San Diego Zoo tickets and passes

The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, is one of the world’s most famous zoos. Opened in 1916, the zoo attracts 4 million visitors yearly, making it the most visited zoo in the United States. Its central location makes it easy to reach, while the zoo’s safari park, where you can see African and Asian creatures roaming "in the wild", is further out of town.

Home to over 3,700 animals from more than 650 different species, including rare and endangered animals, the San Diego Zoo is a great place to experience unique animal encounters. One of the most famous animals was Ken Allen, an orangutan who managed to escape his escape-proof cage three times in 1985. Known locally as ‘the Hairy Houdini”, he would stroll around the zoo like a visitor whenever he got out.

Discover the San Diego Zoo from up above and enjoy a ride on Skyfari. This aerial tram ride brings you 185 feet up over the treetops and offers beautiful views of not only the zoo, but also Balboa Park.

Take your curiosities to the North Pole and explore the Polar Bear Plunge exhibit. This exhibit contains over 30 different species from the Arctic area, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and more! Head to the underwater viewing room and watch how playful these big bears are. Don't be afraid if they come up to the glass window, they like to check out the viewers too!

The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm, all year round. It is easily accessible by public transportation and car. For those arriving by car, there is parking available off of Park Blvd, at Zoo place.