San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets: If you’re looking for an exciting and educational trip, then a visit to the San Diego Zoo is a perfect choice! One of the largest zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals representing more than 650 species. With so much to see and do, a trip to the zoo can be a great value for your family. And, with a little planning, you can even save money on your visit.
Purchasing discount tickets in advance is a great way to save on the cost of admission. You can also take advantage of special offers and discounts that are often available for group visits.
Entry passes are often priced differently for adults, seniors, students, and children. And, discounts are also available for members of the military and their families.
If you belong to a AAA auto club, you may also be able to take advantage of a discount on your admission.
Be sure to ask about any promotions or discounts that may be available when you purchase your tickets.
You can also save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks to the zoo. Picnic areas are available for visitors who want to enjoy a meal while they’re at the zoo.
Keep on reading to find out how you can have an enjoyable and affordable trip to the San Diego Zoo.
Here we provide discounted tickets including 1-day passes, 2-visit pass that is valid for both San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Animals In Action, Inside Look Tour, ticket packages, and hotel packages.
Buying San Diego Zoo Tickets In 2022
Going on a trip to the San Diego Zoo is an exciting adventure. There are so many different animals to see and learn about. But before you can enjoy your day at the zoo, you need to purchase tickets. Here are some FAQs about San Diego Zoo tickets:
How Much Does It Cost To Buy San Diego Zoo Tickets?
The cost of San Diego Zoo tickets depends on which type of ticket you purchase. If you want a one-day pass, the price is $67 for adults and $57 for children. However, if you visit on a value day, the prices are cheaper online. If you want a one-day pass plus, the price is $73 for adults and $63 for children. The two-visit pass costs $110 for adults and $100 for children. Finally, the San Diego 3-for-1 pass costs $173 for adults and $163 for children.
Can I Buy San Diego Zoo Tickets At The Gate?
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate. However, you may want to consider buying your tickets online in advance. This will allow you to avoid long lines at the ticket booth and potentially save money.
What Month Is San Diego Zoo Free?
In the month of October every year, it’s free for Children aged 11 or younger to get into the San Diego Zoo. So, October is known as San Diego Zoo’s Kids Free October. This promotional period lasts from the 1st of October to the 31st of October each year in honor of the Zoo’s foundation. Children are required to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old and has an entry pass.
Do You Need A Reservation For San Diego Zoo?
No, reservations are not required for the San Diego Zoo. You can purchase tickets online or at the gate. So, you can just show up and enjoy your day at the zoo. You can purchase an any-day pass online at just $65 for adults and $55 for children ages 3-11 to be able to enter the zoo on any day.
At-The-Gate Tickets Pricing
At the gate, you’ll find the regular ticket rates that are usually priced higher than what you see online. So, it’s always best to buy tickets for San Diego Zoo online as it’s the cheapest option.
However, if you’ve no other way due to lack of planning, expect to pay $67 per ticket at the gate. This is the gate pricing table –
| Admission Type | Gate Price Per Adult | Gate Price Per Child |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass – Any Day | $67 | $57 |
| 1-Day Pass – Value Days | $67 | $57 |
| 1-Day Pass Plus – Any Day | $73 | $63 |
| 1-Day Pass Plus – Value Days | $73 | $63 |
| 2-Visit Pass | $110 | $100 |
| San Diego 3-for-1 Pass | $173 | $163 |
Basically, it’s cheap to buy entry passes for the zoo online rather than to purchase them at the gate.
For instance, a 1-day value day ticket costs you $67 at the gate whereas it’s priced for as low as $63 online.
So, you will be missing out on a potential savings of $4 per ticket. This can add up to your overall cost depending on the number of passes you require.
For example, a family of 4 members with 2 adults and 2 children requires a budget of –
- ==> $67 x 2 + $57 x 2
- ==> $134 + $114
- ==> $248
So, a family of 4 will need to pay $248 to enter the San Diego Zoo. But, when you purchase discounted tickets online, the cost will come down to $232.
Discounted San Diego Zoo Tickets
As of 2022, San Diego Zoo discount tickets can be purchased online for as low as $65/adult and $55/child.
Here’s a table showing the discounted pricing –
| Admission Type | Discounted Price/Adult | Discounted Price/Child |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass – Any Day | $65 | $55 |
| 2-Visit Pass | $110 | $100 |
| Animals in Action | $95 | $95 |
| Inside Look Tour | $95 | $95 |
| Zoo + Safari + Legoland | $217.99 | $191.99 |
| Zoo + Safari + SeaWorld | $202.99 | $180.99 |
| Zoo + SeaWorld Combo | $142.99 | $130.99 |
| Southern California Attraction Pass | $542.98 | $509.98 |
These discounted tickets are sold by authorized ticket sellers like aRes Travel, Groupon, and UnderCoverTourist.
The amount you can save on 1-day passes is not much compared to what you can actually save by purchasing combo deals.
For example, you can buy a 1-day San Diego general admission ticket plus San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket plus an entry pass to Legoland California at just $217.99.
When you take into account the individual prices of these tickets, the overall cost will be $67 + $67 + $100.99 = $234.99.
So, purchasing cheap one-day tickets or combo deals or packages can help you save a lot of money on San Diego Zoo admission.
Cheap 1-Day Tickets
In case you are wondering how to score a discounted 1-Day Pass for the San Diego Zoo, you are in luck.
Here we provide these tickets at a discounted rate of $65 per adult and $55 per child so that you can enjoy all the attractions and shows that the zoo has to offer without having to spend a fortune.
When you buy this cheap 1-Day Pass, you will get free parking at the zoo and you can use the Guided Bus tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial tram, and all shows and exhibits as many times as you want.
However, this excludes any special ticketed events or attractions that may be going on.
The good news is that these passes are valid for an entire year from the date of purchase, so you can use them any time you want.
To get your hands on these tickets, all you have to do is print them out from the comfort of your own home and then present them at the turnstiles when you arrive.
Please note that you will need to have your ticket and hand stamp with you in order to re-enter the zoo, so don’t forget to bring them with you.
So, what are you waiting for? Buy your discounted 1-Day Pass for the San Diego Zoo today and enjoy a fun-filled day out with the family without breaking the bank.
2-Visit Pass At Discount
Are you looking for a great deal on a San Diego Zoo 2-Visit Pass? Here you can get a San Diego Zoo 2-Visit Pass for a discounted price.
This pass includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or two visits to either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
You can now buy this 2-Visit Pass here at just $110 for an adult and $100 for a child. This is a great opportunity to visit both the zoo and safari park at a discounted price.
Who wouldn’t like to visit the Safari Park after seeing all the animals at the zoo? This park is home to many different types of animals from all over the world.
You can even take a safari tour and see the animals up close. The 2-Visit Pass is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
So, you can use it anytime within a year. Just make sure to use it on the same person for all visits.
This is a print-at-home ticket, so you don’t have to worry about losing it. And if you need to cancel your trip, there is no refund or exchange policy.
So, be sure to plan your trip carefully. Now, go and enjoy your visits to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park!
Buy Animals In Action Pass
Want to learn about the animals at the San Diego Zoo up close and personal? Then the Animals in Action tour is perfect for you!
This one-hour walking tour takes you behind the scenes to see how keepers care for the animals. You’ll also learn about animal training, enrichment, and behavior.
Plus, you’ll get great tips on how you can help animals in your own backyard. The tour includes check-in at the Animals in Action gate in Urban Jungle 10 minutes prior to program time.
Please note that admission to the San Diego Zoo is not included with this pass. So, take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about the animals at the San Diego Zoo and purchase your Animals in Action pass today!
Remember that an adult must accompany any children under the age of 15 and proof of age is required.
And, the parking situation at the Zoo can be very busy during peak periods, so may have to wait in order to park your vehicle.
Also, as per the refund policy of the San Diego Zoo in 2022, no changes or cancellations are permitted once you have made your purchase.
San Diego Zoo Inside Look Tour
Inside Look tours are offered at the San Diego Zoo for a unique behind-the-scenes experience. The tour includes an in-depth look at how the animals are cared for, what goes into their diets, and how the zoo staff works to keep them healthy and happy.
You will also learn about the different research projects that the zoo is involved in and how they are working to protect endangered species.
The tour lasts for approximately 90 minutes and is led by a knowledgeable guide who will answer all of your questions.
REVIEW: This is a great opportunity to see the zoo from a different perspective and learn about the amazing work that goes into caring for these incredible animals.
The zoo offers different types of Inside Look tours depending on your interests.
- The Giraffes & Friends tour gives you the chance to meet one of the zoo’s giraffes and learn about their behavior and social structure.
- The Surprise tour is a great option for those who want to be surprised with which animals they will see up close.
- The Polar Bears & Friends tour takes you behind the scenes of the zoo’s polar bear exhibit to learn about their ecology and how the zoo staff cares for them.
- The Baboons & Friends tour gives you the opportunity to meet one of the troop’s baboons and learn about their fascinating social behavior.
The cost of the tour is $95 for adults & $95 for children and doesn’t include admission to the zoo.
As per San Diego’s minor policy, children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. A maximum of two children are allowed per adult.
Tours typically fill up quickly so it is important to book in advance. Unfortunately, there are no refunds or exchanges so please be sure that you are able to commit to the tour before booking.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo Ticket Packages
California is home to some of the best theme parks in the world, and the San Diego Zoo + Legoland California + San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo ticket is a great way to see three of them!
This package gives you one day each at Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park, making it the perfect way to experience all that these amazing places have to offer.
The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most well-known zoos in the world and is home to over 4,000 animals from more than 650 species.
This zoo is a must-see for any animal lover, as it offers up close and personal encounters with many of the world’s most iconic animals.
Legoland California is a theme park based on the popular Lego toy line. This park is perfect for families, as it features rides, shows, and attractions that are all geared towards children.
There are also plenty of opportunities to build and play with Lego bricks, making this a fun-filled day for the whole family.
The Safari Park is a wildlife preserve that is home to many African animals. Here, you can see lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat, and even go on safari rides to get up close and personal with the animals.
This is a great way to learn about African wildlife and is sure to be a memorable experience for all.
So, if you are in California and are looking for a fun-filled vacation that the whole family will enjoy, be sure to check out the San Diego Zoo + Legoland California + San Diego Zoo Safari Park Combo ticket.
This package is an unbeatable deal that will let you experience three of California’s best attractions in one trip!
The price of the combo ticket is $217.99 for adults and $191.99 for children, which includes one day each at Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park.
When you consider the cost of individual 1-day passes to each of these attractions, the combo ticket represents significant savings.
For example, a 1-day pass to Legoland California alone costs $100.99 for adults and $94.99 for children, while a 1-day pass to the San Diego Zoo costs $67 for adults and $57 for children. And, the cost to enter the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is as much as what you pay at the zoo.
This means that, with the combo ticket, you are saving up to $30 on the cost of 1-day passes to these attractions.
Southern California Attraction Pass
If you’re looking for an action-packed vacation that the whole family will enjoy, then look no further than the Southern California Attraction Pass.
This pass provides access to some of the best attractions in the area, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, and your choice of 2-5 days at the Disneyland Resort.
With so many great options to choose from, you’ll never be bored or short on things to do. And best of all, the Southern California Attraction Pass lets you save up to $72 on your total ticket purchase.
So why wait? Buy your pass today and start planning the vacation of a lifetime.
Instead of buying each ticket individually, the Southern California Attraction Pass allows you to bundle all of your tickets together for one low price.
It costs you just $542.98 for an adult pass, which comes included with a 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket, LEGOLAND California – 1 Day Admission, San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass, and SeaWorld San Diego – Single Day Ticket.
So, not only will you save money by bundling your tickets together, but you’ll also have the flexibility to visit each attraction at your own pace.
Whether you want to spend a day exploring the San Diego Zoo or multiple days enjoying the rides and attractions at Disneyland, the Southern California Attraction Pass has you covered.
Cheap Hotel Packages
The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park offer a variety of discounted hotel packages that can save you up to 30% on your stay.
Whether you’re interested in spending two days at the zoo or one day at each, there’s a package that’s perfect for you.
With free parking at the zoo and all of the shows and exhibits included in your ticket price, it’s easy to see why these packages are so popular.
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE
- San Diego Zoo Or Safari Park Package
- San Diego Family Fun Vacation Package
- San Diego’s Embarcadero Naval History Package
- Best Of San Diego Adventure Package
These cheap hotel + ticket bundle packages start at just $199.99, making them a great deal for families or groups looking to visit the San Diego area.
If you’re an animal lover, there’s no better way to spend your vacation than at the zoo or Safari Park.
Booking your package is easy: simply choose your hotel stay dates, select your hotel and room type, and then select the number of tickets you need.
You can even add on additional days or tickets if you want to extend your stay. With so much to see and do, there’s no reason not to take advantage of these great discounts.
Please remember that the overall price you can expect to pay for your package will vary depending on the specific hotel, room type, and the number of tickets you purchase.
However, with savings of up to 30% off, there’s no doubt that these are some of the best deals in town.
San Diego Zoo Military Discount
As of 2022, San Diego Zoo offers unlimited free admission to all active U.S army personnel. So, members of the military don’t need a ticket to enter the zoo.
Here’s a table showing the discount offered to members of the U.S military by the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park –
| Admission | Military Discount |
|---|---|
| Active Military | Free To Enter |
| Immediate Dependents | 10% Off |
| Spouses | 10% Off |
| Retirees & Veterans | Contact Local MWR |
Military members are just required to show their valid military ID card like a Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card at the front gate.
All immediate dependents and spouses are eligible for a flat 10% discount on 1-day admission passes for which they have to show a dependent ID at the gate.
Currently, military veterans and retirees don’t get a discount on admission to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari park.
However, retired military personnel can contact their local MWR department at the nearest military installation to buy special discounted tickets for the zoo.
San Diego Zoo Memberships
As of 2022, the San Diego Zoo has 7 different types of membership levels for its visitors with prices ranging from $67 to $400.
Here’s a table showing all San Diego Zoo memberships and their annual cost –
| Membership Level | Youth | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Explorer Youth | $67 | NA | NA |
| San Diego Resident | NA | $95 | $85.50 |
| San Diego Resident Premium | NA | $119 | $107.50 |
| Wildlife Protector | NA | $139 | $125.10 |
| Wildlife Protector Premium | NA | $159 | $143.10 |
| Wildlife Guardian | NA | $209 | $209 |
| Wildlife Champion | NA | $400 | $400 |
Instead of purchasing a 1-day ticket to the San Diego Zoo, I would recommend signing up for a Wildlife Explorer membership.
For just $30 more than the cost of a 1-day ticket, you will have year-round access to both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
In addition, your membership includes guided bus tours and transportation on the Kangaroo Bus (when available).
For youngsters who are just 17 and under, the price of this membership is only $67. And for seniors aged 65 and above, the cost is only $85.50 – a real bargain!
If you live in San Diego, there are even more savings to be had as residents receive discounted rates.
An adult (aged 18 to 64) who is a resident of San Diego will only pay $95 for a year-long membership with blockout dates, or $119 without any blockout dates.
A senior citizen who is a resident of San Diego can purchase a year-long membership for just $107.10 – again, with no blockout dates!
One of the best things about this membership is that it allows you to explore the zoo and safari park at your own pace.
There is no need to rush through the exhibits – you can take your time and really enjoy everything on offer.
Blockout Dates
Members of both San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park need to know that there are blockout dates that apply to a few membership levels.
Blockout dates are nothing but the days on which you will not be able to visit the zoo or the park for free by showing your membership card.
However, these 2022 blockout dates apply to only San Diego Resident and Wildlife Protector levels.
If you are a member of any of these plans, here are the blockout dates of each month in 2022 you need to check out –
| Month | Blockout Dates |
|---|---|
| January | 1,2,8,9,15,16,17,22,23,29,30 |
| February | 5,6,12,13,19,20,21,26,27 |
| March | 5,6,12,13,19,20,26,27 |
| April | 2,3,9,10,15,16,17,23,24,30 |
| May | 1,7,8,14,15,21,22,28,29,30 |
| June | 4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26 |
| July | 1,2,3,4,9,10,16,17,23,24,30,31 |
| August | 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28 |
| September | 3,4,5,10,11,17,18,24,25 |
| October | 1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30 |
| November | 5,6,11,12,13,19,20,24,25,26,27 |
| December | 3,4,10,11,17,18,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31 |
So, basically, December is the month with most blockout dates in 2022. As there are holidays like Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, it’s normal to have many of them this month.
San Diego Zoo President’s Club
Besides basic membership plans, the San Diego Zoo also offers several different membership levels for those who want to support the zoo’s conservation efforts.
The President’s Club is one of these levels, and it includes benefits such as free admission to the zoo and safari park, invites to exclusive events, and discounts on merchandise and food.
There are 4 levels of membership in the President’s Club, and each level has different benefits. The pricing ranges from $1,200 to $10,000, depending on the level.
Here’s a table showing all membership levels under San Diego Zoo’s President’s club and their annual pricing –
| Membership | Annual Price |
|---|---|
| President’s Associates | $1,200 |
| President’s Partners | $2,500 |
| President’s Patrons | $5,000 |
| President’s Ambassadors | $10,000 |
The President’s Associates level is the most basic, and it includes free admission for two people plus four 1-day guest passes.
The President’s Partners level includes all of the benefits of the Associates level, plus exclusive invitations to events.
The other two levels, President’s Patrons and President’s Ambassadors include all of the benefits of the lower levels plus additional perks such as free parking and behind-the-scenes tours.
No matter which level you choose, your membership in the San Diego Zoo President’s Club will help support the zoo’s important conservation work.
San Diego Resident Discount
Residents of San Diego county are eligible to buy an adult membership for as low as $95 and get unlimited visits to both San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park.
For just $95, San Diego residents can buy this resident membership pass online and get several perks such as –
- Unlimited Guided Bus Tour
- Unlimited Kangaroo Bus
- Skyfari Aerial Tram
- Africa Tram
- Two 50% off admission coupons
- SDZWA Journal subscription
- Wild Perks 5% discount on food & merchandise
Please note that this discounted San Diego Resident membership level comes with blockout dates. So, if you want no blockout dates, you need to purchase the San Diego Resident Premium membership that costs you $119.
On general admission tickets like a 1-day ticket or a 2-visit pass, the zoo doesn’t provide any specific discount for San Diego county residents.
Senior Discount
As of 2022, San Diego Zoo offers a flat 10% discount to senior citizens on 1-day entry tickets. However, there is a minimum age limit of 65 to be eligible for this special offer.
Seniors aged 65 or more can directly purchase these discounted one-day passes at the gate by showing any valid government-issued photo ID.
When we calculate the senior discount,
- ==> 10% of $67
- ==> $6.7 (discount)
- ==> $67 – $6.7
- ==> $60.3
So, a senior citizen is required to pay $60.30 at the gate in order to get into the San Diego Zoo whereas a normal adult pays $67.
Note that senior discount cannot be applied online!
Membership Discount For Seniors
Even on its membership plans, the San Diego Zoo offers 10% off for seniors who are 65 or older. This discount can be applied at the gate and also online.
San Diego Memberships which can be bought at a 10% discount include –
- San Diego Resident
- San Diego Resident Premium
- Wildlife Protector
- Wildlife Protector Premium
So, a San Diego Resident membership level, which is priced at $95 for adults can be purchased by senior citizens at just $85.50.
On your first visit to the zoo or park, you will be asked to provide your photo identification card that proves your age.
Discount To Persons With A Disability
Currently, the San Diego Zoo doesn’t provide any special discounts to persons with a disability on its general admission tickets or memberships.
However, a person with a disability can bring his/her own personal attendant (at least 18+ years old) free of charge.
Student Discount
Students who are at least 18 years old can obtain a 10% discount on the one-day entry pass at San Diego Zoo.
Remember that this deal cannot be combined with any other discount or offer and can only be applied at the gate.
So, if you are a student with a valid student ID card, you can buy 1-day passes for as low as $60.30 at the Zoo’s gate.
You will have to stand in line in order to score these discounted tickets as they are not available for purchase online.
Students from the San Diego county are also eligible for a flat 10% off on membership plans like San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, and Wildlife Protector Premium.
Students who don’t belong to the San Diego county can buy Wildlife Protector and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships at 10% off.
If you are a student aged under 18, it’s best to buy the Wildlife Explorer Youth Membership at just $67 and get one-year unlimited access to the zoo and safari park.
AAA Discount Tickets
If you are an AAA member, you can simply show your membership card at San Diego Zoo’s entrance and get 10% off on your 1-day tickets.
This 10% AAA discount is limited to 6 persons per card holder. So, one AAA membership cardholder can bring 5 people along.
Per ticket, AAA members will be saving $6.7. So, the maximum discount each member can avail at the gate is limited to $6.7 x 6 = $40.20.
Please note that San Diego Zoo’s AAA discount tickets cannot be bought online!
Group Discount
Currently, San Diego Zoo is offering a 10% discount per ticket to groups of 15 to 100 members and a flat 15% discount to groups of 100+ members.
Here’s a table showing the discounted pricing for groups at San Diego Zoo –
| Group Members | Discounted Price/Ticket |
|---|---|
| 15 to 100 | $60.30 |
| 100+ | $56.95 |
In addition to this group discount, the zoo also sells special meal vouchers for groups at a discounted rate of $16.50 per person.
You can call 619-718-3000 at any time after 8:30 AM on any day to talk to a San Diego Zoo’s group sales representative and make a reservation.
Airline and Cruise Line Employees Discount
As of 2022, San Diego Zoo is giving a 10% discount on its 1-day admission passes to eligible airline and cruise line employees.
So, if you work for an airline or cruise line company, just show your company-issued ID card or CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) card at the ticket window in order to buy discount tickets.
Each member can bring one guest at the same discount. So, basically, the discount applies to 2 people per card.
Travel Agent Discount
Travel agents, wholesalers, and tour operators qualify for a 10% discount on the one-day admission passes at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
They can also accompany one guest who also pays the discounted price at the gate.
Please note that you will be asked to provide your IATA (International Air Transport Association) or IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network) ID card to get this discount.
Costco San Diego Zoo Tickets
Unfortunately, as of 2022, Costco doesn’t sell discount tickets to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
However, it’s best to check with the Costco warehouse that is nearest to the zoo in San Diego. Because, occasionally, stores keep stock of combo tickets for the Zoo and Safari park.
For example, you may find a 2-visit pass being sold at around $90 or $100 at a Costco near the San Diego Zoo.
So, it’s best to call ahead and ask whether Costco currently carries these discounted passes or not. And if available, ask for the price.
As per my research, San Diego Zoo’s nearest Costco Wholesale store is located at 650 Gateway Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92102.
This store opens at 10 AM and closes at 8:30 PM (Monday To Friday) and the timings are 9:30 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.
You can speak to one of the store’s sales representatives by dialing (619) 358-2303 on your mobile.
Currently, Costco is only selling hotel plus ticket packages online on its official travel portal to some major attractions like Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney Resort.
Sam’s Club Discount Tickets
Sam’s Club currently sells San Diego Zoo tickets at a discounted rate of $65 per adult and $55 per child. At this price, you can buy 1-day entry passes from Sam’s Club.
However, you will need to first sign in to your Sam’s Club membership account online in order to purchase these cheap tickets.
Sam’s Club also does have 2-visit passes for San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park at $130/adult and $110/child.
So, Sam’s Club basically doesn’t give a discount on the 2-Visit pass. You can buy that pass for as low as $110 from the above deal link.
EBT Discount
Unfortunately, San Diego Zoo is not free for EBT participants. As of 2022, the zoo & safari park doesn’t offer any discounts to EBT cardholders.
So, even if you have an EBT California Card, you will not be able to use it to enter San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park.
Teacher Discount
As of 2022, San Diego Zoo does offer a discount of up to 20% to teachers who are accompanying school children as part of a field trip.
The official portal doesn’t specifically mention about any teacher discount tickets but you can buy them from third-party authorized sellers like ID.me.
Currently, ID.me is offering up to 20% off on 1-day passes to teachers, students, nurses, first responders, and the military.
Nurse Discount
San Diego Zoo & Safari Park doesn’t currently have any nurse discount but you can simply verify your identity on ID.me and get a percentage off.
As a nurse, you can expect up to a 20% discount on general admission passes when you buy through ID.me!
First Responder Discount
There is a firefighter appreciation program under which you can get a discount on your 1-day admission ticket at the zoo’s gate.
First responders including firefighters, paramedics, and police officers may get a discount of up to 20% off on daily tickets when you purchase from the ID.me website.
Kroger San Diego Zoo Tickets
As of 2022, Kroger doesn’t sell discount tickets for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. However, it’s better if you check with your local Kroger store.
Currently, Kroger carries passes for several other zoos like Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo, Toledo Zoo, and Nashville Zoo.
Are San Diego Zoo Tickets Refundable?
San Diego Zoo tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. You cannot exchange your tickets for another day or time.
So, please be sure of your travel dates before you purchase your tickets.
As per the zoo’s refund/exchange policy, even special passes like Animals In Action and Inside Look tour cannot be canceled or refunded.
In the case of memberships, you cannot transfer, get a refund, or cancel your membership.
Are San Diego Zoo Tickets Cheaper Online?
Yes, you can find cheaper tickets for the San Diego Zoo online. When you purchase your tickets in advance, you can save up to $2 per ticket. At the gate, adult tickets are $67 each, but online they are only $65.
So, for example, if you are a family of four, you would save $8 on your tickets by buying them online.
However, the official ticketing portal of the zoo does charge a convenience fee of $1 per order.
The convenience of purchasing your tickets online is that you can select the specific day you wish to visit the zoo and print out your tickets at home.
This way, you don’t have to wait in line to purchase your tickets when you arrive at the zoo.
Are San Diego zoo tickets tax deductible?
Unfortunately, San Diego zoo admission tickets and memberships are not tax deductible as of 2022.
As per the IRS guidelines, the fair market value of the benefits received from the purchase of a ticket or membership should not equal or exceed the amount you pay for the zoo’s membership in order to qualify as a tax deduction.
However, any special donations or purchase of any President’s club membership may be tax deductible.
For this, you need to contact the zoo’s membership office or your tax advisor to check if your particular membership type and/or donation amount qualifies as a tax deduction.
As of now, the cost you pay on San Diego Zoo tours, Safaris, special events, programs, San Diego Resident membership, or any other membership will not be considered for a tax deduction.
Is the San Diego Zoo open?
Yes, San Diego Zoo will remain open from 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Sunday even on holidays. Please refer to the blockout dates if you are a basic membership cardholder.
On the other hand, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM on any operating day.
You need to check out the operating hours on the official page ahead of your visit to be updated!
Is the San Diego Zoo ethical?
The San Diego Zoo is a highly respected zoo that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The zoo has a strong commitment to animal welfare and works hard to provide excellent care for all the animals in its care. So, we would say that the San Diego Zoo is an ethical zoo.
What are the things you need to know before visiting San Diego Zoo & Safari Park?
Some things you may want to consider before visiting the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park include checking the park’s website for hours of operation, ticket prices, and special events happening during your visit. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
- The park is large, so you may want to consider renting a stroller or wagon
- Many of the animals are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, so plan your visit accordingly
- Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks
- Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park:
- Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket booth.
- Download the park’s mobile app for the map, wait times, and animal information
- Plan to spend at least half a day at the park
- Stop by the Guest Services office if you have any questions or problems during your visit.
What are the attractions at San Diego Zoo & Safari Park?
There are many things to see and do at the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park. In addition to seeing the animals, you can also take a ride on the park’s sky tram, visit the animal shows and demonstrations, and explore the botanical gardens.
You can also add on a behind-the-scenes tour or safari adventure for an additional fee. In case you get hungry, there are several places to eat inside the park, including a food court and sit-down restaurants.
So, there’s something for everyone at the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park!
Is San Diego Zoo worth it?
The San Diego Zoo is definitely worth a visit! Not only will you get to see some amazing animals, but you’ll also learn about animal conservation and the zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species.
Moreover, the zoo offers a variety of fun activities for kids and adults alike. So, whether you’re looking for an educational or simply a fun day out, the San Diego Zoo is sure to please!
Even the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is worth a visit. The Safari Park is home to over 3,000 animals of more than 400 species and subspecies.
Plus, the park offers safari-style tours where you can see animals up close in their natural habitats.
As the general admission costs for both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park are quite reasonable, we say that a visit to either one (or both!) is definitely worth your time and money.