San Diego Zoo Reviews

Great place to spend time walking around with friends or family! Lots of animals and a very friendly staff! Highly recommend for anyone to go even as a local!

Make sure you wear really comfortable shoes because this place is HUGE! Not as many animals as I would have expected for the size of the zoo but still a nice place to visit. The animals did seem a little sick of it all.

This is amazing place to be. You yourself become a kid exploring the zoo.

I love this place to unwind, always try to keep my Keeper Membership, and the best thing is there is really no restrictions on cameras inside. Ive taken my biggest lens and not one time has anyone complained.

Awesome zoo.. It's definitely my favorite zoo there is so much to see and your little ones are going to love it. Get there early so you can take advantage of all it has to offer.

This is an amazing place. Use the web ticket or self serve kiosk option, if possible. Be ready to walk! The bus tour is a great way to start the day and decide what you really want to see. Food prices were a bit high, but not insane, like other attractions. A great way to spend the day.

Been here twice in 25 years and each time it was amazing

This zoo is impressively well done. There is an aerial tram that runs from the front to back of the park. So you can start at the back if you like, or if you get tired after wandering through, just tram back to the front. You can take a double decker bus on a tour through the zoo. After entering there is an aerial walkway that will take you down into the jungle, exploring relevant animals on the way. The aviary is impressive. Multiple huge netted areas with double entry doors to keep birds safely inside. The polar bears were impressively active while we were there which made it fun.

I've been going here for a long time I even went on a school trip the animals are so cute and they make sure you are having an amazing time.

I would recommend taking a guided tour...but it's very cool on your own as well..me and family loved it..

I lost my wallet there and found it at the reception!!! I don,t know who found it but I want to say thank you very much and happy new your to everyone!!! Very beautiful place and a lot of animals that I saw for the first time!!!

I was shocked to see one star reviews about the San Diego zoo. It's so beautiful and one of the best zoos in the world. There is a wide variety of animals. You can easily spend a whole day here and not get bored. Definitely take the bus tour first and then go back and walk to the things the bus didn't cover and stuff you want to see again. I can't wait to make another trip to San Diego for this!

This zoo is amazing, I love visiting! I m originally from Florida and it s been a dream of mine to visit this zoo! It s a really well kept, clean and innovative zoo. The animals seem to be taken care of exceptionally and everything the zoo stands for is incredible. However it did kind of disappoint... I think I hyped it up way to much and I may have been let down. If you hop onto the tour buses they just take you down bumpy roads to look at the back of the buildings. It s also hard to view the animals behind so many people taking pictures and crowding around. Other than that, it s one of my favorite zoos. I think I d have to say the D. C. Zoo ranks top level for me.

This place is amazing . This place is literally made up of life . All sorts of it and it s all in the middle of a beautiful city. Hands down got to be one of the best Zoos to exist, all proceeds go back into the ecosystem of the animals and helps keep them alive . I will be bring my future kids here !

So much to see and do. We had an amazing time. Will definitely go back.

Doing a great job at keeping things clean and social distancing

Zoo was beautiful. Tons to see and lots of great walking. Being from WI, I was so super excited to see the Pandas. We have an amazing zoo in Milwaukee, but no pandas or koalas. I downloaded a map and headed over to the zoo. When I got to the Panda area, I read the notice that said that the pandas were no longer there! They kept the Panda area name because of the red panda that lives there, but there are no giant pandas. I was so sad! However, I still enjoyed the zoo itself and seeing the koalas - they had a really great little section. It's a beautiful location and landscape, and I still really enjoyed the zoo.

World famous. Amazing park just minutes from downtown

Love walking around this place, having an ice ream cone on a summer day. Having the annual pass is excellent and love the summer night because they close late. Is a very peaceful place if you enjoy walks in nature hearing birds sing

It was good. It was especially large. Got a little bit lost.

Super cool amazing vibe a lot of nature all around you. The employees give you limited information when you ask a question they could do better at answering questions with the complete answer. The zoo needs better customer service

Best zoo in the U.S. hands-down. Interesting, educational, spectacular views of animals & Balboa park. Great emphasis on conservation. Spend the whole day (especially considering the entrance fee).

BEST ZOO EVER! so big we didn't even see everything. So many animals, and different areas to explore. Great for all ages and plenty to do for the children. There are plenty of places to grab food, drink, and beer. Very easy to get lost so take your time and enjoy all the exhibits. From the plants to the africa rocks to the reptiles and birds, there is so much to see. Can't wait to come back! Highly recommended

It is a fun zoo - lots of big cats which my kids love and they were all out and about which was true of most animals. Buses which take you about the zoo along with tour buses are available if you are tired or short on time. Skyfari is one of the coolest things as you take a trip over the zoo and see some great sights. Tons to see - it was a great day out.

I love the zoo. I've been coming to the San Diego Zoo for 50 years, since I was a small child. My son grew to adulthood going to the zoo with me every year or two and I've watched it evolve into a truly magnificent Institution for the preservation of the world's animal life. San Diego Zoo is a must-see destination for anybody visiting America's Finest City.

The zoo is huge but they have many tour buses and other ways to get around the big park like thier "skyfari" which is a ski lift sort of thing to get across the park. There can be a decent line at the skyfari but can be worth it to get off your feet and not have to walk as far. I would definitely recommend using it at least once for the experience. They have many places to eat at throughout and offer a souvenir cup that has free refills the whole day you bought it and can be filled at any place that serves soda throughout the park.

I clearly can see why it is called the World Famous San Diego Zoo

This place is amazing. We came in October and weather is great. Lots of shade throughout the zoo and very friendly staff.

Insane! I haven t been to a lot of zoos but this one seems very large with plenty of animals to see. Wear good walking shoes. Two micheladas cost $27.

Nothing but the best things to say about this place

They have done a nice job of keeping people safer during the pandemic. Still one of the best things to do in San Diego with a family.

Too bad the Panda is not there any more, but still very fun to spend a day there.

Best zoo in the United States. The Safari Park is unreal. Highly recommend

Even during this time of limited everything, when you go inside, the animals are still being like animals. Some were active, some were eating and some were sleeping. Great place for a family trip, but be advised, it is a lot of uphill walking.

Night zoo was cool. Some exhibits were hard to see due to the lack of lighting. If the theme was to be at the zoo past day light, maybe try adding more lights to be able to see the animals

Great zoo but nearly impossible to see all in one day. There is so much to see and with it being built on the side of a hill there is some hill climbing needed. Animals seem to be well cared for. There are volunteers everywhere to help you find your way and answer questions about the animals.

Beautiful clean zoo. The flamingos were NOT smelly like at the L.A. zoo. These animals appeared very much alive too.

One of the most phenomenal 'City Zoo' experience in the United States. Nearly ALL of the animals were active and visible from their habits. I highly recommend arriving early and taking the bus tour first!

This was the best zoo trip I have ever experienced. The zoo is HUGE. It is on a mountain which is even better. On the sky ride, it is freakishly scary because we are on top of the whole park. Even over the mountains. Highly recommend it!

Can't visit often enough. Different times of the day and night offer different experiences with the animals.

Came here for a family outing, was a fantastic experience. The park is very well laid out, the keepers are all very friendly and informative, and the park is kept in immaculate condition. Very much recommended.

Very nice, I definitely underestimated this place; it was huge.

The Zoo is AWESOME! The design is something I've never seen. It was well maintained and the workers no matter what their job description was were very helpful and friendly. I was saddened when I learned that the Pandas were sent back to China in May. I wanted my family to see them. Make sure you have on you good walking shoes.

Put on your walking shoes because this zoo is endless. Zoo staff were all around to share tidbits about all the animals! Even about the animal's own independent personalities.

An awesome place to go with the family! Not happy about the bus's squeaky brakes because I feel like it disturbs the animals...

Love the animals it's so organized the but the only problem is that sometimes they don't have your photos.

A marvellous place to visit. The entire place is well kept and the animals are humanely treated.

World class collection of wildlife and plant life that is sure to inspire everyone who visits. The San Diego Zoo is one of the main reasons I take pride in being a native of San Diego. Be prepared for walking hills with your family during your stay. Wear good shoes, drink water, and wear sunscreen during the summer as the Zoo will get hot. If you run out of energy and can't walk up hills take the bus or find the elevators to the new catwalk for guaranteed good views and a lot less energy used.

We have annual passes and always enjoy seeing the animals. Go early or close to closing time to see the animals more active. I pack sandwiches and snacks for the kids and we refill our reusable cups for $1.

Such a great place to take your kids. Our favorites were the penguins.

I love going to the zoo I went with my boyfriend and his family. It was super fun and I got to see animals I didn't get to see last time due to construction so that was a plus. Got my souvenirs cup and had a lovely sundae. Had a great time, thanks zoo. Lots of good photos.

A must visit for any person!
First, this place is considerably less expensive than a theme park. Second even if you have hang-ups over their prices remember everything the zoo takes in, that exceeds the cost of running the place, is put into animal and land conservation. They don't line the pockets of some over-paid execs. They help wild animals and the people who live with them.
Apart from that, the zoo is a magical place where you can see wildlife up close, safely, knowing that they are well cared for. But be prepared. The park is rather big and it's almost impossible to see everything in one day. There is also the physical demands this park requires. Unless you want to see small sections of the zoo, to avoid much walking, there are hills to climb and descend, some of which are a little on the steep side. So be prepared. Also, the map of the park makes the place seem bigger than it really is, but that is a good thing. I loved my time there, really loved the keeper talks, and would frequent this place often, if I lived closer.

Jungle bells were amazing! Highly recommend to go anytime they do events and in general it's a great zoo and they serve alcohol!

It was wonderful the animals, bus tour, etc go vist it it wonderful

My favorite place in San Diego! Have been going here since I was a child still love it, and now take my child . The red pandas are my favorite animals there along with the snow leopards

World famous for a reason, go to Alberts for dinner. Spend the day, it is well worth it.

I had never been to Albert's Restaurant. The service was great. The bread in my fish sandwich was too thin. It made it soggy, tuff to hold, but it did taste good. The sausage soup was tasty.

Oh, the zoo at night was fun. The visit was short, but that's why you buy a pass.

How can you not love a place that takes such great care of the animals in their care.

A lot of ground to cover. Will have to go back to see everything. Great experience

It's an awesome zoo, everything I was expecting and then some. I recommend everyone to visit this zoo when visiting San Diego. Be prepared to walk, it is a huge park but totally worth it.

Very nice family friendly atmosphere. Not only do they have a wide variety of animals there, but also tropical vegetation that is endangered. Several areas make you think you're actually in a rainforest. Nicely done.

Beautiful zoo. Wear good shoes and plan to stay all day. Friendly service and reasonable prices on food and souvenirs.

Too many animals missing from their exhibits. Also too little of space for the Lions n elephants. There were no bears out either. Gift shops full of items of animals that we didn't get to see. The animals are too confined.

Great zoo and the weather was great. Fortunately, it wasn't a crowded day.

Fantastic zoo that is great for the family. Extremely large and exhausting. Kind of pricey but well worth it. Used Getaway Today for unlimited rides on all buses, shuttles, and the skybucket (I don't remember the correct name).

The new Africa Rocks exhibit is awesome! My grandson's actually danced, sang and roared at Nighttime Zoo...great fun!

This is the world famous San Diego Zoo. It is the most amazing zoo i have ever been to. If you are a lover of animals, you will no doubt have a great time. Every time you go, you will see something new as different animals are active at different part s of days. Sometimes some animals just want to rest. You can spend the whole day here because it is huge! I walked briskly across the zoo in over 4 hours.

Best zoo in the world hands down (but I haven't been to them all , to be fair). MUST SEE: keeper talk for the maned wolves, polar bears in love, snow leopards, and the okapi ( skip the panda line)

Wow! We haven't visited San Diego Zoo in more than 25+ years. What a GEM of a Zoo. We logged over 7mi. on my tracker just walking the park. I know a certain population doesn't like caged animal's, but a lot of these animal's would likely be extinct due to illegal hunting/ poaching.Through conservation they survived and released back into the wild. They're really bad zoo's that has no idea what they're doing...San Diego Zoo is not one of them. I love this place!

San Diego is famous for having what many regard is the best zoo in the world. This place is massive and there impact on animal conservation and rescue has had a massive impact on species around the world.

Fantastic setup. Elevation change across park may be a challenge for some. Bus tour within park a must. Bring layers if in winter as you move from high top to valley temp will change.

Warm during day but great to visit summer evenings when zoo is open until 9 pm. Nice musical entertainment.

I'll have to say this right now: I loved the carne asada fries. Was pleasantly surprised! It's from the Front Street Cafe. Other than that, was a pleasant experience as always. Doing their best they can during this time. Clean park, spaced out areas and extra hand sanitizers all around.

The San Diego Zoo is our go-to place when the kids want to see some awesome animals. This is a huge zoo with an incredible number and variety of animals. The exhaustive list of animals includes lions, Asian leopards, a gorgeous snow leopard, cheetah, lions, elephants (Indian and African), giraffes, monkeys, tiger, hundreds of birds, meerkats, hippo, rhinoceros, and so much more! You won t be able to see them all in one day, so I highly recommend a two-day pass!
There is also a tour bus that s free with admission, a kangaroo bus that will get you to various locations, free with admission, and he skyfari aerial tram which is also free with admission.
Also, if you re a AAA member, you get 10% off, so remember to bring your membership card. Oh, and bring some comfortable shoes!

Not as lively as I thought with the animals and the lion isn't there or jaguars. Many exhibits look empty. Too many animals and enclosures are extremely small especially for the tiger. The animals could use stimulating activities from zoo keepers. They are all just very still and looking for food.

Love, love love! Been members over
30 yrs and keeps getting
better!!

Awesome zoo with nice habitats and a wide variety of animals! Just wish it had more aquatic life.

Wow. What a day. Much to see and enjoy. Put your walking shoes on.

This zoo is amazing, most of the animals have some space to move around, unlike other zoo's. They have so many different animals, birds and other species. It feels almost like a rainforest in some areas. Truly worth visiting.

Had Great fun with my sons. Has got my son wanting to specialize in zoology once he gets his RVT license

What a place..I guess the best est zoo in the world.

Lots of great photo opportunities, very peaceful atmosphere

Absolutely loved this place. So amazing. Can't wait to come back and see the additions.

The San Diego zoo is a great place to spend a few hours if you live in the area. It's a must see if you are visiting from out of town