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San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr · San Diego, CA

Why you should go…

Founded in 1916, the San Diego Zoo pioneered open, naturalistic habitats and now houses thousands of animals across more than 100 acres of Balboa Park. A guided bus tour and an aerial tram are included with admission, making it easy to cover the hilly grounds.

  • #zoo
  • #balboa park
  • #animals
  • #family friendly

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Diego Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Local Gem

    Spanish Village Art Center

    Free

    A 1935 exposition village in Balboa Park with working studios where local artists create and sell their art.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    The Old Globe Theatre

    $25–$50

    Balboa Park's Tony Award-winning Shakespeare and new-works theatre, staging shows since 1935.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    San Diego Natural History Museum

    Under $25

    Southern California's oldest scientific institution, known locally as "The Nat," with dinosaur fossils and giant-screen films.

    0.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Balboa Park

    Free

    A 1,200-acre urban park packed with Spanish Colonial architecture, gardens, and more than a dozen museums.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    SeaWorld San Diego

    $50+

    A marine-life park on Mission Bay with rescued-animal exhibits, roller coasters, and orca habitats.

    4.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Birch Aquarium at Scripps

    Under $25

    Explore ocean science exhibits and more than 9,000 marine animals overlooking La Jolla Shores.

    11 mi awayMore like this