San Diego Zoo - Tips for Visiting

By Casey Makovich
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The world-famous San Diego Zoo is a must-see when traveling to Southern California. The large, 100-acre park is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals from around the world, including pandas, koalas, tigers, polar bears, and more. The park also boasts a botanical collection of more than 700,000 exotic plants.

The zoo is rated the #2 zoo in the World by TripAdvisor and is consistently a Travelers Choice Award winner -- which includes a list of the top zoos in the world based on millions of traveler reviews. Check out our helpful guide before you visit, which includes ways to save on admission, San Diego Zoo tips, must-see exhibits, other nearby attractions, and much more.

San Diego Zoo Tips for Visiting

  • If you visit with Go City, you can skip the ticket booth and go straight to the turnstiles for park entry. Your San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass ticket includes unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari aerial tram, and all regularly scheduled shows.
  • Wear comfortable footwear. The San Diego Zoo consists of 100 acres of hilly terrain.
  • Take advantage of the guided double decker bus tour and go in the morning to scope out your must-see exhibits. Follow the bus route along with your map to get a lay of the land.
  • It may also be helpful to use the hop-on hop-off Kangaroo Bus. The bus makes 4 stops throughout the park and arrives at each stop every 15 minutes.
  • The zoo allows outside food so pack snacks and a picnic lunch if you want to avoid paying for food in the zoo.
  • Hydrate. Bring a water bottle or purchase a souvenir fountain drink cup with a straw and lid for discounted re-fills all day.
  • Spend some time in the shadier terrain in the Lost Forest exhibit when temperatures are at their peak. This area of the park features the most shade so it tends to be cooler and gives you a break from the sun.
  • Parking is free, so no need to worry about budgeting in some extra space for those parking fees.

What is the Best Time to Go to the San Diego Zoo?

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Plan to spend a full day at the zoo. Go early to avoid the busiest times and to increase your chances of seeing the animals when they're most active during the day before the temperature rises. This will also maximize the number of feedings and keeper talks you can enjoy. These special events take place at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the day. If you are interested in any of these, be sure to consult the operating calendar before your visit.

What to Bring

  • Water: You'll be walking around and out in the sun all day so bring a water bottle to fill up at various fountains throughout the park.
  • Sunscreen: Bring sunscreen, because most of the exhibits are outdoors.
  • Camera: There will be lots of photo opportunities and plenty of adorable critters -- be sure to bring a cellphone or camera.
  • Picnic: The park allows outside food, which can be a smart way to save on dining.

What to Do at the Zoo

See below for a list of our recommended exhibits to check out during your visit.

Africa Rocks

The San Diego Zoo’s Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks spotlights the amazing biodiversity found on the African continent. With six new habitats that span 8 acres dedicated to African plants and animal species, including including African penguins, baboons, lemurs, and more. These habitats are all unique, and are organized under the following concepts:

  • Cape Fynbos
  • Madagascar Forest
  • Ethiopian Highlands
  • West African Forest
  • Acacia Woodland
  • Kopje Woodland

Guided Bus Tour

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Enjoy a ride on the double-decker bus for a narrated tour of the zoo. You'll see lots of the zoo's highlights and popular exhibits along the way. This is especially helpful as the zoo is quite expansive and walking its entire expanse can get tiring. Go on the tour early in the day and follow along on your map to get a feel for the zoo's layout as you go.

Northern Frontier

Home of the zoo's polar bears, this exhibit is a must-see for any Arctic enthusiasts out there. Watch a snow white fox frolic, caribou meander, and polar bears swimming or playing in the underwater viewing area. Stay for a Keeper Talk, during which you'll learn about the unique maned wolf species and see the animals do enrichment exercises.

Elephant Odyssey

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See lots of elephants and check out the Elephant Care Center facility. This exhibit also features other California-native animals of the past and present, including large birds, cheetahs, lions, meerkats, and more. Stay for a Keeper Talk to watch lions or jaguars enjoy enrichment programs -- and if you've never seen either of these big cat species being playful, then you're in for a real treat.

Lost Forest

 

Take a stroll through Lost Forest to see tigers, hippos, monkeys, gorillas, and more. Be sure to walk through Scripps Aviary and Owens Aviary to see the rare and exotic bird species. You'l also find the Tiger Trail here, which is a great opportunity to see these majestic great cats if you can't get to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This section also features a number of botanical exhibits and gardens, including the Bog Garden, the Fern Canyon, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden. It's a must-visit for fans of flora and fauna alike!

Urban Jungle

Head to the Urban Jungle exhibit to see giraffes, kangaroos, flamingos, rhinos, sleepy koalas, and more. This distinctive exhibit combines many of the zoo's animal ambassadors together in one exhibit, so there are plenty of critters to meet and engage with during specialty demonstrations.

Discovery Outpost

This exhibit features lots of reptiles, insects, and birds. Kids can run around in the playground and get up-close to the animals in the petting zoo where visitors can pet the wooly coat of a sheep or comb a gentle pygmy goat's hair. Stay for the Keeper Talk, during which you can meet Baba the pangolin and learn about this rare animal.

Skyfari® Aerial Tram

Take an airborne shortcut over the treetops to the other end of the zoo and enjoy spectacular views of the zoo, the animal and plant collection, and surrounding Balboa Park.

Best Time to Visit the Zoo

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The best time to visit the San Diego Zoo is when it opens, you'll be able to enjoy exhibits with thinner crowds as the zoo tends to get busier as the day goes on and weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Most of the park is outdoors so it's best to save the zoo for a fair weather day.

Things to Do Nearby - Attractions & Activities

The San Diego Zoo is right in the middle of beautiful and historic Balboa Park, which has a bunch of great museums for the entire family to enjoy. Make the most of your day and walk down Park Boulevard to check out some of the attractions right in Balboa Park.

San Diego Natural History Museum - Explore the diversity of plant and animal life at the San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT).

Fleet Science Center plus IMAX - Play scientist for the day by building skyscrapers, interpreting images from the Hubble Space Telescope, and comparing medical tissue samples. See what's playing in the world's largest IMAX dome for even more science-themed fun.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Check out the world's largest model railroad display and learn all about the prominent role railroads played in the westward expansion in the United States.

San Diego Museum of Art - Take a stroll through the region's most visited art institute nationally renowned for its collections of Spanish and Italian Old Masters, South Asian paintings, and 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculptures.

Japanese Friendship Garden, San-Kei-En - Take a stroll through three tiers of beauty and serenity in the Japanese Friendship Garden, created as a gesture of friendship between the U.S. and Japan when San Diego and Yokohama, Japan became sister cities in 1950.

San Diego Automotive Museum - This is a must-see for any automotive buffs or car enthusiasts. Cars on display are restored and preserved by a dedicated team of volunteer technicians who work hard to make this museum special.

Air and Space Museum - Designed to celebrate aviation and space flight and inspire students to excel in technology, mathematics, and the sciences, the Air and Space Museum is a fascinating exploration of all things air and space.

Save on Tickets with Go City®

Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes San Diego Zoo tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple San Diego attractions for one low price.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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The Casa del Prado and lily pond in Balboa Park, San Diego
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Things to do in Balboa Park San Diego

San Diego’s Balboa Park is a huge tract of parkland located just north of Downtown. Sprawling across some 1,200 acres, it’s criss-crossed by several freeways and boasts dozens of attractive gardens, museums, galleries, theaters and other attractions as well as wild walking trails, stunning architecture and an assortment of cafés, bars and restaurants. This massive urban playground could easily fill several days of sightseeing. Here are our top 10 picks for things to do in Balboa Park San Diego. Go to the Zoo Covering around a twelfth of the entire Park, San Diego Zoo contains hundreds of species and thousands of animals and is one of the most visited zoos in the United States. Wander through the Lost Forest to spot the resident hippos, plus tigers, gorillas and more, and visit the Komodo Kingdom for your giant lizard fix. There are huge tropical aviaries, Arctic landscapes and – as the zoo is also a botanical garden – over 700,000 exotic plants to explore. Take the guided bus tour to get your bearings or hop on the Skyfari cable car for an amazing aerial view of the critters and vegetation below. Admire the Architecture Many of Balboa Park’s buildings were designed for major Expos in the early 20th Century, which makes for a pretty diverse range of architectural styles. Stroll the broad El Prado boulevard to spot the Casa del Prado, a stunning Spanish-Colonial masterpiece with garlanded columns, shaded cloisters and tiled domes. And listen for the bell chiming every quarter hour from the lavish three-story tower of the California Building, with its colorful tiled dome and heady mix of Baroque, Churrigueresque, Rococo and Gothic styles. See Some Fine Art The ornate Spanish Renaissance-style facade of San Diego Museum of Art is a masterpiece in itself and features within it three life-sized sculptures of Spanish Old Master painters Velázquez, Murillo and Zurbarán. Step inside to discover some of their finest pieces exhibited alongside other Spanish, European and American greats including Goya, El Greco, Klimt, Canaletto, Monet, Matisse and many more. The smaller Timken Museum nearby offers more of the same, while the Museum of Photographic Arts boasts a collection of thousands of fascinating images spanning the history of photography. Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden Created to mark the harmonious relationship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama, the Japanese Friendship Garden is 12 acres of pure zen, featuring tranquil koi ponds and waterfalls, a huge collection of bonsai trees and an extensive azalea and camellia garden filled with stunning white and pink blooms. Stroll the pathways to discover burbling water features and impressive statues cast in bronze, and visit in early March to see the cherry-blossom grove in all its spring finery. Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum Take a spin through the history of flight and space travel in this fantastic museum. Kids and aircraft enthusiasts will love to explore the many exhibits here, including Gumdrop, one of only 13 Apollo command modules on display anywhere in the world, and a faithful replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, the tiny plane flown solo from Long Island to Paris by Charles Lindbergh back in 1927. Other highlights include an amazing 4D cinema for fun, immersive flying experiences, and a model of the Montgolfier Brothers’s 18th-century hot-air balloon, the first ever to complete a successful manned flight. Have a Picnic One of the best things you can do in Balboa Park is also one of the simplest: have a picnic! There are so many great spots to choose from in a green space this size but the east and west lawns of the Botanical Building are particularly picturesque, with views of the tranquil lily pond and lashings of sunshine. Note that, while alcohol is permitted here (and in a few other designated areas), glass is not, so remember to bring your Californian cabernet in a box and your San Diego craft beer in a can! Take in a Show The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is a an elaborate confection in the Italian Renaissance style, with fine detailing that includes intricate leaves and seashells. It also happens to be home to the largest outdoor organ on the planet, so you just know you’re going to have to go along for a listen. Free organ recitals blast out from the pavilion every Sunday at 2PM, and there are evening concerts in the summer months. The nearby Old Globe is modelled on Shakespear’s London theater and puts on a busy program of plays and musicals throughout its summer and winter seasons. Hike the Trails Balboa Park has a number of excellent trails designed for hiking, biking and even skating. These vary in length from a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it half mile to a strenuous seven, with designated routes signposted at five main gateway points. Hit the three-mile Park Boulevard trail for a laidback stroll around some of the park’s top attractions, or tackle a more challenging ramble on the 4.4-mile Golden Hill trail. This route takes intrepid explorers over slightly more rugged terrain and deep into the native habitat of the Florida and Switzer canyons, as well as including a pleasant stretch of oak and eucalyptus-shaded pathway along the park’s eastern edge. Meet Prehistoric Monsters The San Diego Natural History Museum is a fab family attraction with four floors of exhibits including a giant replica mastodon, dinosaur fossils and an exhibition of over 200 skulls that run the gamut from tiny reptiles and amphibians up to giant pachyderms. There’s a big-screen theater showing natural history films and plenty of interactive fun for inquisitive kids, who can examine fossils using archaeological tools and visit scientists at work in the Demonstration Lab. The Backyard provides a fun zone for toddlers to explore the natural world through play. Ride the Balboa Park Carousel A firm favorite among visitors to Balboa Park for over a century now, this charming merry-go-round provides good old-fashioned entertainment in spades. Still running like a well-oiled machine on its original engine, it features a menagerie of beautifully crafted beasts including horses, giraffes, cats, pigs, a lion and... a dragon. Saddle up and enjoy this delightful throwback to a more innocent era. Save on things to do in Balboa Park San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
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Things to do in Hillcrest San Diego

Just north of Balboa Park, the uptown neighbourhood of Hillcrest is the beating heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ scene, its tree-lined streets brimming with lively gay bars, international restaurants and fab brunch spots. Stay here for the vibrant community feel, huge annual Pride parade and proximity to top San Diego attractions including the fine gardens, museums and architecture in Balboa Park and the iconic Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in nearby Bankers Hill. Read on to discover our favorite things to do in Hillcrest San Diego. Historic Hillcrest Immerse yourself in Hillcrest history with a wander through the neighborhood’s leafy streets. It won’t be long before you spot a traditional Craftsman’s house. These simple, rustic bungalows date to the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th Century and were originally intended as an antidote to Victorian ostentation. Well-preserved specimens can be identified by architectural hallmarks such as modest wooden exteriors, terracotta porches and wide oak doors. The most famous of these is Marston House at the top of Balboa Park. Visit the museum here for a fascinating glimpse into the Arts and Crafts movements inside the private family home of George W. Marston, dubbed ‘the father of Balboa Park’ for his part in establishing this vast green space. Stroll beneath fragrant pine and eucalyptus trees and California Oaks in the museum’s five acres of mature gardens and pick up unique Arts and Crafts-influenced gifts including pottery and prints in the cozy shop, located in the former carriage house. Hillcrest Life Hillcrest’s lively streets are abuzz with fine places to eat, drink and shop. Head to University Avenue for a mouthwatering variety of international restaurants serving up everything from steaming bowls of ramen and eye-wateringly spicy Thai curries to authentic Italian pizzas and aromatic Afghani kebabs. Nearby Fifth Avenue is the place for thrift-store fashions and a chilled brunch scene, while the Hillcrest Farmers’ Market rolls into Normal Street every Sunday, with nearly 200 vendors selling organic produce, handmade clothes and more, accompanied by live music and the intoxicating scents of street food. It’s also around these central thoroughfares that you’ll find the hub of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ scene, with dozens of gay bars and clubs to choose from. Head to Rich’s for karaoke, games and dancing till late and to Urban MO's Bar & Grill for imaginative cocktails, themed evenings and weekend brunches. Hillcrest Brewing prides itself as 'the first gay brewery in the world’ and serves up a selection of its own concoctions including Crotch Rocket Irish Style Red Ale and Banana Hammock Scotch Ale alongside guest beers, cocktails and more. The epicenter of San Diego’s annual Pride festival, Hillcrest welcomes around 300,000 revelers every July for a series of events including inspirational speakers, a 5k fun run, top-flight live music and entertainment and, of course, the legendary Parade, a colorful celebration that weaves through the neighborhood’s streets, leaving music, laughter and joy in its wake. Local Highlights Hillcrest's location, bounded by Mission Hills, University Heights, North Park, Bankers Hill and Balboa Park, means there’s plenty more to see and do in the immediate vicinity. Head south along First Avenue to reach the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in Bankers Hill. At 375 feet long, this discrete footbridge is an iconic local landmark with cracking views of the verdant Kate Sessions Canyon below. Those with a head for heights will find much to enjoy on a stroll across this feat of 1912 engineering. Those without may however wish to get their kicks elsewhere – strong gusts of wind have been known to make the bridge sway somewhat dramatically. Eek! Over in Mission Hills, hedge enthusiasts will have quite the ball at the extraordinary Harper’s Topiary Garden. Here, the owners’ neatly trimmed bushes have become a piece of living art, with more than 50 expertly hand-coiffed sculptures in their front yard. The result is nothing less than magical. Look out for dinosaurs, surfers, a Buddha and all manner of other weird and wonderful shapes. The neighborhood’s quirky outdoor theater, Cinema Under The Stars, shows a program of classic and cult movies year-round, thanks to its retractable weatherproof dome and infrared heating. Balboa Park Bordering Hillcrest to the south, Balboa Park is San Diego’s sprawling urban playground, covering some 1,200 acres. Inside, you’ll find the best museums and formal gardens in town. You’ll recognize the San Diego Museum of Art from its elaborate Spanish Renaissance-style facade, just one example of some of the fantastic – and fantastical – architecture on display along the El Prado Boulevard. Statues of master painters Velázquez, Murillo and Zurbarán stand sentry over the grand entrance and their works loom equally large inside, along with major pieces from Goya, Monet, Canaletto and more. Stroll the length of El Prado to admire the wildly diverse architectural styles on display, from Casa del Prado’s shaded cloisters and garlanded columns to the playful California Building with its colorful tiled dome, three-story belltower and enchanting mix of the Baroque, the Rococo, the Gothic and the Churrigueresque. Also worth seeking out is the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, an ornate Italian Renaissance confection that houses the the biggest outdoor organ on the planet and hosts free organ recitals every Sunday as well as evening concerts in summer. Among the dozens of things to do in Balboa Park you can also – deep breath – meet thousands of cute critters at San Diego Zoo, ride painted beasts including a lion and a dragon on the park’s traditional century-old carousel, chill with an ice cream on the broad lawns in front of the picture-perfect Botanical Building, and meander zen-like among bonsai groves, koi ponds and cherry blossoms in the Japanese Friendship Garden. Save on things to do in Hillcrest San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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San Diego Zoo vs. SeaWorld

Trying to decide whether to visit San Diego Zoo vs SeaWorld? Both are iconic San Diego attractions, but both offer different experiences. Our guide has all you need to know about admission, thrill rides, practical details, and more.
Casey Makovich

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