San Diego Zoo Reviews

Great place. Has upgraded a lot since I had been there about 6 years ago. Plus for about 20.00 more I purchased a yearly pass! I will be back!

Looooove this place. Just wish the annual pass holders could go on the tours without having to spend more. The animals are beautiful and love the seasonal events they hold for the youngsters. My toddler and teens love it here.

I paid extra (on top of regular admission) to participate in the Koalas and Friends Behind the Scenes Tour. This tour takes place before the zoo opens.
We had a great tour guide who happened to be a school teacher with a Master's degree. She had worked at the zoo during her summer breaks. After teaching in the classroom, she realized that she missed helping with animal conservation. So, she came back to the zoo full time.
Our zoo guide was definitely lively and knowledgeable, but also patient and kind with young and old alike. She took time to answer all our questions.
We rode around the zoo in an extended golf cart which made it super easy to maneuver the 100 acres. We stopped at key points to look at the animals and learn about them.
My 86 year old mother and my favorite part was getting up close to see and photograph the koalas. (Patrons aren't allowed to touch the koalas as it is a regulation in the USA.) We got to learn a great deal about them. It was very enjoyable.
Afterwards, we boarded the regular bus that drove around the zoo.
I've been to many zoos including some in Europe. I highly recommend this zoo and encourage you to take one of the behind the scenes tours. You won't regret it.

It's just great , no other words. Food however is not the best. Mostly fried stuff. Definitely take a bus tour as it is fastest way to see around, compare to 5 hours walk :) don't loose your map as I didn't see other stations with maps around , except the one right pass the entrance. Place is very clean, staff is helpful.

This place is huuuuuuugemongous, so many animals and most people were social distancing properly (besides some that wore their masks down from the exhaustion of walking)

This is a really good zoo to visit with family. It's very big, so you can easily spend a whole day there. Plus, pandas! Yay. The polar bears are really fun to visit because they swim around in front of you.

Everything I heard and more. Educational and just incredible exhibits. Staff was,professional and great team of volunteers. Spent all day and can't wait for day 2.

this place is everything you would expect out of a zoo and more. it is huge and easily walkable, just make sure you dress accordingly. the exhibits and park itself are well maintained inside and out. it seems like the majority of those working and volunteering actually want to be there and answer any questions people might have to help you enjoy your day or just answer your question

One might think that they have a nice collection for exhibition but I'd steer away from the zoo. I mean, I would rather go to the Safari Park and make it multiple times better. The only plus is that the zoo has alligators, hippos and some fish as they have water treatment plants for making freshwater livable for the freshwater animals, other than that, I wouldn't be very keen on spending that much money on this Zoo and adding another day in the expesive hotel stays of San Diego.

Don't under estimate the size of the zoo, or the terrain. It's a fabulous zoo and worth the trip. But it's a multiple day trip to see it all and the little ones wear out quick. If you are looking for an actual restaurant at the zoo, eat at Alberto's near the gorilla exhibit. You can get a reservation and the food is quite good.

Bring a local that lives nearby, the year pass is great to just stroll through and see all the animals. Later in the afternoons sometimes you can catch the resident creatures acting more animated.

It's so fun, everytime we go there. I've gone several times with both my daughters class; for school field trip. We saw so many animals, even some which rarely come out. I was so surprised to see leopards, cheetahs, lions, especially a lioness. So amazing. The polar bears were also another which rarely come out. It was an all around wonderful experience.

TLDR: Ride the gondala at sunset! See outdoor things before noon.

TIPS:
- Ride gondala at sunset. You won't see much of the zoo on it. It's more for the sunset view.
- View all outdoor animals before noon. Anytime after that, they will be hiding or sleeping. Things like reptiles can be viewed last because they are in a glass enclosure and have nowhere really to hide.
- The smartphone App map is very helpful.

You will be here the entire day. Plan for it. Wear good walking shoes because there is a lot of ground to cover!

Super cool place to be! I love the walk through bird exhibits--you can get pretty darn close to take awesome photos!

This is a very large zoo but I do wish some of the enclosures were larger, especially for the bigger mammals.

The most interesting thing we saw is the Labrador Retriever INSIDE the cheetah enclosure--apparently they bond them with dogs! Super interesting!

Fellow penny collectors! There are 14 different souvenir penny machines scattered through the zoo each with 4 different designs! You have been warned! I walked out with at least 15 souvenir pennies...

Don't worry, gift shops are scattered every where in the zoo. Plenty of wallet draining opportunities!

My experience was so amazing. The animals were awesome and they were so cool to see.

Seems to keep getting better every time I visit. Love going there on a weekday.

Has to be one of the best zoo's in the world. The enclosures are really big and look very like natural habitats, lots of running water, and so many different animals. Love it here!

What can I say but it was one of the best zoos in the world for a reason. Definitely do not pass this up! Please take the whole day to be there because there is soo much to see, do, and learn. do it.

Took us the whole day to go through the entire zoo it was well worth the drive from San Jose! The animals were mainly active although some of them were comfortably sleeping. The zoo was crowded due to the fact that it was during summer which is when elementary and high school students are out on summer vacation. Food within the zoo is a bit pricey but no complaints as it was decent.

They have improved the zoo over the years. I remember dreading it on school field trips. The exhibits have improved and the over all flow of the park let's you always find some spot that is quite.

We love the zoo but man...the zig zag lines you have to walk just to get to the area where they ask Covid questions was ridiculous. Hated having to wear masks.

A place to make memories. Lots of memories. The zoo is so clean and sharp looking. Make sure to wear very good walking shoes, make sure to bring a bag with a bottle of water and some snacks. It is expensive but worth it. Definitely take the bus tour around the zoo as it really helps one understand they layout of the zoo. The staff are amazing and helpful.

A BIG BUSY ZOO with lots packed into it. That said I was able to spend 4 great days there. The key is to go early in the day pick an area to focus on enjoy then take the rest of the day as it comes much less frustrating that way. To much to see if you try to see it all in one day.

I had doubts due to the high price but it is definitely worth, the best Zoo I have ever seen

It was a pretty clean park and employees were friendly

It's an amazing mind blowing place for child to adults. Enjoying a lots with family picnic.

The zoo was awesome, there were so many animals. Great place to visit with the family, so much to see and do.

It was my first time there and it was soo much fun. Especially learning about the history of the zoo

Loved this place one of the best! The animals were out and active, definitely plan several hours to really take it in and enjoy the scenery.

It's a great zoo but be prepared since it's also huge and sprawling. I suggest the bus tour first to get your bearings and get an idea of what is around before heading out in earnest. Lots of animals and lots of information with good facilities.

Definitely one of the best zoos in the world. You needs lots of time (a day) to take it all on and fully appreciate.

I love the San Diego Zoo. my wife and I visit all the time. sometimes we just kind of want to go for a walk and we just happened to go for a walk through the zoo. it's nice to have that available. we always see something new, the animals seem well taken care of and healthy, it's just a wonderful place for an animal lover.

My favorite zoo! Love their animal diversity and continued conservation efforts.

Great place for the family, and great place to relax!!$

Great Zoo, exhibits are big and well organized. It's quite big so a lot of walking to do, some areas are really hard specially with little kids as they have steep hills. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and sunscreen. If you plan ahead your visit you'll be able to see most of the shows in one day. If you pick 2 or 3 it'll give you plenty of time to see a lot of the park. Food is good but a little pricy so bring some snacks along and water. Over all great and fun place.

Always love the zoo. One of the best in the world for a reason. Superb staff is friendly and ready to answer questions at any exhibit. Never too crowded when I ve been either. The park food is expensive but compared to others like Disney, it s a deal. Be sure to go on a cool day as the animals tend to be more active and out.

San Diego Zoo is the biggest zoo we ever experienced! My children absolutely love it there's so much to see, learn and buy there

World famous, it lives up to the title! Always doing something new, it never gets boring even for a local. Filled with lush gardens and close animal encounters, the zoo is a much more intimate setting than its sister park to the East, the Safari Park.

First time seeing some new critters I have never seen before! I took me and my wife about 3-4 hours to get through all the major highlights of the zoo as we had limited time in San Diego. If you are going to try and rush through the attractions I would highly recommend getting there for opening. Also the pandas alot of other animals are pretty active first thing in the morning as they just got breakfast so that's another plus.

Great experience for a zoo. Hilly but with good transportation options. Negatives: Water fountains are scarce, pathways can be quite congested with strollers and many exhibits seem small for the animals.

World class zoo. Love that there are so many paths to take and it's well maintained.

Love everything about this zoo! The plants are amazing and give such a beautiful look and feel! The animals are so well loved and cared for. We ve been members for over 25 years and love supporting the good conservation work they do We raised our kids with the zoo being an outing for them and now we have two college graduates and one who is an environmental scientist who works on conservation himself! Thank you for teaching and giving us all hope with the conservation efforts you provide!

I don't get to visit here as much as I would like but every visit is always special. I highly recommend the kangaroo bus that they offer

This is the best zoo I ve been to and I ve been to many through out the US.

This zoo is fantastic. I spent about 6 hours in this zoo and I could go back and spend another 6 hours there. There was so much to learn and see about the different animals especially the endangered ones. They sell frozen margaritas which were about $14 but we're they delicious. I highly recommend this zoo to anyone. Though it is a little on the pricey side it is definitely worth it

Most enjoyable visit to the zoo with my kids and grandkids. Best way to spend a Sunday afternoon

Loved all the trails. The sights and especiallt seeing so many different species of wildlife on our planet

Love the zoo, great place to walk with my kid. He gets his energy out and I get my 10k steps

Today was a great day for the World Famous San Diego Zoo. Weather wise cool with clouds but that helped to keep most animals 2 and 4 legged happy and active. Went thru multiple areas, very good signage for covid-19, restrictions and lots of social distancing signs and directional arrows. Enjoyed getting out with my sister for her birthday soon.

The best zoo I have ever visited. All of the animals actually looked happy and well tended to. I appreciate the zoo's aim at rehabilitation and true conservation efforts. This place is a gem!

The zoo was everything we could ask for and then some. It's a huge zoo with tons of exotic animals to admire. I would recommend grabbing a map because this place is huge! From reptiles to elephants I can say I enjoyed every minute if my experience

It s been 10 years since we last went when my two girls were 4 and 7. Now it s been 10 years and they re 14 and 17 with the addition of our 4 year old girl. Great place to go with the kids. Be smart and carry a camelbak with extra ice water, a hat, shorts and a pair of comfortable shoes. The place is huge and there s no getting around walking. We went during the summer months when San Diego can be very hot. You may consider going in the fall season.

We ve been here a few times over the years we plan to go back as soon as travel opens back up I want this to be one of our first destinations that wev go back to , as we ve always enjoyed is the San Diego zoo. We are planning to do a full family trip to San Diego to enjoy the memories we shared before and to celebrate our 20th anniversary and so much more . Wonderful place for family and friends to make wonderful memories.

Beautiful zoo. Very hilly but they do offer your buses. Only 4 stars because I only went to see pandas, and there were none. It wasn't posted anywhere on their website so it was frustrating to drop almost $100 for me and my friend to go

We had another great visit to the San Diego zoo! Lots of animals out, saw the gorillas the polar bear! Skywalk is a great view and the skytram was a nice relaxing way to get back to the entrance. The bus tour is a great way to start the day and see some animals from a different point of view since the bus goes behind some exhibits. Lots of picture opportunities for the kids and we loved the photo booths!

Love it! The animals are amazing and so is the atmosphere Beautiful. Great place to pack a lunch and have a great day!

Love the tour buses taking you around the park, we get to lots of animals around the park. Fun place for kids too.

A great time for the family. We finally had the chance to visit for the night time zoo and the experience was great!

Always love to see the animals and my daughter loved the petting zoo

The zoo is kept bet clean and all of the staff is very approachable. Make sure to bring water you can ask for cold water at the soda fountains which helps. Having something to munch on is recommended as most meals are around $12 and that's for a side salad size. Good walking shoes as well as this park is huge.

Obviously the best zoo in the land, but my top tips are:
- it's a big place, so if you spend the day slowly exploring the whole park, consider riding the aerial tram back to the front gate at the end.
- Befriend a member: if you don't know one, then consider buying a membership. My wife has a "Keeper's club membership" so whenever I, or any of our visitors wants to go, it's free, and you get the safari park too!
- Gotta love the gorilla exhibit
- if you want to see the panda, get there early as there's usually a line
- I try to avoid it on really hot days, as you're exposed nearly all the time
- make sure to pick up a map and plan your day around the different exhibits and shows on the timetable, it'll make your experience much more enjoyable

Great park to visit. There is something for everyone to do and see. I missed the pandas by a month (July '19) or so, which is unfortunate but that was my fault for not getting there sooner. The grounds are lovely and well maintained.

Definitely enjoyed the Zoo, if you're going I suggest you bring snacks especially if you have little ones all the walking will make you hungry and I'm not everyone wants to spend $12-$17 for a slice of pizza, so definitely be prepared for that. One day admissions have Unlimited use to the Kangaroo bus which is SUPER helpful. Work smarter not harder ! :)

We loved the zoo, so much to see and even though there were lots of people there it didn't feel crowded. A+++ to the valet service. There were no handicapped parking left for my Dad so we did the valet. Very nice and great service!

Awesome place! Incredible footprint...so much to see!

This zoo was awesome! Friends I was with said it was the best zoo they've ever been to, and they are zoo visiting people! The place is huge but do-able. Start with the tour bus for an overview (and to see which animals are lively). We then picked what our must-see animals were and covered everything we wanted to see in about five hours. Plus we stopped for egg rolls! Loved seeing the cheetahs with their doggy companions and it was great to see so many active animals (we were there mid-January so weather was cool).

It was fantastic. The new Africa rocks is fabulous. Loved all of it.

It was good for a walk. Strangely, I could not see many animals.

Lovely zoo. We had a private bus tour which is highly recommended. Make sure you wear good foot wear,there's alot of walking

Loved it! The San Diego Zoo has so much to do, obviously it's family friendly.

Extremely well maintained zoo, with a variety of education, viewing, and interactive opportunities for all ages. The entry fee is a bit pricey, but once you get inside you'll see the money goes toward maintaining a spectacular property!

We all love the San Diego Zoo. My kids would go everyday if I allowed it. Highly recommend you stop by the Zoo if you have never been before.

Couldn t do it all in one day in the heat.
Beautiful zoo!

Excellent, friendly overall great day for a family outing.

Very safe social distancing measures in place. We love the zoo!

Amazing experience every time I go! If you are a local you may as well get the Season pass. It costs the same as 2 adult tickets and comes with a bunch of perks and guest passes!

The train was fun. It s painful to see animals in cage but that s the only way to see them.

We enjoyed our visit very much. The plant life in the zoo is every bit as interesting as the animals. It is a wonderful experience that is really worth your time!

We went to the zoo on May 11, 2019 after traveling cross country from Florida. The zoo was wonderful with two exceptions: No Pandas and the map is not very helpful in the maze of paths and sidewalks through the zoo.
No, we didn t come here to see a Panda Bear, but were told they just returned to China about 2 weeks ago. Tickets are $56 for adults. If you are going to bill yourself as the number one zoo in the world and charge Disney-like fees, you ve got to have Pandas. You could get one or two on loan from some other zoo. Period.
Also, the map and direction signs were confusing. Rather than say this is the Tiger Trail, the map and sign could say this is the Tiger Trail, AND go this way for tigers, that way for leopards, etc.
Parking was free which was appreciated.

Family had a great time. One of my favorite zoos ever!

Nice zoo. They have created a lot of nice vantagepoints. It is clean and there are plenty of restrooms. Some of the paths are a bit steep but when navigated carefully do-able with a stroller. There are plenty of paths with shade so also nice in the summer.

Beautiful botanical species throughout the zoo along the paths between each exhibit. Great displays for the tar pits to include life-sized statues of extinct species. Wonderful experience for children.