San Diego Zoo (#2), San Diego: Photos, Reviews & Location

Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.

At a glance

#3 of 5 Zoos in San Diego

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

0.0 km from the center of San Diego

Rating breakdown

5 ★83%
4 ★12%
3 ★3%
2 ★1%
1 ★1%

What reviewers talk about

Share of 15 recent reviews that mention each topic.

Waiting & crowds40%
Price & value27%
Cleanliness27%
Service & staff27%
View7%

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

zoo.sandiegozoo.org

+1 619-231-1515

Quick facts

What is the rating of San Diego Zoo?: San Diego Zoo is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 106,270 reviews.
How does San Diego Zoo rank in San Diego?: San Diego Zoo is #3 of 5 Zoos in San Diego by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is San Diego Zoo located?: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States — 0.0 km from the center of San Diego.
What do visitors mention most about San Diego Zoo?: Most often: waiting & crowds, price & value, cleanliness (from 15 recent reviews).
How can I contact San Diego Zoo?: Phone: +1 619-231-1515 · Website: zoo.sandiegozoo.org

This zoo is HUGE. We came here for two full days during our trip and I'm still pretty sure we didn't see everything. There's a bus service around the zoo if you don't want sore feet, and if you brought a hat with you then definitely grab a spot on the top deck of the narrated tour, you get some great perspectives on some highlights like the elephants and the lions that you don't get from just walking around.

Special thanks to the axolotl who was happily swimming around in their tank every time we stopped by. I'd always wanted to see one and to see this one being so active made my day.

Ashley Byars 2023 Nov 04

The amount of animals, especially family groups, and the size of enclosures and types of plants around the park...simply splendid. Largest Botanical Garden in the nation, several plants that are so rare they do not advertise they have them or where they are. Growing native foods for many of the animals on property to feed them, using manure from the exclosures as fertilizer. I was so impressed with the conservation and self sustainability.

Nicolás Perales 2023 Nov 02

Great experience. Had a free pass but if I had to pay I would definitely not come frequently. The place is amazing, great vegetation and amazing and exotic animals. There is great bus-tours that get you around and would definitely recommend the Kangaroo Bus. Animals seem to be somewhat free and there is very helpful info next to each one of them

nechama perkins 2023 Nov 01

The zoo was amazing! So many animals and birds and many different ways to view them. There are interesting and beautiful plants and birds everywhere you look. The zoo is expensive, if I lived in San Diego I would definitely get a membership and go back multiple times.

Jamie Lawson 2023 Oct 31

We had a great time at the zoo. The first thing we did was the bus tour and I'm glad we did it right away because it got very busy later in the day. It was also great to give us an idea of the zoo layout and see the animals from a different side in some cases.

Mike Gruey 2023 Oct 26

Obviously this is a world renowned zoo. Well worth the trip. Be prepared to walk a lot and the terrain is pretty hilly. There are skooters available to rent if you need one. Food around the zoo is on the expensive side but that is to be expected at an attraction in California. There are lots of restrooms and each we visited were clean and not too crowded.

Pavithra S A 2023 Oct 03

Best zoo ever!! Clean and well maintained trails with offline and online maps. Also, assistance people are available through out. Aerial Tram rides are the best. Plan to stand in the queue right before this opens. Kangaroo bus is also good and helps us commute within zoo.

Ahmet Kul 2023 Sep 30

This zoo was so cool. We saw tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles and other lovely animals. Buy your ticket from the information office, this way you’ll get a discount. We saved a few bucks buying it from there. I recommend going during the weekdays as it’s less busy.

Kenneth Ross 2023 Sep 28

The San Diego Zoo is hands down a five-star adventure waiting to happen. I mean, where else can you go from hanging out with pandas to checking out flamingos and then chilling with koalas, all in one place? It's like a global safari without the jet lag!

But here's the thing that makes it truly special: not only is it a blast, but it's also a powerhouse for conservation and research. These folks are like the superheroes of the animal world, working behind the scenes to save endangered species and educate the world on the importance of wildlife preservation.

And the setup? It's like Mother Nature herself decided to design a zoo. The exhibits are beautifully crafted to mimic natural habitats, which means you get up close and personal with animals in environments that feel just right.

So, whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family with kiddos who adore animals, or just someone looking for a wildly fun day out, the San Diego Zoo has got you covered. It's not just a zoo; it's a wild journey that leaves you with a smile and a heart full of love for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Five stars for this fantastic place where adventure meets education!

Alaa Oussi 2023 Sep 12

Great clean and beautiful zoo, I definitely recommend to get there early so you can see most of it, and it’s definitely worth the time and the money.
Loved the bus/ shuttle system and the gondola sky lift.
Also you can bring your own snacks and Beverages. Small coolers are allowed and if not they have so many restaurants and places to buy whatever u need.
The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about the animals! Gift ships were awesome.

Gary Mitchell 2023 Sep 11

I recently visited the San Diego Zoo and I must say it was an incredible experience. From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by the vast array of animals and the beautiful environment they were in.

One thing that stood out to me was the care and attention given to the animals. It was evident that the zookeepers genuinely cared for each animal and provided them with a comfortable and stimulating environment. The animals seemed happy and well taken care of, which is a testament to the zoo's dedication to conservation and animal welfare.

The variety of animals at the San Diego Zoo is truly impressive. From elephants to meerkats to polar bears, there was something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the different exhibits and habitats that allowed me to see the animals up close and learn about their natural behaviors.

The zoo also offers numerous educational opportunities. From interactive exhibits to informative signs, I was able to learn so much about each animal's habitat, diet, and conservation status. It was both fun and educational, making it a perfect destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike.

The San Diego Zoo is also beautifully designed and well maintained. The pathways were easy to navigate, and the landscaping was lush and vibrant. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort goes into creating a welcoming and visually appealing space for visitors.

Overall, my experience at the San Diego Zoo was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of stunning animals, high-quality care, educational experiences, and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit destination. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable day out.

Jonathan Leibovich 2023 Sep 03

Such a fantastic zoo! You could easily spend all day here and still not see everything. I would highly recommend buying a water at one of the stores earlier in the day because they let you “refill” it throughout the day by bringing your old bottle to any other one of the many snack shops around. There’s lots of walking involved but there’s also a couple “kangaroo” stops that make getting around the park easier.

Dongjing He 2023 Sep 02

San Diego Zoo has so much to offer! It is smaller than the safari but it is big enough for you to stroll around in one day. There are free bus tours lasting a little over 1/2 hour. The bus tours the major stops and introduces the animals. The gondola is also free for one way crossing the park. You can wait in line for traveling back via the gondola too.
The walks are very comfortable as it is very well shaded. The plants and trees are in a wide variety, which makes you feel like walking in a botanical garden.

Jasmine Feng 2023 Aug 14

Great zoo with an intuitive layout and tons of animals. Going in the late afternoon to evening allowed us to see very active animals. The snow leopards and the red pandas were particularly playful! I also appreciated the many restrooms, as well as plentiful restaurant options and gift shops. At the end of the day some staff put on a really amazing performance with cool giant puppets, which was a fun way to end the day.

KIRA G 2023 Aug 13

This one is a most do!!! Great zoo!!! It's huge so I definitely recommend to get there early, wear comfy clothes and shoes so you can see the whole park because is definitely worth it, but to see it all u have to be early. It's very clean and beautiful also u can bring your own snacks and Beverages. Small coolers are allowed and if not they have so many restaurants and places to buy whatever u need. One more thing bring sunscreen and enjoy!!!