San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Day Entry Ticket

If you’re visiting Southern California and looking for a wildlife experience that combines top-notch animal exhibits with a sense of adventure, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park offer just that. For $152 per person, you get a two-day pass that unlocks some of the best animal encounters in the world, along with guided tours and scenic rides. What makes this experience particularly appealing is the opportunity to visit both parks—the San Diego Zoo, famed for its open-air enclosures and lush botanical settings, and the Safari Park, which offers wide-open spaces for animals to roam as they would in the wild.

We love how the ticket is valid for an entire year, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your visit. Two standout features are the guided bus tour at the Zoo and the Africa Tram Safari at the Safari Park—both offer fantastic ways to see animals in more naturalistic enclosures without walking endless miles. However, a potential downside is that parking and food are not included, so you’ll want to budget extra for those essentials. This ticket suits families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager for an authentic, conservation-focused adventure that’s more than just a stroll among animals.

Key Points

• Two parks, one ticket: Explore the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park over two days with significant savings.
• Diverse animals: Encounter over 4,500 animals, including rare species like koalas and Galápagos tortoises.
• Guided tours and rides: Included options like bus tours and aerial tram rides enhance your experience.
• Conservation focus: Learn about ongoing efforts to protect endangered species worldwide.
• Flexible scheduling: Valid for a year, so you can plan your visit at your own pace.
• Additional costs: Parking, food, and drinks are extra, so budget accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at Your Wildlife Adventure

When we talk about the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, it’s clear they’re serious about providing a world-class experience that emphasizes animal welfare and conservation. The two parks are quite different in their layout and atmosphere, but both deliver memorable moments for visitors.

The San Diego Zoo: A Botanical Wonderland and Animal Haven

Located right in the heart of San Diego, the Zoo is a sprawling 100 acres filled with lush, botanical gardens. The walkways wind past enclosures that mimic natural habitats, making it easier to imagine animals living in the wild. With over 4,500 animals, the zoo is famous for species like koalas, Galápagos tortoises, tigers, eagles, flamingos, and great apes.

One of the highlights we loved was the Polar Bear Plunge, where you can see these majestic creatures in a spacious, chilly environment, and Elephant Odyssey, which provides a fascinating look into the history and future of elephants. The Zoo’s emphasis on interactive experiences and animal presentations makes it a lively place perfect for families and animal lovers alike.

Included in your ticket are several transportation options—the Express bus and the Skyfari aerial tram—which help you cover more ground comfortably. The tram views are a treat, offering sweeping vistas over the zoo and beyond, giving you a different perspective of the lush landscape. The guided bus tour is another highlight, offering insights from knowledgeable guides, helping you understand the animals’ behaviors and conservation stories.

The Safari Park: Wide-Open Spaces and Adventure

Travel about 30 miles north to Escondido to find the Safari Park, a vast 1,800-acre nature-inspired reserve. Here, animals roam enclosures that mirror their natural environments, providing more space than typical zoo habitats. With over 3,000 animals across 375 species, the Safari Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.

One of the most striking features is the Africa Tram Safari, included in your ticket, which transports you through the expansive habitats of giraffes, rhinos, and lions. It’s a fantastic way to see these animals from a safe distance while gaining insights from guides. We also appreciated the Tiger Trail, where you can observe Sumatran tigers and learn about their current struggles in the wild—an educational component that adds depth to the visit.

The Lion Camp offers a close, almost nose-to-nose view of an African lion pride, which is an adrenaline-pumping highlight. There’s also a dedicated Children’s Zoo, making it a child-friendly spot with hands-on opportunities.

Why This Two-Day Ticket Works So Well

The main value of this ticket lies in its flexibility. You can visit both parks within a year, spreading your wildlife encounters over multiple days or tackling them in one trip. The included guided tours and rides make the experience richer—no need to worry about navigating on your own or missing highlights.

From reviews, we know visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views from aerial rides. One traveler from the US said, “Great service, lots of knowledgeable volunteers, amazing parks,” which speaks to the staff’s dedication and the quality of experience.

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Practical Tips

• Since parking isn’t included, plan ahead for extra costs unless you’re taking public transport.
• The ticket is valid for a year, so you can choose a time that suits your travel schedule.
• Kids go free in October when accompanied by a paying adult, which is a nice perk if traveling with children.
• Check the hours of operation, as they can vary, especially seasonally.

What The Experience Means for You

This two-day adventure is perfect if you want to see a wide variety of animals without feeling rushed. The guided tours and rides bring you closer to wildlife, while the conservation focus adds a meaningful element to your visit. You’ll get to witness animals in environments that resemble their natural habitats, making the experience more authentic and educational.

For families or groups keen on interactive experiences, the parks offer shows, presentations, and opportunities to learn about species preservation efforts across the globe. If you’re a wildlife lover, this combination of zoo and safari setting provides both the comfort of well-organized facilities and the thrill of seeing animals in simulated wild settings.

The value of this ticket lies not just in seeing animals, but in the comprehensive experience—guided tours, aerial rides, and wide-open spaces—that makes it a memorable part of your trip. Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but considering the diversity and quality of experiences, many visitors find it well worth the cost.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive wildlife experience in California without sacrificing quality. Families will appreciate the kids’ zoo and engaging shows, while wildlife enthusiasts will value the conservation stories and guided tours. If you’re traveling with a flexible schedule, the year-long validity makes it easy to fit into your itinerary.

Those who enjoy guided transportation and interactive exhibits will find this offering very rewarding. Keep in mind that if you prefer to explore at your own pace without extra costs, you may want to plan accordingly with your own transportation and food.

FAQ Section

Is this ticket valid for multiple visits?
Yes, your two visits—either to the same park twice or one visit to each park—must be used within one year of purchase.

Are all rides included?
Most rides, including the Skyfari aerial tram and Africa Tram Safari, are included, but the ticket does not include any additional special rides or experiences outside those listed.

Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is there an option to reserve the ticket and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve now and pay later, which allows you to keep your plans flexible.

Are the parks wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are wheelchair accessible.

What about parking and food?
Parking is not included in the ticket price, so you’ll need to pay separately. Food and drinks are also not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase at the parks.

Can I visit both parks in one day?
While possible, it’s more enjoyable to split your visit over two days to fully relax and experience each park without rushing.

What is the best time of year to visit?
The ticket is valid for a year, so you can choose the season that suits your travel plans. October is a special month when kids go free if accompanied by a paying adult.

The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park two-day ticket offers an incredible chance to see a wide variety of animals in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. It balances educational opportunities with fun and adventure, making it a fantastic choice for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.

You’ll love the guided tours and rides that give deeper insight into animal behaviors and conservation efforts, as well as the stunning views from aerial tram rides. The parks are well-maintained, and the focus on animal welfare makes this a responsible choice for those wanting to observe and learn about wildlife in a supportive environment.

While parking and food require additional planning, the extensive variety of animals and immersive experiences make this a value-packed outing. Whether you want to spend one day or two exploring, this ticket allows you to tailor your visit for maximum enjoyment and education.

Overall, if you’re after a meaningful and engaging wildlife experience in California, this combination of parks is hard to beat. It’s a chance to see animals like koalas, tigers, and rhinos in settings that respect their needs, all while enjoying the beautiful Southern California scenery.

Enjoy your visit, and don’t forget your camera! The memories you make here will last much longer than a typical day at the zoo.

You can check availability for your dates here: