Guide to visit San Diego Zoo

We received complementary tickets. All opinions expressed are our own.

It has been a while since we have visited the San Diego Zoo. It has changed so much that it felt like if it was our first time visiting. This is a huge zoo and requires a lot of planning to be able to enjoy everything the zoo has to offer. Here it is a guide to help you have a good day during your visit.

How to get to San Diego Zoo

The Zoo is located near Balboa park in San Diego. Most people drive, however you can take advantage of public transportation if you are local or if you are staying near by. 
The Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. The Zoo is most easily accessed via State Route 163.

Parking at San Diego Zoo

Parking at the San Diego Zoo is free. I recommend arriving early so you get a parking spot near the entrance. 

The San Diego Zoo is open every of the year, including all holidays.
Summer hours are 9am-9pm.
Fall/winter hours are 9am-5pm.

Tickets to San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo tickets online in advance  or at the front entrance when you arrive. 

Maps and Zoo app

You can get a paper map, or you can download the San Diego Zoo app which also has a GPS enabled map. I recommend the app because it guides you and gives you information about animal feedings and interactions that you do not want to miss.

How to explore San Diego Zoo

Your zoo ticket includes the following:

• Guided bus tour is a great way to get a quick overview of the park. It is a 35-minute narrated tour is on a double decker bus
• Skyfari aerial tram: It is a great way to get up the hill and start exploring the zoo just going down instead of up
  
• Kangaroo Bus lets you hop on and off at four different stops throughout the Zoo. It runs every 15 minutes 
  

Dinning at San Diego Zoo

The zoo has different cafes and quick serve restaurants that serve a variety of food. You can also bring your own food  and eat it in one of the shaded areas of the zoo. 

There is a very nice seat down restaurant that we chose for our lunch. I recommend making reservations so you might have chance to seat in the patio by the waterfall. During the weekends Alberts offers a brunch with mimosas or bloody mary's and they always have some adult beverages on their menu.

Animals at San Diego Zoo

The Zoo has more than 4,000 animals representing 800 different species and visitors can also see 700,000 plant species on the zoo’s 100-acre property. If you really want to be able to see most of the animals, plan your visit for a whole day and be prepared to walk a lot. 

Before you leave the zoo make sure to check all the souvenir stores, they all have super cute things that can make for great gifts for family or friends.