- Southern California CityPASS /
- San Diego Zoo®
San Diego Zoo®
An Experience to Remember
A world-famous wildlife park and botanical garden, the San Diego Zoo® is a must-see in Southern California. Experience the wonder of wildlife as you wind through forests and mesas, coming face-to-face with more than 12,000 fascinating and endangered animals, including pandas, tigers, koalas, giraffes, polar bears and more. With up-close encounters, interactive experiences, and exciting educational presentations, guests of all ages create lasting memories while becoming allies for wildlife.
Southern California CityPASS includes:
Rex the Lion, a 27-foot-tall bronze sculpture at the Zoo's entrance, honors the lion that inspired Dr. Harry Wegeforth to establish the San Diego Zoo in 1916.
Observe giant pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao (pictured) as they explore, nap, and munch on bamboo at the Denny Sanford Panda Ridge.
Highlights
01.
Explore the San Diego Zoo®, a 100-acre wildlife park that is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing 680 species and subspecies, and 700,000 individual plants representing 3,100 species.
02.
Enter the fascinating world of giant pandas and learn about their conservation story at the Denny Sanford Panda Ridge. The newly refreshed and expanded area takes inspiration from the breathtakingly lush landscapes in and around their native habitats in the Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces of China.
03.
Take an airborne shortcut over the treetops on the Skyfari® Aerial Tram to enjoy spectacular views of the Zoo's diverse plants and animals, and surrounding Balboa Park.
Visit polar bears at the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, where an underwater viewing area offers an up-close perspective of these powerful swimmers that can travel more than 60 miles without resting. Machine-made snow helps the Arctic animals stay comfortable in San Diego's warm climate.
Some of the resident Galápagos tortoises in Discovery Outpost are more than 100 years old and have lived at the Zoo since 1928. These endangered reptiles can weigh more than 500 pounds.
Visit San Diego Zoo® with CityPASS®
CityPASS tickets offer a great way to see San Diego Zoo® while saving you time and money.
Advice for Visitors
Tips
Arrive at opening to beat the crowds and see animals when they tend to be active. Plan to spend about 4 to 6 hours to get the full experience. If you’re short on time, don’t miss the giant pandas at Denny Sanford Panda Ridge, the 35-minute guided bus tour included with admission for an overview, and the Skyfari Aerial Tram.
Visit the Zoo’s website for helpful information to plan your visit. Check for seasonal events that might be included with CityPASS® admission.
Learn more on the CityPASS Blog about what you'll experience at San Diego Zoo®.
Attraction Features
Amenities
Dining: From casual meals to sit-down dining to quick bites in between, you’ll find a long list of dining options at the Zoo.
Shopping: Visit many themed retail outlets throughout the Zoo or browse online. Your purchases support the wildlife conservation and education efforts of the non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Accessibility
Visit the Zoo’s website for information on services for guests with specific needs.
Parking/Transportation
Offers & Upgrades
San Diego Zoo® Special Tours (additional fees apply)
Inside Look Tour: Take a 1.5-hour cart tour of the Zoo, visiting special areas, enjoying special wildlife experiences, and hearing conservation stories unique to the San Diego Zoo®.
Discovery Cart: Embark on a guided exploration of the Zoo's wildlife wonders on a 1-hour tour, all from the convenience of an expedition cart.
Contact Information & Hours
- San Diego Zoo®
- 2920 Zoo Drive
- San Diego, CA 92101
- (619) 718-3000
- sandiegozoo.org
Hours vary seasonally; check the schedule when planning your visit.
The hippos at the Ituri Forest habitat spend much of the day submerged. They can hold their breath for several minutes at a time, but with their eyes, ears and nostrils on the top of their head, they can hear, see and breathe while keeping the rest of their body underwater.
See multiple species of flamingos living in a large social flock at Flamingo Lagoon. Flamingos often perform synchronized group displays — marching, head-flagging and wing-saluting — to strengthen social bonds and encourage breeding. These birds use specialized filters in their bills to eat algae and small aquatic animals, the source of the pink pigments in their feathers.
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Plan your visit.
The My CityPASS® app has all of the details you need for a great experience, including reservation and entry information, attraction details, maps, and extra offers and discounts from our partners.
All images courtesy of San Diego Zoo® and San Diego Zoo® Safari Park