San Diego Zoo

Alexander Pugliese

15:51 23 Jul 24

This place is fantastic! Be aware that the zoo is on a hillside so you should be somewhat physically fit to walk up... and down the hill if you want to visit the park over the entire day! If you don't think you can do this, no problem! The park offers a bus that allows you to see all the bigger animals. Smaller animals are to the north east of the park and offers an easier walk for those who aren't comfortable walking along the hillside.Overall this zoo is phenomenal and I highly recommend everyone to visit, as it has something for everyone!read more

Luna H. (The Moonlit Nook Blog)

15:42 23 Jul 24

This zoo is massive & had a ton to see. If you can I'd try to arrive shortly before they open to see their neat opening... ceremony. Be prepared for tons of walking, there are plenty of spots to sit and rest but it is a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat & a water bottle.I love zoos that create themed areas, the San Diego zoo does a great job with that from the reptile walk to the Asian area. I was very happy with how tropical the whole place felt, it was packed with lots of cool trees, plants and flowers that also offered shade to escape the sun under.This zoo has quite a few animals other zoos do not have which is a huge plus! It was so cool being able to see the Polar bears. I also enjoyed the fact that you can get your hand stamped at the exit to come back later in the day if you want to eat in your car or go outside the zoo to eat. We went with this option to go grab lunch, cool down and come back. In total we spent about six to six and a half hours exploring this zoo.It was well worth the visit! Also want to note it is a good idea to get there early because even though the parking lot is huge this is a popular spot when tourists are in town so it will fill up quickly.read more

Katie Steinbach

01:37 10 Jul 24

The San Diego zoo is a must see for families with kids. There are so many animals, it’s hard to even fit them all in... one day. The season pass is worth it for this reason alone especially if you live in the area.The staff is extremely helpful and very nice. I lost my wallet at some point and the staff was so helpful and professional, I was amazed at how quickly they were able to direct me to the lost and found to get assistance.The exhibits are extremely informative too, which is helpful because there are SO MANY animals, there are even ones that I’d never heard of. The signs are easy to follow as well, and it’s difficult to get lost.It’s also really cool how accessible the zoo is for the handicapped too. There are elevators and ramps everywhere, plus a bus tour for those who aren’t keen on walking or not able to due to health reasons.The splash pad is an awesome spot for kids under 10 to cool off and play. There are several places to sit and relax in the shade for adults while easily supervising their young ones.read more

Doua Moua

07:26 09 Jul 24

It’s a good zoo to visit. Bring the entire family because the environment is relaxing. Take the bus ride otherwise you... won’t be able to see all the exhibits in one day. Lots of animals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and more to see. They also do live shows (refer to the phone app for the current day schedule).We saw a lion, tiger, cougar, elephant, rhino and more.We bought tickets online so it’s easier than buying at the gates.There are food services throughout the park serving drinks, sandwiches, and more so you won’t need to pack lunch. They do allow bringing in food and drinks.There are several smaller gift shops located throughout the park, but the main store at the exit has all the different variety of toys and gifts.There is an alcohol policy allowing only one drink per ID. Kind of a strange policy considering that the drinks come in 12 oz cans or draft and I could not buy one for my wife. She had to go wait her turn to buy her own drink.read more

Atalia Candia

03:42 06 Jul 24

Had lots of fun! An absolutely HUGE zoo with so many different exhibits. Was a little disappointed there was no petting... zoo, but it didn't ruin my visit. More pricey than most zoos, but it's definitely worth it. I highly recommend the bus tour, which comes with admission. I also recommend setting aside an entire day, as there is A LOT to see and do. Wear comfortable shoes, there are steep hills and lots of staircases. Bring snacks or a lunch if you don't want to spend $20 on a just okay meal, which will also probably have a huge line. I highly recommend buying tickets in advance unless you have a $5 off coupon that you can get at most San Diego hotels.read more

Ariana Islam

18:53 03 Jul 24

Really great experience! There’s a variety of different animals and exhibits and they’re all organized neatly and... nicely. It’s a really large zoo so there are buses that give tours and are accessible for general admission tickets. There’s also the Skyfari that is a tram in the sky and gives you a Birds Eye view of the zoo. It also comes with the general admission and the breeze feels great. There are also a few 4D movies which were fun too but probably appeal to a younger audience. The only flaw I would point out is that price. Even though some would argue that it’s worth the price, $70 per person is still quite a lot. And personally I felt very burnt out and exhausted before exploring the entire zoo. Souvenir shops and food is really pricey too. A lemonade is $15 which is really unreasonable. Overall, not a bad experience but very pricey.read more

Karen Hess

01:57 30 Jun 24

Had a great time at the zoo! The scenery is so stunning and the animals were awesome!!! Loved the bus tour! It was hot... walking up and down the paths so the bus tour was nice! This was my first time to the San Diego Zoo and loved it❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐯🦁🐵🐧🦆🦅🐦‍⬛🦉🐴🐗🐺🦇🪱🐍🐢🦎🦓🐆🐅🦍🦧🐘🐫🦏🦛🦒🦘🐃🦜🦩🦥read more

JJ

05:50 27 Jun 24

This zoo is great fun . Do the 35 min bus tour . It is free and gives you a chance to see the layout of the zoo.... Volunteers were so helpful and were perfectly positioned throughout the park . It's worth buying the free refill souvenir cup, especially since you can get ice water instead of soda if you want. This park needs all the day if you want to see all the animals . We were able to, but that's without experiencing the animal shows.read more

Jack Cartlidge

09:49 26 Jun 24

My fiance and I took a nice vacation to visit her best friend in San Diego. One of the stops suggested for our trip was... the San Diego zoo. Glad we went too. We saw so many animals, and had a great time. The staff was super informative and helpful. The food we had was delicious. Highly recommend anyone to come out and check it out, and do yourself a favor buy the cup that gets free refills throughout the day.read more

Gilly Vuioo

16:32 17 Jun 24

I had a fantastic time seeing the elephants and giraffes up close. The flamingos are beautiful, and their bright colors... are stunning. One of the best parts was feeding the colorful parrots right from my hand. It's such a fun experience for both kids and adults. The zoo is well-maintained and the animals look happy and healthy. Highly recommend visiting if you're in the area!read more

Betsy Gonzalez

04:15 12 Jun 24

What an awesome, Awesome and amazing place. As an animal lover, a conservationist, and someone who cares deeply for our... planet and all of the flora & fauna on it, I always learn so much at each visit, exhibit, and by observation. It is always sad to see magnificent creatures in enclosures, but some are rescued for their safety & well-being and all to teach us the beauty and awe of our planet. Their collection of rare and unusual plants is glorious! I left with serious plant envy.read more

Charles Schiell

18:33 11 Jun 24

This place is massive with amazing exhibits. While they do have trams, buses, and guided tours for everyone, if you... really want to see everything, be prepared for lots of walking: lots of hills and lots of stairs. Fortunately, there is a lot of shade and plenty of benches. We spent a little over five hours walking around trying to see everything in one day. The sky car is a great little break with phenomenal views of the entire Balboa Park valley.read more

Diana Eaton

17:47 09 Jun 24

It was Awesome, we walked in no lines. Spent the whole day there. Weather was overcast but cool, sun came out later in... the day. Pizza was delicious. Was able to see lots of animals. Took the bus tour & rude the sky tram. Parking was free. Never disappointed that is an Awesome zoo!read more

Annette Sharon

05:38 03 Jun 24

The zoo is amazing. There's a lot of exhibits to see. We enjoyed the bus tour. Sitting on the upper deck right side, we... had a great view of many of the exhibits. It was awesome to see so many varieties of birds. We also enjoyed the aerial view from the gondolas and the kangaroo buses were helpful to tour the zoo without long walks. It's a great place and a must visit place in San Diego. Also, there are $5 off coupons in the airport exits!read more

Kara

07:40 02 Jun 24

Excellent. I went in with very high expectations and it surpassed them, both in accessibility for me with my service... animal and in the quality of the exhibits. Huge variety of animals, and they actually seemed well taken care of. I took my service animal and checked in with her at the front, and they gave her a bandana to wear so that employees inside the park wouldn’t repeatedly ask if she was a service animal. And once inside the park everyone gave us our space and was respectful. I also really really really appreciated that they gave us a map at the beginning indicating where the service animal relief areas were and which zoo exhibits were more or less sensitive to the presence of dogs. Overall it was a great experience, and I was happy with the service animal accessibility level.read more

Alta Moraine

23:48 30 May 24

This zoo is iconic, it was amazing to see so many creatures and habitats in one place. All the animals appeared happy,... healthy, and well cared for! My boyfriend and I spent 6+ hours here and still didn’t feel like we saw everything. Navigating around can be a bit disorienting, authentic jungle experience! 😅 The best way we were able to see the park was from the gondolas which are included with entry to the park. I was visiting from Northern California and was surprised by the high ticket prices but recognize that a visit to Lego Land, Disneyland, or other iconic parks is an investment and this goes to helping support the animals.read more

Katrina Bebee

01:16 28 May 24

The best zoo I've been to, and I've gone to many. There is something for all ages to do and see. An area for the... kiddos to get wet.Most of the animals were out and about, animals appear to be healthy. A bunch of options to grab a bite or dine in. Admission is on the pricey side ($72) for adults, which includes the rides.read more

Jennifer

07:03 21 May 24

My boyfriend and I went as he’s never been to San Diego Zoo. It was so fun and we went at the perfect time since it was... nice and cool and only hot for a short while before cooling down again.I saw they are bringing back Pandas, but we were too early unfortunately, however, they have many other animals. The only thing was sadly, zookeepers/employees took some of the animals in to feed them so we weren’t able to see some. We also felt let down at how many animals we wish we got to see more of such as elephants (they are reconstructing elephants’ habitat). Other than that our experience was great.read more

NRose A

21:49 20 May 24

Love the how they did a great job recreating some of the habitats for the animals...plenty of plants and space to fly... or run freely. Variety of the best and near exotic and extinct animals are kept safe here. The donations and proceeds fun Wild Life Organizations. My son enjoyed the Flamingos, Bird Aviary, Lions, Monkeys, Hippos, Cappy, Elephants, Giraffe and reptile house! Wear your sun hat and walking shoes... plenty of walking to do here. There is a tram tour as well. Variety of Restaurants to chose from with good quality food, honestly way better than Sea Worlds menu. Plus you can also bring in your own snacks and food. Parking is free. Seniors are and Active Military are free as well. Very scenic and relaxing.read more

Karim Nuri

21:37 17 May 24

So worth it. The $74 ticket shocked us at first, but after going on the SkyFari, the bus tour, and visiting all of the... animal enclosures, it was well worth it. It took us around 2 hours and a half to finish seeing everything. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The zoo is well maintained and packed with people!Loved it!read more

Madhur Agarwal

01:34 16 May 24

We had a blast at San Diego zoo. The lion at the front entrance is majestic. Different types of lemur, bears, monkeys... made our day. The other areas that we really enjoyed is the lost forest and the high waterfall. Entrance fees for the non resident child and adult seem bit overpriced and not many food options specially for the vegetarians. But I will still call a day well spent and overall a good experience.read more

C T

01:35 09 May 24

This has got to be one of the best zoos you can visit. You can easily spend an entire day here if you take your time... and wander around. As Travelers, we spent half a day at the zoo and were able to see everything we wanted to. All the staff and volunteers are super helpful and can answer questions or direct you to where you need to go. At the time of writing this review (May 2024), the pandas were not present, so we missed out seeing them. If you plan on coming and are on a tight budget, I would recommend bringing your own snacks/food as prices are very inflated. Other than the food and beverage costs, the admission is worth experiencing one of the best zoos I've ever visited. For time, conscientious visitors spend half a day at the zoo and then take a short jaunt over to Balboa Park.read more

Alyssa Walzak

16:55 02 May 24

hands down the largest zoo I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to many of them). clean zoo & lots to do and a plethora of... exhibits to see — I recommend spending the whole day here when you buy tickets, which I suggest you do in advance (and check for value days!). many food and drink stands and options available. knowledgeable and kind staff members and volunteers throughout the zoo. you can hop on the kangaroo bus for a tour or ride the sky-ride gondolas to view the zoo from above. my friend and I were visiting from out of town and had a blast!read more

Patrick Elmore

16:45 27 Apr 24

Absolutely a great zoo. There are lots of amazing animals to see, lots of fun activities to do and plenty of good... places to eat. My family and I have been to most of the top zoo's in the country and really like the San Diego Zoo. The price per person is getting a little out of had. However, I would highly recommend this Zoo.read more

Jocelyn Howell

06:04 23 Apr 24

While my daughters were on spring break I decided to go to the San Diego zoo during the week so it would be less... visitors and ample parking. I bought our tickets online so when we got there all I had to do was show the tickets on my phone they scanned it and that was it off we went to our journey of seeing all the beautiful animals. Let me just say it was a good decision.There was ample parking. It wasn't crowded there was a nice crowd but it wasn't so crowded that you couldn't see the animals that you wanted to see.We had such a great day at the San Diego zoo. I must say I was a little bit disappointed only because some of the habitats that we went to visit were empty and we wanted to see the animals but overall we had a great day we saw some beautiful animals and we were very happy. I hope when we go back that we will see more of the habitats filled with animals. It was beautiful though and very enjoyable.We also got some great pictures at least for my phone😂 Oh! I almost forgot and they serve drinks🍹now I was happy again. I haven't been to the zoo in a long time but I was very pleased to have a margarita while I walk through the zoo. 😄 You must go and have fun with the kiddos!read more

Autumn Hagen

02:31 22 Apr 24

Beautiful facility with a lot to see. Tickets are $74/adult, but a lot comes with that. They provide a 35 minute double... deck bus tour as well as a "kangaroo bus" to help you jump to different areas of this HUGE zoo. We took the Skyfari Aerial Tram up to the top - free of charge - and I definitely suggest using it to get to the top and walk down the zoo because some of the walkways are extremely steep. A wide variety of animals, plants, and shopping areas. There is also an opportunity to feed a giraffe a biscuit for $7!read more

Matthew schmitt

21:04 18 Apr 24

Having been to the Omaha zoo last year had some high expectations and wow does San Diego Zoo deliver. Just an... exceptional overall experience.The variety of displays were amazing. Love all the different areas. Our favorite for sure was the gorillas 🦍 but they are all awesome.The scale of the zoo is awesome, super easy to navigate but you are walking through such great greenery the entire day would be a nice walk even without the animals. Really enjoyed all the unique plants and trees as well.The staff is super helpful and very informative as well. Loved that.read more

tam schneid

02:10 16 Apr 24

Been visiting for 60 years😳—never gets old! Always improving for residents and guests! Albert’s Restaurant has great... food and pleasant servers. Bus tour is excellent with 35 minute overview of this expansive zoo. Go in the morning for cooler weather and more animal activity (also better parking!).read more

s a

17:04 13 Apr 24

Can only give this place 5 stars but deserves 10. Absolutely amazing zoo. Come prepared though. If you want to see... everything, wear proper clothes and shoes for walking around. Nice that you are allowed to bring coolers up to a certain size inside to bring food/water with you. They do have little shops in every area but if you don’t want to pay for the food or water, it’s nice to have the option to not have to. There are plenty of water fountains and water bottle filling stations around too.The zoo not only has the workers here to help, but also several volunteers. The volunteers are great about coming up to you and seeing if you need help. They are very educated and knowledgeable about the animals they are near. We took out our map several times, and anytime a volunteer saw us take it out, they came up to us asking how they could help us get around. All were extremely friendly and happy to be there too.There is a free parking lot on the premise, but it gets full quickly. Not necessarily hitting capacity quickly but full enough you’ll have to walk a little ways to the gate.read more

Terrell Marshall

05:06 08 Apr 24

Visited the San Diego Zoo and it was quite the adventure! The first pic reveals a hornbill perched behind foliage,... almost playing hide and seek – a real treat for bird enthusiasts. The second shows a vulture casually sunning atop a high perch. Third, we've got a snoozing lion, masterfully blending into the golden hour light. And the map? Well, it highlights the zoo's impressive layout, ensuring you don't miss a beat. Navigating the zoo is a breeze with clear signposts and a handy map – super helpful for planning your day. Each habitat is well-maintained, and the animals seem content, giving you a sense of ease as you wander through. There’s a good variety of species to see, and even on a busy day, you can catch a glimpse of the animal kingdom's finest without feeling crowded. Definitely a place to come back to, with or without the kids. The San Diego Zoo does a fine job balancing conservation efforts with visitor experience. Whether you're here for the majestic lions, quirky birds, or just a walk among the diverse exhibits, it’s a day well spent. Two thumbs up for this iconic spot!read more

JitkaKac

02:48 07 Apr 24

Very impressive and detailed models! We've had so much fun looking for funny additions to sceneries like escaping... chicken or drunk men exiting the pub. We also learned about the California railroads and challenges on the way when building them. They are working on new models and it's great to see work in progress.read more

Christopher Ciminelli

12:23 04 Apr 24

Easily the best zoo I’ve ever been to. There are so many animals and you need a whole day to see everything. Lots of... walking, but there are plenty of buses and other forms of transportation to bring you around the zoo. I loved the tiger and the polar bear, they also have a really cool elephant exhibit.read more

April Mangum

03:32 24 Mar 24

The Zoo exceeded our expectations. We stayed all day and have never watched so much activity by the animals at a zoo... before . The trails and facilities were clean and well kept which makes for a nice experience as well. We took the free bus tour to start our day which gave us a good overview of the park. After walking to every exhibit throughout the day we ended with a trip up and back on the Sky tram. Overall, a great experience!read more

Jeff Swigert

21:56 22 Mar 24

This was amazing space. The exhibits are so well designed that even though it was busy, it was still possible to have... special animal encounters around each bend.We have a medical service animal, named Penny, who loved it. The animals were pretty curious about her, too. The Harpy Eagles were especially intrigued by our furry companion.There were just so many great spaces to experience nature together with people.read more

Jonathan Douglas

16:58 17 Mar 24

This is a very active zoo, with lots of things to do and to look at. The bus tour is well worth it if you want to... quickly see the main attractions, then decide where you would like to walk to. The cable car is neat for the views and to get to and from the far side of the zoo, but don't expect to see any attractions overhead. It does get very crowded on the weekends. The biggest issues are getting to the zoo other than by car (it's several miles uphill from downtown, and bus service is infrequent), and the prices are eye-watering ($65-75 per person, including kids but you can save a few dollars by buying online ahead of time).read more

Mouj Saheb

04:59 16 Mar 24

I recently visited the San Diego Zoo, attracted by its reputation for vastness and natural beauty. Indeed, the zoo's... grounds are impressively large, with beautifully structured landscapes, abundant trees, and a variety of restaurants offering a pleasant break during the visit. However, my experience was tinged with disappointment due to the unexpectedly limited variety of animals on display. Despite the zoo's expansive size, it seemed there were more dining spots than animal exhibits.I found it peculiar that many animals were not visible to guests preferring to walk around the zoo, as some exhibits were accessible only through the bus tour. This setup, seemingly designed to encourage bus tour purchases, unfortunately meant that those of us exploring on foot missed out on seeing a significant portion of the zoo's animal population. Among the few animals I did manage to see, one memorable creature resembled a pig, which was an interesting sight albeit not quite what I had anticipated seeing at a zoo of such renown.While I understand the need for revenue generation, the emphasis on monetizing the viewing experience detracts from the accessibility and enjoyment of observing the animals. It's disheartening, especially for visitors looking forward to a comprehensive and engaging walk-through experience. In summary, while the San Diego Zoo offers a beautiful environment and ample amenities, visitors should be prepared for a possibly limited animal viewing experience unless opting for the additional cost of a bus tour.read more

Mike W

21:50 13 Mar 24

What a fantastic zoo! I can see why it's rated the highest in the country!We knew when we booked this trip that a... visit to the famous San Diego Zoo was going to be a necessity. The value day pass is a fantastic deal if you're going to visit on a value day. The zoo at times can feel a little bit like a maze, but it's worth going down every path and seeing every exhibit and animal.The zoo is very well maintained and there are volunteers all over to help guide you and provide insight and/or answers to any questions you may have. And the scenery is gorgeous!There are also extras included, even with the value passes, like the guided bus tour and the kangaroo bus (hop-on hop-off). Make sure even if you see the whole zoo on foot that you take the guided tour, you get some great perspective and different views!read more

F B

13:27 08 Mar 24

It's literally the best zoo we have ever visited. If you have a toddler, make sure you take your stroller. There are a... few hills inside that will tire them out. There are plenty of restrooms and quick food spots. Seems the staff takes care of the animals sanctuaries quite well. The only con is parking. Make sure you arrive earlier than planned to get a good spot. You can also park on the street by the school next to the dirt road. No fee. You can then walk for about 5 min until you reach the zoo entrance. There is no VIP parking. Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid wait time. If you are going during January, you may need a jacket in case it gets cold at night. One more thing, download the app. It was extremely helpful for inside the zoo navigation and for other information regarding zoo time shows and attractions.read more

Scott Waite

02:00 07 Mar 24

The zoo is a must see in San Diego. World’s best zoo! As a local I prefer to go a few hours before closing after the... animals have their afternoon siesta and crowds are quieter. The newer attractions really make this place shine. Spend 3-4 hours here and you’ll see most everything if you are not stopping long at places. While you may not see every animal, you will see some new favorites. I do every time!read more

Gabi Kim

17:06 06 Mar 24

The zoo is luscious and nice. Had a few more animals than the Denver zoo which is 80 acres, this one is 100 acres.... Price is triple the Denver zoo however. I recommend doing the bus tour right away, it is 30 degrees to your right as you enter then walk 30 ft. This would give you a better idea of how to plan your trip than the zoo map they provide. The zoo map does not show where the elevators are, as well as which roads are not accessible to visitors and or blocked off. Some hills are intense and map does not show which way are hills and which aren’t.read more

Jeri Cherkas

20:49 25 Feb 24

Great zoo! Our favorite exhibits were the pandas and flamingos and giraffes. The most disappointing was the frozen... margarita drinks for $16 that tasted like a kids sugary freeze drink with virtually no alcohol in them. Stick with the craft beer options! Loved the bus that ran every 15 minutes to drop us at each area.read more

Kalin Cowan

22:32 18 Feb 24

Best zoo in the Country, hands down! It's super clean and the animal exhibits are so well kept. It's huge, it's easy to... spend all day there. The employees are very helpful and happy to answer questions about any of the animals. The skyfari was so much fun also. We loved how many things were included with your entry ticket! So many amazing animals to see.read more

O S

15:10 13 Feb 24

They have many animals my favorite was the tasmanian devil. The leopards were fun to see also. They have so much it's... almost too much but if you're in the mood to walk and you or your kids like animals it's good. I was a little underwhelmed but I've been to multiple zoosThe buildings are amazing. I would say the people and the bus tour set this park apart although most animals are asleep during the day.read more

Lisa Bylund

01:13 09 Feb 24

I took my daughters (3 & 5) here for a few hours after school, and we had a blast! We need to come back for a longer... visit. The color exhibit was amazing and very interactive. The makerspace activity was just the right difficulty so they could do most of it unassisted, and create their own souvenir to take home. They played "grocery store" in Kid City for about an hour. We only saw about half of everything in our 3 hours there. Next time, we will go through parts we missed, but Kid City and the makerspace will be a must each time. Also the ball pit!read more

Cindy D

00:27 30 Jan 24

You have to love the zoo! The koalas, the big cats, the aardvark, the elephants, the baby bears, penquins, rare birds,... plant life and so much more!It was a beautiful day in San Diego and the zoo is a must see. We took advantage of items included with your admission such as the mini bus tour, the kangaroo bus transportation and the sky tram, but mostly it's great to walk around and observe the amazing wildlife. I was impressed by the efforts of the zoo to provide what appears to be suitable habitats and the proper environment for these wonderful creatures. Take in all you can as there is so much to see and much to learn. There were a few areas under construction, but hardly noticeable as you take in the vast area of the park. We have heard the safari is a great option and plan to check it out on a future visit. For our initial visit we wanted to walk throughout the zoo at our own pace. The walking is up and down hill, while our biggest challenge, to be honest. was dodging the hundreds of strollers. While also fun to watch the excitement of kids seeing some of these animals for the first time.The shops, restrooms and food/drink stands with tables and seating placed throughout the park, provide opportunities to take breaks during your stay. Pace yourself and allow most of the day to experience as much as you can. Have fun and support the San Diego zoo!read more

Rob Myrick

13:58 28 Jan 24

I visited as part of a industry convention. Our group had an encounter session with several animals with lunch. All of... the handlers were knowledgeable and engaged in the animals and education of the group.We were only given a small window to see the rest and took the double-decker tour to see what we could. The driver was knowledgeable and funny at the same time. She was really good at getting us good photo angles when possible.read more

Anthony Elisarraras

18:41 17 Jan 24

The San Diego Zoo impressed me with its vast 1,800-acre wildlife haven. Their rhino breeding success is noteworthy. The... guided tour among rhinos and giraffes was both enjoyable and educational. Despite ample walking, the numerous snack spots added convenience. While there are vegan options, expanding the variety could enhance the experience. 🦏🦒🌿read more

Tamilisa Miner

22:51 16 Jan 24

Wow! So fun! I am sure glad for the 30-min bus tour (suggest you do this first), and the Kangaroo bus. We saw awesome... animals and had a great time. Of course the food is expensive so be prepared for that. I loved that there were demonstrations going on (a sloth with his care taker by the Little Critters Area). Also loved the hummingbird habitat (many types of birds not just hummingbirds). The view is beautiful from the sky ride and bridge. We saw giraffes, hippo, cheetah with his tongue out, lions, elephant up close, red pandas, eagles, etc. I hope we get to return here soon to see more! We spent a full day here and left at dinner time. We got half-price tickets on the La Jolla website! Just a tip! Follow me "Tam's Tips" on YouTube for more cool tips. Hope to see you at the zoo!read more

Sarath Tata

23:57 14 Jan 24

We loved this place. The highlight of the zoo was the Aurora show. I'm not sure if it's done only on holidays but this... is so awesome that they utilized natural landscape to project and act a show. It was a pleasant surprise for us. I believe they do its themes based on the holidays as they invested a lot on this. Variety of animals to watch. As usual, expensive stuff inside the zoo as everywhere else. If you are a first timer, go right at the opening time, hop on to the bus. It gives an idea on the zoo and later you can walk around. Don't be surprised to wait for hours in queue for the bus if you come late.read more

Jack Furlong

18:27 13 Jan 24

I enjoyed my trip to the San Diego Zoo. I would recommend getting the tickets online to save a few extra dollars. It is... $70-$72 to get in to the zoo, which may seem like a lot but at least they offer free parking. The zoo itself is massive. The bus tour and tram ride is included with the price of the ticket was nice and was a great way to explore the park. I would recommend renting a scooter for $60 dollars to fully get the most out of the park if you aren’t able to walk. I walked 6 miles and still did not see the entire zoo. I would also like to recommend the zoo creating an app for the public to guide us better.read more

Seah Min Hui

05:46 13 Jan 24

Amazing zoo experience. Good to go on bus tour first to get your bearings. I spent 4hrs and didn't even completed the... whole park, you can definitely spend the whole day here if you are keen on exploring every part.Refillable soft drinks or beer available all aroundHighly recommend to visitread more

Kimberly Norman

16:14 12 Jan 24

After watching The Zoo: San Diego for several months, I was so excited to be able to go to the San Diego Zoo for their... Christmas light display. This Zoo is massive and laid out with numerous paths to explore every area. While the light display could've used some improvement, the areas that were decked out were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean. There were no long wait times to ride. I can't wait to come back and enjoy the Zoo in the day time!read more

Antonio Neves

16:28 06 Jan 24

The zoo is really amazing. It’s so big. You can spend the whole day there. Please use their transportation vehicles.... It’s free and you can get around easily. Also there are plenty of places to eat and some nice gift stores.read more

Adam Thompson

04:20 31 Dec 23

We did a full day with all tickets purchased online in advance. Early admission through the baby boom package, zoo... pass and then dinner and aurora. The entire experience was first class. Having attractions like the kids park, gondola and bus tour as part of the ticket are very nice. Lines always moved very quickly and we're well organized. The zoo is as much a meticulous garden. The grounds are amazing. Staff were extremely engaged and attentive. Early morning pass was exceptional opportunity to be in the zoo before it got busy. Only issue was the amount of times we had to double back. The app and map are not always clear and it is easy to miss a turn and head in the wrong direction. Dinner at Albert's was very good. Plan for the whole day and enjoy.read more

Andrea M

17:00 29 Dec 23

Wear your walking shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle! Ride the bus tour when you first get in and then... don't be afraid to use the Kangaroo bus to get you to the next area. Lots of great plants to see in addition to the animals. There are places where there are lots of stairs if you choose that path. Parking is free at the zoo so arrive early if you want a closer spot.Definitely get your tickets in advance to expedite entry.read more

Nourhen Brahem

07:10 27 Dec 23

They were not wrong when they said it’s more than a Zoo. As an adult l enjoyed touring the spaces. It was a maze and a... beautiful adventure through the dense bamboo trees and varied plants. If tires ride the bus or take the elevator to the “gondolas” too bad one afternoon was not enough to see it all. Sunset at 5:30 and it closes as 8, but still the night walk was gorgeous. I will definitely come again with my kids.read more

Todor T

13:51 24 Dec 23

This is a top-notch zoo! They have all kinds of animals, great and small. The zoo is organized by habitats (African... savanna, Australian outback, etc.). It was my first visit, so I started with a free bus tour, which went all around the zoo, and the driver provided narration. After that, I knew where I wanted to go on foot. The zoo is very large, so taking the bus tour saved me from having to walk all around it. I enjoyed the aerial views from the free gondola rides.read more

Chetan Motamarri

20:31 21 Dec 23

San Diego zoo is must visit in your itinerary. Definitely recommended if you have young kids. You can easily spend 5-6... hours here. It might take a day or two if you want to visit entire zoo.1. Take the bus tour first thing after you enter the zoo. It gives you very good idea about major parts of zoo and you can plan about rest of the day in zoo.2. There are multiple restaurants in different parts of zoo.3. Aerial tram is must do. It is such a big zoo, they have aerial tram to travel from one corner to other.4. Parking in zoo if free and is plenty.5. Zoo has several ups and downs, so be prepared it will be a difficult walk if you have a stroller/young kids.read more

Doug olmstead

01:31 14 Dec 23

December+Disappointed.... Heard so much on how great this zoo is for a long time... Got to tell you, I've seen better... zoo's with more animals in the mid West for a lot less than $71pp. Traveled the whole place and the place felt a little dull. Where are the animals? Just one or two or none in exhibits, and the ones there were presented so depressingly. The male lion in a area as big as a 1000sf he didn't move in 4 hrs. Saw him twice (1-bus, 2 on foot).Quite a Few exhibits were overgrown, just dirty, smelled like piss or totally absent of animals.$5.99 for a 8oz soda, $17 yes $17 hamburger with no extras ( drink, fries)But it is good to get out and walk around for 8 hours.Lots of impressive Jurassic looking plants.Cool bus ride/tram through the park.The employees were friendly and helpful.read more

Shiloh Stovall

15:26 13 Dec 23

This may be the best zoo I've ever been to. On top of my husband and I being free as military members, a 35-minute... guided bus tour was also included in the admission. There were so many animals and exhibits that will ensure you get your money's worth plus a lot more. Also, every worker was SO friendly and stopped to wish a nice visit or talk about the animals.Highly recommend to everyone!read more

Phillip Rosner

01:43 13 Dec 23

San Diego zoo is one of the best zoos I have ever been to. Certainly of the same caliber as the Bronx and Philadelphia... zoos. As a parent, I would 100% recommend visiting if you are ever in San Diego. It’s fun for the whole family for several hours. The only thing - and we all expect this - is that it is quite expensive. Expect to spend over a hundred dollars easily, and another hundred if you want to eat and get some souvenirs. But if it is in your budget, this is a must go kind of place. Just marvelous. See below for photos of our fine day there.read more

Jared Smithers

03:15 10 Dec 23

Zoo is huge and has lots of different animals. Bus tour was a good intro to the place. We were trying to fit in a bunch... of stops before the zoo ended, and a volunteer offered all the directions we needed to see everything in an efficient amount of time. Would recommend using the app, too.read more

Desiree Mier

20:02 03 Dec 23

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.read more

Dalila Montes

03:23 01 Dec 23

The zoo is amazing. Plan for a full day to enjoy the wildlife and botanical garden.The forecast called for rain and I... came prepared. It was the best decision ever. Small crowds and the animals were out in full force.read more

Alex Luthor

05:02 29 Nov 23

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.read more

Mikey Anderson

16:28 28 Nov 23

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.....read more

Jamie Heimforth

05:20 23 Nov 23

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!read more

Levi Renninger

14:21 15 Nov 23

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.read more

Alexandra Browning

03:57 15 Nov 23

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.read more

Matt Staples

19:54 05 Nov 23

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.read more

Nicolás Perales

20:24 02 Nov 23

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 themread more

nechama perkins

01:38 01 Nov 23

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.read more

Jamie Lawson

01:27 31 Oct 23

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.read more

Mike Gruey

00:08 27 Oct 23

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.read more

Bryan Bills

20:47 24 Oct 23

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.read more

Dan Brown

06:18 15 Oct 23

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.read more

Noel Monaghan

17:06 08 Oct 23

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 toread more

Alexander SaLee

21:25 06 Oct 23

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!read more

TY4AU Yates

03:39 05 Oct 23

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.read more

Pavithra S A

16:36 03 Oct 23

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.read more

JeanAnn Harrison

13:58 02 Oct 23

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.read more

Kenneth Ross

22:54 28 Sep 23

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 the jet lag!But here's the thing that makes it truly special: not only is it a blast, but it's also a powerhouse for conservation and research. These folks are like the superheroes of the animal world, working behind the scenes to save endangered species and educate the world on the importance of wildlife preservation.And the setup? It's like Mother Nature herself decided to design a zoo. The exhibits are beautifully crafted to mimic natural habitats, which means you get up close and personal with animals in environments that feel just right.So, whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family with kiddos who adore animals, or just someone looking for a wildly fun day out, the San Diego Zoo has got you covered. It's not just a zoo; it's a wild journey that leaves you with a smile and a heart full of love for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Five stars for this fantastic place where adventure meets education!read more

Moni G

22:51 13 Sep 23

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.read more

Alaa Oussi

05:33 12 Sep 23

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.read more

Gary Mitchell

01:02 11 Sep 23

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.read more

Derek J

20:00 10 Sep 23

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.read more

Jonathan Leibovich

23:21 03 Sep 23

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.read more

Dongjing He

07:50 02 Sep 23

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.read more

Lisa Moscarello

04:08 31 Aug 23

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.read more

Jasmine Warren

02:32 20 Aug 23

My daughter and I did the roar and snor. Our experience was amazing. The tents were well maintained. The bathrooms were... well kept. The food provided was decent, typical camp food. Plenty to go around. The late night snacks were a welcome plus. The staff was professional and friendly. The tour guides were amazing and very informative. The grounds are beautiful even in the midst of construction.read more

Glen Olmstead

23:06 16 Aug 23

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.read more

Jasmine Feng

02:30 14 Aug 23

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.read more

KIRA G

05:13 13 Aug 23

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!!!read more

Michelle Blair

17:18 12 Aug 23

Great place for groups, families, and/or couples to stroll the paths and view the animals. Feeding time is the best... time to go. Mid-day is probably the least favorable time to see the animals out and about in their areas.Parking is free. If you go mid-day or later might as well start looking for a spot in the closest isles and work your way farther away.Their are food choices but not as many as the wild animal park.Hard to believe there is a zoo in the center of a city but when your in there you forget.read more

Dallaire Family

03:51 01 Aug 23

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.read more

Chris Sweet

12:05 29 Jul 23

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.read more

Tanay Kshirsagar

18:25 24 Jul 23

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.read more

K DZ

03:40 24 Jul 23

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.read more

Katrina Flynt

05:22 20 Jul 23

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.read more

Cole Myer

01:29 18 Jul 23

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.read more

Khristine Pettingill

16:22 15 Jul 23

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!read more

Andy Downing

02:20 05 Jul 23

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.read more

Kristin Weatherby

00:00 02 Jul 23

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.read more

David Hughes

15:29 24 Jun 23

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!read more

Rosalie ONeal

07:21 24 Jun 23

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.read more

Mike Rosenke

21:35 22 Jun 23

What an amazing zoo! And we didn't even get to see it all.Great experience! You can definitely see it all in one day... but be prepared to walk. So many great exhibits and the animals truly look to be cared for in a humane manner.read more

Becky Peeples

17:01 20 Jun 23

I had not been to the San Diego zoo in about 10 years. I'm here visiting my niece and we went and wow I was amazed at... the changes. It is absolutely beautiful. They now have an elevator instead of escalator that can take you up to the higher elevations. That was really nice. Especially since we were pushing a stroller. We also took the bus but we only saw the elephants. We could not see any other animals. They said the bears were all in the back and just the positioning of the seats and the bushes and the road. You weren't able to see the animals. The baby liked the bus so that was fine and it gave us time to rest . The only disappointment I had was it was a huge huge hike to get up to the polar bears. The elevator does not take you up there so we did not go up to that area. It was just too much of a hike. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. The children's area is really nice. It is extremely expensive to get in, especially for out of town guests. But if you haven't been in a while I suggest you go at least onceread more

Bruce Forest

02:54 19 Jun 23

Many friends recommend this zoo to me. I found it’s indeed a place worthy exploring although I only checked out the... eastern half in my one-day visit. The first highlight is the ample species of different animals. The terrain is also commensurate to the diversity of animals. There are transportation buses and tour guide buses to save the labor to walk around downhill and uphill. But neither buses got to the west half.read more

Kayly Reinicke

14:58 07 Jun 23

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.read more

Katie Hosaflook

13:21 26 May 23

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!read more

Ziv Russell

16:50 17 May 23

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.read more

Kim Margita

16:05 24 Dec 22

Beautiful layout, zoo is well kept, clean, the animals that were out looked well taken care of. Staff was friendly and... helpful. Some of the exhibits were closed, and some animals weren’t out, which was a little disappointing, but the ones that were, are housed in beautiful displays. It’s a great workout pushing a stroller or a wheelchair. There are many inclines, with signs so you have fair warning. Special shout out to Justin at the first aid station. My Mom who is 83 was injured, (scooter accident) and he took amazing care of her, making sure she was comfortable and all our questions answered. He even printed out recommendations for an Urgent Care and hospital in the area. He called to have someone come over to take a safety report, Angela was kind to my mom and thorough with her report. One of the managers, I don’t remember his name also stopped in the First Aid station and actually ended up refunding our tickets for the day because they wanted to make sure we had a good experience at the zoo! We were shocked that they were willing to do that!! Make sure if you’re in San Diego to go to the zoo, the kindness of the staff, the beautiful layout and the majestic animals will not disappoint!read more

Kathryn Q

00:29 04 Dec 22

This is the best zoo I’ve ever been to. All the animals are very active and fun to watch. They have a large variety of... animals so there’s something for everyone.The transportation included in the ticket is amazing. The 30 minute free bus tour gave us a great overview of the zoo and let us see a lot of animals. The guide was very sweet and very knowledgeable. The kangaroo buses made it very convenient to get from exhibit to exhibit.The zoo is very large and it took us a whole day to see everything.read more

malik baudry

15:47 11 Sep 22

The Zoo is great! Organized with different sections and theme. A lot of volunteers help you navigate what is the best... option for you: take a bus or walk to a given section. We walked the entire zoo during the day with kids ranging from 11 to 16 years old. There are a lot of options to chose from for lunch and no shortage of amenities.read more

Lakshitha Dissanayake

01:41 03 Sep 22

We loved our trip to the zoo and would heartily recommend it to anyone. In fact, we have to put it as the number 1... attraction in San Diego. It really is something not to miss when you are in the city. We took the guided bus tour first and it was a good way to see the whole area before the walk around the zoo. There are restaurants in the zoo and the food was great. Would recommend wearing comfortable shoes since it's a big area you'll be walking. Take a stroller if you go with children or you can rent one in the park which costs you $16.read more

Cat Evans

16:41 31 Aug 22

I always wanted to visit. An it was well worth it. Started with the bus tour. So I could have a better understanding of... how everything works behind the scenes and a good starting point. When the tour was over. They had coffee which for me is a plus. And the staff was so nice in every part, inch or zone of the zoo. You know they love there jobs and care about wildlife. Because each exhibit was cater towards with animal. Loved itread more

DeEdmund Nettles

21:56 15 Jul 22

The Zoo was great! Kids loved it. It was kinda hot so the animals weren't that active. I'd recommend going really early... or really late. There was a splash pad for kids, and we spend over an hr in there. We could take our own food and drinks which was good since I got 4kids.Overall: Good, I will be going back.read more

Nicole Todd

05:07 21 Jun 22

Let’s be real- this zoo is just unbeatable. It is a magical experience just to walk through it , let alone to witness... the stunning variety of animals and plants. Hands down it is a must-see of San Diego. Definitely download the app and try to do the bus tour early morning or in the evening as I think the animals are more lively. There is always a chance that you won’t get to see some of the animals but you won’t be disappointed with the monkeys, koalas, and the many stunning aviaries. The history of the zoo and its many many animals is also captivating and a gift that keeps giving after you leave. It is definitely doable in one day but another day may have alleviated some of the angst of seeing or not-seeing some of the animals.read more

Eugene Y

22:41 19 Jun 22

Wonderful place for people of all ages. If you're planning on visiting more than once per year, then the membership... becomes worthwhile. Just note that most of the animals retreat into the shade around noon to avoid the sun, so if you want to get a good view, you should plan to reach your most important exhibit as early in the morning as possible.There is a sky tram located near the park entrance that will take you directly to the large Africa exhibit with the lions, elephants, and secretary birds. It's a handy shortcut.Also, expect all of the food to cost twice as much.read more

Corey Hedge (DisneyDad)

03:15 08 Apr 22

Wow, just wow. What an amazing experience. Clean, organized and very professional staff. As a Disneyland Cast member i... know first hand about high standards when it comes to public entertainment. So let me say that the San Diego Zoo has definitely got it's stuff together.The staff and volunteers were all so amazing. Every one that we interacted with were all so knowledgeable and courteous. They were even so nice to share some tips with us to make our trip even more enjoyable. The areas throughout were clean and well maintained. The food was great and fairly priced. We didn't do any tours and instead chose to walk the whole time. The paths were at times confusing but we eventually figured out where we needed to go.The only negative thing i have to say is that a lot of animals were either not available to see or were in areas of there enclosures that were hard to see for kids let alone adults at times. Other than that our kids and us had a great time. We wished we lived closer so we could go more often.Well done San Diego Zoo!read more

Rahman

09:14 31 Mar 22

The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species... and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park leased from the City of San Diego. Its parent organization, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, is a private nonprofit conservation organization, and has one of the largest zoological membership associations in the world, with more than 250,000 member households and 130,000 child memberships, representing more than a half million people.The San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cage less exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats. For decades, the zoo housed and successfully bred giant pandas, though the pandas were repatriated to China in 2019.With more than 4 million visitors in 2018, San Diego Zoo is the most visited zoo in the United States. Travelers have also cited it as one of the best zoos in the world!read more

Kelly Hyer

04:48 31 Mar 22

Hands down a must see for anyone that can get to San Diego. Very easy to get to within the city. Parking free on site.... However...it was insanely busy so plan accordingly. We got there at 11am thinking we'd see some people leaving already but people were still arriving in droves! We took the sky ferry (free) to the back and then walked to the front. Took us five hours to do almost everything. Every exhibit was so well done-absolutely incredible. Plenty of shade everywhere. The animal enrichment was such a focus-it was so cool! The signs are well done and volunteers very helpful not to mention wealth of knowledge. Bathrooms well stocked and clean. Pathways and gardens-pristine. Customer service well noticed. Well worth every $ today. Thank you San Diego Zoo!read more

Mariah Afshari

19:49 03 Feb 22

Highly recommend. I love animals, this is by far the best zoo. The amount of space each animal has is amazing and you... can see them from many different viewing spots. Able to feed a Rhino and Giraffes for a fee. Totally worth it for the experience and always nice to support a good cause. Spoke with many workers who are walking around the zoo and everyone was very knowledgeable! We had a blast!read more

Kyle Hanks

22:35 10 Jan 22

My husband and I love visiting animals in zoos and aquariums all over America. This is the BEST ZOO in AMERICA hands... down! The animals were so enthusiastic and energetic to visit with me. It is hard to say which animal was my favorite when each of their personalities where unique.I suggested you download the Zoo APP before you arrive. It is a GREEN tour guide that is very informative and easy to use. We used the zoo app to search for specific animal questions and locations. Then the app directed us to the animal step by step. Since we used the App, we were able to see more animals than expected.If you want general animal for a zoo gift buy it at the main entrance. I bought a very cute sweatshirt at the main entrance of the Zoo for myself. Remember each part of the zoo has a gift shop. The gifts items are directly related to animals in that area.100% Satisfactory, Volunteers Thank you for treating the animal with the respect they deserve.read more

Rabeea Jabbar

02:05 06 Jan 22

We loved visiting the San Diego zoo. It's world famous for a reason. We also learned that it's not only a zoo but also... a botanical garden. It is stunning to walk around. There is so much nature and beauty aside from the animals.They grow so many different plants and trees there.The bus tours are well worth it to check out the outside of the entire zoo and see animals along the way. Plan to be here for at least 3 hours if not more. Also the zoo allows you to bring food and snacks so you don't have to worry. They're so baby friendly which was great. There's a whole baby station where you can wash your baby bottles if you plan to be there long and need to feed the baby with a clean bottle. I loved it.read more

Patrick Claude

04:04 01 Dec 21

Having been to a few zoos around the world, I can absolutely say that the San Diego Zoo holds its own as a world-class... zoo. Somewhat reminded me of the Seoul Zoo with an extra level of polish. Absolutely loved the hop-on/hop-off bus tours they had operating throughout the park. If you're ambitious, you could probably tour the zoo in about 3-4 hours not including the shows. Everyone else can probably get their fill in about 4-5 hours. Would definitely go again!read more

Candice Y

18:51 16 Oct 21

Beautiful zoo! We spent a little over 4 hours at the zoo, but you could easily spend a whole day here, so much to see!... We got to the zoo right when it opened and almost all the animals were out! The animals were impressive but we were blown away by the plants! So many fun and unique plants to see. We definitely go again if we are in the area!read more

Vanessa C

17:55 06 Oct 21

The San Diego Zoo is one of my favorite places to visit when I am in San Diego. The zoo itself is huge so if you are... unfamiliar with it, I recommend taking a look at a zoo map so you can plan your visit and what animals you want to see. The zoo map also helps with figuring out how to go see certain animals as there are one-way escalators in the park that sometimes help cut the walking distance. There are so many animals to see! Take a look at the schedule too, as sometimes there are trainer sessions that are very interesting to attend. Don’t forget to visit some of the less well known animals. They often don’t have as big of a crowd and are just as cute! Speaking of crowds, if you see many people at an animal habitat, take a look! Most likely there is some activity going on. The flowers and other plants at the zoo are beautiful too and are definitely worth taking a look at, even though it might be hard when visiting all the animals! One tip I recommend is taking the Kangaroo Bus around the park as it helps with taking a walking break. Overall, the San Diego Zoo is a must see!read more

Jonathan Kramer, PhD

21:41 03 Aug 21

The SD Zoo is incredible, but know that except for the bus tour, it's a lot of walking, and it's hilly as it's built on... canyon terrain, so don't wear flip flops, wear good, comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Also, in the long summer months it's warm in the day, so bring a cap or hat, with shorts and light tops. There's enough here for 2 days. I've been to the Zoo well over a hundred times and love it every time. I use it for exercise walking, as much as to see the wonderful animal collection, as well as the astounding collection of plants and trees. This is a very special place, worth every dollar.read more

Anne-Valerie Daniel-Laveus

14:58 03 Aug 21

So many species to see… Love the bus tour. We were able To tour the whole park in one due thanks to the kangaroo buses,... offering different stops at different locations on site allowing us visitMore spots in park. It was so shaded and cool that walking around was not so demanding. The different plant species and water falls were so beautiful. Also the aviaries were just amazing. AMust see in San Diegoread more

Steven Ludwig

03:42 25 Jul 21

We had a great day. This was well worth the price of a ticket. Extremely clean. Fairly well organized. Very little... to nitpick. The people seem to love working there. They pack a ton of experience into this park and get full use out of every last nook and cranny. We can highly recommend lunch at Albert's. My best advice is to take the free bus tour when you first get there. It takes about half an hour, and you get a great view of the park that helps you plan and prioritize.read more

A Garcia

06:17 23 Jul 21

First time visiting, was very surprised at how big this place is (100 acres). Definitely recommend bringing very... comfortable shoes and clothing for both adults and children. It is a place that has many extremely steep hills so it wasn't exactly wheelchair friendly, therefore, we were unable to walk through many parts of the zoo. My autistic son requires a wheelchair so we were kinda bummed about that. Although they do provide an ADA shuttle service for handicapped visitors which we did use (they basically pick you up and drop you off on different locations within the zoo. All of the employees are very courteous and maps of the zoo are provided. The entire establishment (the parts we saw) was very well kept, very clean (including restrooms), the plant life is amazing and thriving and the animals personal areas were very clean. It seems as if they do a lot of maintenance for their animals and plants. There were many places to eat which means the lines are not long wherever you choose to go and provided lots of ways to provide drinks (vending machines, kiosk carts, refrigerated drinks inside stores. That was important to us because it was a very hot day and we ran out of our own drinks quickly. The prices are reasonable and we enjoyed ourselves. There were many souvenir shops throughout the zoo, each had different items depending on where the store is located and what species of animals are nearby. We will definitely be visiting again next summer.read more

DC One

15:56 08 Jul 21

The San Diego Zoo was a great experience. We took the bus tour initially and then decided to walk to see the exhibit up... close. The Zoo itself has great variety and we'll designed exhibits. The walk was mostly shady or cooler areas which made it more pleasant. The kids had an absolute blast. Additionally the food is okay and the prices are livable. Would definitely return!read more

Naomi Perez

18:20 30 May 21

Pricey for tickets but five hours walking and still didn’t finish the zoo. Reviews I’ve read almost deterred me from... visiting but I’m glad I did. So a beautiful scenery, plenty of shaded areas especially while walking, lots of exhibits to see and for the most part the animals were moving and grooving. Like I mentioned lots of walking to wear tons of SPF and comfortable shoes. I would also recommend bringing snacks because one thing for sure the food courts are ridiculously expensive. For two pretzels, one bag of Doritos, and one drink I paid $35.00. Very pricey and since I’m from out of town I wouldn’t know to pack a snack so important information sharing moment. Overall great experience, my son enjoyed it and it was a great day at the zoo! Best zoo I’ve been to. As far as reviews saying it’s small and exhibit are right next to each other all false. Also the zip line is complimentary for guests just have to wait In line which went by quickly about 15 minute wait.read more

Sam Rodriguez

23:26 23 May 21

Went to the zoo with my family of 3 on a Saturday. Not overly crowded and plenty of safety measures in place. The zoo... itself was amazing and my 8 yr old loved it. Great exhibits and so many animals to see. The animals were mostly active and it was easy to see why it is such a popular vacation destination. Highly recommended for families of all sizes and ages.read more

Nate Fisher

16:30 05 May 21

Every time we visit our family has a wonderful experience. Great all-day or two-day activity.The animals appear to be... very well cared for and usually easy to see moving around and playing. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.Very grateful that they accept out of state visitors without extra restrictions. We’ll be back!read more

Jessica Hong

18:13 30 Apr 21

Loved going here with our kids, they had stroller rentals for all day only $18 for the double. We went in the middle of... the week so it wasn't too crowded, but I imagine it would be pretty crowded on the weekends. If you have kids, it's better to go to the zoo and not the safari park. Loved the skyline!read more

Ryan Kassel

22:01 20 Apr 21

This is a world class zoo. Of course the weather is amazing in San Diego. Balboa park is a really nice area. There are... so many amazing animals. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. It also feels great supporting the zoo, as they are an exemplary zoo that support tons of conservation and reproductive programs. I love it there!read more

Kim Nguyen

03:58 18 Apr 21

The San Diego Zoo is one of the best gems of America’s finest city. It’s home to some of the most incredible animals... that we get the pleasure to see in as much natural environment possible. Visiting the bears is one of my top things to do especially the polar bear when they are splashing and swimming in the water to cool down. I’ve been to the zoo a few times and like to go with the flow instead of following the map. Remember to be kind to fellow visitors and give them space and time to enjoy.read more

Brian Turner

19:05 05 Apr 21

The zoo was cool, the screening line was not. It was close to 90 minutes of waking through a mile plus long line and... all they did was ask if we were sick or around someone sick. The lines for food and drink were also incredibly long (an hour plus). The zoo is cool, but I would not go until they get some basic systems in place to make it more enjoyable.read more

Debra White

16:47 04 Apr 21

Be sure and prepare yourself for a very long day of walking. This zoo is simply amazing. They have designed the animal... habitats in a very natural environment. We saw some great animals and at the end of the day we logged nearly 9 miles. Take your time, have a seat, take some bottled water, and enjoy every inch of this great zoo. The only issue we had was long lines for food and drinks. The zoo did not seem to be properly staffed for the number of people who were there on the day we visited. Other than that I would highly recommend you visit the zoo when you're in San Diego.read more

Monica Alvarez

21:17 05 Mar 21

Cute gift shops for the kids, walkways are clean, beautiful landscapes. Volunteers through out the zoo help you with... directions or any question about the animals. You can bring your own food (as long no straws or glass containers). Free parking. Most of the animals are active in the morning so be early. Love this zoo.read more

c .rich

21:20 26 Feb 21

Paradise. Love the heavy foliage throughout most of the park. Keeps everything cool and I feel like I'm somewhere far... away. Plants are as amazing as the animals. Skyfari currently runs Thursday through Friday and is a favorite. You can take in views of balboa and zoo. It's a very peaceful ride. Walk over to balboa when it's more open takes around three minutes along the path. Probably there's street vendors Fri - Saturday in balboa. I do not recommend the coffee stand by front entrance of zoo and flamingos. Tasted like hot milk. There's a fabulous coffee place as you walk down path to orangutans. Wish I knew the nameread more

Erick Salgado

22:59 17 Feb 21

A world class zoo in a world class city, the San Diego zoo is superb for many reasons. It's an educational experience... for all who go, and a reminder of the beautiful world of plants and animals. This is a must see if you are visiting from out of town. If you are local and have children, the annual pass is the way to go and offers an easy go to experience for Mom, Dad and the kids. Plus, you can do all this while enjoying a beer. That's a huge plus. I love this place.read more

Daneille Klein

16:05 16 Feb 21

We arrived at the zoo at 9am on a holiday. The line was already pretty long waiting for the zoo to open. We didn't make... reservations before hand so we were worried we wouldn't be able to go inside. Signs posted said to see an attendant if you do not have reservations. We were able to get our reservation there but only because we were there so early in the morning she was almost out already.read more

Gino Kiettisak

19:52 14 Feb 21

With the reopen of the zoo. It was quite nice being in an environment familiar from before. With covid now, the zoo has... appropriate signs for keeping compliance. If anything it's the people that need to manage better and not be in a rush for evading others space just to witness a moment the residents are displaying.Overall rating was to my satisfaction. It's been a week from visit and my partner and I feel fine but that's not to say anyone may be so fortunate. Take careread more

Melissa Mulford

16:18 17 Nov 20

This is a great zoo and can easily take the whole day to really see everything and read about the animals. The... volunteers standing at some exhibits are a wonderful addition, providing lots of valuable and interesting information about the animals there. Some say this zoo is overrated, but I disagree. It's one of the best in the country. The animals really seem to put on a show and the lion was so vocal!read more

Janet Vickers

16:50 30 Oct 20

I love this zoo. They are making a huge effort for screening and reduced attendance. However, given the long entry line... it would be nice to offer some sort of shade. Luckily we were there in the morning and not too hot. Once inside kids did the best with masks probably due to their excitement and didn't notice. We were able to navigate almost the whole zoo in about 4 hours. I look forward to returning after the "kids free" in October.read more

Steele Snider

21:15 23 Oct 20

Absolutely amazing zoo. Nothing like it anywhere. Enormous facility that prides itself in the care of its animals. This... is a must see for anyone in or around the San Diego area. It is worthy even of a vacation to just see it. Definitely come here and check it out. It will definitely not disappoint.read more

Steve Elliott

22:11 21 Oct 20

Best zoo in the world. Had my first visit in over 14 years and it was great to see how things have continued to stay... fresh and updated. Great place to kill some hours. All the walkways are very scenic but bring your comfortable shoes to deal with the hills and valleys.read more

Colleen Koenig

02:20 21 Oct 20

Fantastic zoo, enjoyed walking around for a few hours among the animals as well as trees and plants. Animals seem happy... and very well taken care of. Enclosures clean, walking paths well maintained (like new!) And I was shocked how many koalas they have. How cool is that?!read more

Michael Navarro

20:40 17 Oct 20

Very great place to bring the family and help keep the zoo active. Some animals can only be seen at night time (some... nocturnal animals) but usually during the month of October and a part of December, the zoo is open late. There is a health screening before you enter the zoo, so be prepared if there is a bit of a wait, it usually goes by very quick. I would recommend, a person that is a resident of San Diego or a person that will be going to the zoo and safari park more than 2 times in a given period, it comes out a bit cheaper to get a annual pass over the course of a year. It's very nice to meet up with people that are members as well and talk about our favorite exhibits and animals we have seen.The zoo is just a great place to spend the day at and enjoy the great San Diego weather.read more

Elmont Montecalvo

00:03 10 Oct 20

Easy to spend a whole day there. Lots to see. Presented in fun ways. Love the multi-levels. Zoo itself is doing a great... job with safety protocols. Would love to come back to experience all the stuff that was closed when things get back to normal.read more

Joseph Miramontes

02:11 06 Oct 20

The San Diego zoo is a great experience with lots of attractions and plenty to see. There's a wide range of animals and... multiple species. Family friendly environment and a great date, would also recommend for anniversaries, birthdays and other such events. Getting it pass is totally worth it if you live in the area, it gives you an excuse to come back and see everything that you missed the last time. It can definitely be a full day full of fun, adventure and excitement.read more

zachary john

04:12 28 Sep 20

In all honesty I gave it a 4 because of the whole covid situation. In general you can save yourself some time by b... purchasing your ticket from the kiosk instead of waiting in the long line. Next the staff are super helpful and interactive. Get a map for starters. If you want to see the polar bears I suggest you take the sky train up and then walk down. Over our experience here was very enjoying the animals are beautiful we had an amazing time. I recommend it to anyone who's curious about it. Check it out the kids will love it.read more

Christal Bell

05:41 25 Sep 20

The most beautiful zoo in the US. I had to buy a season pass because this zoo is so large it takes the average person... three days to see the whole park.The terrain can be challenging at times so I love that I don’t have to rush because I have the whole year to come back. The animal are so amazing and the grounds are just gorgeous. There are restaurants and pit stops along the way if I get hungry or thirsty. Restrooms are all along the paths if needed. They have electric wheelchairs for rent if you are handicapped and need assistance. They have COVID screening as you enter the park. The lines in the morning go really fast. Buy a season pass it’s so worth it!read more

Stephaniecm011

04:08 23 Sep 20

I love this place,its my favorite zoo. I love looking at all the animals. Also it is a fun place to get some exercise... in the morning, because of all the hills. (Photos from 2017)read more

Kimberly Bonnell

21:56 21 Sep 20

This is an amazing zoo. My family and I will always have great memories from our visit. The hippos were so sweet. The... mother was cuddling her young and they were up close for our viewing. The animals are well taken care of and a pleasure to seeread more

T T

04:51 19 Sep 20

Came in a weekday and wasn't crowded. Everybody wore mask. Even thought it was hot in summer but it was worth to see... these animals.read more

Maria Moldovan

17:29 16 Sep 20

Loved it, especially during a pandemic, the place was clean and very well organized for getting as many people as... they get daily!read more

Kathy Hebert

05:56 16 Sep 20

Wonderful baby animals right now, 2 juvenal giraffes as well as cheetahs. All the guests at the park that I saw were... very respectful as far as wearing masks.read more

Missy Karber

22:45 15 Sep 20

Smaller then I thought it would be. BUT, really cool!I'm really glad that they had to monitor how many people were... able to go in at a time. If it was able to have 100 percent capacity this place would have felt WAT too crowded. My dad and I only spent an hour here and saw everything at a leisurely pace. I had a great time getting to feel the aquatic creatures in the tide pool area out back!read more

Joe Pelletier

16:21 14 Sep 20

Difficult to enjoy in the time of COVID-19 when barely able to breathe through a mask.

Elizabeth Mariscal

02:30 14 Sep 20

With this whole pandemic going on it was so nice to take our children out for the day are girls absolutely loves the... animals it was a great experience and family outing a little overpriced I would say for the entry I've never paid that much to go to a zoo but it was worth itread more

Oanh Nonaka

23:14 12 Sep 20

Early admission with Zoo Keeper's club is the way to go! Avoiding all the crowds, the lines and the heat! Animals are... very active when it's cooler!read more

Kelsey Bittola

19:19 08 Sep 20

Bring sunscreen and an umbrella! They are very organized and have people all over directing where the line is to stand... in to wait before you go into the zoo. The line does move fast! We were in line for 15 minutes. Wear your walking shoes too! We walked 6 miles in the zoo and there are hills that you have to walk up. If you go from right to left and then up the middle then you’ll be going down hill for most of them. Overall it was a nice experience. It was a little difficult wearing the mask the entire time in the zoo but we took breaks. Spent three hours in the zoo.read more

Papii Torregano

23:43 05 Sep 20

It was exactly what I thought family friendly and exceptionally clean i must say .....if you are seizure prone like I... am or have any type of ailments that will flare up in the heat then I'd recommend waiting until it cools off....I almost passed out all day....other then that great overallread more

Jeff Phillips

22:07 05 Sep 20

They have done a nice job of keeping people safer during the pandemic. Still one of the best things to do in San Diego... with a family.read more

Peter Duran

01:02 03 Sep 20

We went for the Halloween at Miniland and although the tickets were $12, the actual experience was not worth it.... There's only 1 activity throughout the entire area and although the event is open for 4hrs, you can easily cover it in 1. There's no fun and the candies they give are dumb dumbs, smarties and nerds which are only given out in 2 areas. Save your money and gas. The only fun we had was staying in the hotel so that my son can distance learn.read more

Kimmi Robinson

22:39 24 Aug 20

The zoo is wonderful, with almost all the animals available to observe, but not a lot of room for social distancing.... The zoo stated they are running at a "reduced capacity" but that did not appear to be the case. VERY crowded walkways and paths made it difficult to move around, and distancing impossible. We love knowing our ticket prices are helping to support the animals and jobs during this difficult time, just not a lot of opportunity for distancing during a pandemic. I will say the stores were run efficiently, and drink refills were handed to you in a separate cup to refill yourself. Workers were all pleasant and helpful!read more

Connor French

23:37 22 Aug 20

Absolutely love the San Diego zoo. I've recently moved here and it's one of my favorite places in the city. The Zoo is... still open even with the whole COVID thing you just have to wear a mask and go through a line and answer the questions before entering. I plan on coming back here again and again and definitely recommend it as one of the things to do if you visit San Diego or if you are in the area.read more

Cristina Sanchez

00:50 20 Aug 20

Very lovely zoo! The layout is great and you get to see the animals from multiple angles. Be prepared to walk a lot! We... walked over 7 miles while there. There are quite a few hills as well.The staff were very friendly and informative. We got to witness a member of staff placing a baby koala in their habitat. She was very enthusiastic and engaging. I wish I could post the video, but am unsure how. 🤦‍♀️They enforced the wearing of masks and keeping a distance of 6 feet or more between park guests.The overall atmosphere was charming, friendly, and personal. I highly recommend a trip to this zoo!read more

Tom L

00:10 18 Aug 20

I've been visiting for about 70 years, and I like to send friends zoo items. A friend in Florida has been working... jigsaw puzzles so I sent her the gorgeous zoo puzzle of 1,000 pieces with all the creatures. She loved it and sent it to a friend in Seattle who also enjoyed it and gave it to her friend's daughter to do. The young lady named all the animals and was so thrilled with it they're having it framed to hang on her bedroom wall. Now that's a hit!read more

Geo Stone

20:03 17 Aug 20

Zoo was great. They are doing a lot of new construction so baby area is closed. Everyone is wearing masks and keep 6ft... distance. Very humid there so take so frozen water bottles and put them in you backpack keep your back cool and it will cold water in no time!read more

Matt Gorden

02:59 16 Aug 20

The San Diego zoo was fun. Due to Corona we had to wear masks which made the experience hot and a bit uncomfortable,... however we made the most of it and walked the whole park. Some activities and exhibits were closed and maybe missed out on some stuff but honestly after 5 hours of walking, our feet were sore and we were ready to go. It was hot and some of the animals were staying out of the sun and therefore we could t see them. I don’t blame them as I did my best to find shade along the way too. I can’t say it’s the best zoo I’ve been too, but it’s still worth a stop.read more

Tyler Howat

23:03 12 Aug 20

Happy that the zoo is open and taking great precautions! Unfortunately, so few animals were out that it often didn’t... seem worth it. The service and amenities were well done, though.read more

Kaveh Hajighazi

07:37 12 Aug 20

Great zoo. Variety of animals some of which I have never seen before. The zoo is very clean and well taken care of. ... The exhibits are beautifully set. Animals can be easily seen. Ample parking. One can spend over a full day at this facility. There is a good mix of all sorts of animals. I really enjoyed watching a hippopotamus family under water. It was also my first time seeing a polar bear up close. The chimpanzees are also a must see. I was hoping to see a pack of wild dogs but I didn't get the chance.read more

Lia Maher

20:22 09 Aug 20

Great zoo! People were considerate and using masks and social distancing. Animals were playing and fun to watch. The... elephants have their own playground.read more

Simoriah Britt

12:35 08 Aug 20

Well, I was extremely disappointed to not see any pandas, or koalas. I think as a child this place could be a highlight... but as an adult I feel it was lacking in some areas. But it felt good to get out of the house and be in some beautiful scenery. The lack of their publicized animal masks also makes for my lower rating seeing as my husband and I were both excited for getting different animals and styles of masks. And they had maybe about 4 styles 2 animals and only one of those two was really a face.read more

Lark K

00:31 06 Aug 20

The zoo is beautiful, and I enjoyed the day. However, the constant reminders (signs, "enforcers," and announcements,... including street entertainers) to "make sure you're properly wearing your mask" became annoying rather quickly. I tried to be understanding because I was thankful they could be open at all, but it was definitely overkill.read more

Jack Nack

04:45 05 Aug 20

MAKE SURE TO BRING WALKING SHOE'S, UP AND DOWNS, HILLS, SLOPES, IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN OR ELDERLY BRING STROLLER AND OR... WHEELCHAIR. OF COURSE ITS A ZOO, SO ITS HARD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ANIMALS BEING INCARCERATED. PEOPLE WORE MASK, SOME KEPT THEIR DISTANCE SOME WERE TOO CLOSE. NICE PLACE, SAFARI MAY BE BETTER.read more

Erin Browder

15:03 01 Aug 20

So thrilled that the Zoo is still open. The staff and procedures were 1st rate, the visitors were all screened and... masked. Easy to find space distancing during the visit. A wonderful open air experience. Some food/drink and shopping is available, all with most careful monitoring of health safety protocols.read more

Jalaya Wallace

08:20 01 Aug 20

With COVID going on I was afraid that my daughter would not enjoy her summer break off and our vacation time, but the... SAN DIEGO ZOO has gone above and beyond for making my experience safe and fun. The animals were so lively and I was able to hear a lion and a tiger roar on the same day! That was an amazing experience. I thought it was pricey and not going to be worth it with some things shut down , but with a lot of things cancelled this zoo still takes about 2-3 days to finish. Wonderful time and can’t wait to come back!read more

Praveen V P

16:02 28 Jul 20

The animals are taken care of and the surroundings are clean. We can see lot of animals within short period of time. I... expected over inflated tourist prices but it was reasonable. I admired how the zoo kept me informed how their efforts are conserving. I especially enjoyed the open bird room in the tropical area. All of the animals are within close proximity of each other.read more

Alexandria A.

21:04 24 Jul 20

Excellent, very diverse range of wildlife. Plan for a 4-5 hour day to see the whole zoo. We went when they opened at... 9am, so it was quieter and some of the animals were still sleeping. The gorillas and lion slept right up on the glass so we got a good look at them. However, there were also cases where the animals were sleeping off in a corner and we didn't get to see them that well until later in the day. Would recommend starting where the African animals are (there is no shade) and looping back toward the Lost Forest (lots of shade).read more

M S

20:24 23 Jul 20

The San Diego zoo is absolutely the best zoo in the country! From the range of animals, to how clean and well kept the... facilities are, the zoo always has something to offer for everyone, at almost any time! There's constant construction, work, and repairs being completed throughout the zoo which means that the landscape there always changes fairly regularly. Parking is a breeze, post covid 19, but in general plan to come early and search when the crowds return. have been coming for the better part of 33 years and always am amazed at how lucky southern California is to have such an amazing and beneficial attraction.read more

tony kennerly

21:37 22 Jul 20

The most beautiful setting in San Diego.It has been about 8 years since my last visit.Everything has progressed,newer... displays, better walking trails.Food service could use some work.Better quality is needed at the price you pay.read more

Jazmin Arce

23:41 21 Jul 20

My partner and I enjoy going to the Zoo every weekend as members. We live only a few blocks away, so we see it as a... great place to put in a few steps. We love taking our family when they come to visit, and it’s always so cute to see the cubs and other babies. It’s a great experience for all the family.read more

Taylor Gutel

22:59 18 Jul 20

I have been coming to the San Diego zoo since I was a small boy. It has always and continues to be one of the greatest... places of joy for me. The animals are well taken care of and the exhibits are always great. Today marks the first day I've taken my son now to the zoo. A tradition I hope continues for a long time.read more

Allen Thomas

22:19 18 Jul 20

Excellent Social Distancing standards in place with good staff support to remind people to keep their masks on;... however, they are reminded sompeople can handle it for the good of others. A macho syndromes-I'm invincible!!! Diffidently like the early morning environment.read more

Ali Bettner

23:20 12 Jul 20

I love the San Diego Zoo. First, parking is free and easy to find if you come early. I love that every visit is a... unique experience. The zookeepers and volunteers are very knowledgeable and kind. Great food and drink choices (the rum infused snow cone at the kiosk right before Elephant Odyssey is amazing).read more

Christopher Hazlett

21:18 10 Jul 20

Can get pretty busy. Even on a Friday. I prefer the Safari Park (the SD Zoo's daughter site) better. The great thing is... it's in walking distance of all the museums and Balboa Park. It's taking responsibility during Covid-19. My only complaint is I feel like if you want to see everything, you have to backtrack. But I'll take it as good exerciseread more

James Purl

19:23 09 Jul 20

Kudos for walking the line of safely allowing guests! World class zoo, though many of the extras were still closed in... this phase. Still worthy of traveling from NorCal and spending a few vacation days.read more

Israel Garcia

22:32 03 Jul 20

I love the zoo. My family loves the zoo. In these times of Covid-19 they are managing crowd size well. They also screen... prior to entering. All of the concessions have outdoor seating so there is no impact on enjoying a beer or any other snack they offer.read more

Ryan Huffman

13:50 18 Jun 20

Amazing experience seeing the Koalas up close. We actually were able to experience a good portion of animal sightings... during the experience and set our day up for a much more relaxing time!Everyone is so very helpful and knowledgeable!The dining is very good as well.We ate at Alberts and were thrilled with food and service.Do not miss this zoo!!read more

Pending Art

00:11 12 Jun 20

A beautiful place to get a lot of great pictures. I went and enjoyed every part. Bit be prepared for a lot of hill... walking. Highly recommend zoo. Very clean and respectful to the animals.read more

Ron Mosocco

00:02 01 Jun 20

One of America's best zoos, we took our grand kids here a few years ago. From reptiles and tortoises and snakes to... birds, fishes and mammals, the list goes on. All exhibits are well kept and the animals are well taken care of. While I am not a great supporter of caging specimens, preferring observing them in their natural habitat, this is a good alternative for children and our general population.read more

Mark S Smith

03:06 17 May 20

Had a great time there years ago. I have been meaning to post the pictures for a long time. I am not a huge fan of... zoos or aquariums, however I was in California for business and we stopped by the zoo. It was a super interesting experience and I wish we could have spent more time there.read more

Shayna Teti

12:02 28 Apr 20

I always love the zoo. I remember coming as a kid and now I get to take my son to see it too! We came at an off time... however, because quite a few animals were not out, or their habitat was being worked on. Which I totally understand, just bummed us out. Definitely buy your tickets online to save some money before you go.read more

Angela Soto

21:37 11 Mar 20

Amazing experience! Very well organized zoo with lots of information! We had an enriching experience worth the money... for our family of 4! We will definitely be coming back. I recommend walking toward the back and taking the bus on your way to the front. Expect to walk ALOT if you intend on seeing all the animals. The terrain is hilly, so wear good shoes and get a good stretch in before you. We loved the polar bear exhibit! And it was awesome to be able to get right up close face to face with an endangered tiger. I loved the emphasis the Zoo has on animal conservation and especially loved the exhibit that showed the past animals of California!read more

Noah Rosen

15:04 09 Mar 20

Always love the zoo. One of the best in the world for a reason. Superb staff is friendly and ready to answer questions... at any exhibit. Never too crowded when I’ve been either. The park food is expensive but compared to others like Disney, it’s a deal. Be sure to go on a cool day as the animals tend to be more active and out.read more

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