1-Day Pass (Any Day, official)
$78 adult / $68 child 3–11Includes the Skyfari aerial tram and the 35-minute Guided Bus Tour. Under 3 free. Buy online — the gate line on a summer morning is 15+ minutes.
San Diego Zoo tickets & discounts
What admission really costs, the two promos worth planning around, and the "deals" that get turned away at the gate.
Last updated
Quick answer
Official 2026 Any Day admission is $78 per adult and $68 per child ages 3–11. Guided Bus Tour and Skyfari access are included when operating; parking costs $16 per car for nonmembers. The $130 adult 2-Visit Pass permits two visits by the same person within a year and saves $26 against two $78 Any Day admissions. October's Kids Free offer may help eligible families. Frequent visitors should compare the $99 resident limited, $144 resident premium, and $184 Wildlife Protector Premium tiers, with their different blockout rules, before buying.
Official tickets & calendar
Check official San Diego Zoo ticket pricesSan Diego Zoo ticketing — dated prices and current availability
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Every ticket option compared
| Option | Price | Savings | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass (Any Day, official) | $78 adult / $68 child 3–11 | Baseline | One visit, one park, no planning |
| 2-Visit Pass (Zoo + Safari Park) | $130 adult / $78 child | Best value, saves ~$68 | Anyone in town more than two days |
| Kids Free in October | Kids 11 & under free under qualifying October promotion | Check the Zoo’s official promotion terms | Families with flexible travel dates |
| Military & Blue Star programs | Free to reduced | Up to 100% | Active-duty service members and families |
| Go City / CityPASS bundles | Depends on attractions and package | Compare against separate admission | First-timers doing SeaWorld, Midway, and the Zoo |
| Senior discount (65+) | Check official promotions | Eligibility and offers vary | Visitors 65 and older |
| Dual-park membership | $99 resident limited / $144 resident premium / $184 nonresident premium adult | Break-even depends on visits, ticket type and parking | Locals and repeat visitors |
2-Visit Pass (Zoo + Safari Park)
$130 adult / $78 childThe pass grants two total visits by the same person, either both parks once or one park twice, within a year. At $130 adult it saves $26 versus two $78 Any Day tickets.
Kids Free in October
Kids 11 & under free under qualifying October promotionThe official Zoo currently advertises Kids Free October 1–31. Read the qualifying-adult and admission terms before counting on the offer; a child cannot use an adult ticket.
Military & Blue Star programs
Free to reducedActive-duty military typically get free admission year-round with valid ID; dependents get reduced rates in designated Blue Star months. Bring physical ID.
Go City / CityPASS bundles
Depends on attractions and packageBundles only pay off if you actually use three or more attractions in a few days. For a Zoo-only trip they cost more than a plain ticket.
Senior discount (65+)
Check official promotionsCheck the Zoo’s current published concession programs and the price shown at checkout; do not assume a fixed discount is available.
Dual-park membership
$99 resident limited / $144 resident premium / $184 nonresident premium adultAdult memberships are individual and have different blockout dates. Members receive general parking at both parks under current policy, but must register their vehicle for Zoo-lot parking. Compare all tiers before purchasing.
"Discounts" that aren't
- • Third-party resale sites listing 'discount San Diego Zoo tickets' well below $78 — the Zoo does not wholesale below gate price, and non-transferable tickets get denied at the turnstile.
- • Timeshare presentations offering 'free' Zoo tickets. You'll spend 90 minutes of your vacation and the tickets are often date-restricted.
- • Groupon-style deals for the Zoo. Verify every deal on the official Zoo site, or verify exactly which admissions a bundle includes.
- • Old 'AAA discount' advice. There is no AAA discount at the gate today — AAA members occasionally see bundle deals through third-party partners instead.
Cheapest months to go
October
Kids Free October is currently advertised; eligibility and admission terms apply. Check the official ticket page before planning around a promotion.
January–February
Lowest crowds of the year. Ticket price is unchanged, but hotels around Balboa Park are at their cheapest.
Avoid: July–August
Full price, longest panda waits, hottest walking, and peak hotel rates. Go early in the day if you must.
Frequently asked
How much are San Diego Zoo tickets in 2026?
Official October 2026 published pricing: 1-Day Any Day $78 adult (ages 12+) and $68 child (ages 3–11); Value Days $73 adult/$63 child when available; 2-Visit Pass $130 adult or $120 child. The standard nonmember Zoo lot also costs $16 per car per day.
How much is the San Diego Zoo 2-Visit Pass?
The official 2-Visit Pass is $130 per adult and $120 per child. It covers two total visits by the same person at one or both Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks within one year.
Is San Diego Zoo parking free?
No. Starting in January 2026, the Zoo's general parking is $16 per nonmember automobile or motorcycle per day. Adult members can park free after vehicle registration, and qualifying City of San Diego residents may register for $8 parking.
What is the best Zoo deal for families in October?
The Zoo advertises Kids Free October 1–31, subject to official eligibility and ticket conditions. Check the current promotional page before paying; general statements about free Founder's Day admission should not replace official verification.
Are CityPASS or Go City worth it just for the Zoo?
Usually not for a Zoo-only visit. Multi-attraction passes can be useful if your party will also visit other participating destinations; check the specific packages and terms before booking.
Does a standard Zoo 1-Day Pass include the Safari Park?
No. A one-day admission ticket is for one park. The adult $130 2-Visit Pass allows two visits, at the Zoo twice, Safari Park twice, or each once.
Should residents buy a membership?
If they visit frequently, possibly: the San Diego Resident Limited adult membership is $99 with blockout dates, while Resident Premium is $144 for unrestricted dates. Compare a $130 two-visit ticket and the $16 nonmember parking fee to your actual itinerary.
Where should I verify prices?
Use the Zoo's own Tickets page and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Membership New Members page. Other sellers may bundle attractions but should not be assumed to have lower Zoo admission prices.
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