One-day admission is $50/adults and $40/kids ages 3–11 (kids under 3 are free). A two-park ticket is also available that includes the Safari Park. You can purchase tickets online or by calling 619-231-1515. Note that active duty military guests get a free single-day admission if they show valid military ID, and October is Kids Free days (kids are free with paying adult). Parking at the zoo is free.

The best way to see the zoo is on foot, of course, so that you can take your time at your favorite exhibits, and bypass those that may not interest you as much. The zoo is built on hilly land, and certain areas are more difficult for those with limited mobility to reach. Moving walkways and escalators are available in a handful of locations in the zoo, so take advantage of these whenever possible to help you get from one exhibit to the next. If walking will present problems for you, using the Express Bus can definitely be helpful.

Don’t try to see everything in one day. The San Diego Zoo is very large, covering 100 hilly acres, and features more than 3,700 animals. Make time for breaks at the exhibits, rest at the shows, and utilize the escalators and other transportation when possible.

Visit the park early in the morning, as viewing areas will be less crowded, and the animals are usually more active before it begins to heat up. The San Diego Zoo is also a popular attraction for locals, so it’s best to stay away on weekends.

Take advantage of “Nighttime Zoo” during the summer, where the zoo offers special evening shows and extended hours, and where you can see nocturnal animals at their most active. 

Don’t forget your camera and plenty of film, empty photo storage/memory, and batteries. (Note that flash photography is prohibited at the Giant Panda exhibit).

Guided tours and themed sleepovers are also available for the true zoo lover, at an additional cost for both adults and children.

San Diego Zoo is open year-round. During the traditional school months, the park is typically open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Summer sees typical park hours of 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Check the website or call 619-231-1515 for hours.

For driving directions, visit the San Diego Zoo website at http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org, call 619-234-1515, or use a trip routing service such as Google Maps or Waze (destination address: 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101).