Katie Dillon Katie Dillon is La Jolla Mom and a San Diego Zoo member. Her family is also active in supporting the Zoo’s conservation initiatives and exhibits.
Katie Dillon Katie Dillon is La Jolla Mom and a San Diego Zoo member. Her family is also active in supporting the Zoo’s conservation initiatives and exhibits.
Last Updated: September 10, 2024
I talk to people daily about affordable ways to visit the San Diego Zoo. I’m a long-time member, and my family supports its programs and exhibits. I’ll show you how to avoid paying full price at the gate. If you plan to go once, I have the best 1-Day discounted San Diego Zoo tickets you’ll find legitimately without a special membership. It’s easy to get my promo code. Should you consider a sightseeing pass or combo ticket instead? Maybe if you visit other theme parks and museums. I’ll help you figure that out and have exclusive promo codes for some. I’ll also discuss how residents can save money with annual passes. We fact-check this post regularly, only mention authorized ticket sellers, and monitor park updates so you don’t waste time on other offers and coupons. Now, let’s figure out the best price for your visit!
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Or, jump to my promo code if you already know all this.
Public San Diego Zoo ticket prices are supposed to be at parity across all authorized ticket sellers. This is why you should take advantage of my exclusive price on 1-Day tickets, which includes taxes and fees.
General admission tickets include:
No reservations are required. Children ages two and under always receive free admission and do not require a ticket. San Diego Zoo prices are currently:
| Ticket Name | Adult Price (ages 12) | Kids Price (ages 3–11) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Passes – Any Day (gate and online price) | $74 | $64 |
| 1-Day Passes — Value Dates (online only) | $70 | $60 |
| 1-Day Pass Plus — Any Day (online only) 1-Day Pass & one 4D theater experience | $81 | $71 |
| 1-Day Pass Plus — Value Dates (online only) 1-Day Pass and one 4D theater experience | $77 | $67 |
| 2-Visit Pass (gate and online price) | $126 | $116 |
| Our 1-Day Tickets Discounted Price | $67 | $57 |
Purchasing discount San Diego Zoo tickets through me and securing a 4D theater ticket on the day of your visit is typically cheaper than buying the Plus pass.
SAN DIEGO ZOO PARKING PRICE & ADDRESS
It’s FREE to park your car, and the lot is large. Remember where you parked by taking a photo of the animal marking the section your car is in. The address for GPS is 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.
aRes Travel is a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to major California attractions that powers my discounted ticket site and the Zoo’s ticketing system.
They offer ways to secure a San Diego Zoo tickets discount in addition to cheap tickets to LEGOLAND, Disneyland, SeaWorld San Diego, and other theme parks. If you want to buy 1-Day San Diego Zoo tickets, this is your cheapest choice because fees and taxes are included. I have a special customer service phone line, but you can always email me with questions, too.
I prefer to support local businesses like mine where I can. I have personal contacts at the company, and readers use hundreds of thousands of these tickets through me every year without issues.
It’s really that easy. You do not need to redeem a voucher at the ticket booth, and you can skip the ticket line completely. All taxes and fees are included in the price of these 1-Day tickets!
Call my dedicated aRes Travel line or email me with customer service issues or questions.
Most visitors go to the Zoo once during their vacation. Residents who aren’t Zoo members also choose this ticket. The 1-Day Pass includes unlimited use of the Guided Bus tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial tram, all shows, seasonal Zoo events, and exhibits.
Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate with a mobile or printed ticket, but get my promo code first to save up to 11%! Valid for one year from the purchase date.
Final price (after my discount): $67/adult and $57/ages 3–11, taxes and fees included!
Ask me by SMS for the promo code and get the best prices at other San Diego theme parks, too. This is the lowest final price for Zoo and Safari Park tickets available to the general public — I promise!
TEXT SDZOO*
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*By texting the word SDZOO to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this agreement isn’t a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Read my full privacy policy.
REQUEST MY EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT Get access to my unpublished discounts on San Diego theme park tickets. I’ll send you the links and codes for redemption online now!
Pros: This is an easy and legitimate way to save money on a 1-Day ticket. Cons: You do need to request the promo code (which I wish wasn’t the case).
Just don’t forget to get my Zoo promo code first.
If you’re only going to San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, the 2-Visit Pass is the way to go. You can also crunch the numbers to see if a combo ticket with other theme parks is a better deal for your visit.
ticket iconThe 2-Visit Pass includes:
• One visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park -or-
• Two visits to the San Diego Zoo -or-
• Two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Both visits must occur within a year of the purchase date, and the same person must use the ticket on all visits.
Parking at the Zoo is Free. Parking at the Safari Park is not included in the ticket price. Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate. No reservations are required. Price: $126/adult and $116/kids
ticket iconThis combo deal includes one day each at the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. Price: $137.99/ages 10+ and $127.99/ages 3-9
ticket iconSave $64 per adult ticket! This combo deal includes 1 day each at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. Price: $206.99/ages 12+ and $186.99/ages 3-11
ticket iconSave $17! This combo deal includes a 1-Day at Legoland California and SEA LIFE Aquarium Hopper, 1-Day at the San Diego Zoo, and 1-Day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Price: $232.99/ages 12+ and $212.99/ages 3-11
You will save more by purchasing my San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets with my promo code. Then, add a 1-Day LEGOLAND ticket to the cart and use promo code LEGO to save on that before you check out.
Pros: This is a money saver if you know exactly which attractions you’ll visit.
Cons: If you decide to visit an attraction that’s not listed, you might have been better off with a sightseeing pass.
Consider upgrading your day with one of the amazing San Diego Zoo tours that will give you exclusive access to your favorite animals and keepers. You’ll still need to buy San Diego Zoo admission in addition to the cost of the tour, but it’s well worth it. aRes Travel has discounts on the two below. You can also book an exclusive VIP experience directly through the Zoo.
Tours have dynamic pricing, so purchasing this way is especially cheaper on peak days. On off-peak days, it might be less to buy it directly through the Zoo.
ticket iconEnjoy a personal 90-minute tour with a tour guide who will take you around the park in a deluxe cart, where you can learn about the animals in a more up close and personal way. There are various Inside Look tours, such as Giraffes & Friends and Polar Bears & Friends, where you get a closer look at how the zoo cares for these amazing animals. Price: $105/all ages
ticket iconEnjoy your favorite large cats with this behind-the-scenes experience. This experience includes a wildlife expert bringing the animals to you and teaching you about them and other animals in the park. The tour is 1 hour long. Price: $95/ages 5+
Pros: You can beat the Zoo’s higher price on peak days with these tickets.
Cons: On off peak and value days where the price is lower, you should buy directly through the Zoo.
A Go City San Diego pass saves up to 50% off of admission to 45+ top San Diego attractions in three simple steps:
All-Inclusive passes are available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 7-day options, each at different prices. Ensure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy. It’s the most popular way to save money on multiple San Diego theme parks, tours, and museums.
You don’t need to make a reservation to visit the Zoo or Safari Park using Go City. Go straight to the gate, where an attendant will scan your pass for entry. I personally use Go City passes when sightseeing worldwide and love going paperless with their app.
ticket iconUse promo code GOSDO5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! Also, check aResTravel, where All-Inclusive and Explorer Passes are currently cheaper.
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
Unactivated passes can be refunded 90 days from the purchase date. The guarantee applies only to passes purchased directly through Go City. Some terms and conditions apply.
Pros: People buy the All-Inclusive pass for active sightseeing, including the Balboa Park museums next to the Zoo.
Cons: You must be certain that you’re going to see enough sights to get the value out of the pass.
You can sometimes save more when you buy a San Diego Zoo vacation package that includes tickets and a hotel room. Don’t worry about my cheap tickets in this case—the discounts are already factored in.
If you’re considering a hotel in my portfolio, you’re better off booking with my perks and using my San Diego Zoo tickets discount or a Go San Diego Card.
When searching the San Diego Zoo packages below, look for the new Price Drop notifications. The longer you stay, the more that you save!
luggage iconWhen you build a custom San Diego Family Fun Package, this bundled attraction package can include your favorite hotel with the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, and USS Midway Museum. Save up to 30%.
luggage iconThis package allows you to bundle tickets to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park with the hotel of your choice (at the time of this writing, there are over 104 hotels to choose from). Look for the Price Drop alerts!
Pros: These packages are good options for budget hotels all across San Diego.
Cons: Vacation packages sometimes require prepayment.
Go, San Diego includes much more value (and more activities) to those spending time in my city. If you plan to take a road trip between San Diego and Los Angeles, you may want to consider a Go City Los Angeles sightseeing pass because it includes Universal Studios Hollywood and other Southern California attractions.
To make your pass even cheaper, use my exclusive 5% discount.
Use promo code GOLA5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go City Los Angeles sightseeing passes! This discount stacks on top of sale rates!
(Pass has limited value for families in San Diego during Kids Free October — we recommend individual tickets instead during this timeframe. See promotional terms and conditions.)
Pros: It’s great for people visiting Los Angeles and San Diego.
Cons: Go City Los Angeles does NOT include the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
San Diego CityPASS is also a sightseeing pass with limited attractions. This pass ONLY makes sense if you visit LEGOLAND California and/or SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park and at least one of the other six participating attractions.
Otherwise, buying discounted tickets individually using my discounts and Zoo/Safari Park promo code or Go San Diego (for maximum flexibility) is more advantageous.
The pass types include:
The three attractions can be your choice of:
There are two ways to buy. You can buy direct through CityPASS or save a few dollars through us.
Pros: I find that people on shorter trips choose this pass. For instance, a popular combo includes visiting SeaWorld one day, the Zoo one day, and maybe USS Midway in between.
Cons: You need to be certain you’re visiting these attractions.
During the month of October, up to five children between 3 and 11, accompanied by a paid adult, receive free entrance during the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion. Yes, this is why October is one of the best times to visit San Diego with kids.
You must purchase a qualifying adult ticket, but children do not need to present any San Diego Zoo passes to enter. They walk right in with you.
The good news is that my adult tickets qualify, so use my San Diego Zoo discount code to buy at a cheaper price if you visit in October! Note that sightseeing passes do not qualify for the promotion.
Kids Free San Diego Zoo tickets include unlimited rides on the Skyfari Aerial Tram and access to everything typically included with a 1-Day ticket.
The other reason to visit in October is for the Halloween activities. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to some glow-in-the-dark decor, live entertainment, including a DJ, a dance party, and much more on select October weekends. You can find all the information on the Zoo’s HalGLOWeen information page.
Pros: San Diego Zoo participates every year. The bottom line is that one adult can take a bunch of kids for free all month long.
Cons: The exact details aren’t released until September usually. But don’t worry, they always participate.
The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer a 10% discount for AAA members when you show your membership card at a ticket booth window. AAA Members may purchase up to six AAA San Diego Zoo tickets.
Tickets can also be purchased at AAA branches. AAA has multiple regional outlets, and they don’t always sell the same products. Call your local branch to see if you can buy San Diego Zoo tickets.
The Zoo prefers that guests arrive with tickets already in hand. If you plan to use this way to save, consider picking up the tickets beforehand.
Pros: It’s nice to get value out of your membership.
Cons: My promo code offers nearly the same savings. Plus, you can use it now and avoid standing in line at the gate.
The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer special military discounts and even free tickets that can be used year-round.
Pros: Free tickets without restrictions!
Cons: None, really.
People also often ask me how much San Diego Zoo tickets are at Costco, thanks to deceptive websites mentioning this as a valid method of paying less. I’ve even written about how there are no Costco discounts to try to get the word out.
I haven’t seen cheap tickets in my local store. And ours is among the largest Costcos in San Diego. You can check online (non-members pay a 5% surcharge) and in your local store because availability may change.
I will tell you that Costco has removed the theme park ticket from their website and stopped selling tickets to major theme parks across the U.S. online. Some have reported that theme park tickets and memberships appear in the stores seasonally, but I haven’t seen them, and neither has anyone else who has emailed about it. If you have seen them, please leave a comment.
Unreliable: Don’t head to your warehouse expecting to find tickets.
Groups of 15 or more can receive a 10% discount off the regular 1-Day Pass ticket price. Groups of 100 or more receive a 15% discount off the regular 1-Day Pass ticket price. You’ll need to make reservations with the sales department. They can also arrange meal vouchers that make group dining cashless, cheaper, and easier.
Pros: It’s easier to get a bunch of tickets at once than individually. Plus, the large group discount is a good one.
Cons: These aren’t usually available at the gate.
Seniors aged 65 and older and students aged 18 and above are eligible for a 10% discount off the current price of a 1-Day Pass. They also can get a 10% discount on San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships for San Diego Residents.
Additionally, seniors and students outside San Diego County receive a 10% discount off the current price of Wildlife Protector and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships.
Neither can be secured online. A photo ID needs to be presented at a Zoo ticket booth window to be eligible for the discount. I also don’t see a senior discount using AARP.
Pros: I’m a huge fan of the memberships, so if you can get a discount on them, do it!
Cons: You need to go to the gate booth.
Travel industry members can purchase a 1-Day Pass for themselves and one guest at a 10% discount.
If you are a travel agent, cruise line employee, or airline employee, head to a ticket booth window with a valid ID (such as an IATA, IATAN, or CLIA card) to take advantage of this discount.
Pros: Yay for travel industry discounts!
Cons: Must be purchased in person. You can use my promo code if you want to skip the line.
Did you know that you can give San Diego Zoo gift cards? This could provide excellent value to Zoo lovers and enable them to save on San Diego Zoo tickets, enjoy one of their many upgraded experiences, or save on an annual membership.
A gift card can be purchased in denominations of $50 and above. Think about gifting these for special occasions and holidays so that gift recipients can purchase admission for less out of pocket.
Pros: A great way to gift an annual membership.
Cons: Not great for 1-Day tickets because you’ll have to pay gate prices.
We have an annual San Diego Zoo membership and believe it’s of great value. Regular visitors should absolutely consider a San Diego Zoo membership that will allow weekday or unlimited admission per year for one flat rate. Here’s what it can include.
Get the Wildlife Explorer membership while you are still 17. If you turn 18 during your membership year, you can continue using it until the renewal date. Then, you’d renew as an adult member.
San Diego Zoo annual passes for residents are designed for San Diego County residents in these zip codes to enjoy the Zoo and Safari Park as much as they like during a membership year. You have two types to choose from.
San Diego Resident: This includes weekday-only admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park with some blackout dates. You’ll also receive two coupons for 50% off admission, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% Wild Perks discounts. ($99/adult, $74/child, and $89.10/senior)
San Diego Resident Premium: You’ll receive unlimited admission to both parks in addition to two coupons for 50% off admission, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% off Wild Perks. ($129/adult, $74/child, and $116.10/senior)
These options are excellent for San Diego and Southern California residents who can visit frequently enough to enjoy the amazing perks.
Wildlife Protector: This pass includes weekday admission to both parks (some blackout dates apply), one complimentary 1-Day Pass, free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, and a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription. ($149/adult, $74/child, and $134.10/senior)
Wildlife Protector Premium (Top Pick – Best Value! No Blockout Dates!): This pass includes unlimited admission to both parks, one complimentary 1-Day Pass, free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours. This is the pass that is closest to the old Keeper’s Club pass. ($169/adult, $74/child, and $152.10/senior)
Wildlife Guardian: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks, two complimentary 1-Day Passes, free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours, a 50% off Special Experience/Safari Tour, member appreciation day and access to special events. ($229/adult and 18+)
Wildlife Champion: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks, two complimentary 1-Day Passes, free Preferred Parking at the Safari Park, 15% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours, two 50% off Special Experience/Safari Tour, priority boarding for the Bus Tour at the Zoo and Africa Tram at the Safari Park, member appreciation day and access to special events (including the annual “Evening with the Directors” event. ($469/adult 18+)
The President’s Clubs are donor clubs are for people who can give more. You’ll receive everything in the Wildlife Champion membership and much more.
President’s Clubs are also great for people who enjoy special events. The higher the level you choose to join, the more exclusive events and experiences you are invited to at both San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks.
We have been to many of these events, and they are incredible for those who enjoy behind-the-scenes private experiences and animal interactions. Memberships range from $1,200–10,000.
Tip: Always check blockout dates! It’s very easy to forget that certain membership levels have blockout dates, including weekends, holidays, and random peak days.
Pros: So many but the biggest one is saving money on multiple visits throughout the year.
