San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets & Tips

How to Buy San Diego Zoo discounts & coupons (updated August 2020)

San Diego Zoo discount tickets are the most requested deals on this site. The San Diego Zoo has something fun for everyone. But you know what’s really fun? Getting tickets to San Diego Zoo for less. San Diego Zoo provides several ways to save, and pushes out deals throughout the year through various authorized ticket sellers.

Not all of them will work for you, but we continually search for and post the best ways to save here for savvy California residents and visitors.

Want to know how to get cheaper San Diego Zoo tickets now?

Scroll down for source links and details about the following ten legit ticket offers for San Diego Zoo in 2021 – 2022.

Along with links to deal sources, at the bottom of this page you’ll find the top visitor tips for planning your San Diego Zoo day trip, and the best options for hotels near the Zoo if you’re planning to stay over.

Note: We no longer post prices here because they change so often and end up looking misleading. But we do check all of these websites to make sure they still deliver on their promises.

San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets — 11 ways to save

The links at the beginning of each listing take you to the various authorized ticket reseller pages you need so you can compare deals, discounts and coupon offers accurately and quickly.

1: San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets via aRes

[get these ticket deals from aRes]

• San Diego Zoo Discount unpublished rates — Call (800) 313-8056 for unpublished rates and exclusive offers (or follow the previous link to see ticket info).
• This source also provide handy print-and-go real tickets (not vouchers) and you don’t have to pick your date when you purchase tickets because they are good any day (but do check the expiration date). FYI fees are always only $2 added at checkout, which is the lowest we’ve found.
• Save $5 on 1-Day general admission — Use coupon code SAVE5 in cart. Reservations are no longer required!
• Also savvy: this source offers up to 30% on package deals (when booking a room + tickets).
• And this source also offers the San Diego’s Fab 4 Combo Deal for 30% off tickets to all four of the most popular attractions. It includes a 1-Day tickets to San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Legoland California, and up to 7 consecutive days at SeaWorld San Diego.

2. San Diego Zoo discount tickets via Viator

[shop these tickets]

This source advertises a “lowest price guarantee” and “free cancelation up to 24 hours in advance.” Not always the case but worth a look. The page I just linked to also has a really good FAQ section updated with any concerns you might have for visiting now. (And these days who doesn’t.)

3. San Diego Zoo discount tickets via Undercover Tourist

[find these tickets]

• Today’s San Diego Zoo Discount — Prices change without notice so you’ll have to check, but Undercover Tourist is another trusted source you may not have heard of. What we like about UT is they specialize in great customer service and they try to find you the best prices throughout the year. Follow the link above to find zoo and other California attraction tickets at reasonable prices (compare and save).

4. San Diego Zoo + Zoo Safari Park Discount Tickets via Getaway Today

[find this deal + coupon code]

• • • San Diego Zoo/Safari Park – 2-Visit Pass — Save up to 10% off gate prices for San Diego Zoo AND San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This ticket offer includes a 1-Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo and 1-Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park or Two 1-Day Passes to the San Diego Zoo or Two 1-Day Passes to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Tickets require signature and photo ID. Non-transferable, must be used by the same person on any and all days.
    • Attraction + Hotel Package Deal— Use our coupon code SVYCAL (at the page linked above) for an extra $10 off when you bundle your hotel stay with your Zoo tickets.

— This source gives Savvy California readers an extra $10 off an already good deal when you bundle your tickets with your hotel stay.

5. Go San Diego Attraction Discount Passes

[buy the Go San Diego card]

The Go San Diego card has a custom “build your own” option that we love. Frankly, most of us don’t want to visit 50 attractions in one visit, so this option makes the Go San Diego pass way better than it used to be and easier to use, too.

You can select as few as two San Diego area activities and still save around 20% or more on each. Use the card at the gate, you don’t have to pay so no ticket line. You’ll save as much as 55% if you choose more activities.

You have a month from first activation (the first attraction you visit). Show it on your smart phone or print and go.

6. Kids Free in October

{find out more} Each year, from October 1–31, children ages 3–11 get in free to the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and many other San Diego attractions when accompanied by an adult. Note: Not all services within the park are free on the free day (bus tour, etc. are extra).

7. AAA Member Discount

AAA members who show their valid membership cards at ticket windows can sometimes get a 10% off One-Day Pass valid for up to 6 people. (Not available online, and can’t be combined with other deals.)

8. Military Discount

While active military get in free with ID at the gate (see above under “San Diego Zoo Free”), military families and retirees may qualify for a discount. You’ll need to contact your military MWR ticket office for specific information.

A free one-day pass to the San Diego Zoo is available to active US military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and members of the Reserve components (Ready Reserve, National Guard, and Reservists in training); and also cadets of service academies and the US Merchant Marine Academy.

Just show your ID at the gate. (Contact your MWR office for possible discounts for military families or retired military.)

9. San Diego Zoo Senior Discount

Seniors age 65 and older can get a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass at the gate (but compare prices with deal sources 1 and 2).

10. San Diego Zoo COSTCO Discount

This deal comes and goes and used to be better. We include it here because so many of you still ask about it. Costco sometimes offers discount San Diego Zoo tickets for members and nonmembers alike (although nonmembers will see a surcharge) and both will pay a shipping fee if ordering online. Check at your local Costco or search for it on their website to see if it’s currently available.

11. Travel Industry Deals

Airline employees and cruise line employees can get a discount by showing a company photo ID badge or CLIA card at the gate. Also applies to travel agents, wholesalers, and tour operators presenting a valid IATA or IATAN card with picture ID.

Last checked the deal was ten percent off and included one accompanying guest for a one-day pass at the San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park.

San Diego Zoo Savvy Tips

• Parking to the San Diego Zoo is always free in the lot in front of the Zoo. You’ll also find free parking all over Balboa Park.
• San Diego Zoo has four electric vehicle charging stations in the free parking lot, plus one in a nearby handicapped spot.

Hotels near San Diego Zoo

Save up to 30% when booking a room + tickets via this link: hotel deals in San Diego or hotel deals near the beach.

A few hotels to consider that are around a mile from San Diego Zoo (and Balboa Park):

1. Inn at the Park (< 1 mi)
2. Studio 819 Residential Hotel (< 1 mi)
3. Quality Inn San Diego Downtown North (1.08 mi)
4. West Park Inn (1.08 mi)
5. Days Inn San Diego/Downtown/Convention Center (1.23 mi)
6. Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown (1.24 mi)
7. Best Western Plus Cabrillo Garden Inn (1.27 mi)

San Diego Zoo Know Before You Go

Best Time to Go to the San Diego Zoo

The zoo is open all year and the weather is always great. Holidays can get crowded, though. For families, the best time of year to save money is in October, when kids get in free (but go early to beat the crowds.)

San Diego Zoo Map

You can download and print out a pdf map of the zoo to take with you.

San Diego Zoo Address & Location

San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (just north of downtown San Diego).

San Diego Zoo Open Hours

Open 365 days a year, but hours vary by season, so check their calendar before you go.

Parking

General parking at the Zoo is free, with long spaces are available for RV/buses.

Public Transportation

Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the Zoo and are an easy connection in downtown from Amtrak and COASTER trains at the Santa Fe Depot, downtown hotels, the Cruise Ship Terminal, Blue, Orange, and Green Line Trolleys and other MTS bus routes.

Strollers & Wheelchairs

The zoo has a limited number of strollers, motorized wheelchairs available for rent.

First Aid Area

The zoo has a First Aid office next to the Reptile house and a Lost and Found station, ATMs,

Best Infant Nursing Area

You’l find a couple of options at the First Aid center, including a privacy curtain, a microwave for warming up baby’s meal, and benches in somewhat private areas outside.

Lockers

For a nickel you can rena locker at the Discovery Outpost across from Poppy’s Patio.

Official Info

zoo.sandiegozoo.org