San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants (2024)

FAQs

Does San Diego Zoo have senior discounts? ›

Guests ages 65 and up with a valid photo ID receive free admission all month long. Parking is not included. Is parking free or discounted in February? No, general parking is not free and is paid upon arrival (parking is included with donor-level memberships).

Early morning or late afternoon are ideal to see animals most active and avoid crowds. Can I bring food into the San Diego Zoo? Yes, visitors can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.

We recommend spending a minimum of four to six hours to see some of the Zoo and a minimum of four to six hours at each park to experience the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park. The drive time between the two parks is about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic and other factors.

Galápagos Tortoise

Several of our Galápagos tortoises have been with us since 1928, making them the oldest residents in the Zoo. We estimate their age to be well over 100.

The zoo allows outside food so pack snacks and a picnic lunch if you want to avoid paying for food in the zoo. Hydrate. Bring a water bottle or purchase a souvenir fountain drink cup with a straw and lid for discounted re-fills all day.

For those who are already members, it could be helpful to review all the benefits available with an AARP membership. Some of the great discounts that seniors can get from AARP include: Restaurant discounts. Entertainment discounts.

October is Kids Free month at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and youths 11 years and younger receive free admission all month long (with an adult). Youths can connect with their wild side by meeting wildlife, while discovering the wonders of nature through play and exploration.

Weekdays (Monday-Friday) are historically least crowded during the summer season in June, July, and August. Weekends tend to attract more tourists and vacationers.

Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Parking is free in the lot in front of the Zoo. Additional free parking is available throughout Balboa Park.

Does San Diego Zoo take cash? ›

You'll need to pay before checking out the San Diego Zoo, so don't forget to bring cash or card.

No, there are no advance reservations for either park, nor do they "sell out" of daily admissions. You can save a few dollars if you book the Zoo tickets online. For SeaWorld, you'd save around 30 dollars (per ticket) if you book online.

After Devi was euthanized in November 2022, zoo workers allowed Mary and Shaba to see Devi and make their goodbyes, officials said at the time. Asian elephants are classified as an endangered species, with around 46,000 remaining in the wild, according to a 2018 estimate.

The Orangutan Serial Escapist

A Bornean orangutan named Ken Allen may have been born at the San Diego Zoo, but the captive life was just not for him. Even as an adolescent, Ken — nicknamed "the Hairy Houdini" — would sometimes escape by unscrewing the bolts of his cage.

A bright orange, endangered baby monkey was born in April at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, making this the zoo's first François' langur birth in five years.

Youths ages 2 and younger are always free. Anyone younger than 15 must be accompanied by a paid (admission or member) adult 18+ during their visits to the Zoo and the Safari Park. Adults may purchase their admission ticket(s) or memberships online, by phone, or day of at any ticket window at the Zoo or Safari Park.

Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free and do not require an admission ticket to visit SeaWorld San Diego. Offer, park products, hours and services are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.