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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd · Escondido, CA

Why you should go…

The Zoo's sister park replaces cages with expansive open-range habitats you tour by tram, seeing herds of African and Asian species roam together much as they would in the wild. Ziplines and caravan safaris let visitors get closer to the animal enclosures for an extra fee.

  • #wildlife park
  • #safari
  • #escondido
  • #animals

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 Safari Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    18 mi awayMore like this

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    Under $25

    Hands-on museum exploring the history of musical instruments and the people who make, sell and play them.

    19 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    California Watersports

    $25–$50

    Waverunner, boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals on Carlsbad's Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

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    Birch Aquarium at Scripps

    Under $25

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

    21 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

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    $50+

    One of the world's best-known zoos, set in lush Balboa Park with pandas' longtime legacy and a canopy tram.

    26 mi awayMore like this