San Diego Zoo

To fully experience the San Diego Zoo and see most of its animals, it's recommended to allocate a full day. Many visitors suggest at least four to six hours for a thorough exploration. While you can see highlights in about four hours, a full day allows for a more relaxed pace and comprehensive visit.

The San Diego Zoo offers a vast collection of land and exotic animals in large, naturalistic habitats, alongside a significant botanical collection. SeaWorld, on the other hand, focuses specifically on marine life with ocean-themed exhibits, shows, and interactions. Your preference for terrestrial species or marine creatures will determine which is better for you.

For a single-day pass to the San Diego Zoo, adult tickets (ages 10 and older) are $76, and child tickets (ages 3-9) are $66. Children aged 2 and under receive free admission.

The San Diego Zoo does not have a general free admission month for the public. However, the nearby San Diego Zoo Safari Park participates in a 'Kids Free' promotion during October, where children 11 and under receive free admission with a paying adult.

The San Diego Zoo houses thousands of animals from diverse habitats around the world. You can encounter a wide range of species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which are housed in extensive, lush, and naturalistic habitats designed to mimic their native environments.