's visitor center to pick up a map and plan your route through this acclaimed zoo. The animals live in spacious and beautifully designed enclosures that replicate their natural habitats. The koala and giant panda exhibits are always popular, as are the orangutans and siamangs that climb around in lush forest settings.
Other highlights include the Tiger River exhibit, which features a realistic Asian rainforest environment, and the Gorilla Tropics, which recreates a lush African rainforest. Zoo keeper talks take place at regular intervals every day, with the experts introducing animals such as giraffes, elephants, wolves, lions or jaguars, and more. In the animal nursery, you might get to see some of the zoo’s newest arrivals.
Kids enjoy petting small tame critters in the Petting Paddock and four different play zones provide a safe and entertaining spot to climb and explore.
As you make your way through the zoo, note the extensive gardens — some of the plants growing there supply ingredients for the specialized diets of particular zoo residents.
Other highlights include the Tiger River exhibit, which features a realistic Asian rainforest environment, and the Gorilla Tropics, which recreates a lush African rainforest. Zoo keeper talks take place at regular intervals every day, with the experts introducing animals such as giraffes, elephants, wolves, lions or jaguars, and more. In the animal nursery, you might get to see some of the zoo’s newest arrivals.
Kids enjoy petting small tame critters in the Petting Paddock and four different play zones provide a safe and entertaining spot to climb and explore.
As you make your way through the zoo, note the extensive gardens — some of the plants growing there supply ingredients for the specialized diets of particular zoo residents.
1
San Diego Zoo
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (23)
Q:How do I redeem my San Diego Zoo Ticket?
A:This is a direct entry ticket, no need to exchange for tickets at Will Call. Take your ticket directly to the turnstiles for admission.
Apr 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 4,518 reviews
Julie_T, May 2026
Lots of fun seeing all the animals. We were there while they refilling the feeders for the Elephants and got to see them come out and go straight for thier favorites. The koala where upnin the trees so visible but sleepy lol.
Robert_G, May 2026
A very good day out, had plenty of time to see all the animals. Would suggest that on arrival that you head to the Panda enclosure as that is very popular although on our visit we just walked into the enclosure and watched the Pandas eating. It is worth a visit.
Kathryn_W, Apr 2026
Beautiful zoom not just for the animals but the lush vegetation, also very clean and friendly staff.
cole_l, Apr 2026
We had a great time. Got there as it opened and it was not very crowded. We were able to walk right in to see the pandas. By late afternoon there was a line.
Lisa_G, Apr 2026
First time visiting the zoo and it did not disappoint! The online tips said it probably takes 6-7 hours to see everything and they were not kidding. We stayed around 7 hours and still didn’t see it all. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and unlike any zoo I’ve ever visited. The conservation abounds and shows how much the animals are cared for here. We took the bus tour first thing which was a great way to get our bearings. We then took the tram up to the top and walked down to see the sights. Would definitely recommend this approach to save energy as the zoo is basically uphill! We loved seeing all the animals but especially the giraffes, elephants, and meerkats! Enjoy!
Jenelle_D, Apr 2026
This Zoo is spectacular!! My husband and I first came here for our Honeymoon. We returned for our 27th Anniversary!! I love how close you can get to the animals without being in harms way. There's so many places to eat and they're not your typical pizza, hot dogs or burgers. I would highly recommend taking a full day(yes, it will take a full day) and seeing this zoo.
Kathleen_P, Apr 2026
LOVED. Recommend the bus tour to start - it helps you to see the different areas so you know where you want to go in what order; plus you see a lot of animals. Bottom of bus lets you stand and walk around during the tour. Animals have feeding schedules know them for the ones you absolutely want to see and time to be there at that time. There's also a safari that is a separate experience and location. We don't know about it and would have loved to check that out too.
Zakir_U, Apr 2026
As a family with our child we loved the San Diego Zoo - really exciting seeing the animals! Lots to explore and they conveniently had a stroller to rent.
Shana_R, Apr 2026
This is a must in San Diego! It was super fun and the kids had a great time! The animals were awesome!
Jill_h, Apr 2026
Well worth the money. Great experience and so much to see. Beautiful zoo and would highly recommend.
Tara_H, Apr 2026
I’ve been to many zoos across US and felt this was a San Diego obligation but I honestly should have passed. My issues - stations to fill up water bottles are very limited. The cost of bottle water is extremely expensive. I did learn by asking any food station would fill up your water bottle but you had to wait in a long line. It felt pointless just to fill up my water bottle. The zoo really should have more water stations or cups of water to grab at food stations. Also, this is San Diego so it’s hot and I can’t believe there weren’t any water misting stations in whole park for kids to run through and cool off. Even milwaukee zoo has these. My other issue is near the panda overlook is this very long bridge with a fence - the fence curves but the height is so low that if you look down at the panda and stand up the bar hits your head. I was with another group of friends who are engineers and they all hit their heads and even said “as an engineer, there are way better ways to make this fence”. After all of us hitting our heads looking down at pandas, we were walking to elevators to go down but my son saw a leaf, bent down to grab it and again hit his head!! This fence is an aweful design. Also, the elevator isn’t a great design. We stayed in it for 5 minutes not moving because people on the outside kept pressing the button so the doors would open back up. I’m wondering if there is a way to solve this - perhaps a lighting system or someone managing it on busy days. The pandas were cool and the flamingos the brightest I’ve seen. I wonder what they feed them? But the overall the design of the park for where a hot and sunny place doesn’t make it worth it. Save your money and stick to the beaches.
ralph_S, Apr 2026
You 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.
Courtney_M, Mar 2026
Easy entry with our tickets. Enjoyed a full day with kiddos ages 16/5/2 for a first ever visit. Would certainly do it again.
Bella_G, Mar 2026
Spring is a great tome to visit. All the animals are out and about.
We started with the tour bus and it gave us a great overview of the park.
jean_r, Mar 2026
Beautiful day, loved all the well thought out habitats for the animals. Couldn’t have asked for a better day to spend in San Diego
Sabine_H, Mar 2026
Fantastic zoo! Take the bus tour around the zoo before walking around on your own. This zoo is unlike any other zoo in the U.S.
Ashley_C, Mar 2026
It was huge ! We walked half and then found an upper deck bus tour to finish out our trip through the zoo ! Gift shops were fun and great food choices.
Steven_S, Mar 2026
Take your time and enjoy it all! The layout of the zoo is special. It has different levels but many workers that were very helpful and knowledgeable.
Craig_T, Mar 2026
The zoo absolutely lives up to expectations! It’s like an amusement park but with beautiful anima exhibits instead of thrill rides. So much to see! If you get tired walking I recommend doing half the zoo, then taking the bus tour around the zoo (totally free) and then hitting the rest. We loved it!
Tory_I, Mar 2026
There’s a lot to see and do. Plan accordingly, take breaks. The staff is great, ask questions …………..
Jeff_C, Mar 2026
Go early for the most animal activity. Bonus to pass is sky tram and bus tour. The second best zoo in the USA.
Joe_G, Mar 2026
Had a great time at the zoo and the bus tour and driver as awesome getting around to zoo was easy with the mobile map.
Veronica_C, Mar 2026
Bring water bottle, comfy shoes and don't skip the skyfari tram. Great time to enjoy with family and friends.
Emerick_W, Mar 2026
It was awesome. A lot of walking, parking was easy and zoo staff was very friendly.
The elephant exhibit was nice to see and experience.
paul_l, Mar 2026
One thing I noted was in some cases the enclosures were very small based on the size of the animal. Case in point was the giraffe's. Concession prices high. One small maybe 8 inch pizza and two medium soft drinks $38.
Ada_J, Feb 2026
Fantastic experience well organized, clean , animals looked well taken care of, the Panda was beautiful . Employees were helpful and nice
Garygl_I, Feb 2026
The zoo is a must see if you go make sure to see the pandas and take the free bus tour and sky way there are plenty of food choices and the workers were very helpful
Sharon_R, Feb 2026
Travelling around on a mobility scooter wasnt easy in the crowds. A lot of animals seemed to be inside so we didn't see them. The free bus tour was good.
KAREN_A, Feb 2026
Suggest going early. Lines are shorter to get in and more parking is available. And it is cooler and lines for everything are shorter.
The trolley rides are free and drivers are very informative- highly recommend! Also start you day by reserving a time to see the pandas. Failure to do so incurs long lines of waiting to get in on standby basis.
Laura_B, Jan 2026
Lovely zoo with clean habitats and lots of animals. Disappointed that the Polar region was closed but there was plenty of to see otherwise.
From $78.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket
4,518
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$78.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in San Diego, USA
- San Diego Air & Space Museum Tours & Tickets
- Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum Tours & Tickets
- Coronado Tours & Tickets
- Old Town San Diego Tours & Tickets
- Old Globe Theater Tours & Tickets
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) Tours & Tickets
- Liberty Station Tours & Tickets
- Belmont Park Tours & Tickets
- San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) Tours & Tickets
- Barrio Logan Tours & Tickets
- USS Midway Museum Tours & Tickets
- San Diego Convention Center Tours & Tickets
- Museum of Us Tours & Tickets
- Heritage County Park Tours & Tickets
- B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal Tours & Tickets
- San Diego Harbor Tours & Tickets
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Tours & Tickets