San Diego Zoo
The Basics
The San Diego Zoo is nestled in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre (486-hectare) urban park filled with loads of cultural and other attractions. Purchase admission tickets to San Diego Zoo in advance and in conjunction with other Balboa Park sights to avoid lines, or with transportation within San Diego or nearby parts of Southern California. Once inside, travelers typically explore the zoo’s bioclimatic zones and exhibits independently or take the 35-minute guided bus tour for an overview of the space. Free shows and presentations are offered throughout the day, while other experiences, including the 4-D theater and carousel, have additional fees to access. Many visitors combine a visit to the zoo with a trip to the San Diego Safari Park, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) away.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Most visitors spend three to four hours at the zoo.
The zoo offers services such as fee-based wheelchair rentals and free shuttle bus service for travelers with limited mobility.
As the San Diego sun is typically shining, it’s best to wear sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors for most of the day.
Fee-based stroller and locker rentals are offered.
Those with kids can head to the Children’s Zoo to spend time at the Petting Paddock.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the zoo and throughout Balboa Park.
How to Get There
The San Diego Zoo is located in the northwestern corner of Balboa Park, near the San Diego Museum of Art. Parking is plentiful and free, but note that lots can fill on weekends. Once inside, you can walk, take a bus, or take the Skyfari cable car to easily get around the zoo.
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When to Get There
The zoo is open daily, typically from 9am to 5 or 6pm depending on the season. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the animals are most active. Feedings often also take place at this time. To avoid crowds, try to visit on a weekday.
Can’t-Miss Sights at the San Diego Zoo
Highlights include the Tiger River bioclimatic exhibit, which realistically re-creates an Asian rain forest environment, and Gorilla Tropics, which does the same with an African rain forest. The koalas are some of the most popular animals to see—and the zoo says theirs is the largest colony outside of Australia. Polar bears and rare giant pandas are other favorites, as is the Absolutely Apes habitat, which has orangutans and siamangs climbing in lush forests. Finally, don’t miss the African Rock Kopje, where klipspringers (small antelopes) dash around the rocky landscape.
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- Spanish Village Art Center
- San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
- San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA)
- Old Globe Theater
- El Prado
- San Diego History Center
- Museum of Photographic Arts
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum (SDMRM)
- Mingei International Museum
- Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
- San Diego Museum of Man (SDMM)
- Fleet Science Center
- Balboa Park
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- Spreckels Organ Pavilion