I had not been to this zoo since the late 70’s early 80’s when my family lived close by. Finally got that chance to go and we visited on November 7th . It was wonderful to be back. Easy free parking. Was a little surprised at the price as we didn’t have any sort of discounts or coupons, but well worth it for a full day of memories. The first and one of the best ideas we had was to take the free double decker bus tour that takes you through most of the parks main stops to help you get an idea of where everything is at. Throughout the day all the staff and volunteers we came across were so friendly and informative throughout the park from entry to the end. The restrooms were clean and tidy. The variety of landscaping and plant specimens throughout the park and enclosures is wonderful !!! We couldn’t have picked a more perfect day to visit. It was a slightly overcast day during the week with mild temperatures and not many people. Just be sure to take a light jacket for the end of the day because there’s quite a few shady areas and can get cool quickly this time of year . Many of the animals were visible, and zero lines for everything we did including the food areas , the gift shops, restrooms or the tram. They did have short little hop buses you can take to help you get around the parts easier especially if you have little ones, but be sure to double check the last time the bus runs at those stops since they stop earlier than you think. We tried to catch one and had missed it by five minutes thirty to 40 min before closing time and ended up walking all the way back to the front. We walked over ten miles that day and still missed sections of the park due to the layout. But it’s a good reason to go back. Also several areas were under construction (hippos) or closed like the hummingbird house. We hope to see the hippos, polar bears, giraffes and some of the large apes next time.

I recently visited the San Diego Zoo and I must say it was an incredible experience. From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by the vast array of animals and the beautiful environment they were in. One thing that stood out to me was the care and attention given to the animals. It was evident that the zookeepers genuinely cared for each animal and provided them with a comfortable and stimulating environment. The animals seemed happy and well taken care of, which is a testament to the zoo's dedication to conservation and animal welfare. The variety of animals at the San Diego Zoo is truly impressive. From elephants to meerkats to polar bears, there was something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the different exhibits and habitats that allowed me to see the animals up close and learn about their natural behaviors. The zoo also offers numerous educational opportunities. From interactive exhibits to informative signs, I was able to learn so much about each animal's habitat, diet, and conservation status. It was both fun and educational, making it a perfect destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike. The San Diego Zoo is also beautifully designed and well maintained. The pathways were easy to navigate, and the landscaping was lush and vibrant. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort goes into creating a welcoming and visually appealing space for visitors. Overall, my experience at the San Diego Zoo was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of stunning animals, high-quality care, educational experiences, and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit destination. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable day out.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Had a wonderful experience with my grandson and daughter, took me back to my youth. Such a beautiful Zoo. A lot of walking and inclines. The kangaroo buses are helpful as the tour. The air tram has a beautiful view. We spent 4 hours at the zoo and still had so much we didn't see, and exhibits, shows during the afternoon. We also didn't do lunch because we had so much to see. They time suggested at the zoo is 4-6 hours. However I recommend a two day planned trip. To cover everything, not rush, enjoy lunch and shows. I have no complaints other than parking, and handicap access. All the handicap parking and the over flow was filled by 1pm. Availability to services was confusing. It took up extra time we had not set aside for. So, it was a walk be prepared. Also, I advise you to bring a wheel chair if you need one, or prepare to pay 60.00 for a rental. Which kind of put me off knowing to go to the park I had just paid alot of money to visit for 5 family members, then to spend an additional 60 for the ability to view the park was really disappointing, and kind of unacceptable. Being disabled is a disadvantage already. Other than parking issues for handicap parking and handicap rentals. The San Diego Zoo is a beautiful place to visit. Had it not been for the rental charge for the scooter, I was considering annual family passes for the holidays, as it's a great place to take the grandchildren but with each visit being 60 for the ability to see the park in addition to park entrance it's just too expensive for a disabled grandma to afford each time.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Incredibly huge zoo, and full of a variety of animals. I respect the zoo’s mission to make each enclosure comfortable for the animals, which includes a space for them to get away from viewers and get some privacy. There were free bus tours and a free zip line ride across the zoo. This place is massive, and I wouldn’t recommend trying to do it all in one day like I did. I was there from just a little after open all the way to just before close. I was exhausted and still didn’t get to an entire section of the zoo. So plan to accommodate that! The only “complaint” I have is that this zoo can also be a maze, you have to heavily rely on your map (which isn’t 100% correct all the time). It’s also not the most accessible. I would have really struggled to visit this zoo if I was physically disabled. There are very steep slopes and lots of stairs. They do provide motor carts for rent, but there was also a lot of signs warning people using such devices (or wheelchairs, strollers, ext.) that certain areas were too steep. Beyond that though, I would highly recommend visiting the zoo! It’s also worth mentioning the plant life here. They have some amazing foliage from around the world, most I have never seen before. Some incredibly rare plants are scattered around the park, I only wish there were more plaques that told us what they were!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$31+

We had an amazing day at the world famous San Diego Zoo. We want to say something first and disabled parking. It's wonderful, and plentiful, and up close. We want to thank them for that. Second, I rented an electric EV Scooter. If it wasn't for it, I wouldn't be able to see the SD Zoo. It's $60 for the day, or $53 for Wildlife Protector Premium Members. We went everywhere, but started on the Bus Tour. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. We saw all of the animals, and saw where we would go later. FREE with entrance. The highlights of the day were the bus tour, the bird aviary, the polar bears, the lions, the orangutans, and the elephants. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Skyfari!!! RT!!! FREE with entrance. Finally, we want to especially thank the SD Zoo worker near the Bus Tour named Corey, who informed us that the electric EV Scooter could be driven all the way to the front of the line. Once I drove it to the front of the line, they valet parked it close to where the tour ended. It was the most helpful thing that we had ever received from anyone at the SD Zoo, as the parking of the EV Scooter for the Bus Tour had always been extremely difficult!!! I nominate him for Employee of the Month.

Extremely large zoo with a lot to cover. Lines were long for tickets but thankfully already had mine and was directed through the entrance quickly by staff. Upon entering, If you decide take the bus tour included with admission, I recommend sitting on the right side. I couldn't see much most of the tour and felt my time would have been better utilized hitting it by foot. The layout of the zoo is a little confusing. Look for the red shirts they were very helpful with directions. Got to see.majority of the animals. Red pandas were probably my favorite. Bathrooms, food drinks, and gift shops are pretty easy to find throughout the entire park. As always, prices can be a little high. If you're there most of the day you can buy a souvioner cup with free refills the entire day which is probably worth it if you get it in the beginning of your visit. Going on a holiday was extremely crowded and busy but still managed to see everything for the most part. Recommend for the experience.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

One of the best zoos ever. I went on a Sunday at around 12:00 noon. Great parking, not too crowded, and great weather, what else can you ask for. Hop on the 30 minute tour bus, the guy gives you a lot of input about the zoo and its animals and it helped me plan for my day. They have what they call Kangaroo buses with four stops. You can get on and off at whatever stop, very convenient to get to the areas you want to get to. On this day, the animals were very active, it made my day even more eventful. I paid for the Polar Express experience, found in the same area as a polar bears, it was worth it. I also saw a lot of children walking around with their face painted, but I didn't see any adults doing it. My thought, why not. I got my face painted, it took all but maybe 5 minutes, and I loved it! I drove from the San Fernando Valley to San Diego, two and a half to three hour drive. If you're in California, and within driving distance, the San Diego Zoo is worth the drive.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Wow! This is like a theme park, comes with go city pass, and has a cable car ride, a tour bus, and shows to entertain you throughout the day, with animals performing impromptu acts just for your eyes. The animals are so cute.... Take the bus tour early. You won't regret it. But take note the upper decks may get a little hot during the summer day. Loved the staff's enthusiasm in sharing their knowledge and assisting us in finding the way, and this place is really big. I couldn't finish everything but luckily I chose important animals to watch. Missed the polar bear in the evening but was fine. Food needs a little upgrading, and app directions need to be clearer (probably they should update the map coordinates, and also to indicate which exhibits they are nearby.). Loved the experience, and be sure to cater a whole day.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I am absolutely in love with this zoo. Favorite thing was riding on the gondolas and being able to watch everything in the air. Also the bus tours are extremely relaxing. I suggest going at the top of the bus because that’s where the air hits you the most and honestly it’s just a incredible experience. I will, however, say that the gift shops are extremely overpriced so if anything, I would take a good hundred bucks with you if you want to get anything meaningful or buy anything at the shops, or even at the little cafés that they have. It’s truly an adventure and you will be able to get over 10,000 steps just walking all over this zoo. Also, they have face painting and henna services just in case you want to get that done on yourself. The workers were very kind and treated me and my family with respect.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

We had a great day at the zoo! Parking is close and free, which is amazing! We took the zoo bus tour first thing, which gave us a good overview of the park and helped us figure out what we wanted to see. We loved all the methods of transportation through the park because it is so big. There is a kangaroo bus to 4 different areas. We didn't use this because we decided to just walk it so we wouldn't miss exhibits. But we did the aerial tram from one side to the other and back. We also used the elevator by the bridge two times to help with the hills. We happened upon an animal encounter by zoo workers with an aardvark. So fun! The animal enclosures are so beautiful, as is the park foliage. We ended up staying until 7:30 pm, much longer than we expected. There is so much to see!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

We spent over 5 hours here and still weren't able to see all the animals. Definitely one of the best zoo's we have been to in the entire United States. Worth the visit even if the zoo isn't usually your thing! Albert's restaurant was also good and the food came out very fast. The bathrooms are limited and hard to find. I felt like sometimes we were walking around 15-20 minutes with no restroom in sight. Almost all of the animals were out so nothing to worry about there. We went early in the morning and the entire parking lot was full. We noticed that the zoo was less busy after the lunch rush. It was basically a ghost town when we were finished at 4pm. They allow outside food and beverage. We saw many families eating their sack lunches in the courtyard
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

San Diego Zoo has so much to offer! It is smaller than the safari but it is big enough for you to stroll around in one day. There are free bus tours lasting a little over 1/2 hour. The bus tours the major stops and introduces the animals. The gondola is also free for one way crossing the park. You can wait in line for traveling back via the gondola too. The walks are very comfortable as it is very well shaded. The plants and trees are in a wide variety, which makes you feel like walking in a botanical garden. Update: we came back so many times. The latest trip is in October when the kids can go free and it hosts Halloween night events throughout the park. We got to see so many animals at night, experience the Halloween activities and watch the beautiful sunset.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$31+

We had a wonderful time! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Everybody was wonderful. Even the crowd was relatively nice and respectful for California. we had a great time. We saw lots of animals rode the gondola and had funnel cake. The park was very clean. We couldn't have asked for a better visit, and we will definitely be back! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience!! **UPDATE** We ended up staying for the last show, and it was amazing! Lots of energy, and you could tell the performers really enjoyed what they were doing, It was very enjoyable! I would highly recommend staying for it!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

This zoo is HUGE. We came here for two full days during our trip and I'm still pretty sure we didn't see everything. There's a bus service around the zoo if you don't want sore feet, and if you brought a hat with you then definitely grab a spot on the top deck of the narrated tour, you get some great perspectives on some highlights like the elephants and the lions that you don't get from just walking around. Special thanks to the axolotl who was happily swimming around in their tank every time we stopped by. I'd always wanted to see one and to see this one being so active made my day.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The best zoo I have ever visited. It is very well designed with a wide range of species. I started with the guided bus tour which covers 70% of the zoo. The guide is very knowledgeable and provided a lot of information about the zoo. What surprises me most are the aviaries. The birds build nest and breed inside just like wild birds. Well positioned food trays offer the opportunity to observe them very closely. I was sitting on a bench. The birds hiding in the shrubs were super close to me. They are not very afraid of humans. I spend a whole day there.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Fantastic zoo with such a variety of animals. Too much to do in one visit and if we lived in the area, we would definitely sign up for membership. Navigation is tricky - the paper map and the map on the app don’t illustrate the different levels, but lots of helpful volunteers to point you in the right direction. The app is useful to choose what animals you would like to see. We went during the “HalGlowEen” event and did not enjoy the noisy of the activities at all and felt it was inappropriate to hold such an event in a place filled with sensitive wildlife
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

My husband and I visited the San Diego Zoo for the first time yesterday and we had an AMAZING time! The zoo is very clean, and the landscaping was beautiful. The animals looked like they are well taken care of. It was great how there were so many staff at almost every station and they were very friendly. You definitely want to allow at least 5 hours to see everything. We also loved how the skyfari and bus ride was included in the admission price! The view from the skyfari up there was phenomenal! Definitely the best zoo experience we’re ever had!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Easily 5 stars! I mean, it's THE zoo. If you're going to San Diego this place is most likely already on your to-do list and if it's not change your list! I went on a Tuesday and all the animals were super active! (Not sure if those two things are related or I just got really lucky) even the lions which normally spend most of the day snoozing were out and about! However, at the time of me writing this review 3 of the aviaries were closed. I recommend coming right at opening to be able to see as much of the zoo as possible!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I herd that this zoo is world wild famous. But I was not impressed at all. It is a big place to spend a day. There is many animals to see. Cable cars that takes you to other side of zoo. And two bus lines. One is with four stops around the zoo. And other one is like a tour bus that talk in detail about zoo. Part I didn’t like is they just returned Pandas to China. And I really wanted to see panda in person. Other one is that I could not see most of animals in park. Cause their sports are so big and majority of animals been hiding in their homes. I will try Safari park next time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

The San Diego Zoo is absolutely fabulous. First, it's huge, soon even if there are a lot of people there it never feels crowded. There is plenty of shade, lots of trails, all kinds of animals to see. We spent over 6 hours there and tried to see everything. Definitely more animals out in the morning. They offer bus tours and a skyfari. There are a couple of pretty decent food options, but food is expensive. Parking is free. There are shows too and a kiddie water play area. We loved it and highly recommend.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The zoo was such fun! It was clean and well-maintained. The restrooms were clean and the staff were friendly and nice. There were plenty of places to sit and get out of the sun. The animals' cages were well kept, and there was a good variety. We rode the tour bus and took the sky tram with ease, and had a blast. On a Friday morning/afternoon, it wasn't too crowded, although we had to wait about 45 minutes to pickup our tickets, so it may help to add some kiosks to aide with this in the future.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Being the most pricey zoo I’ve ever seen before, it’s totally worth it. This place doesn’t just take great care of their animals but they really care about the cause of protecting them. The tours you can go on at the zoo are fantastic, the place is so big you could spend all day there being entertained and you would still have more to see! While the price of a bottle water is $6.50, at least it’s going to a good cause. The Zoo is incredible and really lives up to the hype it has.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

This is a phenomenal place to walk around, to experience the many different kinds of animals, teptiles and birds but also the gorgeous flowers, trees and plants. If a resident like myself, get a membership to help support the protection efforts the zoo does engage in. Also membership includes unlimited access to the zoo, entrance to the Safari Park as well, 15% discount off food and souvenirs, guest passes. I love my membership benefits and take advantage on a weekly basis.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

Great zoo! Beautifully maintained, easy to navigate. The staff is so helpful if you have questions about the animals. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting!! Plenty of food options, and gift shops. Each region of the zoo has something else to offer. The Aerial tram was super fun to ride (not wheelchair accessible, unless you can transfer out of your chair). Great views from above of the park, and you can see some exhibits from above.
Price for entry
$67
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Ticket type
Value Day Ticket

Great clean and beautiful zoo, I definitely recommend to get there early so you can see most of it, and it’s definitely worth the time and the money. Loved the bus/ shuttle system and the gondola sky lift. Also you can bring your own snacks and Beverages. Small coolers are allowed and if not they have so many restaurants and places to buy whatever u need. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about the animals! Gift ships were awesome.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The amount of animals, especially family groups, and the size of enclosures and types of plants around the park...simply splendid. Largest Botanical Garden in the nation, several plants that are so rare they do not advertise they have them or where they are. Growing native foods for many of the animals on property to feed them, using manure from the exclosures as fertilizer. I was so impressed with the conservation and self sustainability.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

THE most extensive zoo I've ever seen and there is soooo much to rave about. That being said, the aviaries are the hands down star attractions. You get to walk into the habitat and stand inches from dozens of species... Breathtaking. Come ready to get your steps in. We did over 20,000 steps and only JUST saw almost everything. Incredible zoo doing unbelievable work in conservation and education. Worth every penny.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Such a fantastic zoo! You could easily spend all day here and still not see everything. I would highly recommend buying a water at one of the stores earlier in the day because they let you “refill” it throughout the day by bringing your old bottle to any other one of the many snack shops around. There’s lots of walking involved but there’s also a couple “kangaroo” stops that make getting around the park easier.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

There's a reason this zoo is world famous - definitely word the trip when in San Diego! Some of the most amazing animals from all over can be found here. The zoo itself feels like a large amusement park with plenty to see for all ages. They also have many conservation programs and partnerships with organizations to help breed and foster certain species of animals to help them thrive on their own. Definitely expect to spend a good 4-5 hours here, and don't forget to take the aerial tram for some 360 degree views of SD!

My ONLY complaint is that it's tough to see the whole thing in one day because of the layout. You have to do loops and then backtrack to do another loop otherwise you'll end up accidentally skipping huge sections. Otherwise, the park was amazing well kept and the animals were great to see. Very few exhibits shut down and SUPER helpful staff helping with directions all the time! Also great merch 10/10
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The San Diego Zoo is definitely one of if not the best zoos in the country. There are so many animals and so much to see and do. The exhibits are nice and the whole zoo is really well put together and maintained. It’s slightly expensive but worth the price. We had a variety of ages in our group and everyone had a great time. We got there just before it opened and had no problem with parking.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Great zoo with an intuitive layout and tons of animals. Going in the late afternoon to evening allowed us to see very active animals. The snow leopards and the red pandas were particularly playful! I also appreciated the many restrooms, as well as plentiful restaurant options and gift shops. At the end of the day some staff put on a really amazing performance with cool giant puppets, which was a fun way to end the day.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$31+

Zoo was super cool! It’s free for active duty and 10% off for dependents so keep that in mind when visiting. I didn’t realize San Diego zoo is rated #1 in the whole world. I thought the zoo was clean and professional. Animals all seemed healthy and happy where normally I don’t visit zoos because I hate seeing animals in poor living conditions. Great experience
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Biggest zoo I've been to. Absolutely huge and you need at least 2 days to explore the whole thing! I loved it, all the different sections of animals and shops. You'll most definitely get your steps in. Obviously it's going to be a bit pricey for the food & shops... thats a given but definitely a good place to spend with the family! Recommend this zoo for sure!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I visited the zoo with my family and had a lot of fun for the entire day. I have never seen so many animals in one place! You can get in the zoo at opening time and still not be able to see all animals by the end of the day. Truly amazing experience. The zoo has all facilities such as restaurants, restrooms, benches, bus tours, and gift shops for souvenirs.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Been a member for more than 20 years. The Zoo is situated in Beautiful Balboa Park. I often go to clear my head and to be with the animals. I take the Park up on their promotions and family membership levels. Their veterinarians for the animals are some of the best in the world. They have daily critter talks which delight and inspire. I go anytime I can!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Obviously this is a world renowned zoo. Well worth the trip. Be prepared to walk a lot and the terrain is pretty hilly. There are skooters available to rent if you need one. Food around the zoo is on the expensive side but that is to be expected at an attraction in California. There are lots of restrooms and each we visited were clean and not too crowded.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Wonderful experience for the whole family. Wear good walking shoes, there are some small hills. I'd recommend a whole day so you can take your time moving through. Some animals hide and you might have a to wait a few minutes for them to move around. Overall it was a great experience, and the animals were really cute. Would definitely visit again.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$31+

Wonderful zoo and place for animal conservation. The staff were all friendly and informative. We spent 7 hours there and probably saw half of all there was to see. Hope to get back some day. We got tickets for $$70 on line. Price included the shuttle around the park, the sky ride, a conservation bus tour, some shows, and all the animals of course.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Best zoo in the world in my opinion. Very fair price and lots to see! The employees and volunteers are all very helpful and knowledgeable, there’s a bus that goes around for people who cannot walk as far. Great activity for when we have visitors and kiddos in town! Only down side is the layout makes seeing every exhibit in one day quite the walk.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

This place is huge, get there early because there is so much to see. Food is expensive, but that's not new, so the in and out privileges worked for us. Parking was ample, and navigating was pretty easy. The overhead tram is a must as well as the free tour bus. I'd recommend sitting on the right side of the bus to get the best view of the animals.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Fabulous!!!!! Absolutely fabulous!!!!! You can really tell the love and care out into this zoo. The animals looked happy and very active. The grounds were beautiful and clean. The food wasn't bad either. It was definitely worth the money and I would do it again the next time I am in the area. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes!
Price for entry
$70
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

There is a reason they call the San Diego Zoo one of the best in the world. A well laid out zoo with a gondola to take you from one corner to the other, and ample trolleys on the grounds to help you see lots of animals and make the most of your time. The Aviary is one of the best I've seen. The habitats look so real that the animals appear to be living better than in the wild! The flora was impressive also. Definitely a reason to visit the area.

One of the best zoos in the world. It lives up to the reputation. I recommend the buses and Skyfari for a quick overview of the expamsive park. Wonderful place with lots of beautiful and well cared for animals. Their concern for animal conservation and their efforts to that end are impressive. I would highly recommend the San Diego Zoo to anyone with the time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

A full day of happiness. My friend is a San Diego local and had a 50% off coupon for me. Lots of animals to see. The enclosure seem well made. The animals look comfortable. There's beer and food inside. Steep prices though. Take the bus ride to get a quick look around the whole zoo. Then walk to the places that interest you the most. Definitely worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Price for adult entry
$31+

This one is a most do!!! Great zoo!!! It's huge so I definitely recommend to get there early, wear comfy clothes and shoes so you can see the whole park because is definitely worth it, but to see it all u have to be early. It's very clean and beautiful also u can bring your own snacks and Beverages. Small coolers are allowed and if not they have so many restaurants and places to buy whatever u need. One more thing bring sunscreen and enjoy!!!

Excellent zoo, and huge. We were there 5-6 hours and I think we saw a third of it! Loved the bus/ shuttle system and the gondola sky lift. Ticket prices were pretty steep, but we were fortunate to get our church group a youth discount. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about the animals! Gift ships were awesome.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Great experience. Had a free pass but if I had to pay I would definitely not come frequently. The place is amazing, great vegetation and amazing and exotic animals. There is great bus-tours that get you around and would definitely recommend the Kangaroo Bus. Animals seem to be somewhat free and there is very helpful info next to each one of them
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This made my family's vacation so memorable! We spent 6 hours and still feel like we had more to see. It was amazing! The animals were mostly active, the environments were so open and interactive, everything was clean, and the workers were very helpful! We used the app to find our way and it worked like a charm!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

This is a must see when in San Diego! We spent 5 hours there and didn’t see/do everything. The paths were manageable with a lot of steep inclines and stairs. Be prepared for a workout! We loved the elephants and primates the most. Restrooms and eating areas were clean. Parking was free and easy. We’ll definitely be back on our next trip.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It was an awesome experience. I loved seeing all the animals. Some of them were hiding because of the heat. The food was expensive for me. I went to the African acrobats and they were really good. The last performance was a blast. I enjoyed the whole day. Had fun with my friends. I would definitely go back
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The zoo is ok, two things to mention, they need more animals, they also need to add a little more fun to the zoo to make it more entertaining. Most animals seem tired and sleeping or hiding most of the time so the zoo management could add some other attractions for entertaining kids. I was bored.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

Amazing zoo! We spent several hours here and still managed to miss animals. Rode the skyfari and it was a nice break from walking, breezy with good views of the park. Restrooms and snack bars were located throughout with little gift shops in different sections (plus what was by the entrance/exit). Worth the visit, great for kids.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

What an amazing place. There is so much to see. The exhibits are second to none. Love the bus tour and sky tram. Lots of little play areas for kids and Explorer area to the left when you walk in is like it's own kids amusement park with climbing areas and a splash pad. A well run outfit for sure.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Wow! Big Zoo and lots to do! We loved the bus tour, there is a lot of walking so this is a nice way to see the layout of the whole park. Take the gondola sky ride it's a great way to see the park from above! Stop by the kids play area with splash pad, great way for littles to cool off.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

There was so much to see here. We spent about 6 hours and didn't see all the animals. All the exhibits were entertaining. The free gondola ride across the zoo was great. Free parking. Reasonably priced food, drink, stroller rentals and souvenirs. Would definitely go back to see what we didn't get to see this time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It's a world-class zoo, a botanical garden, and an educational experience all in one. Most of the habitats are designed to give you an opportunity to observe magnificent species even when they're inactive / sleeping. The missions of conservation and protection are emphasized over entertainment. Admission prices are quite steep, but it was a fascinating and memorable day.
Visited on
Weekend

This zoo was so cool. We saw tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles and other lovely animals. Buy your ticket from the information office, this way you’ll get a discount. We saved a few bucks buying it from there. I recommend going during the weekdays as it’s less busy.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Best zoo ever!! Clean and well maintained trails with offline and online maps. Also, assistance people are available through out. Aerial Tram rides are the best. Plan to stand in the queue right before this opens. Kangaroo bus is also good and helps us commute within zoo.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I never actually got to go to the zoo. San Diego was experiencing its first hurricane in 84 years. So the day I arrived and was sightseeing, I discovered that the zoo I wanted to go visit was closed because of that reason. So I was able to get out and take some uninterrupted photos, which was quite enjoyable. The ground that I observe for well-kept, and I was very impressed with what I saw.

This has been my favourite zoo for many years. Well kept and lots to see. It’s a fun day for the whole family. And you can bring your own food which is extra nice as you can have a lunch and keep on going. Lots walking so wear comfy shoes. We spent a good 6 hours.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

We had a great time at the zoo. The first thing we did was the bus tour and I'm glad we did it right away because it got very busy later in the day. It was also great to give us an idea of the zoo layout and see the animals from a different side in some cases.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

San Diego zoo is a must go to if your a tourist. Daily admission was about $71 but the park is ginormous with so much to see. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore the park. Maps are available upon entering and I recommend grabbing one. Also some exhibits close (resting time) early (humming bird exhibit) so definitely plan on exploring this area before 4pm.

Bring your own drink and snack. It's pretty expensive . Wear good shoes . There is a lot of walking . You can take the buses in there . But yeah see a lot more walking around. I would highly recommend going. It's one of the best zoos I have ever been to
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

A MUST!! we got the 3 day pass for the zoo, sea world and safari park !! They were all amazing in their own experience but the zoo was our all time favorite! I love that you can buy a drink and use the cup all day long they did offer us complimentary food at one location and had shows all day periodically long. I wish I could go back and do it every single year!

The zoo was amazing! So many animals and birds and many different ways to view them. There are interesting and beautiful plants and birds everywhere you look. The zoo is expensive, if I lived in San Diego I would definitely get a membership and go back multiple times.
Visited on
Weekday
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

A must see in the city, a world class facility! Get a 2 day pass and visit the safari park as well. Get here before open to get good parking and see the opening ceremonies. Then get on the tour bus right away. We saw so much while the animals were active. Definitely a good idea to figure out where to go and how big the park is.

Love this zoo. Overall clean, fun and enjoyable experience to have. I do visit a lot and take it all in. Plan on being early for parking. Bring your own snacks and food if you want but decent prices inside but plan on a bit of a wait.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Honestly what can I not say about this Safari... The staff and volunteers are AMAZING.....The whole park is awesome to visit. Respect to them for giving away free active military passes. I definitely do think this is the best zoo/Safari I've ever been to in The United States. Definitely will be back again and recommend.....

Absolutely love this zoo. The large areas for the animals. The clean walking paths. Shaded old growth plants. And, the volunteers who are more than willing to point you in the correct direction. Beautiful!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

I expected to see a lot more animals than there was. If you have a child and you don’t have a stroller i recommend you rent one from the Zoo. You can find the rentals right after you make your entrance. You can take a bus tour but although walking is tiresome, it’s more fun and you get to be close up to the animals. More

We did the Surprise tour! Our guide, Jenna, was knowledgeable and so fun. We got up close with giraffes, koalas, and elephants. Truly and incredible zoo, and an incredible experience!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

This place is huge!! You'll definitely be able to go here a few times in order to see everything and you most definitely need the whole day. You'll be walking a lot so you should wear some comfortable shoes. There are restaurants inside as well and some shops where you can get some cute souvenirs More

Amazing experience. The place is absolutely massive, so there's tons to see and it's definitely worth revisiting. Staff were super friendly and knowledgeable. 100% would recommend for families and people of all ages.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

One of the top Zoos of the world. A bit pricey (got a 30 USD voucher to reduce the price) and sometimes a little hard to navigate by map (app is better), otherwise a great place. I missed the giant pandas!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Had a great time! But if your with younger kids get the stroller or bring your own, if they get tires later none of the shops have them available for rent which would have been nice but other than that it was a great time and we saw an active variety of animals and had a great lunch! More

Incredible zoo. Took our 18 mo twin boys and they loved all the animals up close. The efforts this zoo goes to by provide world class treatment for their animals is nothing short of spectacular.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It was one of the best zoo experiences ever. Everyone of the staff was so nice and helpful! The zoo was kept up well, and the animals looked happy & healthy!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$31+

Lots of steep hills! The first thing we did was ride the bus and we got to see many of the animals. The sky tram got us from the back of the park back to the front. Don't miss the insects! Super cool and very educational!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

An outstanding facility with great exhibits and enclosures throughout. The bus rides and sky ride make covering long distances easy if you need to. Prices for food and drinks are what you would expect - expensive. Midweek lineups were short. Highly recommended experience.

The zoo is huge, but there are free shuttles to ride and paid trucks to get closer to the animals. A hot air balloon ride is a good option to overlook the zoo, and if you're here, you'll need to try to allow as much time and energy as possible.

The San Diego Zoo is hands down a five-star adventure waiting to happen. I mean, where else can you go from hanging out with pandas to checking out flamingos and then chilling with koalas, all in one place? It's like a global safari without

I have been to many zoos this year and this was my favorite! The layout makes sense, every enclosure is close to each other, the areas and animals in it are well planned, and there were many varied food offerings for everyone! Keep in mind

A very big and beautiful zoo. There were almost every animal that you know in this zoo. They were not in a cage, there was a big and beautiful area for each animal so they could fly and walk freely. It takes approximately half a day to

Beautiful atmosphere. Kids were free for the month of October, yet it rarely felt crowded once leaving the entrance. Large play area for kids, and many different species of animals and plants to discover as you wander. More

I haven't been to the zoo in a couple of years, they have made some improvements to a couple of the enclosures and it is absolutely beautiful! Be sure to ride the skytram! It was the kids favorite part of the day! More

What an amazing zoo! A must when visiting San Diego! I went on Thursday right when they opened at 9. Parking was easy. It wasn’t very busy besides a couple exhibits. The volunteers are so friendly and helpful.

Big in size. Very well maintained. Services of volunteers are commendable. Can spend a full day with excitement. Even small facilities to animals and public are very well taken care of. Good

Clean and well kept. The weather was perfect. I enjoyed the walking and climbing on all the animal statues. Yes, I'm a 47-year-old child. …

The zoo is amazing. Plan for a full day to enjoy the wildlife and botanical garden.