San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. Not only that, but the San Diego Zoo also has a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. Get acquainted with a variety of animals, from the King of the Jungle to some of the biggest cats! Be bold and check out the reptiles, fish, and creepy-crawly insects!
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You’ll see all your classic favorites, like the Monkey Trails, Polar Bear Plunge, Scripps Aviary, Elephant Odyssey, Tiger River, and also the popular “Early Morning with Pandas” tour. All animals live in an environment remarkably similar to their native habitat. One of the best ways to enjoy the Zoo is on their 35- minute narrated tour. The tour is on a double-decker bus and covers about 70 percent of the Zoo. The zoo has an excellent planner for your day at the park.
Eugene Y
22:41 19 Jun 22
Wonderful place for people of all ages. If you're planning on visiting more than once per year, then the membership becomes worthwhile. Just note that most of the animals retreat into the shade around noon to avoid the sun, so if you want to get a good view, you should plan to reach your most important exhibit as early in the morning as possible.
There is a sky tram located near the park entrance that will take you directly to the large Africa exhibit with the lions, elephants, and secretary birds. It's a handy shortcut.
Also, expect all of the food to cost twice as much.
There is a sky tram located near the park entrance that will take you directly to the large Africa exhibit with the lions, elephants, and secretary birds. It's a handy shortcut.
Also, expect all of the food to cost twice as much.
Corey Hedge (DisneyDad)
03:15 08 Apr 22
Wow, just wow. What an amazing experience. Clean, organized and very professional staff. As a Disneyland Cast member i know first hand about high standards when it comes to public entertainment. So let me say that the San Diego Zoo has definitely got it's stuff together.
The staff and volunteers were all so amazing. Every one that we interacted with were all so knowledgeable and courteous. They were even so nice to share some tips with us to make our trip even more enjoyable. The areas throughout were clean and well maintained. The food was great and fairly priced. We didn't do any tours and instead chose to walk the whole time. The paths were at times confusing but we eventually figured out where we needed to go.
The only negative thing i have to say is that a lot of animals were either not available to see or were in areas of there enclosures that were hard to see for kids let alone adults at times. Other than that our kids and us had a great time. We wished we lived closer so we could go more often.
Well done San Diego Zoo!
The staff and volunteers were all so amazing. Every one that we interacted with were all so knowledgeable and courteous. They were even so nice to share some tips with us to make our trip even more enjoyable. The areas throughout were clean and well maintained. The food was great and fairly priced. We didn't do any tours and instead chose to walk the whole time. The paths were at times confusing but we eventually figured out where we needed to go.
The only negative thing i have to say is that a lot of animals were either not available to see or were in areas of there enclosures that were hard to see for kids let alone adults at times. Other than that our kids and us had a great time. We wished we lived closer so we could go more often.
Well done San Diego Zoo!
Rahman
09:14 31 Mar 22
The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park leased from the City of San Diego. Its parent organization, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, is a private nonprofit conservation organization, and has one of the largest zoological membership associations in the world, with more than 250,000 member households and 130,000 child memberships, representing more than a half million people.
The San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cage less exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats. For decades, the zoo housed and successfully bred giant pandas, though the pandas were repatriated to China in 2019.
With more than 4 million visitors in 2018, San Diego Zoo is the most visited zoo in the United States. Travelers have also cited it as one of the best zoos in the world.
The San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cage less exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats. For decades, the zoo housed and successfully bred giant pandas, though the pandas were repatriated to China in 2019.
With more than 4 million visitors in 2018, San Diego Zoo is the most visited zoo in the United States. Travelers have also cited it as one of the best zoos in the world.
Kelly Hyer
04:48 31 Mar 22
Hands down a must see for anyone that can get to San Diego. Very easy to get to within the city. Parking free on site. However...it was insanely busy so plan accordingly. We got there at 11am thinking we'd see some people leaving already but people were still arriving in droves! We took the sky ferry (free) to the back and then walked to the front. Took us five hours to do almost everything. Every exhibit was so well done-absolutely incredible. Plenty of shade everywhere. The animal enrichment was such a focus-it was so cool! The signs are well done and volunteers very helpful not to mention wealth of knowledge. Bathrooms well stocked and clean. Pathways and gardens-pristine. Customer service well noticed. Well worth every $ today. Thank you San Diego Zoo!
Mariah Afshari
19:49 03 Feb 22
Highly recommend. I love animals, this is by far the best zoo. The amount of space each animal has is amazing and you can see them from many different viewing spots. Able to feed a Rhino and Giraffes for a fee. Totally worth it for the experience and always nice to support a good cause. Spoke with many workers who are walking around the zoo and everyone was very knowledgeable! We had a blast!
Kyle Hanks
22:35 10 Jan 22
My husband and I love visiting animals in zoos and aquariums all over America. This is the BEST ZOO in AMERICA hands down! The animals were so enthusiastic and energetic to visit with me. It is hard to say which animal was my favorite when each of their personalities where unique.
I suggested you download the Zoo APP before you arrive. It is a GREEN tour guide that is very informative and easy to use. We used the zoo app to search for specific animal questions and locations. Then the app directed us to the animal step by step. Since we used the App, we were able to see more animals than expected.
If you want general animal for a zoo gift buy it at the main entrance. I bought a very cute sweatshirt at the main entrance of the Zoo for myself. Remember each part of the zoo has a gift shop. The gifts items are directly related to animals in that area.
100% Satisfactory, Volunteers Thank you for treating the animal with the respect they deserve.
I suggested you download the Zoo APP before you arrive. It is a GREEN tour guide that is very informative and easy to use. We used the zoo app to search for specific animal questions and locations. Then the app directed us to the animal step by step. Since we used the App, we were able to see more animals than expected.
If you want general animal for a zoo gift buy it at the main entrance. I bought a very cute sweatshirt at the main entrance of the Zoo for myself. Remember each part of the zoo has a gift shop. The gifts items are directly related to animals in that area.
100% Satisfactory, Volunteers Thank you for treating the animal with the respect they deserve.
Patrick Claude
04:04 01 Dec 21
Having been to a few zoos around the world, I can absolutely say that the San Diego Zoo holds its own as a world-class zoo. Somewhat reminded me of the Seoul Zoo with an extra level of polish. Absolutely loved the hop-on/hop-off bus tours they had operating throughout the park. If you're ambitious, you could probably tour the zoo in about 3-4 hours not including the shows. Everyone else can probably get their fill in about 4-5 hours. Would definitely go again!
Candice Y
18:51 16 Oct 21
Beautiful zoo! We spent a little over 4 hours at the zoo, but you could easily spend a whole day here, so much to see! We got to the zoo right when it opened and almost all the animals were out! The animals were impressive but we were blown away by the plants! So many fun and unique plants to see. We definitely go again if we are in the area!
Vanessa C
17:55 06 Oct 21
The USS Midway is a great place to visit if you are in San Diego! If you have ever walked along the San Diego Bay, you most likely have seen the USS Midway, as it is very hard to miss! When you first board the Midway, you start to realize how big the ship actually is. In the main area of the ship, you are given the choice on whether you want to do an audio tour of the ship. If you like audio tours, then the one at the Midway is excellent, but if they are not your thing, there is plenty of information in different areas along the ship, so you won’t feel like you are missing a bunch of info. The volunteers are also very helpful and friendly, so make sure to say hi to them! There are so many areas in the ship that I highly recommend you plan to spend the majority of the day there. There is also a gift shop and food area on the ship, so if you are looking for souvenirs or food you can find it! The deck of the ship is one of the best areas in my opinion. There you can see all the airplanes on the flight deck, which really puts the size of the Midway in perspective. Sometimes there is a line to view the bridge on the flight deck, but it is definitely worth the wait. You may even want to do that first so you give yourself time in case there is a line, and then explore the rest of the ship after.
Jonathan Kramer, PhD
21:41 03 Aug 21
The SD Zoo is incredible, but know that except for the bus tour, it's a lot of walking, and it's hilly as it's built on canyon terrain, so don't wear flip flops, wear good, comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Also, in the long summer months it's warm in the day, so bring a cap or hat, with shorts and light tops. There's enough here for 2 days. I've been to the Zoo well over a hundred times and love it every time. I use it for exercise walking, as much as to see the wonderful animal collection, as well as the astounding collection of plants and trees. This is a very special place, worth every dollar.
Anne-Valerie Daniel-Laveus
14:58 03 Aug 21
So many species to see… Love the bus tour. We were able To tour the whole park in one due thanks to the kangaroo buses, offering different stops at different locations on site allowing us visit
More spots in park. It was so shaded and cool that walking around was not so demanding. The different plant species and water falls were so beautiful. Also the aviaries were just amazing. A
Must see in San Diego
More spots in park. It was so shaded and cool that walking around was not so demanding. The different plant species and water falls were so beautiful. Also the aviaries were just amazing. A
Must see in San Diego
Steven Ludwig
03:42 25 Jul 21
We had a great day. This was well worth the price of a ticket. Extremely clean. Fairly well organized. Very little to nitpick. The people seem to love working there. They pack a ton of experience into this park and get full use out of every last nook and cranny. We can highly recommend lunch at Albert's. My best advice is to take the free bus tour when you first get there. It takes about half an hour, and you get a great view of the park that helps you plan and prioritize.
A Garcia
06:17 23 Jul 21
First time visiting, was very surprised at how big this place is (100 acres). Definitely recommend bringing very comfortable shoes and clothing for both adults and children. It is a place that has many extremely steep hills so it wasn't exactly wheelchair friendly, therefore, we were unable to walk through many parts of the zoo. My autistic son requires a wheelchair so we were kinda bummed about that. Although they do provide an ADA shuttle service for handicapped visitors which we did use (they basically pick you up and drop you off on different locations within the zoo. All of the employees are very courteous and maps of the zoo are provided. The entire establishment (the parts we saw) was very well kept, very clean (including restrooms), the plant life is amazing and thriving and the animals personal areas were very clean. It seems as if they do a lot of maintenance for their animals and plants. There were many places to eat which means the lines are not long wherever you choose to go and provided lots of ways to provide drinks (vending machines, kiosk carts, refrigerated drinks inside stores. That was important to us because it was a very hot day and we ran out of our own drinks quickly. The prices are reasonable and we enjoyed ourselves. There were many souvenir shops throughout the zoo, each had different items depending on where the store is located and what species of animals are nearby. We will definitely be visiting again next summer.
DC One
15:56 08 Jul 21
The San Diego Zoo was a great experience. We took the bus tour initially and then decided to walk to see the exhibit up close. The Zoo itself has great variety and we'll designed exhibits. The walk was mostly shady or cooler areas which made it more pleasant. The kids had an absolute blast. Additionally the food is okay and the prices are livable. Would definitely return!
Naomi Perez
18:20 30 May 21
Pricey for tickets but five hours walking and still didn’t finish the zoo. Reviews I’ve read almost deterred me from visiting but I’m glad I did. So a beautiful scenery, plenty of shaded areas especially while walking, lots of exhibits to see and for the most part the animals were moving and grooving. Like I mentioned lots of walking to wear tons of SPF and comfortable shoes. I would also recommend bringing snacks because one thing for sure the food courts are ridiculously expensive. For two pretzels, one bag of Doritos, and one drink I paid $35.00. Very pricey and since I’m from out of town I wouldn’t know to pack a snack so important information sharing moment. Overall great experience, my son enjoyed it and it was a great day at the zoo! Best zoo I’ve been to. As far as reviews saying it’s small and exhibit are right next to each other all false. Also the zip line is complimentary for guests just have to wait In line which went by quickly about 15 minute wait.
Sam Rodriguez
23:26 23 May 21
Went to the zoo with my family of 3 on a Saturday. Not overly crowded and plenty of safety measures in place. The zoo itself was amazing and my 8 yr old loved it. Great exhibits and so many animals to see. The animals were mostly active and it was easy to see why it is such a popular vacation destination. Highly recommended for families of all sizes and ages.
Nate Fisher
16:30 05 May 21
Every time we visit our family has a wonderful experience. Great all-day or two-day activity.
The animals appear to be very well cared for and usually easy to see moving around and playing. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.
Very grateful that they accept out of state visitors without extra restrictions. We’ll be back!
The animals appear to be very well cared for and usually easy to see moving around and playing. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.
Very grateful that they accept out of state visitors without extra restrictions. We’ll be back!
Jessica Hong
18:13 30 Apr 21
Loved going here with our kids, they had stroller rentals for all day only $18 for the double. We went in the middle of the week so it wasn't too crowded, but I imagine it would be pretty crowded on the weekends. If you have kids, it's better to go to the zoo and not the safari park. Loved the skyline!
Ryan Kassel
22:01 20 Apr 21
This is a world class zoo. Of course the weather is amazing in San Diego. Balboa park is a really nice area. There are so many amazing animals. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. It also feels great supporting the zoo, as they are an exemplary zoo that support tons of conservation and reproductive programs. I love it there!
Kim Nguyen
03:58 18 Apr 21
The San Diego Zoo is one of the best gems of America’s finest city. It’s home to some of the most incredible animals that we get the pleasure to see in as much natural environment possible. Visiting the bears is one of my top things to do especially the polar bear when they are splashing and swimming in the water to cool down. I’ve been to the zoo a few times and like to go with the flow instead of following the map. Remember to be kind to fellow visitors and give them space and time to enjoy.
Brian Turner
19:05 05 Apr 21
The zoo was cool, the screening line was not. It was close to 90 minutes of waking through a mile plus long line and all they did was ask if we were sick or around someone sick. The lines for food and drink were also incredibly long (an hour plus). The zoo is cool, but I would not go until they get some basic systems in place to make it more enjoyable.
Debra White
16:47 04 Apr 21
Be sure and prepare yourself for a very long day of walking. This zoo is simply amazing. They have designed the animal habitats in a very natural environment. We saw some great animals and at the end of the day we logged nearly 9 miles. Take your time, have a seat, take some bottled water, and enjoy every inch of this great zoo. The only issue we had was long lines for food and drinks. The zoo did not seem to be properly staffed for the number of people who were there on the day we visited. Other than that I would highly recommend you visit the zoo when you're in San Diego.
Monica Alvarez
21:17 05 Mar 21
Cute gift shops for the kids, walkways are clean, beautiful landscapes. Volunteers through out the zoo help you with directions or any question about the animals. You can bring your own food (as long no straws or glass containers). Free parking. Most of the animals are active in the morning so be early. Love this zoo.
c .rich
21:20 26 Feb 21
Paradise. Love the heavy foliage throughout most of the park. Keeps everything cool and I feel like I'm somewhere far away. Plants are as amazing as the animals. Skyfari currently runs Thursday through Friday and is a favorite. You can take in views of balboa and zoo. It's a very peaceful ride. Walk over to balboa when it's more open takes around three minutes along the path. Probably there's street vendors Fri - Saturday in balboa. I do not recommend the coffee stand by front entrance of zoo and flamingos. Tasted like hot milk. There's a fabulous coffee place as you walk down path to orangutans. Wish I knew the name
Erick Salgado
22:59 17 Feb 21
A world class zoo in a world class city, the San Diego zoo is superb for many reasons. It's an educational experience for all who go, and a reminder of the beautiful world of plants and animals. This is a must see if you are visiting from out of town. If you are local and have children, the annual pass is the way to go and offers an easy go to experience for Mom, Dad and the kids. Plus, you can do all this while enjoying a beer. That's a huge plus. I love this place.
Daneille Klein
16:05 16 Feb 21
We arrived at the zoo at 9am on a holiday. The line was already pretty long waiting for the zoo to open. We didn't make reservations before hand so we were worried we wouldn't be able to go inside. Signs posted said to see an attendant if you do not have reservations. We were able to get our reservation there but only because we were there so early in the morning she was almost out already.
Gino Kiettisak
19:52 14 Feb 21
With the reopen of the zoo. It was quite nice being in an environment familiar from before. With covid now, the zoo has appropriate signs for keeping compliance. If anything it's the people that need to manage better and not be in a rush for evading others space just to witness a moment the residents are displaying.
Overall rating was to my satisfaction. It's been a week from visit and my partner and I feel fine but that's not to say anyone may be so fortunate. Take care
Overall rating was to my satisfaction. It's been a week from visit and my partner and I feel fine but that's not to say anyone may be so fortunate. Take care
Melissa Mulford
16:18 17 Nov 20
This is a great zoo and can easily take the whole day to really see everything and read about the animals. The volunteers standing at some exhibits are a wonderful addition, providing lots of valuable and interesting information about the animals there. Some say this zoo is overrated, but I disagree. It's one of the best in the country. The animals really seem to put on a show and the lion was so vocal!
Janet Vickers
16:50 30 Oct 20
I love this zoo. They are making a huge effort for screening and reduced attendance. However, given the long entry line it would be nice to offer some sort of shade. Luckily we were there in the morning and not too hot. Once inside kids did the best with masks probably due to their excitement and didn't notice. We were able to navigate almost the whole zoo in about 4 hours. I look forward to returning after the "kids free" in October.
Steele Snider
21:15 23 Oct 20
Absolutely amazing zoo. Nothing like it anywhere. Enormous facility that prides itself in the care of its animals. This is a must see for anyone in or around the San Diego area. It is worthy even of a vacation to just see it. Definitely come here and check it out. It will definitely not disappoint.
Steve Elliott
22:11 21 Oct 20
Best zoo in the world. Had my first visit in over 14 years and it was great to see how things have continued to stay fresh and updated. Great place to kill some hours. All the walkways are very scenic but bring your comfortable shoes to deal with the hills and valleys.
Colleen Koenig
02:20 21 Oct 20
Fantastic zoo, enjoyed walking around for a few hours among the animals as well as trees and plants. Animals seem happy and very well taken care of. Enclosures clean, walking paths well maintained (like new!) And I was shocked how many koalas they have. How cool is that?!
Michael Navarro
20:40 17 Oct 20
Very great place to bring the family and help keep the zoo active. Some animals can only be seen at night time (some nocturnal animals) but usually during the month of October and a part of December, the zoo is open late. There is a health screening before you enter the zoo, so be prepared if there is a bit of a wait, it usually goes by very quick. I would recommend, a person that is a resident of San Diego or a person that will be going to the zoo and safari park more than 2 times in a given period, it comes out a bit cheaper to get a annual pass over the course of a year. It's very nice to meet up with people that are members as well and talk about our favorite exhibits and animals we have seen.
The zoo is just a great place to spend the day at and enjoy the great San Diego weather.
The zoo is just a great place to spend the day at and enjoy the great San Diego weather.
Elmont Montecalvo
00:03 10 Oct 20
Easy to spend a whole day there. Lots to see. Presented in fun ways. Love the multi-levels. Zoo itself is doing a great job with safety protocols. Would love to come back to experience all the stuff that was closed when things get back to normal.
Andrew E.
01:11 09 Oct 20
San Diego Zoo is amazing. Even in these crazy times of masks and social distancing, the zoo staff makes it work and my family enjoyed a wonderful day in the park. The park was clean and well maintained. The new exhibits were definitely a highlight of the trip. Will definitely be going again.
Melanie Yang
03:55 07 Oct 20
It's too pricey during the pandemic when you can't get the full experience. The rides or benefits that came with the admission are all closed. I walked all the way to the back of the zoo to see the polar bears and they were not out. There were no more giant pandas and they should post which exhibit is not active so ppl won't waste their time going across to it to see nothing. I have a 4 yr old and I thought he was good with walking...nope. Too much walking that he was about to cry because he just couldn't walk up and down anymore and I couldn't carry him; too big. We had to cut our tour around the zoo short. We were 4 hrs into it already so I didn't want to rent a stroller anymore. There are so many paths in every which way. You will get lost without a map if it's your first time. No such thing as one route to see everything. It's hard to plan and see everything without going back and forth. Tips: give yourself lots of time, don't rush, take lots of break.
Alisha Rodarte
23:37 04 Oct 20
This is definitely a must see for any age. There were things that were not available because of COVID and social distancing but you could still get on the aerial tour and they were really good about sanitizing every booth you got into before and after each person. You had to wear a mask the whole you are inside the zoo but it wasn't that bad. All the animals are out and ready for guests. You will not be disappointed and make sure you get there early because you will need the whole day to look around.
zachary john
04:12 28 Sep 20
In all honesty I gave it a 4 because of the whole covid situation. In general you can save yourself some time by b purchasing your ticket from the kiosk instead of waiting in the long line. Next the staff are super helpful and interactive. Get a map for starters. If you want to see the polar bears I suggest you take the sky train up and then walk down. Over our experience here was very enjoying the animals are beautiful we had an amazing time. I recommend it to anyone who's curious about it. Check it out the kids will love it.
Christal Bell
05:41 25 Sep 20
The most beautiful zoo in the US. I had to buy a season pass because this zoo is so large it takes the average person three days to see the whole park.
The terrain can be challenging at times so I love that I don’t have to rush because I have the whole year to come back. The animal are so amazing and the grounds are just gorgeous. There are restaurants and pit stops along the way if I get hungry or thirsty. Restrooms are all along the paths if needed. They have electric wheelchairs for rent if you are handicapped and need assistance. They have COVID screening as you enter the park. The lines in the morning go really fast. Buy a season pass it’s so worth it!
The terrain can be challenging at times so I love that I don’t have to rush because I have the whole year to come back. The animal are so amazing and the grounds are just gorgeous. There are restaurants and pit stops along the way if I get hungry or thirsty. Restrooms are all along the paths if needed. They have electric wheelchairs for rent if you are handicapped and need assistance. They have COVID screening as you enter the park. The lines in the morning go really fast. Buy a season pass it’s so worth it!
Stephaniecm011
04:08 23 Sep 20
I love this place,its my favorite zoo. I love looking at all the animals. Also it is a fun place to get some exercise in the morning, because of all the hills. (Photos from 2017)
Kimberly Bonnell
21:56 21 Sep 20
This is an amazing zoo. My family and I will always have great memories from our visit. The hippos were so sweet. The mother was cuddling her young and they were up close for our viewing. The animals are well taken care of and a pleasure to see
Zane Winkler
17:05 20 Sep 20
The zoo was really nice, kept very clean and people friendly for quarantine. My only complaint would be the number of ants that are in the park.
I leaned my back on a tree for about a minute while hundreds of ants swarmed my back. I didn't notice until I commented on the number of ants on my arm and one of my mates actually looked at my back and noticed the black swarm slowly consuming my body. I ended up taking off my shirt off. I have felt very self conscious, I barely take my shirt off when I shower. Because I felt slightly embarrassed I had to take off one star.
I leaned my back on a tree for about a minute while hundreds of ants swarmed my back. I didn't notice until I commented on the number of ants on my arm and one of my mates actually looked at my back and noticed the black swarm slowly consuming my body. I ended up taking off my shirt off. I have felt very self conscious, I barely take my shirt off when I shower. Because I felt slightly embarrassed I had to take off one star.
T T
04:51 19 Sep 20
Came in a weekday and wasn't crowded. Everybody wore mask. Even thought it was hot in summer but it was worth to see these animals.
Maria Moldovan
17:29 16 Sep 20
Loved it, especially during a pandemic, the place was clean and very well organized for getting as many people as they get daily!
Kathy Hebert
05:56 16 Sep 20
Wonderful baby animals right now, 2 juvenal giraffes as well as cheetahs. All the guests at the park that I saw were very respectful as far as wearing masks.
Missy Karber
22:45 15 Sep 20
Smaller then I thought it would be. BUT, really cool!
I'm really glad that they had to monitor how many people were able to go in at a time. If it was able to have 100 percent capacity this place would have felt WAT too crowded. My dad and I only spent an hour here and saw everything at a leisurely pace. I had a great time getting to feel the aquatic creatures in the tide pool area out back!
I'm really glad that they had to monitor how many people were able to go in at a time. If it was able to have 100 percent capacity this place would have felt WAT too crowded. My dad and I only spent an hour here and saw everything at a leisurely pace. I had a great time getting to feel the aquatic creatures in the tide pool area out back!
Joe Pelletier
16:21 14 Sep 20
Difficult to enjoy in the time of COVID-19 when barely able to breathe through a mask.
Elizabeth Mariscal
02:30 14 Sep 20
With this whole pandemic going on it was so nice to take our children out for the day are girls absolutely loves the animals it was a great experience and family outing a little overpriced I would say for the entry I've never paid that much to go to a zoo but it was worth it
Oanh Nonaka
23:14 12 Sep 20
Early admission with Zoo Keeper's club is the way to go! Avoiding all the crowds, the lines and the heat! Animals are very active when it's cooler!
Kelsey Bittola
19:19 08 Sep 20
Bring sunscreen and an umbrella! They are very organized and have people all over directing where the line is to stand in to wait before you go into the zoo. The line does move fast! We were in line for 15 minutes. Wear your walking shoes too! We walked 6 miles in the zoo and there are hills that you have to walk up. If you go from right to left and then up the middle then you’ll be going down hill for most of them. Overall it was a nice experience. It was a little difficult wearing the mask the entire time in the zoo but we took breaks. Spent three hours in the zoo.
Papii Torregano
23:43 05 Sep 20
It was exactly what I thought family friendly and exceptionally clean i must say .....if you are seizure prone like I am or have any type of ailments that will flare up in the heat then I'd recommend waiting until it cools off....I almost passed out all day....other then that great overall
Jeff Phillips
22:07 05 Sep 20
They have done a nice job of keeping people safer during the pandemic. Still one of the best things to do in San Diego with a family.
Kimmi Robinson
22:39 24 Aug 20
The zoo is wonderful, with almost all the animals available to observe, but not a lot of room for social distancing. The zoo stated they are running at a "reduced capacity" but that did not appear to be the case. VERY crowded walkways and paths made it difficult to move around, and distancing impossible. We love knowing our ticket prices are helping to support the animals and jobs during this difficult time, just not a lot of opportunity for distancing during a pandemic. I will say the stores were run efficiently, and drink refills were handed to you in a separate cup to refill yourself. Workers were all pleasant and helpful!
Connor French
23:37 22 Aug 20
Absolutely love the San Diego zoo. I've recently moved here and it's one of my favorite places in the city. The Zoo is still open even with the whole COVID thing you just have to wear a mask and go through a line and answer the questions before entering. I plan on coming back here again and again and definitely recommend it as one of the things to do if you visit San Diego or if you are in the area.
Cristina Sanchez
00:50 20 Aug 20
Very lovely zoo! The layout is great and you get to see the animals from multiple angles. Be prepared to walk a lot! We walked over 7 miles while there. There are quite a few hills as well.
The staff were very friendly and informative. We got to witness a member of staff placing a baby koala in their habitat. She was very enthusiastic and engaging. I wish I could post the video, but am unsure how. 🤦♀️
They enforced the wearing of masks and keeping a distance of 6 feet or more between park guests.
The overall atmosphere was charming, friendly, and personal. I highly recommend a trip to this zoo!
The staff were very friendly and informative. We got to witness a member of staff placing a baby koala in their habitat. She was very enthusiastic and engaging. I wish I could post the video, but am unsure how. 🤦♀️
They enforced the wearing of masks and keeping a distance of 6 feet or more between park guests.
The overall atmosphere was charming, friendly, and personal. I highly recommend a trip to this zoo!
Tom L
00:10 18 Aug 20
I've been visiting for about 70 years, and I like to send friends zoo items. A friend in Florida has been working jigsaw puzzles so I sent her the gorgeous zoo puzzle of 1,000 pieces with all the creatures. She loved it and sent it to a friend in Seattle who also enjoyed it and gave it to her friend's daughter to do. The young lady named all the animals and was so thrilled with it they're having it framed to hang on her bedroom wall. Now that's a hit!
Geo Stone
20:03 17 Aug 20
Zoo was great. They are doing a lot of new construction so baby area is closed. Everyone is wearing masks and keep 6ft distance. Very humid there so take so frozen water bottles and put them in you backpack keep your back cool and it will cold water in no time!
Matt Gorden
02:59 16 Aug 20
The San Diego zoo was fun. Due to Corona we had to wear masks which made the experience hot and a bit uncomfortable, however we made the most of it and walked the whole park. Some activities and exhibits were closed and maybe missed out on some stuff but honestly after 5 hours of walking, our feet were sore and we were ready to go. It was hot and some of the animals were staying out of the sun and therefore we could t see them. I don’t blame them as I did my best to find shade along the way too. I can’t say it’s the best zoo I’ve been too, but it’s still worth a stop.
Kaveh Hajighazi
03:54 15 Aug 20
Great zoo. Variety of animals some of which I have never seen before. The zoo is very clean and well taken care of. The exhibits are beautifully set. Animals can be easily seen. Ample parking. One can spend over a full day at this facility. There is a good mix of all sorts of animals. I really enjoyed watching a hippopotamus family under water. It was also my first time seeing a polar bear up close. The chimpanzees are also a must see. I was hoping to see a pack of wild dogs but I didn't get the chance.
Tyler Howat
23:03 12 Aug 20
Happy that the zoo is open and taking great precautions! Unfortunately, so few animals were out that it often didn’t seem worth it. The service and amenities were well done, though.
Lia Maher
20:22 09 Aug 20
Great zoo! People were considerate and using masks and social distancing. Animals were playing and fun to watch. The elephants have their own playground.
Simoriah Britt
12:35 08 Aug 20
Well, I was extremely disappointed to not see any pandas, or koalas. I think as a child this place could be a highlight but as an adult I feel it was lacking in some areas. But it felt good to get out of the house and be in some beautiful scenery. The lack of their publicized animal masks also makes for my lower rating seeing as my husband and I were both excited for getting different animals and styles of masks. And they had maybe about 4 styles 2 animals and only one of those two was really a face.
Lark K
00:31 06 Aug 20
The zoo is beautiful, and I enjoyed the day. However, the constant reminders (signs, "enforcers," and announcements, including street entertainers) to "make sure you're properly wearing your mask" became annoying rather quickly. I tried to be understanding because I was thankful they could be open at all, but it was definitely overkill.
Jack Nack
04:45 05 Aug 20
MAKE SURE TO BRING WALKING SHOE'S, UP AND DOWNS, HILLS, SLOPES, IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN OR ELDERLY BRING STROLLER AND OR WHEELCHAIR. OF COURSE ITS A ZOO, SO ITS HARD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ANIMALS BEING INCARCERATED. PEOPLE WORE MASK, SOME KEPT THEIR DISTANCE SOME WERE TOO CLOSE. NICE PLACE, SAFARI MAY BE BETTER.
Erin Browder
15:03 01 Aug 20
So thrilled that the Zoo is still open. The staff and procedures were 1st rate, the visitors were all screened and masked. Easy to find space distancing during the visit. A wonderful open air experience. Some food/drink and shopping is available, all with most careful monitoring of health safety protocols.
Jalaya Wallace
08:20 01 Aug 20
With COVID going on I was afraid that my daughter would not enjoy her summer break off and our vacation time, but the SAN DIEGO ZOO has gone above and beyond for making my experience safe and fun. The animals were so lively and I was able to hear a lion and a tiger roar on the same day! That was an amazing experience. I thought it was pricey and not going to be worth it with some things shut down , but with a lot of things cancelled this zoo still takes about 2-3 days to finish. Wonderful time and can’t wait to come back!
Praveen V P
16:02 28 Jul 20
The animals are taken care of and the surroundings are clean. We can see lot of animals within short period of time. I expected over inflated tourist prices but it was reasonable. I admired how the zoo kept me informed how their efforts are conserving. I especially enjoyed the open bird room in the tropical area. All of the animals are within close proximity of each other.
Alexandria A.
21:04 24 Jul 20
Excellent, very diverse range of wildlife. Plan for a 4-5 hour day to see the whole zoo. We went when they opened at 9am, so it was quieter and some of the animals were still sleeping. The gorillas and lion slept right up on the glass so we got a good look at them. However, there were also cases where the animals were sleeping off in a corner and we didn't get to see them that well until later in the day. Would recommend starting where the African animals are (there is no shade) and looping back toward the Lost Forest (lots of shade).
M S
20:24 23 Jul 20
The San Diego zoo is absolutely the best zoo in the country! From the range of animals, to how clean and well kept the facilities are, the zoo always has something to offer for everyone, at almost any time! There's constant construction, work, and repairs being completed throughout the zoo which means that the landscape there always changes fairly regularly. Parking is a breeze, post covid 19, but in general plan to come early and search when the crowds return. have been coming for the better part of 33 years and always am amazed at how lucky southern California is to have such an amazing and beneficial attraction.
Jazmin Arce
23:41 21 Jul 20
My partner and I enjoy going to the Zoo every weekend as members. We live only a few blocks away, so we see it as a great place to put in a few steps. We love taking our family when they come to visit, and it’s always so cute to see the cubs and other babies. It’s a great experience for all the family.
Taylor Gutel
22:59 18 Jul 20
I have been coming to the San Diego zoo since I was a small boy. It has always and continues to be one of the greatest places of joy for me. The animals are well taken care of and the exhibits are always great. Today marks the first day I've taken my son now to the zoo. A tradition I hope continues for a long time.
Sandy Ferguson
00:26 13 Jul 20
Great day, a little warm but lots of room to see the animals. They are only filling to 50% of capacity. Disappointed that the Giant Pandas are gone and the tigers wouldn't come out to play. Most of the animals, birds were out and active. The new areas are great, too. Love the Zoo.
Ali Bettner
23:20 12 Jul 20
I love the San Diego Zoo. First, parking is free and easy to find if you come early. I love that every visit is a unique experience. The zookeepers and volunteers are very knowledgeable and kind. Great food and drink choices (the rum infused snow cone at the kiosk right before Elephant Odyssey is amazing).
Adam Kitt
16:22 11 Jul 20
The BEST! For generations the San Diego Zoo has provided a top notch educational and fun experience. The attention to detail and abundance of plants and animals from all over the world is a sheer joy to be around.
Christopher Hazlett
21:18 10 Jul 20
Can get pretty busy. Even on a Friday. I prefer the Safari Park (the SD Zoo's daughter site) better. The great thing is it's in walking distance of all the museums and Balboa Park. It's taking responsibility during Covid-19. My only complaint is I feel like if you want to see everything, you have to backtrack. But I'll take it as good exercise
James Purl
19:23 09 Jul 20
Kudos for walking the line of safely allowing guests! World class zoo, though many of the extras were still closed in this phase. Still worthy of traveling from NorCal and spending a few vacation days.
Breeann Shaffer
21:57 08 Jul 20
Tickets are on the pricey side but the attractions are great. Lots to see! Exhibits are clean and fun. Definitely recommend going early on a week day. We were there at 9 am when they opened and left at 2 pm. We still didn't see all they had to offer, but in July it was getting a little bit hot. We would like to go back some day.
Craig C.
05:15 04 Jul 20
Great zoo. They have more endangered and threatened plants than animals. Go into the aviaries and enjoy. Wear good walking shoes. Also the zoo is built into a steep canyon walk down and ride up.
Alexa Brantley
01:22 04 Jul 20
My favorite zoo across the country. Every Friday I bring the kids to visit one area of the zoo. The kids always love to go to the petting zone and the playground after lunch. Also, I've had my favorite mango virgin margarita at one of the food carts
Ryon Machinski
23:00 03 Jul 20
Everyone needs to go and support the cause. This Zoo is the best ever!! Its nestled in next to the world famous museums and of coarse San Diego beaches. This place can get hot so be prepared to bring some waters and light clothes for the family. The staff is amazing and if you dont have the app I suggest you getting that installed prior to going to the park. Get to know the layout before you go, because it can be a hike if you happen to pass an exhibit. Get out there and have a good time. Make sure to visit the elephants, and the Monkeys super funny little guys.
Israel Garcia
22:32 03 Jul 20
I love the zoo. My family loves the zoo. In these times of Covid-19 they are managing crowd size well. They also screen prior to entering. All of the concessions have outdoor seating so there is no impact on enjoying a beer or any other snack they offer.
Ryan E Sanders
15:53 03 Jul 20
It was fun. If you go fast, just maybe you could make it all the way through in the full 9 hours that they're open... But I doubt it would be as fun compared to taking your time and enjoying each habitats. Could tell they are well funded, the animals are well fed and habitats very well maintained. One fun plus my wife and I enjoyed was the volunteers. They are so friendly and full of information about the animals. Also a great time to go right now, lots of new additions. They seem to be handling well the current Covid-19 situation we're all facing as well, social distancing, plenty of sanitizer available and requiring masks.
michigan allstar
06:11 23 Jun 20
A lot of walking, only because there's a lot to see. Prices are high though it's pretty much expected at a zoo. I do believe this is something everyone should experience at least once. I absolutely LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the 4D movie experience! It's a must!
Yvonne Miles
21:13 20 Jun 20
Great Zoo and Safari Park. June 20th Reopening date! Wear masks social distancing is required. Still a fabulous place to visit out doors, botanical collection is amazing.
lance avats
19:01 19 Jun 20
Pretty good as far as zoos go. One of the best in the country but the terrain is a bit exhausting. There are very steep hills and stairs and the walkways are sometimes convoluted. The map is pretty easy to understand. The reason I didn’t give it five stars is because the animals you come to see are furthest from the entrance and THERE ARE NO PANDAS! (According to a sign outside of the old enclosure)
Ryan Huffman
13:50 18 Jun 20
Amazing experience seeing the Koalas up close. We actually were able to experience a good portion of animal sightings during the experience and set our day up for a much more relaxing time!
Everyone is so very helpful and knowledgeable!
The dining is very good as well.
We ate at Alberts and were thrilled with food and service.
Do not miss this zoo!!
Everyone is so very helpful and knowledgeable!
The dining is very good as well.
We ate at Alberts and were thrilled with food and service.
Do not miss this zoo!!
Pending Art
00:11 12 Jun 20
A beautiful place to get a lot of great pictures. I went and enjoyed every part. Bit be prepared for a lot of hill walking.
Highly recommend zoo. Very clean and respectful to the animals.
Highly recommend zoo. Very clean and respectful to the animals.
Ron Mosocco
00:02 01 Jun 20
One of America's best zoos, we took our grand kids here a few years ago. From reptiles and tortoises and snakes to birds, fishes and mammals, the list goes on. All exhibits are well kept and the animals are well taken care of. While I am not a great supporter of caging specimens, preferring observing them in their natural habitat, this is a good alternative for children and our general population.
Mark S Smith
03:06 17 May 20
Had a great time there years ago. I have been meaning to post the pictures for a long time. I am not a huge fan of zoos or aquariums, however I was in California for business and we stopped by the zoo. It was a super interesting experience and I wish we could have spent more time there.
Shayna Teti
12:02 28 Apr 20
I always love the zoo. I remember coming as a kid and now I get to take my son to see it too! We came at an off time however, because quite a few animals were not out, or their habitat was being worked on. Which I totally understand, just bummed us out. Definitely buy your tickets online to save some money before you go.
Angela Soto
21:37 11 Mar 20
Amazing experience! Very well organized zoo with lots of information! We had an enriching experience worth the money for our family of 4! We will definitely be coming back.
I recommend walking toward the back and taking the bus on your way to the front. Expect to walk ALOT if you intend on seeing all the animals. The terrain is hilly, so wear good shoes and get a good stretch in before you.
We loved the polar bear exhibit! And it was awesome to be able to get right up close face to face with an endangered tiger. I loved the emphasis the Zoo has on animal conservation and especially loved the exhibit that showed the past animals of California!
I recommend walking toward the back and taking the bus on your way to the front. Expect to walk ALOT if you intend on seeing all the animals. The terrain is hilly, so wear good shoes and get a good stretch in before you.
We loved the polar bear exhibit! And it was awesome to be able to get right up close face to face with an endangered tiger. I loved the emphasis the Zoo has on animal conservation and especially loved the exhibit that showed the past animals of California!
Noah Rosen
15:04 09 Mar 20
Always love the zoo. One of the best in the world for a reason. Superb staff is friendly and ready to answer questions at any exhibit. Never too crowded when I’ve been either. The park food is expensive but compared to others like Disney, it’s a deal. Be sure to go on a cool day as the animals tend to be more active and out.
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