San Diego Zoo Reviews

Such an amazing experience! The animals are all so wonderful! The variety of different species is pretty unbelievable! The Cheetah dog friendship is probably worth going in of itself!

Fascinating and beautiful animals. I love the work and contributions that the zoo makes to animal efforts all over the world. I just wish the exhibits were as open and animals were able to roam in bigger spaces like at the safari park

The Zoo has so many animals & unique vegetation to see. Lots of newborn animals appearing.

It's a good zoo with lots to see, the bus tours are a great idea but we were sat for around 15-20mins waiting for people to join. We visited late in the day (around 2pm) on a Sunday so we only had 3hrs to look around, but almost every restaurant/food/drink shack were closed. The weather wasnt the best it was a bit drizzly so most of the exhibits had signs up to say they might not be out which was disappointing.

For the price we paid to get in I dont think it was worth it, like I said we arrived late, so make sure you make a full day of it probably a better experience on a Saturday.

This was a great place to visit. Lots to do have good walking shoes...

My favorite zoo across the country. Every Friday I bring the kids to visit one area of the zoo. The kids always love to go to the petting zone and the playground after lunch. Also, I've had my favorite mango virgin margarita at one of the food carts

Cool animals lots to see, a little confusing getting around though

I've been visiting for about 70 years, and I like to send friends zoo items. A friend in Florida has been working jigsaw puzzles so I sent her the gorgeous zoo puzzle of 1,000 pieces with all the creatures. She loved it and sent it to a friend in Seattle who also enjoyed it and gave it to her friend's daughter to do. The young lady named all the animals and was so thrilled with it they're having it framed to hang on her bedroom wall. Now that's a hit!

Need at least one day to cover the entire zoo. But it's really well laid out.

I have an annual membership and go at least once a month. Fun place for family and friends to get some exercise, eat good food and drink craft beer while getting educated on animal conservation. Non-profit organization and all proceits go back to the animals.

Always so amazed how incredible this zoo is! They truly do an amazing job taking care of all these endangered animals and keeping them active. A truly enjoyable experience seeing all these animals from around the world and all the beautiful foliage.

Amazing zoo that's worth the price! Almost too much to see!

Amazing flow to thre park, although it is very hilly. Beautiful habitats, helpful staff and volunteers. If you plan your top things to see it will be more enjoyable in my opinion. We went with our 23 month old and got to see all we really wanted in just under 4 hours. If you have a AAA membership buying tickets ahead in the office (not online! ) is the least expensive way to do it!

It's a massive zoo! It was absolutely beautiful in there. I just wish it was easier to navigate, I went around in circles for about 30 minutes. DEFINITELY worth the trip!

Probably the best zoo I've been to. Has a lot of really awesome big cats and birds.

It's always a great day when you can go out and enjoy the fresh air and the wonderful animals

So much fun, but pick your season and Time of day (temp Wise) .I would also buy tickets online.

Great experience. Highly recommended bus tour and zoo at night. Lots of walking up and down hills. Bring lots of water and comfortable shoes.

The San Diego Zoo is incredible; full of a huge variety of animals, plants and creative ways to displays all of their species. Their conservation efforts and educational experiences offer such reward to the world, this is a must stop for all tourists and residents in San Diego County. Admission/annual passes are a tax write off as the zoo is a non profit organization that just turned 101 years old!

Huge, takes 2 days unless you're young!! Fantastic, amazing, don't miss it.

Always love the San Diego Zoo! Amazing landscaping and informational exhibits. Love the orangutans and pandas.

All you buy on the zoo goes back to help animals. Is the most beautiful place to spend you're day in San Diego.

Excellent southern California zoo, I visited this zoo and was quite surprised at how great this zoo was. I highly recommend. I give this zoo 5 stars!!!!!

The world famous San Diego zoo never gets old. Always something new to see!

Went as a family with 2 kids aged 10 and 7. We are frequent visitors of the Toronto Zoo which is huge and compares alot of animals, so I was hesitant to go to another zoo. It was totally worth it. The plants, trees, and layout made it seem like we've been transported somewhere else. There was some animal overlap but lots of animals we've never seen and lots of species. The kids loved it also. I recommend doing the African region in the morning when the sun isn't at its height. The Lost Forest has lots of shade. We didn't do the Kangaroo bus (hop on and off) but did do the bus tour ride -- it was nice to take a 35 min break with the little one.

best zoo ever!! we had a blast! the team ride was great. the food was super good. the scenery was beautiful. we went the last week of may and it was not busy at all. we can not wait to go back!

So many people raved about this zoo, and said it was a must do in San Diego. My husband and I were not disappointed! This is the best zoo I've ever been to. It's huge, and the scenery/vegetation is so lush and well thought out. You can actually get very close to the animals, and it's like you really are seeing them in their natural habitat. The animals seem happy. The zoo is easy to navigate. Be prepared to spend several hours here. I highly recommend riding the guided tour bus as soon as you get there. Be sure to sit on the top because you get a great view of the enclosures. It's a great tour, and helps you get your bearings of the zoo.

Warning: DO NOT eat at the panda quick service restaurant. My husband is the least picky eater I've ever met. Literally, he will eat almost anything----and he even thought the food here was terrible.

Really highclass zoo. My kids had a great time and we will definitely come again

I love this place,its my favorite zoo. I love looking at all the animals. Also it is a fun place to get some exercise in the morning, because of all the hills. (Photos from 2017)

The absolute best zoo I have ever been too. Great experience and attractions. If you take the trolley tour, be sure to go back and visit some exhibits because some animals are hardly visible while riding. Still fun to do and hear the driver talk about the exhibits.

VERY LONG! My legs hurt from walking so much! However, the zoo was beautiful and very clean and kind friendly. The animals are taken care of amazingly and the staff there is very enjoyable. I would reccomend packing extra water and bringing your own lunch to enjoy along the way.

Great Zoo with very friendly volunteers to help with questions and add great information! The zoo is well keep and clean with lots of landscaping. A bit pricey but it is nonprofit.

Very nice zoo. It's very expensive to get in. I get why, but I've been to other zoos that don't cost over $200 for my family to get into. No shows were done at all. All of the stages around the park were silent all day long. If they are going to charge the kind of money they do, the entire experience should he available to the guests.

Great zoo! Easy to walk the entire zoo in around 4 hours, with plenty of options to take more time as you go.

Love it,actually i can name it as a best Zoo experience ever.

Such fun but you need 2 days to see everything the way you want too without rushing

The San Diego Zoo will always be my favorite. You get the beautiful weather of San Diego, the animal enclosures feel natural, and the staff are always friendly.

A zoo with a difference n kept in a natural environment..a must visit at San Diego

Very much the most beautiful zoo I've ever seen. The grounds are simply amazing . Definitely going to go back.

It's been awhile since I've been here last. Never disappoints. The kangaroo bus is great addition.

Awesome zoo!! It's very clean and well maintained. They do great work to save endangered species.

This zoo was a great place to visit. Both my 2 yr old and my grandmother loved it. I will say there are less interactions available than other zoo's, i.e. Miami, Philadelphia and Bronx. I was disappointed my son was not able to feed the animals, i.e. giraffes, camels and birds. I also noticed a lot of exhibits were temporarily unavailable, especially along the bear strip. I'm only saying this because I was told it was the best zoo in the world. Most areas were handicap accessible and they offer electric scooters for around 55. It would be difficult to push a wheelchair around the zoo, due to its size. We loved the hippopotamus exhibit!! Like most zoos, the food is on the pricier side. Overall, it was well worth the visit but not "the best zoo in the world".

Took a vacation out to San Diego for the zoo. Well worth the effort as I spent one day (8 hours) enjoying everything the park had to offer. It's a day I cherish :)

My wife and step daughter enjoyed it. I love to eat so I had a great time as well.

Must see! Food is limited and not great. Try to eat before or after.

What an amazing experience. My husband and I took our son to the zoo for his 9th birthday. The park exceeded our expectations in every way. The animal environments were appropriately designed and very well maintained. All of the animals looked healthy; the park atmosphere was tranquil with lush green plants and trees. Lunch was fabulous...we ate at the safari cafe and they happily made me a bunless BLT (weird request) and accomodated my sons nut allergy. We will be back to visit!

A fun experience. I suggest planning an entire day here and packing your own lunch. Food prices are as expected, overpriced but convient.

This is the BEST Zoo in California and probably the Country.

This Zoo is Clean, large, modern the exhibits are a decent size for the animals. A large part is non profit and you can see that they truly prioritize the animals. The San Diego Zoo is a prime example of what all zoo's should be like. They also have many activities for the kids.

I have only been here 3 times but will continue to visit In the future.

OH MY WORD! SO Totally awesome! SO WANT TO GO BACK! The zoo is too big to see in 1 day, unless you aren't towing a wheelchair and an old man, then you might be able to see everything in 1 day.

Wonderful place to spend the day. Lots of fun and learning. They have good eateries.The staff are friendly and considerate. Lot of exciting attractions and experiences. Give a visit for sure

One of the best zoo's in California by far! Clean, and well kept up. It is such a fun family experience. Highly highly recommend to anymore!

The San Diego zoo is wonderful place with caring staff! I particularly like walking the paths and viewing all the plants scattered about. Sometimes certain exhibits will be closed or not have the animal for viewing, but nearby staff will usually know what's what if you ask. It's a great place to take family, go on a date, or even entertain yourself for a day!

Simply the BEST zoo in the world! Breathtaking views from sky ride nd right next door to fantastic Balboa Park! We go often and spend 5 to 6 hour per visit and still haven't seen it all. Gorillas and aviaries are our favorites.

Lots of wonderful animals in a huge, open area. Every inch has been beautifully landscaped and carefully constructed for the comfort of its furry residents as well as the comfort of visitors. Everything was clean and organized which is a huge relief when working through that many visitors.

came here when I was 2. Wish I could remember. I know I loved it. I am currently in middle school

Be ready for a lot of walking but it is a well designed zoo with landscaping and plants almost as impressive as the range of animals.

Well landscaped and planned out zoo. Be sure to ride on the overhead gondola for some great views of San Diego!

Get the annual pass if you live in the area. It's amazing because not all animals are out everyday and I love the koalas (they are mostly out after 6pm or so) the zoo also has alcohol now which is game changer.

Such a great zoo for everyone. Just an awesome place

Love the San Diego Zoo can't wait to go back one day.

I love this zoo! It's not for the faint of heart though. It is big and it is hilly. The new sky bridge helps get across the park though and the sky tram is amazing. We loved the new Africa area. It's really fantastic. We'll be back again and again.

The best zoo in the world? Just be prepared to walk a lot!

You may definitely need full day to cover this awesome place. Bus rides are free. So try to cover all. Sky tram is also nice. 4D shows are okay. But if you have kid with you they might enjoy it more. Well maintained place. Lighting is really wonderful at night on Christmas days.

It's a nice zoo, but it's basically built for the busses to tour. Most other zoos are nicer to walk around compared to this one. I never feel like I see an extraordinary number of different animals in a visit either. I definitely prefer the Henry Doorly Zoo, especially now that there are no Pandas to see in San Diego.

Best Zoo yet.
Clean facilities and park.
Friendly, helpful abundant staff.
Animals and their habitats well kept.
Food of all varieties located throughout the Zoo. As well as gift shops.

Loved the Zoo! You are so close to the animals. The zoo is gorgeous, and the scenery constantly changes. I learned a lot as well. There were many animals I had never seen before, so I really enjoyed that aspect. The free cable right is a awesome little edition as well. Tremendous views!

Great zoo. Great collection of animals mostly in very natural settings. Hopefully the big cats get a larger enclosure soon. Very good addition is the free hop on hop off shuttle around the Zoo as well as the 35-45 minute guided tour (both using double decker buses).

The guided bus tour was great with narration by driver which was both informative and entertaining. They also have a gondola (skyfari) which is basically an enclosed chairlift which takes you from front to back of Zoo which can be helpful.

Food is quite good! Look for the sabretooth grill near the elephants. Some really nice food options that does have the word 'burger' in them.

Only 2 constructive criticisms I can think of:

The paths you follow branch off quite often so it is easy to miss animals. Would prefer the walkways to be a singular pathway to follow.

The map is a single paper based map not a fold out glossy map as you may expect. ** maybe this is due to the size of the Zoo itself

Wonderful place to bring children. Lots of activities to do. Friendly staff. It's one of the few amusement parks where you can bring your own food. The park is large so you get a lot of good exercise. The nighttime Zoo and the parades at the end of the day is a blast for children. And the best thing is... Free parking!

Holy cow amazing. Went and would go back. We where there when it opened and left when they closed the gates. The skytram is awesome and you can take it as much as you want for free. It is included in the price of the ticket into the park. The animals are amazing. Literally the top five favorite experiences I have done with my kids. I have two children four and seven. And both of them love it. Plenty of shade. Plenty of entertainment. The little parade at the end was super fun for that age group of children. Go go go it's worth it

Amazing place...good transportation in the zoo to avoid hilly walks.

Loved seeing all the animals. Halloween activites were great for the kids. Very entertaining. Tons of fun.

Glad we had a chance to go there this holiday weekend. It was slightly busy. They did a great job keeping us safely distanced. Even heard the staff politely tell guests to keep their masks on. It was a hot day and the animals were lazily enjoying the day.

The zoo is huge! We could ve spent another day here. Take good walking shoes and be sure to take advantage of the kangaroo bus to take you to different parts of the park. We also love the refillable sodas and popcorn.

I've grown up going to this zoo, taken my daughter to enjoy this zoo and now even though I live in another state I always try to visit when I'm in town.
Even after years of walking the paths I feel like I'm always finding areas I've never seen before. They're constantly changing and updating the zoo creating a new experience.

The food throughout the park is varied offering something for every taste. They do a great job of showcasing animal interactions and getting park goers engaged and it always feels like there's something to learn.

Fantastic zoo... Very clean and spacious. Animals seem to be well taken care of. Lots of activities for kids. Aerial tram is fun. Bus tours are not great as you cannot see much

Really enjoyed seeing the animal exhibits. A must see if in San Deigo

I always love this zoo. The enclosures are kept clean and the animals treated well. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful

Cool zoo with lots of diverse animals.
The Africa Rocks exhibit is not worth all the hype because the whole exhibit (when I went in July) was just penguins.
The pandas are cute but there's always a line to see them.

Very well kept zoo. Great to just relax and walk around. Plenty of parking. Free for active duty military.