We loved visiting the San Diego zoo. It's world famous for a reason. We also learned that it's not only a zoo but also a botanical garden. It is stunning to walk around. There is so much nature and beauty aside from the animals. They grow so many different plants and trees there. The bus tours are well worth it to check out the outside of the entire zoo and see animals along the way. Plan to be here for at least 3 hours if not more. Also the zoo allows you to bring food and snacks so you don't have to worry. They're so baby friendly which was great. There's a whole baby station where you can wash your baby bottles if you plan to be there long and need to feed the baby with a clean bottle. I loved it.

Let’s be real- this zoo is just unbeatable. It is a magical experience just to walk through it , let alone to witness the stunning variety of animals and plants. Hands down it is a must-see of San Diego. Definitely download the app and try to do the bus tour early morning or in the evening as I think the animals are more lively. There is always a chance that you won’t get to see some of the animals but you won’t be disappointed with the monkeys, koalas, and the many stunning aviaries. The history of the zoo and its many many animals is also captivating and a gift that keeps giving after you leave. It is definitely doable in one day but another day may have alleviated some of the angst of seeing or not-seeing some of the animals.

Great zoo! Our favorite exhibits were the pandas and flamingos and giraffes. The most disappointing was the frozen margarita drinks for $16 that tasted like a kids sugary freeze drink with virtually no alcohol in them. Stick with the craft beer options! Loved the bus that ran every 15 minutes to drop us at each area.

This is the best zoo I’ve ever been to. All the animals are very active and fun to watch. They have a large variety of animals so there’s something for everyone. The transportation included in the ticket is amazing. The 30 minute free bus tour gave us a great overview of the zoo and let us see a lot of animals. The guide was very sweet and very knowledgeable. The kangaroo buses made it very convenient to get from exhibit to exhibit. The zoo is very large and it took us a whole day to see everything.

I enjoyed my trip to the San Diego Zoo. I would recommend getting the tickets online to save a few extra dollars. It is $70-$72 to get in to the zoo, which may seem like a lot but at least they offer free parking. The zoo itself is massive. The bus tour and tram ride is included with the price of the ticket was nice and was a great way to explore the park. I would recommend renting a scooter for $60 dollars to fully get the most out of the park if you aren’t able to walk. I walked 6 miles and still did not see the entire zoo. I would also like to recommend the zoo creating an app for the public to guide us better.

We loved our trip to the zoo and would heartily recommend it to anyone. In fact, we have to put it as the number 1 attraction in San Diego. It really is something not to miss when you are in the city. We took the guided bus tour first and it was a good way to see the whole area before the walk around the zoo. There are restaurants in the zoo and the food was great. Would recommend wearing comfortable shoes since it's a big area you'll be walking. Take a stroller if you go with children or you can rent one in the park which costs you $16.

It's been a few years since we've been here but it has changed in such an amazing way!!! The new children's area is great!!! They have beautiful new exhibits, new buildings and structures. They have a wet play zone for the kids with waterfalls, arcing waters and splash zones. They also have a dryer you can pay to use to dry off too! They have amazing new merchandise for the kids as well. If you haven't been here in a while, I'd highly recommend it! We had so much fun!

This place is great! Plenty of benches and shady spots along the trails. I spoonful advise you bring a water bottle which they will refill with water or buying a free refill soda. Plenty of animals to see. Plenty of things s for kids to interact with. There's a reason this is considered one of the best zoos in the world. Definitely a must visit if visiting San Diego. If local buy the champion membership. Skipping lines, separate entrance, and includes wild animal park as well. Good for 2 people and you get two free passes. So if 4 purple going. It basically pays for itself on first visit. Click"helpful" if you found this helpful please

My husband and I love visiting animals in zoos and aquariums all over America. This is the BEST ZOO in AMERICA hands down! The animals were so enthusiastic and energetic to visit with me. It is hard to say which animal was my favorite when each of their personalities where unique. I suggested you download the Zoo APP before you arrive. It is a GREEN tour guide that is very informative and easy to use. We used the zoo app to search for specific animal questions and locations. Then the app directed us to the animal step by step. Since we used the App, we were able to see more animals than expected. If you want general animal for a zoo gift buy it at the main entrance. I bought a very cute sweatshirt at the main entrance of the Zoo for myself. Remember each part of the zoo has a gift shop. The gifts items are directly related to animals in that area. 100% Satisfactory, Volunteers Thank you for treating the animal with the respect they deserve.

Wow! So fun! I am sure glad for the 30-min bus tour (suggest you do this first), and the Kangaroo bus. We saw awesome animals and had a great time. Of course the food is expensive so be prepared for that. I loved that there were demonstrations going on (a sloth with his care taker by the Little Critters Area). Also loved the hummingbird habitat (many types of birds not just hummingbirds). The view is beautiful from the sky ride and bridge. We saw giraffes, hippo, cheetah with his tongue out, lions, elephant up close, red pandas, eagles, etc. I hope we get to return here soon to see more! We spent a full day here and left at dinner time. We got half-price tickets on the La Jolla website! Just a tip! Follow me "Tam's Tips" on YouTube for more cool tips. Hope to see you at the zoo!

Best zoo in the Country, hands down! It's super clean and the animal exhibits are so well kept. It's huge, it's easy to spend all day there. The employees are very helpful and happy to answer questions about any of the animals. The skyfari was so much fun also. We loved how many things were included with your entry ticket! So many amazing animals to see.

One of the best zoos ever. I went on a Sunday at around 12:00 noon. Great parking, not too crowded, and great weather, what else can you ask for. Hop on the 30 minute tour bus, the guy gives you a lot of input about the zoo and its animals and it helped me plan for my day. They have what they call Kangaroo buses with four stops. You can get on and off at whatever stop, very convenient to get to the areas you want to get to. On this day, the animals were very active, it made my day even more eventful. I paid for the Polar Express experience, found in the same area as a polar bears, it was worth it. I also saw a lot of children walking around with their face painted, but I didn't see any adults doing it. My thought, why not. I got my face painted, it took all but maybe 5 minutes, and I loved it! I drove from the San Fernando Valley to San Diego, two and a half to three hour drive. If you're in California, and within driving distance, the San Diego Zoo is worth the drive.

We had a great day at the zoo! Parking is close and free, which is amazing! We took the zoo bus tour first thing, which gave us a good overview of the park and helped us figure out what we wanted to see. We loved all the methods of transportation through the park because it is so big. There is a kangaroo bus to 4 different areas. We didn't use this because we decided to just walk it so we wouldn't miss exhibits. But we did the aerial tram from one side to the other and back. We also used the elevator by the bridge two times to help with the hills. We happened upon an animal encounter by zoo workers with an aardvark. So fun! The animal enclosures are so beautiful, as is the park foliage. We ended up staying until 7:30 pm, much longer than we expected. There is so much to see!

We had a great day. This was well worth the price of a ticket. Extremely clean. Fairly well organized. Very little to nitpick. The people seem to love working there. They pack a ton of experience into this park and get full use out of every last nook and cranny. We can highly recommend lunch at Albert's. My best advice is to take the free bus tour when you first get there. It takes about half an hour, and you get a great view of the park that helps you plan and prioritize.

This is an awesome zoo to visit but be prepared to walk a lot of terrain with varying elevation. I would highly recommend going on the bus tour first since it will help you see almost the entire zoo with a knowledgeable guide. Everyone queues to sit on top, but I would say the bottom is better for young kids because you can see everything a lot easier. From the top, you may only have a good view in one direction. The entrance to the bus tour is right by the entrance. If it's going to be hot, do the urban jungle and elephant rocks area first because there is the least amount of shade on that side of the zoo. Take a ride on the sky tram for a great overhead view, but be ready to leave your stroller parked if it's a double because only small strollers fit. There is a sky tram near the exit at the front of the zoo.

What a nice and interesting place to visit! We enjoyed our day at the zoo. They have big varieties of animals and bird species. They have many entertaining things to do like the skyfari tram, the guided tour buses and the 4D theatre. I love the design of the exhibits that can make you feel the habitat of each animal The staff are very helpful and friendly. The parking lot is very large and there are no parking fees.

Definitely a must do when in SAN. Plus kids are free in October. Recommend taking the bus tour around the zoo to kick of the visit. It will give you a great overview of about 80% of the exhibits with some fun facts. Also recommend arriving around 9/9:30 so you can see the animals during their most active part of the day and during their breakfast period.

The San Diego Zoo was a great experience. It is a large zoo with the opportunity for a lot of walking. If you don't want to do as much walking though, take a bus tour or grab the kangaroo bus. Both are included with admission. We loved seeing the hippos and polar bears. There were quite a few active animals and did not leave disappointed. You can grab a paper map or use digital on your phone. The food is fairly expensive so if you want to save, bring snacks. We brought our own water bottles in. They sell refillable popcorn buckets and soda cups. Plenty of bathrooms. We loved the shaded trail during the hot part of the day. It's a really nice zoo with a large assortment of animals.

The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park leased from the City of San Diego. Its parent organization, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, is a private nonprofit conservation organization, and has one of the largest zoological membership associations in the world, with more than 250,000 member households and 130,000 child memberships, representing more than a half million people. The San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cage less exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats. For decades, the zoo housed and successfully bred giant pandas, though the pandas were repatriated to China in 2019. With more than 4 million visitors in 2018, San Diego Zoo is the most visited zoo in the United States. Travelers have also cited it as one of the best zoos in the world.

Voted the #1 zoo in the world according to the zoo's web site. So you know you come to the right place for zoo visit. On our weekend visit recently, the zoo was packed with people which I imagine that the crowd is back to pre pandemic level. I feel this is the best zoo in world as well as I have visited zoos all over the world. This zoo houses over 15,000 animals with over 100 acres of land adjacent to the famous Balboa Park in San Diego. The facility is well planned out with trams and cable cars taking visitors around the zoo. The zoo is well maintained and fresh. All animals are kept in good conditions. The staff are well trained and friendly. All of them are very helpful in giving directions and explanation of the animals. We were lucky to encounter the training session for the red panda and got a very good class on endangered animals. Since this year is the year of the Tiger, many people congregated at the Tiger section. We were able to see the Tiger sleeping. If you don't feel like walking a few miles to see all the animals, I would suggest to take the tram at the entrance and feel out the lay of the land and then go back to the section you want to visit. You should end up at the polar bear section and then take the cable car back to the exit. This is the most efficient way to visit the zoo.

This is a top-notch zoo! They have all kinds of animals, great and small. The zoo is organized by habitats (African savanna, Australian outback, etc.). It was my first visit, so I started with a free bus tour, which went all around the zoo, and the driver provided narration. After that, I knew where I wanted to go on foot. The zoo is very large, so taking the bus tour saved me from having to walk all around it. I enjoyed the aerial views from the free gondola rides.

The San Diego Zoo impressed me with its vast 1,800-acre wildlife haven. Their rhino breeding success is noteworthy. The guided tour among rhinos and giraffes was both enjoyable and educational. Despite ample walking, the numerous snack spots added convenience. While there are vegan options, expanding the variety could enhance the experience. 🦏🦒🌿

The world famous San Diego Zoo. There is a reason they are world famous. They are living in 3031 while we are stuck in 2021. They are breaking ground that no one knew needed to be broken. They are the Platonic Ideal of a zoo. You will not get through the whole zoo in one day. Even if you get there when it opens, you will miss something and have to come back. These animals are happy and healthy. They are taken of care of amazingly well. I wish I was taken care of as well as they are. Their well being is the first priority. Our being able to see them and enjoy them is second. Don't worry it's a close second. Pro tip- take the bus tour when you get there so you can see the layout right away and plan your day from that.

This is truly one of the best zoos ever. Very high quality habitats, healthy animals all the way around, and good layout make for an incredibly enjoyable experience. But, it is not perfect, although it's issues are fairly minor. The lines for food are outrageously long, and the food itself is overpriced. While I understand that it's not going to be restaurant quality food, the prices are still a bit high for what you're getting and service is poor at best. But, compared to the swath of good experiences here, the food is a small problem in a great zoo. The only other problem I have is that it will take you 2-3 days to see everything if you go at a reasonable pace. It's so much, the thing kinda suffers from success. Entrance prices can be a bit much as well, but they have to fund this amazing experience somehow. If you can deal with the downsides, this is one of the top zoos I'm the world, and for good reason. This place is an experience as much as it is a zoo.

We had a wonderful time! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Everybody was wonderful. Even the crowd was relatively nice and respectful for California. we had a great time. We saw lots of animals rode the gondola and had funnel cake. The park was very clean. We couldn't have asked for a better visit, and we will definitely be back! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience!! **UPDATE** We ended up staying for the last show, and it was amazing! Lots of energy, and you could tell the performers really enjoyed what they were doing, It was very enjoyable! I would highly recommend staying for it!

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!

We did a full day with all tickets purchased online in advance. Early admission through the baby boom package, zoo pass and then dinner and aurora. The entire experience was first class. Having attractions like the kids park, gondola and bus tour as part of the ticket are very nice. Lines always moved very quickly and we're well organized. The zoo is as much a meticulous garden. The grounds are amazing. Staff were extremely engaged and attentive. Early morning pass was exceptional opportunity to be in the zoo before it got busy. Only issue was the amount of times we had to double back. The app and map are not always clear and it is easy to miss a turn and head in the wrong direction. Dinner at Albert's was very good. Plan for the whole day and enjoy.

Absolutely incredible experience. I love how most paths lead through one of the many Aviaries. The zoo was clean and beautiful and wonderfully setup and well placed. Wish I was able to take the bus tours but with COVID those were unavailable.

Amazing experience. COVD restrictions in place (must wear masks in building). Restaurants are opened. Loved seeing the animals again. The zip line was great as well. You ride up, get off, look around the top of the zoo, get back on and go down. There are animals viewable from the zip line once you are in the air. Tennis shoes are best as sons of the walk is uphill.

The family loved it. This zoo is amazing! And huge! We spent the entire day there and still did not see everything. Be sure to bring your walking shoes because there is a lot of walking. There is also a bus the will take you around the park too. And they have a Gondola! The Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. A must go if you are in San Diego. Buy tickets online and you will save some money too. Free parking!

Had an absolutely wonderful time at San Diego Zoo with the family. Very clean and well organized place. Super convenient to have the bus running during business hours if you don't want to walk around, but I do recommend walking to fully enjoy every aspect. Animal enclosures and facilities are neat and easy to see the animals are well cared for. One of my favorite things was the variety of plants and trees throughout the entire park. Lots of non native species to appreciate. Lastly, the gondola ride is a beautiful way to see the zoo from above or quickly get from one side of the zoo to the other.

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.

We loved this place. The highlight of the zoo was the Aurora show. I'm not sure if it's done only on holidays but this is so awesome that they utilized natural landscape to project and act a show. It was a pleasant surprise for us. I believe they do its themes based on the holidays as they invested a lot on this. Variety of animals to watch. As usual, expensive stuff inside the zoo as everywhere else. If you are a first timer, go right at the opening time, hop on to the bus. It gives an idea on the zoo and later you can walk around. Don't be surprised to wait for hours in queue for the bus if you come late.

This is definitely a must see for any age. There were things that were not available because of COVID and social distancing but you could still get on the aerial tour and they were really good about sanitizing every booth you got into before and after each person. You had to wear a mask the whole you are inside the zoo but it wasn't that bad. All the animals are out and ready for guests. You will not be disappointed and make sure you get there early because you will need the whole day to look around.

Just visited with my son on a Saturday afternoon and we had a blast!! the sun wasn't as strong by when we got there like around 2pm and had enough time to visit most of the Park!! My son is 10 years old and he had an amazing time!! Food a lil bit on the expensive side... But it's ok for once in awhile!! Not all the people who visited the park that day wore a mask, my recommendation is that you use it for the good of all ... but if you are one of the people who do not believe in masks, san diego zoo apparently doesn't have a problem with that.

This is one of the best place to visit. I had a great experience there together with my family. They have a lot of wild animals, fish and birds of different species. The geographic scenario is a complete imitation of natural habitat. There is mountains and valleys covered with huge trees and a stream of water that leads into a water fall which has an amazing relaxing effect. All the roads and walking path are marked with directions , numbers and there are maps posted in different locations to help you easily navigate without fear of being lost. If you like hiking and walking, this is also a perfect place to burn your excess calories while enjoying the natural beauty and amazing creatures at the same time. Well for those who don’t like walking for a long distance, there is an option for you. The amazing double deck tour buses will take you all around and there is someone who will be explaining to you what’s around including the deep history of the species and the place. And the greatest of all is the superb aerial tour with skyfari trams that takes you above everything and gives you unforgettable life experience. Each tram carries 2 individuals and you all this are covered in your original ticket, so you don’t have to worry about paying an extra dime. For the parents who have young kids and still opt to walk around, they have strollers available at a fair price.

The Zoo is great! Organized with different sections and theme. A lot of volunteers help you navigate what is the best option for you: take a bus or walk to a given section. We walked the entire zoo during the day with kids ranging from 11 to 16 years old. There are a lot of options to chose from for lunch and no shortage of amenities.

This is a must see when in San Diego! We spent 5 hours there and didn’t see/do everything. The paths were manageable with a lot of steep inclines and stairs. Be prepared for a workout! We loved the elephants and primates the most. Restrooms and eating areas were clean. Parking was free and easy. We’ll definitely be back on our next trip.

Excellent zoo, and huge. We were there 5-6 hours and I think we saw a third of it! Loved the bus/ shuttle system and the gondola sky lift. Ticket prices were pretty steep, but we were fortunate to get our church group a youth discount. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about the animals! Gift ships were awesome.

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.

This is one of our favorite zoos. It was a easy layout with all the animals you could want. I also like that it has two aquariums. We did go during the pandemic and they handle everything safely. I didn't not feel over crowded. Everyone work masks and the pathways were clearly marked with directions for walking. Give this view a thumbs to help others.

I wait but could not see. If the Weather is hot they wait in the Inn. If you want to see them, you shouldn’t go on afternoon :)

There is no aquarium here. This is an administrative office only.

This place is huge but the treatment of animals could most definitely be better! For example the Polar Bear exhibit was isolated with no ice or anything cold like their natural habitat consists of. He was desperately trying to stay cool in whatever shade he could find! It was sad to see! Yet, the employees were nice and we're excellent guides! The zoo was also surrounded by trees and flowers which made you feel like you were moreso in their habitats!

No customer service. Nobody answer the phone.

One of the best zoo's in the world! As a San diegan, I ended up buying my membership(unlimited visits for the year) to the zoo and safari park for $115. The bear hill alone is worth visiting and my favorite is the Red Panda. During covid times you need to make a reservation beforehand, especially on weekends.

This is my favorite zoo! We visited this time for the electric safari which is their version of the zoo lights. We were still able to see some of the animals in the indoor exhibits and as always, feeding the giraffes was the best part! Lots of good photo opportunities and they’re so fun to feed. It’s only $3 for a handful of lettuce or $5 for two so it’s a fun time without having to spend a ton of money. Masks required indoors but not outdoors unless you’re within 6ft of another party

This zoo is spectacular! The setting is beautiful and relaxing, you feel like you're in the mountains. The animal set ups are so natural and large. You get an opportunity to see so many animals up close and interact with them, most at no extra charge. Really a great experience all around. Best zoo in Colorado for sure!

Great Zoo! This place is Huge!! Thank God for the Kangaroo Bus, Sky Ride, and the Tour Bus. It was totally worth the money. The animal habitats were so nice and large. I loved the fact that the animals had plenty of space and that there were several viewpoints for most exhibits. I will be back San Diego!

A great place to visit, specially with the family. You can spend the whole day without even notice. All facilities are in a very good condition, animals are in great shape, they have a huge diversity of animals. I went for the first time on 2007 and went back on mid 2021, and can tell you, they now are even better than before.

If you haven't been go! You wont be disappointed. Make sure you take the double decker bus around the park first, sit on the top and on the right side to see more things. Then you can see what you want to go back to and spend more time at. The place is amazing, and huge, and seems like they do a lot to help save animals.

Best zoo I've been to before. Huge area with an insane animal variety, we walked in at 9am and didn't leave til 4:30. The design of the park was just stellar and i enjoyed walking through it as much as I enjoyed the exhibits.

This is the best zoo I have ever been. On the day I went, Xmas activities and lights made this trip extra special. I walked through the turnstile at 9 am and left at 8 pm, closing. The day was magical. The guided bus tours and sky tram are all free with the price of entry.

The san Diego Zoo is always a must see. Lots of good fa.ily time and educational. Masks are optional. Restrooms were clean. Check on the web site for price reduction opportunities. Wear comfortable shoes. Enjoy.

Quite an amazing place! We've been there on numerous occasions since we live in San Diego. They have some wonderful exhibits, something to see around every bend. My personal favorite spots are the Koala enclosure, the reptile building and the apes. It's a good idea to ride around on the bus, and see the layout of the zoo, then get out and walk to the exhibits you want to see. It's also fun to save time by climbing into the sky bucket and enjoying the stellar views. My husband has the best route that takes us a day but we can see everything. There used to be a two-headed corn snake, but sadly he passed away. There's a resident peacock and if you're lucky, he'll come close and fan his feathers. Bring a camera along for sure, and enjoy the horticulture as well as the animals. After all, it's all happening at the zoo!

This is the biggest zoo I have ever seen. The ticket is priced fairly at $62. It has more than 3000 animals and is built on a 100 acre land. There is no way you can see all the animals in one day just prioritize the animals you want to see. There is also an option to get an electric scooter for $50 which is very useful if you don’t mind spending a little extra since it is pretty big but I definitely recommend visiting it as it is worth it. In your ticket what is already inclusive is the chair lift, bus ride

So glad we got the chance to visit the world's best zoo! Never seen such super friendly staff. The zoo owns at 9 am and it was already getting crowded when we reached by 9am. There is a few good bus then please do not miss the free air tram which connects you to two different parts of the zoo

I always wanted to visit. An it was well worth it. Started with the bus tour. So I could have a better understanding of how everything works behind the scenes and a good starting point. When the tour was over. They had coffee which for me is a plus. And the staff was so nice in every part, inch or zone of the zoo. You know they love there jobs and care about wildlife. Because each exhibit was cater towards with animal. Loved it

Fabulous!!!!! Absolutely fabulous!!!!! You can really tell the love and care out into this zoo. The animals looked happy and very active. The grounds were beautiful and clean. The food wasn't bad either. It was definitely worth the money and I would do it again the next time I am in the area. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes!

What a beautiful zoo!! This has been the best zoo experience I’ve had. San Diego Zoo is the best zoo ever! Great for all ages and all of the animals were well taken care of and healthy looking. It’s a large zoo and it will take the entire day to see all animals, wear comfortable shoes. They have an extensive list of different types of animals as well. Love all animals ❤️ Definitely a must see when visiting San Diego.

The Zoo is one of our favorite places to explore as a family. We have a membership and visit often. There are always new things to see, and the grounds are beautifully maintained. I feel that they do a wonderful job of caring for the animals here, and their conservation efforts globally are impressive. We feel good about supporting them. 💚 The children's Basecamp area is so much fun, even as a stand-alone activity. My girls love the water area, climbing structures, tree house, and monkey bridge. They could easily spend hours in this area. This area of the zoo also hosts the cleanest restrooms, in our experience. I usually pack swimsuits & towels for my girls to change into, as I know we will undoubtedly end up in this area and get soaked. Not a problem when it's hot though, the water is a welcome cool down. The new exhibits in this area are very cool as well. We always have a great time at the zoo.

They have done a really excellent job of socially distancing and cleanliness. The restrooms are spotless and there are dividers between the sinks. Some of the interactive exhibits are closed but there is still enough open to enjoy yourself. Love this zoo!

Waste of money. Barley any animals to visit with. Most exhibits closed. The animals look incredibly sad and lonely. We’ve visited 3 times this past year and nothings changed. Tons of false advertising with what animals they show online but don’t have at the zoo. Today’s visit was mine and my family’s last, don’t waste your time and money. I’d recommend Seattle zoo, instead.

The most beautiful zoo in the US. I had to buy a season pass because this zoo is so large it takes the average person three days to see the whole park. The terrain can be challenging at times so I love that I don’t have to rush because I have the whole year to come back. The animal are so amazing and the grounds are just gorgeous. There are restaurants and pit stops along the way if I get hungry or thirsty. Restrooms are all along the paths if needed. They have electric wheelchairs for rent if you are handicapped and need assistance. They have COVID screening as you enter the park. The lines in the morning go really fast. Buy a season pass it’s so worth it!

This is a must-see zoo for all of you animals/zoo lovers if you are ever in San Diego, it is a part of the wonderful Balboa Park, which contains a lot of fun museums and activities. The zoo is very large in size, it has so many different varieties of animals, and it would take you the whole day to really see everything and read about the animals, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Plan your day carefully, start by studying the map and making a route, don’t get lost always check with your map, I actually consulted some of the volunteers on the best route to follow, and they were very helpful, also make sure to ask about any available activities and plan your day accordingly if you are interested in any of them.

Me and my family went to the San Diego Zoo during the winter break the other day, and when we stopped to use the bathroom, I went into one of the stalls and there was a large falcon inside and it attacked me! I do not recommend going to this disaster of a zoo!

Welcome to the world's best zoo ! Massive zoo with exotic animals. They have most of the animals - includes Polar Bear.... It's easily a days plan. First to explore what's where - take the bus tour - remember to sit on the right side(left has almost no animals) upper deck. Once you know this - take the Kangaroo hopper bus to go to the areas of interest. The tram / rope car is a good aerial view - but not for viewing animals( unlike Oakland CA zoo). They also have good reptile collection. Must see this zoo !!!

hi my name is madi i love an diego california zoo because they all the big cats it is just the best zoo ever every one is nice u should vist

Still cannot believe how big this place is and the animals were so interactive! It was one hot day and lots of walking. So stay hydrated and dress comfortable! It was well worth the visit we could not see everything in 1 day, I now understand why they sell 2 day passes at $104 🙌🏾

This is the most famous zoo in the world for good reason. The sheer number of animals, quality of the exhibits, and size of the zoo are unparalleled. Expect to do a lot of walking, so come prepared for that! Every animal lover should visit this place at least once!

It was a fun day, I took my son to celebrate his birthday. But please consider kids and adults on manual wheelchairs and that are not transferable to get around everywhere because it's super hard to see all the animals. Create like little wheelchair accessible golf cars or at least one day or certain hours for special needs people.

So many species to see… Love the bus tour. We were able To tour the whole park in one due thanks to the kangaroo buses, offering different stops at different locations on site allowing us visit More spots in park. It was so shaded and cool that walking around was not so demanding. The different plant species and water falls were so beautiful. Also the aviaries were just amazing. A Must see in San Diego

This Mega Zoo is outstanding. It’s got everything from lions, polar bears and insects, pretty much everything you could hope for in a zoo. one of the most under rated features is the botanical gardens that complement every exhibit/areas all around the zoo full of exotic and unique plants. Buses and a sky tram are free services inside the zoo. The parking is also free. Admission is like 62$,when I went there reservations were not required can buy tickets at gate. I’d suggest coming early as there are less crowds and the animals seemed more active early on, plus you might need the day to see the whole zoo. Also there are a lot of birds here like hundreds if not thousands of different birds. Polar bears n all the cats were my favorites.

This place is so good! One day is not enough for this place! We hardly covered 60% of this place in a day! Completely worth the ticket if you have kids with you as the species of animals are so many! Saw pandas for the first time in my life and you could actually feed them! Cute place to visit when in SD

Nice place bit somehow disappointed, even though my family and I were able to see some cool animals, we couldn't see pandas and red pandas, polar bear, penguins, tigers, rhinoceros and fishing cat. Even in the humming bird exhibit, we only saw one, so I am guessing the animals were taken somewhere for whatever reason or so because other people were complaining about the same issue with the very same species. The kid's enjoyed the gondola ride very much but they were sad about not been able to see so many animals they were excited to see for weeks.

Fantastic time! We had the perfect walking path. Make sure to plan enough time to spend at the zoo. We did most of the zoo and it took 5 hours with a lunch break. Animals were active and well taken care of!

I've been to many zoos but this was hands town the best one I've ever seen!! So many carefully crafted exhibits where the animals seem so happy and well cared for. I was able to see so many animals I've wanted to see since I was a child and many of them were so active! There's nothing like this place and it is beyond worth the admission price. Don't miss out on an amazing experience here at the San Diego zoo 🥰

Best zoo I've ever been to in my life. They have everything. Lots of walking and lots of hills. Take the free bus tour when you get there so you get the lay of the land. It's easy to get lost in the zoo.

Very kid friendly. Lots of activities for young kids to do. Such as theaters, mini playgrounds, picture opportunities etc. My favorite part is riding the air tram which is free with every ticket. Like the fact that parking is free too! No wait to get in even though it was very busy on new years eve. I was able to find parking g and buy a ticket very easily. I walked around for 3 hours with a 5 year old a three year old. Lots to see and do! Masks were not enforced so there is a mix of people who are wearing masks and others who did not even have any on.

We visited San Diego for winter break and this was on our list. We have the National Zoo and Baltimore Zoo nearby. I can tell you without a doubt that San Diego zoo is very special and deserving of all the accolades it receives. The bus tour is a must, sit on the right side. The volunteers and staff are very knowledgeable and so friendly. The exhibits themselves are easily navigable and there are so many different species to see. On the comfort front, there are so many spots to sit and relax. Also, I wasn't expecting so many food options in a zoo. There were plenty of options to choose from. We loved walking and seeing the plant life as well. It's gorgeous there. Highly recommend.

Definitely one of the best zoos that I’ve visited in the world. Spread over 100 acres of Balboa Park, they have meticulously recreated many natural, cage-less animal habitats. This is a beautiful space to walk around, taking in over 12,000 animals and even more plant species. I definitely felt closer to, and more ‘at one’ with, the animals. One minor criticism is that the guided tour buses have diesel engines; converting these to electric motors would help to reinforce the green message that the zoo otherwise promotes really well.

We had absolutely perfect weather for this visit! The zoo has just gorgeous grounds with lots of trees and plants.The animals were amazing to see because the enclosures were intimate. The bus tour was exceptional A wonderful place to visit for all ages!! Will definitely return soon!!

Great zoo! Beautifully maintained, easy to navigate. The staff is so helpful if you have questions about the animals. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting!! Plenty of food options, and gift shops. Each region of the zoo has something else to offer. The Aerial tram was super fun to ride (not wheelchair accessible, unless you can transfer out of your chair). Great views from above of the park, and you can see some exhibits from above.

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.

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

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.

Amazing zoo! We spent several hours here and still managed to miss animals. Rode the skyfari and it was a nice break from walking, breezy with good views of the park. Restrooms and snack bars were located throughout with little gift shops in different sections (plus what was by the entrance/exit). Worth the visit, great for kids.

December+Disappointed.... Heard so much on how great this zoo is for a long time... Got to tell you, I've seen better zoo's with more animals in the mid West for a lot less than $71pp. Traveled the whole place and the place felt a little dull. Where are the animals? Just one or two or none in exhibits, and the ones there were presented so depressingly. The male lion in a area as big as a 1000sf he didn't move in 4 hrs. Saw him twice (1-bus, 2 on foot). Quite a Few exhibits were overgrown, just dirty, smelled like piss or totally absent of animals. $5.99 for a 8oz soda, $17 yes $17 hamburger with no extras ( drink, fries) But it is good to get out and walk around for 8 hours. Lots of impressive Jurassic looking plants. Cool bus ride/tram through the park. The employees were friendly and helpful.

They were not wrong when they said it’s more than a Zoo. As an adult l enjoyed touring the spaces. It was a maze and a beautiful adventure through the dense bamboo trees and varied plants. If tires ride the bus or take the elevator to the “gondolas” too bad one afternoon was not enough to see it all. Sunset at 5:30 and it closes as 8, but still the night walk was gorgeous. I will definitely come again with my kids.

Covid-19 procedures were only followed up to the entrance other than that a good family place with margaritas

This zoo is arguably one of the best in the world. Large size, plenty of exotic animals, and well put together aesthetically. Going during Covid on a weekday was really a blessing because it was ~30% of normal capacity, according to some of the workers. We especially enjoyed the aviaries, as they had so many beautiful birds.

So much fun. Plan on a lot of walking and wear sunscreen! Beautiful place. The sky tram was awesome too. So fun!

Love this place. Already wrote a pretty extensive review a while back. Some good-to-know info if you're not from here: (1) Some pretty long steep hills or lots of steps in and out of the canyon. (The whole place is wheelchair accessible, but you might consider renting one of their power chairs) (2) It's a BIG zoo: pretty overly ambitious if you plan to see everything in one day even without kids and strollers and rests (3) Thus, 2-4 pm is the crying hour (kids haven't had naps, kids throwing tantrums, parents snapping at kids and each other, and it's pretty hot May-Oct)

Fun evenings checking out the zoolights. Due to Covid, had to reserve tickets in advance. Well run with moderate amounts of people. They staggered the amount of ppl entering. Long line for hot chocolate so bring your own.

We've been coming here for years and always enjoy being at the zoo. The attraction for PD Zoo is the aquariums. The zoo is small and will take 2-3 hours to see everything. They have done a good job controlling the crowd sizes during COVID but it does diminish the zoo experience because the concession stands are closed and some of the areas are no longer accessible. Most of the animal exhibits are well designed and maintained and you can see the zoo takes a lot of pride in conservation. The elephant exhibit needs some work though... Not sure what is going on with it but it looks quite sad.

Went for the holiday lights! Was great!! The way it was done made it very safe during pandemic.

I went here on Saturday when it was raining cats and dogs and just had incredible experience! I spent almost all day strolling around animals without any sign of crowds. It was complete peace and quiet. No lines anywhere, just few people around most popular animals like hippo, tiger and, other than that, empty streets. As of Nov 7, many restaurants were open with an option to eat outside. A beer garden got closed surprisingly around 3pm. It was quite cold, so 2 jackets and water-proof poncho saved my day. The zoo is amazing!

Go check the Birmingham Alabama zoo! I checked it out! WAY better than the San Diego one. But beautiful san diego zoo.

Great place! One of the first things I noticed about this zoo is how clean the grounds are, compared to other zoos I have visited. I found the staff to be helpful pointing where to go for exhibits, as well, a few would stand outside the exhibit giving a quick, did-you-know talk about an animal. When you go early in the morning the animals are up and active. As well, supporting the zoo helps them support rehab locations around the world to help animals who become injured, as well, help fight species extinction.

This is a magical place, and to the people that are hating, what's so bad about it? This zoo actually takes care of the animals and the habitat their in fits them. I recommend going here if you want to have an experience you'll never forget!

Polar Rim

When the polar bears are active it is amazing. Usually crowded so have plenty of patience

im looking at the live cams but its kinda bad and the burrowing owl cam there is nothing and you need to add more live cams but its good

It was my first time visiting this zoo, and it was a magnificent experience. This zoo has a huge variety of animals and much larger than any zoo in California. The prices for food and souvenir are reasonable.

We arrived at the zoo at 9am on a holiday. The line was already pretty long waiting for the zoo to open. We didn't make reservations before hand so we were worried we wouldn't be able to go inside. Signs posted said to see an attendant if you do not have reservations. We were able to get our reservation there but only because we were there so early in the morning she was almost out already.

While the Zoo is great you need to expect to zig-zag through the line in the parking lot for about 1 hr before you get inside. Horrible planning on the management's part.

Scam.

I love the zoo. I am a member and very happy they are open.

Paradise. Love the heavy foliage throughout most of the park. Keeps everything cool and I feel like I'm somewhere far away. Plants are as amazing as the animals. Skyfari currently runs Thursday through Friday and is a favorite. You can take in views of balboa and zoo. It's a very peaceful ride. Walk over to balboa when it's more open takes around three minutes along the path. Probably there's street vendors Fri - Saturday in balboa. I do not recommend the coffee stand by front entrance of zoo and flamingos. Tasted like hot milk. There's a fabulous coffee place as you walk down path to orangutans. Wish I knew the name

Considering I love animals, my boyfriend surprised me with a trip to the San Diego Zoo. It was an incredible experience. We’ve taken note to the park’s staff who heavily contributed to our experience. Everyone was very welcoming as they shared with us their pleasant personalities and abundance of knowledge. I’ve learned a great deal from the Zookeepers. The animals appeared well kept and most were pretty active during our visit. Lastly, the park is huge! Plan accordingly with lots of water and comfortable walking shoes. If you’re an animal lover you won’t be disappointed!

Amazing zoo! I only got through half of in in 3 hours but I loved every second of it. I loved all the animals, however the tigers were pacing and I felt out of all the spaces all the other animals were given the tigers had one of the smallest enclosures. Other than that, ny experience was very fun and I can't wait to go back with family next time.

The zoo is amazing! Variety of animals to see. The whole journey is quite alot hence once has to plan their time to cover all the spots since its huge. Great place to visit though.

Such an amazing zoo! So many animals to see and fun thing's to do. Well worth the price. I enjoyed my time here.

Great experience at the zoo, it is a big place spread out on many acres of land, you need to be ready for long walk in the park, after noon they have shows in a few places. Bus tour available. Food court available all over the park. Plenty of space to park. Just be ready to walk a lot.

This has been my favourite zoo for many years. Well kept and lots to see. It’s a fun day for the whole family. And you can bring your own food which is extra nice as you can have a lunch and keep on going. Lots walking so wear comfy shoes. We spent a good 6 hours.

The zoo was such fun! It was clean and well-maintained. The restrooms were clean and the staff were friendly and nice. There were plenty of places to sit and get out of the sun. The animals' cages were well kept, and there was a good variety. We rode the tour bus and took the sky tram with ease, and had a blast. On a Friday morning/afternoon, it wasn't too crowded, although we had to wait about 45 minutes to pickup our tickets, so it may help to add some kiosks to aide with this in the future.

Many friends recommend this zoo to me. I found it’s indeed a place worthy exploring although I only checked out the eastern half in my one-day visit. The first highlight is the ample species of different animals. The terrain is also commensurate to the diversity of animals. There are transportation buses and tour guide buses to save the labor to walk around downhill and uphill. But neither buses got to the west half.

I had not been to the San Diego zoo in about 10 years. I'm here visiting my niece and we went and wow I was amazed at the changes. It is absolutely beautiful. They now have an elevator instead of escalator that can take you up to the higher elevations. That was really nice. Especially since we were pushing a stroller. We also took the bus but we only saw the elephants. We could not see any other animals. They said the bears were all in the back and just the positioning of the seats and the bushes and the road. You weren't able to see the animals. The baby liked the bus so that was fine and it gave us time to rest . The only disappointment I had was it was a huge huge hike to get up to the polar bears. The elevator does not take you up there so we did not go up to that area. It was just too much of a hike. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. The children's area is really nice. It is extremely expensive to get in, especially for out of town guests. But if you haven't been in a while I suggest you go at least once

What an amazing zoo! And we didn't even get to see it all. Great experience! You can definitely see it all in one day but be prepared to walk. So many great exhibits and the animals truly look to be cared for in a humane manner.

Wow! Big Zoo and lots to do! We loved the bus tour, there is a lot of walking so this is a nice way to see the layout of the whole park. Take the gondola sky ride it's a great way to see the park from above! Stop by the kids play area with splash pad, great way for littles to cool off.

There is a reason they call the San Diego Zoo one of the best in the world. A well laid out zoo with a gondola to take you from one corner to the other, and ample trolleys on the grounds to help you see lots of animals and make the most of your time. The Aviary is one of the best I've seen. The habitats look so real that the animals appear to be living better than in the wild! The flora was impressive also. Definitely a reason to visit the area.

Wonderful experience for the whole family. Wear good walking shoes, there are some small hills. I'd recommend a whole day so you can take your time moving through. Some animals hide and you might have a to wait a few minutes for them to move around. Overall it was a great experience, and the animals were really cute. Would definitely visit again.

I visited the zoo with my family and had a lot of fun for the entire day. I have never seen so many animals in one place! You can get in the zoo at opening time and still not be able to see all animals by the end of the day. Truly amazing experience. The zoo has all facilities such as restaurants, restrooms, benches, bus tours, and gift shops for souvenirs.

Wow! This is like a theme park, comes with go city pass, and has a cable car ride, a tour bus, and shows to entertain you throughout the day, with animals performing impromptu acts just for your eyes. The animals are so cute.... Take the bus tour early. You won't regret it. But take note the upper decks may get a little hot during the summer day. Loved the staff's enthusiasm in sharing their knowledge and assisting us in finding the way, and this place is really big. I couldn't finish everything but luckily I chose important animals to watch. Missed the polar bear in the evening but was fine. Food needs a little upgrading, and app directions need to be clearer (probably they should update the map coordinates, and also to indicate which exhibits they are nearby.). Loved the experience, and be sure to cater a whole day.

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!!!

My daughter and I did the roar and snor. Our experience was amazing. The tents were well maintained. The bathrooms were well kept. The food provided was decent, typical camp food. Plenty to go around. The late night snacks were a welcome plus. The staff was professional and friendly. The tour guides were amazing and very informative. The grounds are beautiful even in the midst of construction.

An outstanding facility with great exhibits and enclosures throughout. The bus rides and sky ride make covering long distances easy if you need to. Prices for food and drinks are what you would expect - expensive. Midweek lineups were short. Highly recommended experience.

It's a world-class zoo, a botanical garden, and an educational experience all in one. Most of the habitats are designed to give you an opportunity to observe magnificent species even when they're inactive / sleeping. The missions of conservation and protection are emphasized over entertainment. Admission prices are quite steep, but it was a fascinating and memorable day.

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.

I herd that this zoo is world wild famous. But I was not impressed at all. It is a big place to spend a day. There is many animals to see. Cable cars that takes you to other side of zoo. And two bus lines. One is with four stops around the zoo. And other one is like a tour bus that talk in detail about zoo. Part I didn’t like is they just returned Pandas to China. And I really wanted to see panda in person. Other one is that I could not see most of animals in park. Cause their sports are so big and majority of animals been hiding in their homes. I will try Safari park next time.

After watching The Zoo: San Diego for several months, I was so excited to be able to go to the San Diego Zoo for their Christmas light display. This Zoo is massive and laid out with numerous paths to explore every area. While the light display could've used some improvement, the areas that were decked out were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean. There were no long wait times to ride. I can't wait to come back and enjoy the Zoo in the day time!

Amazing zoo experience. Good to go on bus tour first to get your bearings. I spent 4hrs and didn't even completed the whole park, you can definitely spend the whole day here if you are keen on exploring every part. Refillable soft drinks or beer available all around Highly recommend to visit

All I can say about this place is it's amazing, they have great staff, knowledgeable and the experience is worth the money. Definitely a place that I hope to visit again in the future. Just know that the road to this location is quite bumpy. so be ready for a bumpy ride but it's an exciting one

So amazing in size and the number of animals. The grounds are incredible with so many trees and other plants. The exhibits generally reflect responsible zoo values, although the polar bear exhibit looked very sad. The polar bear was slumped on a brown pedestal, and looked too warm. I'm not informed of whether the polar bear habitat is appropriate, it just looked off.

We went early and there weren't any lines. Everybody wore their masks and there was quite a few sanitizer stations. We got to see them feel the jaguars as well.

Its is definitely the best zoo in California. One must go early in the morning in order to tour most of the park. They are taking every precaution necessary for the covid-19 virus. Food although a little pricey is good. Go on have some fun with your loved ones.

This zoo is stunning, especially if you're from the North East and used to the animals being so far away. They're very up close and allow you to really immerse yourself in the experience. Even with COVID, they have such a great operation that you feel very safe with temperature checks, health screenings and a strict mask policy. We went on a Monday and it was not crowded at all, but the waits can be long on weekends so plan accordingly.

LOVE IT!

(Translated by Google) Sooooo (Original) Zoooo

My favorite zoos on the planet

It was great lots of animals delicious food. It was expensive but I think it was worth it.

FOSSA AND ZEBRA

We visited the Zoo in December. It was not crowded at all. We had beer and enjoyed the zoo.

Our recent visit to the zoo was lovely. Its very uncrowded and I felt safe. Everyone was wearing masks and social distancing.

No pandas, they are gone to China

Best time

My parents took me there for my 10th bday and it was amazing.

I loved the zoo. Had so much fun. No line on the day I went. Slurpees are way over charged 8.99.

Awesome experience. Above and beyond for social distancing and so clean.

One of the best zoo's in the World. You will love it!

Definitely recommend going here with your kids and family. We Loved all the remodeling it looks great and more spacious for the animals.

Great view of so many species of animals. Well taken care of, clean and easy access to everything. Very enjoyable.

The elephants were gorgeous, always interesting to see animals.

A little pricey but it's still fun

(Translated by Google) Wonderful place to share family time. This is news. In October children do NOT pay. (Original) Maravilloso lugar para compartir tiempo en familia. Esto si es noticia. En octubre los niños NO pagan.

Nice eating area at the zoo with lots of space.

Another of animals but alot of walking

Haven't been here in years. The Covid pre check in that is in the front parking lot was fast and easy on the day we went. I loved all the new things like restaurants and stores .. The updated enclosures are very interactive. I loved that have a great map of walking loop to follow , so you call see the most and limits your need to double back to see the animals. There is very helpful signs everywhere. There is hand sanitizering station thru out the park. Everyone was socially responsible and kept there safe space. The only downside was the sky ride was closed and they are updating the Children zoo side. Other then that it was a beautiful day to see the amazing animals at our world famous zoo. We are so lucky to have this great place here in San Diego

It has the largest collection of diverse animal and plant life in any one place that I've seen. Very well kept and ever changing.

One of our favorite zoos. We've been dozens of times and it's always a new experience each trip.

Awesome experience

They adapted very well to corona virus times. Excellent

Best zoo in the world. Continually updating exhibits and creating amazing experiences.

Came during covid time on a Friday. The place was pretty safe and they take a lot of precautions. I could walk feeling the safety and my friends were also had a comfortable feeling about the place. And also you maybe also wanna know a little more about this place so here is it: This is a beautiful zoo run by a society that really believes in the educational mission. The grounds are very clean and the wonderful creatures all appear to be well kept. We really enjoyed the zoo it was so fun and also it was a friends Reunion as well and I cant tell how amazing was our timing.

Great experience! Well worth it. CovId regulations are good. Get there early!

The animals were awesome! But the tour wasn't working.

Very clean park with super helpful volunteers! One of them even went out of their way to help us! The animals were very well taken care of (except for the polar bear in our opinion, since there was almost no snow in its exhibit), and the variety of animals was super fun to see. I would recommend bringing good walking shoes since there are a lot of elevation changes, but overall very clean and nice.

Beautiful zoo. Wear comfortable shoes, it's a lot of walking. The bears were the most entertaining.

Tons of animals. Cool

Nice place

Best adventure ever

Always a great experience here. Friendly staff and animals look happy and healthy.

My first visit here was memorable! Truly enjoyed the atmosphere and layout of the park. Was a really nice to walk around, and enjoy seeing the animals.

Unforgettable experience every time. The animals are far more active in the cooler months.

Alright it's not the same it was nice having set times to go in. As well as fewer people. You have to go in one direction and it is nice. The touch exhibit for kids is closed currently, but still plenty of exhibits open for kids to enjoy. The aquarium was great and was fun seeing the sharks and many types of jellyfish.

Always love the zoo. They are really doing a great job with the social distancing and getting ready for zoo lights. We got a nice surprise heading to our car after. Hope my video will post

1. Plenty parking 2. People maintained social distancing and masks are mandatory. There was sanitizer every now and then 3. Nice kids area 4. Great collection of animals. Saw elephant, tigers, penguins, walrus, fox, wolf, otters , to name a few 5. Great collection of fish. Specially stingray and ray. Saw many amazing Sharks like leopard shark and hammerhead shark. Kids had a great time. Will come again. They also have great membership program.

I purchased my tickets online but once I arrived noticed most exhibits were closed or restricted. Staff even said they didn’t plan on having visitors. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND at least until COVID passes.

We went during the "pumpkin days" so the zoo was festive for the halloween season. Most of the animals were sleeping but it was a good experience. Our favorite was the walrus. He was living his best life doing back flips. Love that guy! The Pacific aquarium was very nice. I think that one was my favorite. The zoo had a walking path for everyone. We made our reservations online. It wasn't crowded and everyone maintained social distance and kept their masks on. There no restaurants open so eat before you go or map out a place to eat after.

Point Defiance, breathtaking even in the rainy season. Beautiful, I love this place so much.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium was a nice outing.A few exhibits were closed, primarily those in enclosed spaces, and we weren't able to feed or pet any animals. This was due to covid. Beyond those things it took us about a hour and a half to walk the park. Great for younger kids but not much of a wow factor for older kids. I would love to go back post Covid and in the summer to see the park at its peak.

We love Point Defiance Zoo! It's always wonderful time. The staff is doing a great job with the pandemic restrictions which is great!

Great place my daughter loves it here..

Great zoo. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

I went to zoolights for the first time and it was a blast! Getting in was a breeze and the lights were great! A bit short, but who says you can't go around one more time?😉

Zoo lights was fantastic

Great zoo and aquariums. Complete and utter lack of river otters. Very disappointing. Fortunately there are a pair at NW Trek.

Always enjoying our visits at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, this is definitely the best place to spend some quality time with your kids, discovering all those animals and birds. They like the trail and the exhibits that can discover many things about the animals! The Aquarium with different species of sea creatures, colorful fishes, sharks and jellyfishes it’s very interesting for kids of all ages. This time while visiting, the Aquarium and all indoor exhibits were closed, but we enjoyed kids area, penguins, elephant, the tigers and the rest! Highly recommend this place to visit! We enjoyed!

Loved the zoo even with covid restrictions. Will definitely return when fully open!

I went for the zoo lights event they did for the holidays. I definitely recommend it.

Love zoolights

It was amazing. We had a good time as a family. Lots and lots of beautiful colors.

Zoo lights

Went for zoo lights. They always do an amazing job with all those lights.

#bigfoot

Despite it being open there were very few animals and exhibits. It is quite organized and some areas are clearly marked open but you can't spot any animal, just empty habitats. However you do see a cute but restless looking sumatran tiger and elephant.

Not so crowded

Of the 2 Zoos being Woodland Park Zoo or Point Defiance we perfere PD. Its smaller but has 2 aquariums and views of Puget Sound.

Zoo lights were awesome even in the rain!

We always enjoy our time at the, but this was our first time seeing Zoo Lights. It was an amazing display with something new at every turn. We came away very impressed. The tickets were very reasonablely priced and the number of people in the zoo allowed for everyone to maintain their social distancing.

Went for zoolights. Didn't realize there would be no open animal exhibits. Kinda spoiled it for me.

They outdid themselves with Zoolights this year.

Enjoyed the zoo lights. Good job with keeping crowds controlled. No line to get in and easy to get around.

Zoo lights with social distancing was a hit. Well done Or. Defiance Zoo.

I'd have to say I was highly disappointed with our visit to this zoo. It seems that half of the main attractions are inside such as an aquarium or viewing exhibits and due to COVID these areas are all closed. So understandably so, we can not go to inside exhibits because of the close proximity and inside environment however I am perfectly able to visit the gift shop...indoors and spend money. Makes total sense.

Beautiful,beautiful,beautiful

Beautiful and I loved it.

We love to come to Zoolights! My little boys have come here every year of their lives

Wow... beautiful light... Amazing

Beautiful displays and well organized.

Wonderful lights amazing

Love the light shows with the wife and kids!

Big zoo with many animals

Grat.visot. kids enjoyed their time at.the zoo. Quite a.few exhibits are still closed though. Wouldn't be so bad except they are.charging full fare.

Beautiful holiday light display

Way more lights not many people. Didn't start to rain until we left. Loved the crab and the kraken.

For locals, this is a great place to spend 1-2 hours a every few weeks! Very relaxing! Our favorite exhibits are the meercats, hippos, and Elephant Odyssey. (The Hummingbird Sanctuary was/is/always will be an all-time favorite, but I think it was removed with the construction of the new Children's Zoo. The addition of the bridge from the Gorillas to the Elephants is a much needed feature and can seriously cut travel times in half!

Lots to do and see, always fun to come around, and quite the experience for someone who doesn't get out much. Exotic animals of all kinds, interactive exhibits, gift shops and stores are expansive, and COVID guidelines are solid. Definitely worth visiting for a couple days!

Fantastic experience, great price for value, awesome variety of animals. Most animals were out and active for a fun experience. Kids loved all of it, best zoo I've visited country wide.

The San Diego zoo was fun. Due to Corona we had to wear masks which made the experience hot and a bit uncomfortable, however we made the most of it and walked the whole park. Some activities and exhibits were closed and maybe missed out on some stuff but honestly after 5 hours of walking, our feet were sore and we were ready to go. It was hot and some of the animals were staying out of the sun and therefore we could t see them. I don’t blame them as I did my best to find shade along the way too. I can’t say it’s the best zoo I’ve been too, but it’s still worth a stop.

Beautiful, lots of animals, variety of activity levels. Social distancing and wearing of masks the entire time is enforced, although a lot of people were not respectful of social distancing. Very pricey, $300 for our family of six, 4 kids, and thats with a discount. An Ice cream sandwich was $6, I'd recommend bringing your own food and drinks. Oh, they sell beer and some mixed drinks though, expensive but cool if you enjoy a drink. The plants are amazing, I hope to go again when my kids are a bit older and get more pictures. Hopefully they bring back giant pandas soon 🙏

Beautiful park! You can blame Covid-19 for the missing star. There are some well deserved restrictions and you have to understand that. I wont fault the awesome staff at the zoo BUT, no Panda bears?? A red Panda..? That's it that's my biggest quarrel so their doing pretty well. Beautiful park! We will definitely come back for that fith start!!

Amazing park....nice weather. Great time

Amazing zoo. Visit on a week day for no crowds. The pandas and hippos were my particular favorites.

'Twas my first experience and I thoroughly enjoyed. I mean $10.99+ for some rum and coke is a bit egregious, but if you've been to any place like these you know they'll up the price. I'll definitely be back and for the grown ups, let's be grateful for alcohol and that is okay to have some while there.

I’ve always enjoyed My Family side here with Animals! Friends and People! Good Thanks!💋🌱

I like watching the live videos of the animals

ron burgundy

(Translated by Google) It is not for nothing that it is called the most beautiful zoo in the world. Fantastic facility to walk through. The enclosures are well laid out and the animals seem to feel very comfortable. Sure you can be divided about zoo keeping but unfortunately this is the only safe method of species conservation. If I ever come to San Diego again, I'd love to come back here. 🥰 (Original) Nicht umsonst wird er als der schönste Zoo der Welt bezeichnet. Fantastische Anlage zum durchspazieren. Die Gehege sind toll angelegt und die Tiere scheinen sich sehr wohl zu fühlen. Sicher kann man geteilter Meinung über Zoohaltung sein aber leider ist dies die einzig sichere Methode zur Arterhaltung. Sollte ich irgendwann noch einmal nach San Diego kommen, komm ich sehr gern wieder hier her. 🥰

I love visiting the zoo. I used to have the annual pass. Nice family place to visit.

So i think that this was the best zoo that ive ever been to.best place to burn calories walking.

Being from the Midwest, I never knew if I'd venture to the well known San Diego Zoo and it was truly fabulous! This is a huge zoo with so much to see. It has a great variety of animals and are well grouped and organized. Each cage is large and decorated so nicely for each animal. You can take the air tram for free which is fun! Also recommended because no only is it big so lots of walking, there are a ton of steep hills. You should expect a lot of tough walking. We got a slushy drink where we mixed raspberry and lemonade. So good! It came with a cute and sparkly souvenir cup. I wish I would have bought earlier because you can get discounted refills. We ate at one of the restaurants which had a waterfall by their patio deck seating. It was a great atmosphere and the food was delicious. I can't remember the name but it was well worth it! The price of entrance to the park is very steep. It's a great one time visit for that price. I'm not sure I would be hurried to go back because of the price but I'm also use to $20 zoos in the Midwest haha.

I love coming here with my babies, Very recommended place for Travel or family fun. I cant wait till it opens.

(Translated by Google) A fun place (Original) מקום כייפי

Good staff management

As many people already said. Best zoo! must see if visiting San Diego. Spend the whole day and very enjoyable, worth the money and time!

(Translated by Google) Amazing very cute (Original) Increible muy lindo

I came in looking for some paint and specialty brushes and was pleasantly surprised that this was actually a zoo! It turned out to be one heck of a zoo. I didn't get the paint and brushes.

(Translated by Google) An incredible place, for something it is considered one of the best zoos in the world. (Original) Un lugar increíble, por algo es considerado como uno de los mejores zoológicos del mundo.

These escapes might seem harmless and are often viewed as comical, but there’s nothing funny about the situations these animals are placed in. Even animals that are accustomed to being around humans can still experience stress in captive situations, and when they escape, they can become injured or cause harm to others. And for animals that are wild or predators by nature, their escapes can result in highly dangerous situations that, in many cases, result in the animals losing their lives. 3 raptors is the safest number for a pack of raptors. When you have to contain a Deinonychus who's always agitated. 'Triangle cages are your friend How so? What makes them more secure? You know he needs at least 2 others to be happy right? Look at his social Pretty sure this is for the security mission on Tacano where it is agitated 2 others and some wine. The only real drawback to SUTs is that they really don’t do much. Almost all of the time, especially if they are not hungry, they pretty much just sit there. About once every 20 or 30 minutes, they go to the surface for air, usually exhaling a few bubbles of the old air on their way up, and then crash down to the bottom of the tank, thrashing around a bit, and becoming motionless.

Closed during covid. In Balboa park.

Amazing place. Prices are higher but well worth it.

Best zoo in the US in my oponion

Very noice

It wasn't open but I was able to be in it's presence. It's been 30 yes since I've been there. Next time

Good variety of animals. Very clean and take very good precautions for covid-19. Good experience. Must go if visiting san diego.

Great place to visit I always buying annual passes

It's a great place for family... All precautions are taken to protect families and wildlife... Safe distancing...

(Translated by Google) Fun beautiful place to go for a family walk Fun beautiful place you can spend your food water cookies or chips do not tell you anything but it is better to buy inside the place there is everything to enjoy arrive early because there are very long lines (Original) Divertido bonito lugar para pasear en familia divertido hermoso lugar puedes pasar tu víveres agua galletas o papitas no te dicen nada pero es mejor comprar dentro del lugar hay de todo para disfrutar lleguen temprano por que se hacen filas muy largas

Charging full price for entry however most of the attractions are shut down because of COVID & THEY SENT THE PANDAS BACK TO CHINA!!

Hopefully all this pandemic will be over soon and the zoo will be open again.

The best zoo on the West Coast. The tortoises are worth the price of admission alone. Could do with more gift shops than just the ones at the front. More stalls would be nice, but that might be the case normally. Wouldn't recommend during COVID times not because of the staff, but because people will do literally anything to see the baby hippos.

Friendly and helpful staff. A beautiful park

Loved the tigers and hippos. Great job at doing their best to keep clean and distant

When open a grate plane for a date or taking my nephews

It is mine Favorite Zoo in the World!

San Diego zoo is always an awesome and enjoyable time. Even the restaurants had good food, far better than eg Disneyland. Super nice and helpful staff too.

Decent area to see polar bears. Areas are roped off so people can filter through one-way and still keep distance. Play areas there are obviously blocked off.

It was nice but the polar bear never came out he was in his cave we heard

Such wonderful animals you'd never expect to see

Very empty San Diego with stay at home orders from our Governor, and 9 PM curfew. Ghost town...

Nice location inside SDZoo.

The polar rim was awesome! 10/10 would come again

Love walking the zoo..

Always a great place to visit

Took my son and he loved it!

Polar Bear exhibit st the San Diego Zoo.

Can't go wrong visiting the San Diego Zoo. Awesome animals, beautiful plants. It truly is world famous!

I love the Polar bears!

Love San Diego zoo and all the exhibits..can't go wrong. Like going towards later in afternoon less busy and animals more active especially big cats! Good COVID protocols..great exercise..only downside right now is indoor stuff closed and some things can't access due to covid but still a great time

Great exibit!

Great zoo attraction

These dudes lazy and I love it.

I love it, it's hard to see them due to weather hot, they like to hiding in cold cave. But we had chance to see them and huge!!!!

pretty small and cool place

Smelled like fish and their was no Polar Bears at this time

Great little zoo type of a place for my kiddos. My 3 year old absolutely loved it. It's just right for the small kids. An hour and a half here followed by lunch, you have a guaranteed nap later.

This place is great! Took my kids with some friends and they loved it. The place is really small, so you will not be there all day. They have demonstrations every hour and that's neat. They bring out a different reptile throughout the day and You learn something new every time. The price is reasonable. The staff is great. Will visit again.

San Diego zoo is the best zoo I can recall ever taking the time to visit. Everything is clean and have so much to see. Take 2 days if u visit u can't do it all in 1 day!

Too hot for the polar bears, not enclosed :(

The animals are well taken care of and its such a pleasure to see them

Love the bears

Very cool animals

Great place

Good food atmosphere live coming

(Translated by Google) Beautiful experience, but the bears were not seen much because they were heated because the weather is super hot right now, the good thing is that their rooms are super equipped for them 🥰 beautiful (Original) Bellísima experiencia, pero los ositos no se dejaron ver mucho pues estaban acalorados pues el clima ahorita esta super caliente, lo bueno es que sus cuartos están super acondicionados para ellos 🥰 bellos

Depending on how the day's weather you can either see more or less of an animal. On cool and cloudy days where most animals are comfortable you'll see them more often outside than in but if its warm out don't expect too much cause again these are cold climate animals. Overall very cute animals, very informative and great experience.

Amazing!

Limited but still nice to see

Beautiful!!

Polar Bears Awesome

Great to be back at our wonderful zoo again.

Cool place to view polar bears

Lots of fun

This zoo is basically on a mountain. Lots of up hill walking (just giving you a heads up) especially if you have elderly with you. Other than that GREAT ZOO to see some amazing animals and worth a whole day trip.

Temporarily closed. I had a wonderful time here year and years ago and glad they added new attractions despite covid19

Went there for vaca it was lit

I love the San Diego Zoo and all that they do!!

Transbordo en la estación de collage Hill,es uno de los zoológico internacional con recorrido bilingüe si no puedes ir al de Guadalajara este es una buena alternativa.

The zoo is very large in size, it has so many different varieties of animals, and it would take you the whole day to really see everything and read about the animals, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Great garlic bread

We loved the zoo! Such a big place with so much to look at.

First video on YouTube was recorded there - 754832984789 74839283475674839G

(Translated by Google) Ayooooooooo (Original) Ayooooooooo

First food was expensive and the enters which I'm not so surprised cuz they are. My first time going and I had fun with my family, got to see animals and learned a little bit about the bats they have there. The shops are super cute in my opinion. A lot of things to do but need to have time. Over all it was a fun experience

Love the zoo and very happy to be able to see all our animal friends again. We are pass holders. Unfortunately, right now don't expect to eat any food. There are 2 places open where you can get food. Albert's is a very expensive sit down restaurant and the Hua Mei Cafe's line is outrageous. Very upset that this is not properly communicated as it makes a very good experience very bad

It is ok..

(Translated by Google) Chiken nuggies (Original) Chiken nuggies

This is most visit able zoo. I like and love this.

Miss

The zoo of lights really pretty.

perfect

Great family fun day!

Fantastic and super clean

Very large and beautiful zoo. Amazing animal exhibits. Plan on spending the majority of your day there.

Me encantó este lugar, el único problema es que cuando fui estaban construyendo una parte nueva entonces no pude ver a muchos animales por eso... Pero quitando eso puedo añadir que las comidas eran muy ricas y el personal era amable con las preguntas de las personas

Always the best hike ever.

The San Diego Zoo was amazing! Lots to see. The enclosures seem nice and most are large enough so its not depressing for the animals. It's a very big zoo but it hardly feels like your walking far because there's lots to see at every turn. Also even the paths and places in between exhibits have amazing plants and trees so it really feels like your in nature.

This is a great zoo and can easily take the whole day to really see everything and read about the animals. The volunteers standing at some exhibits are a wonderful addition, providing lots of valuable and interesting information about the animals there. Some say this zoo is overrated, but I disagree. It's one of the best in the country. The animals really seem to put on a show and the lion was so vocal!

I love the San Diego Zoo! I've been coming here since I was a kid and now I get to take my own kid! The Zoo is huge, it's definitely easy to spend the whole day here. Right now it's a little different as far as entering because of the pandemic. You have to go online and reserve a time to come in. Face masks are required at all times except for when eating.

The San Diego Zoo is amazing! I have been going here since I was a kid, and wow how it has grown over the years. We haven't been down here in several years, and certainly haven't been since I started reviewing places for the public interest. We ended up here on a Friday shortly after they reopened in February of 2021 from COVID. Everything was opened for the most part with the exception of the guided bus tours and the sky tram due to weather conditions on the day we were here. It was cold and rainy the first 3 or 4 hours we arrived which was awesome because the animals were out enjoying the wet weather . We saw the majority of the park in just shy of 6 hours. We brought our own snacks with us as we had a big breakfast before we went in, and had plans for a nice dinner at one of our local favorite spots afterwards. Word of advice for anyone that has trouble walking for very long. Rent a wheelchair or an electric scooter. There are a lot of ups and downs in the park and there is a lot of area to cover in a day. Make sure you bring plenty of water too. There are a lot of different places to eat and grab a drink or treat scattered throughout the zoo so you won't have any issues finding a snack if you don't mind paying for them. I always chalk up the steep prices to supporting the animals and the wonderful staff at this place. The money spent is more than worth the experience of seeing the plethora of animals that are here. I am attaching a ton of pictures that I took this trip. I am not even going to try and name all of them, but you will get the idea when you see them all. Cheers! Enjoy your trip to this wonderful park!

It was difficult to see some animals. We drove all the way down here only to realize there were NO pandas! How is this even possible?! It still doesn't compute! Since I was a little girl, my immense love for pandas was reinforced at the San Diego Zoo! The San Diego Zoo IS the zoo for pandas!! My goodness! I mean, I've considered giving up a normal life to live in SD just so I could work with pandas. This is beyond devastating!

It was great to have the Zoo reopen after having been closed for several months due to Covid. They are supposedly limiting the number of people in the park but the day we went (on a Saturday) it was packed. People were wearing masks but no real social distancing going on, A lot of things still closed (no bus tour, all statues that kids can climb on roped off), kids zoo is completely closed to to renovation. We still enjoyed our time and hope its less crowded next time.

The Africa exhibit was not completed the last time we visited & it was worth the wait! Although it was 65 degrees, which is chilly outside (for SoCal), there was great turn out from the animals who ate, played and rested for all of us to see. While COVID restrictions are still a reality, make sure you get there early to find parking. Much of the parking lot has been sectioned off for a line to get in and answer two questions about COVID. This is a great zoo! If you plan on visiting here at least twice in the same year perhaps a season pass would be more economical for your situation.

With the reopen of the zoo. It was quite nice being in an environment familiar from before. With covid now, the zoo has appropriate signs for keeping compliance. If anything it's the people that need to manage better and not be in a rush for evading others space just to witness a moment the residents are displaying. Overall rating was to my satisfaction. It's been a week from visit and my partner and I feel fine but that's not to say anyone may be so fortunate. Take care

A world class zoo in a world class city, the San Diego zoo is superb for many reasons. It's an educational experience for all who go, and a reminder of the beautiful world of plants and animals. This is a must see if you are visiting from out of town. If you are local and have children, the annual pass is the way to go and offers an easy go to experience for Mom, Dad and the kids. Plus, you can do all this while enjoying a beer. That's a huge plus. I love this place.

Sad that the pandas are gone 😢 alos alot not available due to covid its understandable but I still loved it ! Been trying to visit since u was a kid!

The SD Zoo was a big hit with my 18-month-old son, and the adults enjoyed it just as much. Staff are managing Covid safety protocols well without detracting from the experience. Concessions are open and the animals are putting on a show! Highlights for us included the baby giraffe, the cheetah and dog buddies, and all the exotic birds.

We go often and always enjoy the zoo. There are so many animals to see! They've done a good job of making it accessible with Covid, and I appreciate that.

A great place to just relax and 😉 enjoy!

Snowleopards, snakes, aviaries, eagles, rhinoceros, bears and tapirs. Friendly staff, beautiful landscape, expensive food; take note. Week day visit, less crowds.

The day I went, it wasn't terribly crowded. I had the bao buns sliders at Hua Mei Cafe, and they were absolutely adorable and delicious with edamame on the side. It was a very peaceful day :)

My wife and I had a great experience with our Granddaughter. It wasn't crowded. Probably won't get a chance to go back for quite awhile but it's worth it to go with kids.

GOOD

Good

Love this place

Love this zoo, you really feel a part of the habitats. Love all the walking paths and view points. You do have to make a reservation (on Feb 2021) and there is a line outside for covid screening.

one of top attractions and place to go in SD , its the largest ZOO not only that you will have museums around , shop , fields to stay , comedy and animal shows for both young and adults its fun

Amazing exhibits but the food was so expensive

So much animals

The zoo is great but I wanted to post about the zoo in regards to covid. It's quite crowded and they've implemented a bunch of useless procedures instead of creating crowd control and minimizing people congregating. Apparently they were running ever other gondola, LOL. <-- how useless is that?!

There’s a reason why this zoo gets so much hype, it does not disappoint. Favorite zoo in the county! To walk around the hilly park for the day is a great workout, or you can use the trolley. A must do in San Diego!

We had a good time but there were a lot of empty cages when we went

It's great family place and i been here 2 times now with my family and it's has a bunch of animals left and right , and it's a great place for the kids to distract them with this situation.

They are being mindful of covid restrictions while still providing a fun thing to do with the family. Remember to make a reservation online before you go since occupancy is currently limited.

The zoo was a great experience however 5 out of the 7 hand Sanitation stations were empty. As covid 19 speads you would think that would be a priority. I am a pass holder and i will triple check i have my own supply before entering. Besides that the zoo was great.

Great zoo for kids.

Amazing trip we took a year ago! Can’t wait to go back again!

Expensive

The zoo was clean and beautiful and wonderfully setup and well placed. Wish I was able to take the bus tours but with COVID those were unavailable.

The reservation process was great. Not crowded at all. Plenty of wash stations and reminders from signs and staff to cover. Overall great job especially during covid.

Such a beautiful day in the zoo! All the animals came out to greet everybody! Only bumper is some parts are remodeling. Hope they finish the project early!

Took my family here today (saturday). Get there super early otherwise you have to stand in roped lines waiting an hour, its so crowded, they have 6ft markers on the ground but its the rare people that were using them! All of this is to answer 4 SIMPLE typical covid screening questions! Its not like they couldn't ask people these questions as they are walking back and forth through the aisles. Once you spend an hour to get through the covid line you go to the main front gate and spend another 15-20 min waiting to show your tickets to get in. Inside though, except for restraunts and high traffic animals, people were more spaced out. Masks were worn pretty much 100%. There are some seriously steep hills that my teenage son and I had to use all our effort to pull the kids wagon up the slopes from the cats area up to the polar bears. By the time we got to the top at the skyrail, we were too exhausted to go through the rest of the park. Another issue that could be better planned or informed about is not being able to take a foldable stroller or wagon on the skyrail. You stand in a very very long line (again social distancing was not done by people despite the clear markers) and have to leave your stroller/wagon at the designated zone. The wait was worth it as the kids were so thrilled to take the ride. At the bottom though it isnt a quick turn around to get back to your wagon. You would have to stand in ANOTHER equally looong line to get back to the top. My kids were too tired to wait again and I needed my wagon to carry them. I ended up leaving my older teenaged son to watch his siblings while I quickly navigated the shortest (still lengthy) walking path to the top skyrail to retrieve my wagon and walk all the way back to my kids. FYI, The bus tours were closed also. Seeing the animals, WORTH IT, 5 STARS. Navigating the steep terrains and other issues, Not Worth It, 3 STARS.

Buy your ticket online, get there early, bring hand sanitizer. The line outside moves quickly in the morning but most stations inside the park ran out of hand sanitizer by noon. The staff is super helpful and friendly but make sure you plot a course straight to the animals you want to see first since it does get really crowded around the small viewing windows for animals like tigers and gorillas.

I haven't been here in over a decade. I'm really pleased to see the things I remember as a kid but also see the new features and advancements. The new bridge is really awesome. Africa rock was also really cool.

This was the first time in 35 yrs that i have been back to the zoo its pricy but it was worth it smiles on the kids face priceless

This attraction is a must visit, It's huge so plan to spend a few hours here if you really want to take it all in!

Most famous zoo in the world, but not the best for visitors. Much harder to see with Covid, no tram for 100 acres with up and down topography. Beautiful grounds, but animal exhibits are roped to keep people farther from animals. Excellent safety for Covid. The app is pretty useless. Map could be easier to read for seniors. Suggested walking routes would be helpful. Plexiglass for most exhibits not very clean, should be cleaned daily. Specialized guided tours are very pricey.

Not much to say other than a beautiful and great place to visit. I wish they have vegan options at the restaurants but the beer is great too 😂

Hubiera pagado la mitad!! Es un lugar muy bonito para caminar, pero mucho de los animales estaban escondidos, y ni hablar de la cantidad de gente que visita el lugar, lo único para resaltar son los flamencos 🦩 DIVINOS!!

It’s a huge park, many trails and diversity animals. There is a free tram which is convenient to back to main gate.

Great zoo

I recommend it, even in the pandemic, the kids will have fun.

Just make reservations.

Alots to see and walk bring good walking shoes

Good place, so many good things to see

San Diego zoo was very clean and well-organized it was a really nice place The only problem I had was the concessions were way too expensive after paying the entrance fee

One of my favorite places in California! There are a lot of hills and a lot of walking but totally worth every bit. You can even feed giraffes! I highly recommend taking a day and checking this place out!

Some exhibits were empty but still has a great time!

Visited on feb 14th. Free parking. Very long queue we waited for one hour to enter the zoo. Offline tickets booking are also available. We booked through online zoo + zoo-safari $100 for each person. Had a good experience. Seen polar bear,red panda, snow leopard many more. Tram available @11 am. Check days and timings. It’s a free ride. Due to covid few tours are closed. Check website in detail before booking the tickets.

It was a good experience. Enjoyed alot.

Grate place for all family!

Amazing Zoo!

Went to the zoo Saturday feb 21st was completely dispointed how crowded it was. Park seemed to be at full attendence. Knowing you had to have a reservation to get in for entrance to the park. There was very little social distancing by the enclosures where window viewing were no park attendees staff was around to enforce. Had to skip view areas because to crowed and people bunching up to view animals. Overall all the animals were alert and active. The food was delicious.

Great family location

Amazing!!- easy to make reservations and get in the park. Hand wash stations everywhere and hand sanitizing stations around every corner.

The animals look comfortable and the occasional employee is very kind to visitors, on my occasion I had to see how a girl vomited in the safari car which was uncomfortable and I think they should be more attentive to the health of the visitors.

Not many people there and the animals were great! They have baby koalas right now!! And, the babies were moving and eating. The staff was very nice and helpful.

My aunt got trampled to death by a koala

Great Zoo, visited during COVID-19, difficult to social distance and many people not wearing masks.

It is kinda expensive but it is definitely the best zoo I have visited in my life.

Lots of hills and stairs! Not the easiest trek if you're not in shape. Great zoo!

It is where "me at the zoo" was filmed

(Translated by Google) Particular (Original) Particolare

Always a great time here! Must buy ticket or reserve in advance due to Covid. Easy “health screen” process, they really keep the line moving. We went on a weekend and it was hopping! Great to see people out and about. Masks required but that didn’t stop us from having a great time. Lots of walking and hills, great exercise! The pandas are no longer there, FYI. We saw lots and had a great day!

Lives up to its reputation for being a great zoo. Expansive selection of animals and sprawling park.

Loved the food but with the pandemic the zoo wasn't open completely so that made a hassle because the people were all gathered in the same spot

Spoiler Alert: No 4d Movie, Pandas or Koalas right now due to Covid. I also avoided the Tram and guided bus, bus tour, for this reason. Put on your most comfy walking shoes cuz this zoo is pretty large. We were there for about 4 hours and still hadn’t “seen it all”. What we did see was great tho. Very informative signs are posted all around to help navigate the park and explain more about the animals. The highlights include a tiger and polar bear on repeat as tho they were animatronic. (Check out the video🤣) Each exhibit was thought out and safe for visitors and animals contained. There were also insects and plants on display indigenous to the regions the animals were from. Now for the bad part COVID is really causing issues. You have to walk through a very long maze of barriers to pass thru the checkpoint where they tell you to keep your mask on at all times and other new rules, and asked us if we were active duty. Then you are free to go but seems this could have been accomplished by replaying the message over a loudspeaker to eliminate the line.

Poorly organized. Bad food. Lacks excitement and energy. Overrated and over priced.

Parking was significantly reduced due to their need to implement a medical screening maze. Other than having to take 45 minutes to find parking, the experience was actually enjoyable. Plan to bring snacks. Lines are in excess of hours to buy food.

Wow, the zoo is very busy. Part of the parking lot is being used for roped lines of zoogoers. One thing is many people are not wearing their masks in the manner required by law, the masks are too loose or people don't reposition them.

The best zoo ever.

Me and my granddaughter had a great time at the zoo it's very hilly and strenuous walk but it was all worth it I seen most of the animals.

Bro Jawed Karim Brought Me Here

Absolutely awesome. I grew up with the San Diego Zoo. The best Zoo in the US hands down

We loved the zoo. They have great enclosures and natural settings. There’s a lot to see in one spot. If you like zoos, this one is a must see.

You won’t regret it. It’s one of the best in the world.

Amazing place, $60 for entrance but worth it

Best Zoo

Great!

One of the best Zoo's on the country. They've recently added some exhibits and have more on the way. The sky lift is open again!

One of the best zoos in the nation. There are a bunch of different animals. Plan to spend at least 4 hours here. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Had a great time at this zoo. We walked 20k steps. I did take one star off because I believe the company could be doing much more for the environment with the plastic they are using for cups and popcorn! It’s kinda nuts! All and all the animals seem well taken care of. This friend I met he’s pretty cool except for when he starting pounding on the glass at me like let me out!

The San Diego Zoo is always beautiful BUT having to walk with a mask on is ridiculous. Can't breathe and it you sweat more

Our kids love this place they love going here very clean good food lots of animals

Would recommend to anyone who enjoys zoos

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! I’ve lived in Colorado my entire life and will never get bored with the zoo! It’s just so fun every time! Now I have a baby I can take to go see all the animals too! I’m so excited! I love all the staff and animals and will always make this a favorite place! The Electric Safari was also great and I can’t wait to take my son to that as well!

I've been going to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo since I was a kid and even though I live in Denver I still make the trip down to visit! I love feeding the giraffes! The new hippo and penguin area is a huge improvement from their old stomping grounds. Love that the staff is always updating and enriching the areas for the animals! I recently attended the Starlight Safari and loved it! Such a unique experience to visit the zoo at night!

The exhibits were beautiful and I am very happy I got to visit with family. They have fully respected the mask and 6ft apart socially distancing during this pandemic. Highly recommend! It's so easy to spend hours there!

Went during February while it was nice that it wasn't busy some of the animals were not outside because it was too cold like elephants, rhinos and giraffes. At least you are still able to feed the giraffes which is a really cool experience can really get up close and personal which them.

The setup of this zoo is very unique and stunning. The animals actually looked healthy and weren’t pacing in circles, so that’s a feat in my opinion. The price of admission is reasonable for the size/number of animal exhibits.

I love this zoo, it's wonderfully laid out and the animals are really well cared for. They really focus on conservation which I appreciate!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the best zoos I've visited - not because of the number of animal types, but because of how close up you are able to get to the animals. I'd never fed or touched a giraffe before, so being able to feed all the giraffes was a new and exciting experience. You can also feed the black rhino and African elephants. I walked amongst wallabies and penguins - another first. Most of the animals have realistic outdoor habitats with exceptional vantage points for zoo visitors. Really nice zoo!

No other zoo like it in the world! I have a membership and walk it once a week. Great exercise, but there is a shuttle if that is a challenge. The elephants have million dollar views of the city and beyond.just all of the exhibits have been updated. A MUST 👀

WOW!!!

You have to feed the giraffes!! Also, amazing view, not just the animals.

Ive been to this zoo several times!! Now its popping up as a drive thru zoo! It is NOT a drive thru zoo don’t be fooled. However if youre looking for a great zoo and want to spend a few hours here its worth it.

cool animals

It was wonderful. Family had a blast, liked seeing wolf for the first time since Honolulu Zoo doesn't have any. Loved it!!

Beautiful zoo!

Kids are able to interact with some animals, a priceless experience.

As a family we love the zoo. I signed my daughter up for several different youth programs. My daughter got sick ONE TIME for a program we PAID for. Because I did not IMMEDIATELY let them know they kept OUR money and refused to put it towards another program that I would like my daughter to attend. Beware if you are wanting your child to attend events at the zoo because they are money hungry. Sadly due to their greed my daughter may have to miss out on something she is passionate about. At this point I am not happy with their policies and I am afraid of paying for any other programs.

Absolutely wonderful place, so much to do and so many great animals. Would love to come back when it's warmer to see the rest!

So much fun and great lunch too!

Cheap, clean, not crowded and hours worth of enjoyment. That was the best Monday I've had on a long time!

Another awesome experience with the family. The chef in the main food area is so professional and friendly, he deserves a raise! Love this zoo and will continue to come back time and time again!

Nice zoo w/lots of giraffes. But the staff (Shannon) near giraffes are very rude! They charge extra fees for every little thing. The best thing about this zoo is the scenery.

Enjoyable experience to see animals up close! Good for families. Difficult to find the exit, but certainly wonderful to see a variety of animals even during the winter season.

Does not offer ticket refunds or exchanges for any reason. Need to pre-book weeks in advance. Defective customer service when asked about exchanges. Buyer beware when you book.

This zoo is worth the drive out of the city! It's nice to see the more realistic enclosures and the variety of animals.

Amazing experience every time!

This zoo is the best

Great place! Very interactive.

Really nice zoo! Awesome exhibits and animal ambassadors.

Always love going to this zoo. Was very empty when we visited, which was quite nice to be able to see the few animals that were out on the chilly morning we were there.

Had a really good time...got to feed the giraffes and other cool stuff

Several Summer animals were not outside, but we enjoyed our time there during Winter.

Best Zoo I have ever been too! Feed the giraffes, all the animals you could want to see, wonderful exibits you get a good look at the animals and they're wonderful specimens. The price is fair & I went at 3pm. All the animals were out.

It was such a good trip! Everything was well thought out for covid and we still got to interact with the animals

The drive up to the zoo and the zoo grounds are absolutely beautiful! I went during winter so the animals were in their indoor enclosures. I believe if the temperature doesn't get above 40 degrees they will stay inside. I loved feeding the giraffes and birds!

My favorite zoo in the whole world.

Great zoo. Workers are all helpful and informative. My second time to this zoo, and I enjoyed both visits. It is on the side of a mountain, so be prepared to walk. Most of the animals were out and visible in the early mornings when I went.

Awesome zoo! Come feed the giraffes. Bring water. Zoo is on the side of the mountain.

The zoo and it's concept of adopting injured or older animals is great. The views and location is great also. However, the sheer number of people not wearing masks was noticable. It was also noticable that there was no staff to be found enforcing or even being present to encourage mask wearing. Much of the zoo is outdoors, but there are several indoor exhibits with no enfornforcement of signs indicating a limit to the number of people allowed in at a time. Visit at your own risk.

Great for your kids. The animals can be touched and the whole place is very interactive. The Amur tiger is badass.

I got to say one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of my life here at the zoo with my fam and kiddos just the look and the joy feeling of my sons feeding the animals and how close they were

Love this zoo!

Best thing to do in San Diego! Worth the price paid. Includes the Bus rides and the bus shuttle that goes around the park. Food is a little pricey, but not more than any other theme park. Alcohol is allowed throughout the park so it's a great place to hang with friends grab a drink and go see your favorite animals. Summer hours are the best since most of the animals are more active in the evening. It's come a long way over the years with all the updates and new exhibits. It really is a great recreational thing to do. I'll be renewing my pass again this year.

San Diego Zoo was fun and had many visitors despite COVID-19. Loved the animals and friendly atmosphere. Tickets were pretty good but parking is a tough go. Great place for to visit.

What an fantastic experience this place is the best zoo I’ve ever been to ! The animals are majestic 🦒 🦓 and well taken care of. I would never pass up a trip to this zoo take your friends and family a lot of the profit goes back into helping animals. They serve beer and other alcoholic beverages in the park it’s such a fun place to explore and is worth multiple visits!

Unbelievable, so many exhibits and it will s a true pleasure to walk and see so much. Spent the day with my son and everything was so clean and all animals were easy to see. Plan on spending the whole day but be prepared for some hilly walking. Wear some good shoes.

It's such a big place with so many things to see. The aviaries are lovely, and their shops are fun and have reasonably priced pieces of jewelry or small toys . It's a lot to see if you have littles. 2 hours and they were exhausted and we hadn't seen more than half the park. It was wonderful to visit after more then twenty years.

I really struggled between 3 and 4 stars when rating our experience at the San Diego Zoo. I settled on 4 because it really has a world class collection and is really trying to offer a unique experience despite the shortcomings that we experienced. Biggest issue is the way-finding around the park is really not great. Yes there are maps and signs but if you are a first time visitor it is incredibly easy to get lost and that often means having to backtrack for 15 minutes up a steep hill. Food service in general was very lacking. Poor service, poor quality and long lines and wait times. As with many zoos if you go on a hot day, it is miserably hot with not many places (if any) to cool down unless you are at the front of the park.

Been a long time since I was there. Park was nice and clean. Many helpful volunteers throughout the day with info about the animals. Enjoyed my visit.

We had a great time and during the kids free event. The bus rides are a life saver and we got to see all the animals. Wasn't crowded so it was easy to social distance. The night time events with the music and bubbles was great for the little one

Always liked this zoo. It's huge, and the areas are separated by climate/regions, so it's easier to see a collective of animals that live in similar habitats. The admission is a little pricey, but affordable. It's was just adults in our group, and we barely got to see everything, without much time for rest. This zoo is huge. The map can still be confusing, I recommend using they mobile version (you can scan the QR code at the entrance). Overall, always enjoyed this show as a kid, glad to see it's still nice. Also, they let you bring your own snacks and water too. Wish I had known that. I was starving, but those food stand lines were ridiculous. PSA: if you have kids, ask them what they want from the menu PRIOR to arriving at the register to order, not the moment you get there.

A great experience.So many firsts. Siberian reindeer were beautiful. First time seeing a polar bear ever but the big guy was hiding at the back.I hope these guys don't go extinct. Also I had no idea that this zoo was also the most incredible botanical garden I've ever seen. Even a collection of trees that looked like they were out of Dr.Seuss book. I have seen anything like them. I think we will come again next year with more time to explore.

We had a great time, the zoo had plenty of cool animals. It was awesome to see a Koloa and Tasmania Devil and more animals from Australia. I’ve never seen a snow leopard or grizzly bear. The exhibits were great and for the most part the animals looked happy.

When we're not at the beach or Disneyland the San Diego Zoo is where you can find us! We go every week (annual pass is a must! It the price of 2 tickets so major deal). The zoo is massive and even though we go all the time we always find new things each time. The bus tour is how we usually start our trips to get an idea of what animals are out &about then we use the app to find all the animals we want to see that day. Holidays here are amazing as well, all the decor and getting to see the naucturnal animals next to the lights is a fun different perspective.

There really aren’t words to describe how Awesome this zoo is- it has so many animals and is part of so many conservation efforts, it’s fantastic. I will continue going here all my life. Great food at Alberts, amazing plants and tons of fascinating animal facts all over the place. Definitely do the animals in action and behind the scenes shows, they are well worth the price of admission!

Always a great time at the San Diego zoo. The updates and renovations they’ve done in the last few years have really made this park enjoyable. Special shout-out to Carrie Anne at the snack stand by the entrance! She stayed open an extra couple minutes to let me and my husband and his brother and sister purchase icees; which were much needed on that hot day!

We had an amazing experience at San Diego Zoo. I recommend taking the tour bus that way you know where everything is at, usually takes 30-45 mins to show you around. After your tour bus is over you can go back to the animals you were interested in. My family and I spent about 6 hours there. Amazing staff, great food and nice stuffed animal souvenirs.

I loved the experience. Spent the whole day here but still ran out of time. I did the complimentary bus tour and then planned out my walk throughout the zoo. Even though it was a weekday, it was completely packed and sometimes I had to wait in a long line to see the animals. The zoo is a non-profit and takes part in wildlife conservation which is cool. Paid extra to do an insiders tour and fed the giraffes, totally worth the money. Staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. Would visit again.

If you're visiting San Diego and love animals you have to live this experience. It's a great zoo with multiple tours and you have everything to spend all day here. A lot of a animals to see, great service from the employees and definitely a world class experience.

Hands down the best zoo ever! You'll need a whole day here to get around and see everything. Animals looked healthy and enclosures were well maintained. Amazing close up views. Not like other zoos where you can't see anything or there's nothing there. Had a great time for sure.

My daughter absolutely loved it here. She's one year old and enjoyed the Zoo more than Disneyland! It was a calm and quiet day so that helped. There are a lot of uphills and downhills so keep that in mind if you're bringing a stroller or have mobility issues.

Having been to a few zoos around the world, I can absolutely say that the San Diego Zoo holds its own as a world-class zoo. Somewhat reminded me of the Seoul Zoo with an extra level of polish. Absolutely loved the hop-on/hop-off bus tours they had operating throughout the park. If you're ambitious, you could probably tour the zoo in about 3-4 hours not including the shows. Everyone else can probably get their fill in about 4-5 hours. Would definitely go again!

HUGE ZOO, took us about 4 and a half hours to see everything. Most animals are up close which I loved and they had plenty of them too. TOTALLY MISSED THE POLAR BEAR! Did not expect it to be 2 floors and the sky ride was awesome and included with the ticket. We spent plenty on snacks which were good. Such a great looking place with much greenery which gave shade to about 90% of the park for those hot days.

This is a must do if you're in the area. We went on a weekday and arrived 15 minutes after opening. There was no wait to get into the park, the staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. I recommend getting on their tour bus, there was a 30 minute wait as soon as we walked into the park, but we'll worth it. Lots of walking but the Kangaroo buses are a great way to get to different areas of the zoo. Which allows you to rest a bit while getting to your next stop.

The family had so much fun. It really is one of the best in the world. One of the only zoos where the animals aren’t jammed into tiny little enclosures. Plus the surrounding environment is beautiful.

Been to many zoos including DC, Vienna, Sydney, Auckland, Wellington, but this zoo at San Diego was the most impressive. Animals looked lively and seems like the zoo does a good job taking care of them. There are buses to get you around the park quicker. Volunteers and staff are available to answer questions. It takes a whole day to see and enjoy everything, great place for anyone who likes animals. Highly recommend!

The San Diego Zoo is a national treasure. Walking through the exhibits is like walking through a most beautiful park. There is so much to learn and observe. The animals are accessible and appear to be loved by visitor and staff alike. My favorite was a rhino playing ball with himself. Although the apes having lunch with visitors were also fantastic. I look forward to my next visit for you just cannot take it all in within a single visit.

A zoo doesn't get better than this. This is an amazing place. If you ever visit San Diego never miss visiting San Diego Zoo. They have so many animals and the zoo keeper takes pretty good care of them. My experience was worth every penny.

AMAZING ZOO!!! You can totally tell that every staff member truely cares and loves the animals they care of everyday. They love what they do and take pride in their purpose. It’s amazing to see such passion in person. All are so knowledgeable and keep the zoo on tip top shape. I would suggest adding on an inside look tour to see the behind the scenes action and get some amazing feeding opportunities. You get access to some exhibits, too! It’s also very lush and beautiful. I didn’t get to see the safari park, but I assume it’s just as great as the zoo. I also admire all their efforts after us the world to conserve the worlds animals and land they thrive on.

This is a great way to get outside and enjoy the great weather in San Diego. There are great restaurants and places to eat inside. Bring water to have during your hikes and walks. The volunteers do a great job to give you information about the animals as you walk around. There are buses to help you avoid walking too much around the park, and a lot of spots to pull up and sit down to eat if you pack your own lunch. The weekdays are busier do to the school field trips. So the afternoon before they close is the perfect time to come.

This zoo is incredible. So many things to see. Unique habitats, rare animals, and an all around great guest experience. Great food and beverage options as well! You do want to block off a full day as it is a very large property.

We had a fantastic time on a Wednesday for almost 6 hours! We arrived at opening and started with the team to the other side of the zoo before making our way around each section. I love seeing the animals active since I'm used to seeing most animals sleeping at other zoos. Much wider variety compared to the SD safari park but smaller overall area for the zoo. Each section is close to another so it's engaging moving from one to the next. Parking is free at the zoo. Highly recommend!

Impressive zoo! Definitely one of the best zoos I have been to. Staff were friendly and helpful. There is lotsa ground to cover, and beautiful animals to look at. No doubt it was tiring to walk hours and hours. But it was worth it. Grabbed a map on the way in at the entrance so that I won’t get lost. The zoo is huge! Overall it was a great experience!

It’s really a cool zoo. You can easily spend an entire day here. I really like the diversity here and many enclosures are actually quite well designed. You weil definitely need a map of you’re unfamiliar with this zoo as the paths can get quite confusing. Overall one of my favorite zoos

There was so much to see here. We spent about 6 hours and didn't see all the animals. All the exhibits were entertaining. The free gondola ride across the zoo was great. Free parking. Reasonably priced food, drink, stroller rentals and souvenirs. Would definitely go back to see what we didn't get to see this time.

Last time I was at San Diego Zoo was about 43 years ago. Although it has changed, it is just a massive place just as it was back then. You need a full day if not two days to explore the zoo. It's such a great place for a family or a couple.

THE most extensive zoo I've ever seen and there is soooo much to rave about. That being said, the aviaries are the hands down star attractions. You get to walk into the habitat and stand inches from dozens of species... Breathtaking. Come ready to get your steps in. We did over 20,000 steps and only JUST saw almost everything. Incredible zoo doing unbelievable work in conservation and education. Worth every penny.

Being the most pricey zoo I’ve ever seen before, it’s totally worth it. This place doesn’t just take great care of their animals but they really care about the cause of protecting them. The tours you can go on at the zoo are fantastic, the place is so big you could spend all day there being entertained and you would still have more to see! While the price of a bottle water is $6.50, at least it’s going to a good cause. The Zoo is incredible and really lives up to the hype it has.

Great zoo. Nonprofit, so all the money goes to save endangered species, not just in the USA but around the world. Lots of fun stuff for the whole family. There's a kid area that's great, with water features (make sure to bring a towel!). The bus tour and tram are included in the ticket price.

What an amazing place. There is so much to see. The exhibits are second to none. Love the bus tour and sky tram. Lots of little play areas for kids and Explorer area to the left when you walk in is like it's own kids amusement park with climbing areas and a splash pad. A well run outfit for sure.

Great place for groups, families, and/or couples to stroll the paths and view the animals. Feeding time is the best time to go. Mid-day is probably the least favorable time to see the animals out and about in their areas. Parking is free. If you go mid-day or later might as well start looking for a spot in the closest isles and work your way farther away. Their are food choices but not as many as the wild animal park. Hard to believe there is a zoo in the center of a city but when your in there you forget.

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.

We had an amazing day at the world famous San Diego Zoo. We want to say something first and disabled parking. It's wonderful, and plentiful, and up close. We want to thank them for that. Second, I rented an electric EV Scooter. If it wasn't for it, I wouldn't be able to see the SD Zoo. It's $60 for the day, or $53 for Wildlife Protector Premium Members. We went everywhere, but started on the Bus Tour. It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. We saw all of the animals, and saw where we would go later. FREE with entrance. The highlights of the day were the bus tour, the bird aviary, the polar bears, the lions, the orangutans, and the elephants. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Skyfari!!! RT!!! FREE with entrance. Finally, we want to especially thank the SD Zoo worker near the Bus Tour named Corey, who informed us that the electric EV Scooter could be driven all the way to the front of the line. Once I drove it to the front of the line, they valet parked it close to where the tour ended. It was the most helpful thing that we had ever received from anyone at the SD Zoo, as the parking of the EV Scooter for the Bus Tour had always been extremely difficult!!! I nominate him for Employee of the Month.

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.

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.

Easily 5 stars! I mean, it's THE zoo. If you're going to San Diego this place is most likely already on your to-do list and if it's not change your list! I went on a Tuesday and all the animals were super active! (Not sure if those two things are related or I just got really lucky) even the lions which normally spend most of the day snoozing were out and about! However, at the time of me writing this review 3 of the aviaries were closed. I recommend coming right at opening to be able to see as much of the zoo as possible!

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.

Best zoo in the world in my opinion. Very fair price and lots to see! The employees and volunteers are all very helpful and knowledgeable, there’s a bus that goes around for people who cannot walk as far. Great activity for when we have visitors and kiddos in town! Only down side is the layout makes seeing every exhibit in one day quite the walk.

My ONLY complaint is that it's tough to see the whole thing in one day because of the layout. You have to do loops and then backtrack to do another loop otherwise you'll end up accidentally skipping huge sections. Otherwise, the park was amazing well kept and the animals were great to see. Very few exhibits shut down and SUPER helpful staff helping with directions all the time! Also great merch 10/10

My husband and I visited the San Diego Zoo for the first time yesterday and we had an AMAZING time! The zoo is very clean, and the landscaping was beautiful. The animals looked like they are well taken care of. It was great how there were so many staff at almost every station and they were very friendly. You definitely want to allow at least 5 hours to see everything. We also loved how the skyfari and bus ride was included in the admission price! The view from the skyfari up there was phenomenal! Definitely the best zoo experience we’re ever had!

Honestly what can I not say about this Safari... The staff and volunteers are AMAZING.....The whole park is awesome to visit. Respect to them for giving away free active military passes. I definitely do think this is the best zoo/Safari I've ever been to in The United States. Definitely will be back again and recommend.....

Absolutely love this zoo. The large areas for the animals. The clean walking paths. Shaded old growth plants. And, the volunteers who are more than willing to point you in the correct direction. Beautiful!

The zoo is amazing. Plan for a full day to enjoy the wildlife and botanical garden. The forecast called for rain and I came prepared. It was the best decision ever. Small crowds and the animals were out in full force.

Zoo is huge and has lots of different animals. Bus tour was a good intro to the place. We were trying to fit in a bunch of stops before the zoo ended, and a volunteer offered all the directions we needed to see everything in an efficient amount of time. Would recommend using the app, too.

One of the best zoos in the world. It lives up to the reputation. I recommend the buses and Skyfari for a quick overview of the expamsive park. Wonderful place with lots of beautiful and well cared for animals. Their concern for animal conservation and their efforts to that end are impressive. I would highly recommend the San Diego Zoo to anyone with the time.

This may be the best zoo I've ever been to. On top of my husband and I being free as military members, a 35-minute guided bus tour was also included in the admission. There were so many animals and exhibits that will ensure you get your money's worth plus a lot more. Also, every worker was SO friendly and stopped to wish a nice visit or talk about the animals. Highly recommend to everyone!

It is always a great time to visit the zoo. The orangutans and red pandas are my favorites to watch. I like that parking is free and we are allowed to bring our own food to eat at one of the tables. The volunteers seemed friendly and always there to help.

San Diego zoo is must visit in your itinerary. Definitely recommended if you have young kids. You can easily spend 5-6 hours here. It might take a day or two if you want to visit entire zoo. 1. Take the bus tour first thing after you enter the zoo. It gives you very good idea about major parts of zoo and you can plan about rest of the day in zoo. 2. There are multiple restaurants in different parts of zoo. 3. Aerial tram is must do. It is such a big zoo, they have aerial tram to travel from one corner to other. 4. Parking in zoo if free and is plenty. 5. Zoo has several ups and downs, so be prepared it will be a difficult walk if you have a stroller/young kids.

Wear your walking shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle! Ride the bus tour when you first get in and then don't be afraid to use the Kangaroo bus to get you to the next area. Lots of great plants to see in addition to the animals. There are places where there are lots of stairs if you choose that path. Parking is free at the zoo so arrive early if you want a closer spot. Definitely get your tickets in advance to expedite entry.

We went on Wednesday December 27th, arrived about 10am, easily found a parking spot that was free, weather was perfect, not cold not hot, we were able to see pretty much all animals; elephants, giraffe, Lions, and koalas were my favorite sections, super exiting to see them closely. The zoo is beautifully designed and well maintained, it’s very clean, and the staff are super friendly and willing to help and give information, make sure to ask question if you are interested. Overall, it’s one of the best places I’ve visited in the US, it’s definitely worth it and highly recommend.

Take snacks and comfy shoes! Definitely bring water. There was always a worker around the corner when we needed something! Very informative. Going during January may be the best and worst time to go? A lot of animals out of their habitat but also perfect weather!

I absolutely loved and enjoyed my day at the San Diego Zoo. There were so many animals to see and learn about. This was my first time visiting this zoo as an adult and i will definitely be back. I love that they care so much about the animals and bring awareness to issues concerning some animals and the environment. There is alot of walking involved so comfy shoes are essential. Only disappointment was the food but not a big deal.. love ,love , love

The zoo is really amazing. It’s so big. You can spend the whole day there. Please use their transportation vehicles. It’s free and you can get around easily. Also there are plenty of places to eat and some nice gift stores.

The tickets for the zoo have been increasing so you’re looking at spending about $72-74ish for just one adult. I’ll have to remove half a star because I can’t imagine going with a family of 4. Fortunately, you get free parking which should automatically come free after spending so much on the admission. We probably spent like 4-5 hrs here. It’s a huge zoo so there is a lot to see. I did like the diverse amount of animals they have, some I’ve never seen before and I’ve been to a lot of zoos. There is a part where you’re like walking up a hill or down, I suggest wearing comfortable walking zoos. Employees were very pleasant. Zoo was very clean. I would say avoid going on either Saturday or Sunday, if you don’t want to see a lot of crowds.