The San Diego Zoo is located in San Diego, California, USA. It lies between Balboa Park and Downtown San Diego and is situated in the Balboa Park area. It is famous for its large variety of animals, conservation efforts, and beautiful botanical gardens.
San Diego Zoo Location Map, San Diego, California
California Related Links
Top Attractions Inside San Diego Zoo
- Panda Trek – See giant pandas and learn about conservation efforts for this iconic species.
- Gorilla Tropics – Habitat showcasing gorillas in a lush, tropical environment.
- Elephant Odyssey – Interactive area featuring elephants, lions, and other large mammals.
- Polar Bear Plunge – Exhibit highlighting polar bears and Arctic wildlife.
- Skyfari Aerial Tram – Scenic tram ride offering aerial views of the zoo and animal habitats.
- Children’s Zoo – Interactive exhibits and petting areas designed for young visitors.
- Botanical Gardens – Beautiful plant displays complementing animal exhibits throughout the zoo.
San Diego Zoo Facts
| Official Name | San Diego Zoo |
| Location | San Diego, California, USA — Balboa Park, central San Diego |
| Latitude & Longitude | 32.7353° N, 117.1490° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 100 acres (≈40 hectares) |
| Established / Opened | December 2, 1916 |
| Managed By | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (formerly San Diego Zoo Global) |
| Region | Balboa Park / Central San Diego / Southern California |
| Address | 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA |
| Zip Code | 92101 |
| Area Code | 619 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Conservation, wildlife preservation, zoological exhibits, educational programs, endangered species breeding, immersive habitats |
| Main Sections / Areas | Lost Forest, Panda Canyon (historical), Elephant Odyssey, Polar Bear Plunge, Reptile House, Children’s Zoo, Aviaries, Botanical Gardens |
| Famous Attractions | Giant pandas (historical), koalas, gorillas, tigers, polar bears, elephants, Skyfari Aerial Tram, guided tours, wildlife shows and feeding sessions |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 3.2 million visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission – General Zoo Ticket Required |
| Ticket Price Range | Adults ~$65; Children (3–11) ~$55; Seniors ~$60; prices vary by season and special exhibits |
| Ticket Options | Single-day general admission, multi-day passes, guided tours, Skyfari Aerial Tram access, annual membership, special experiences (behind-the-scenes, animal encounters) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and Fall for mild weather and lower crowds; mornings for active animals; avoid peak summer heat for comfort |
| Nearby Airport | San Diego International Airport (SAN) – ~3 miles (5 km) |
| Transportation | Car, taxi/ride-share, public buses, parking available at Balboa Park, walking within zoo, Skyfari Aerial Tram connecting sections of zoo |
| Official Website | https://www.sandiegozoo.org/ |
Distances from San Diego Zoo to Nearby Landmarks
- Balboa Park – 0 km (0 mi)
- San Diego Natural History Museum – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- San Diego Museum of Art – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
- San Diego Air & Space Museum – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Old Globe Theatre – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Gaslamp Quarter – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Seaport Village – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- USS Midway Museum – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Petco Park – 5.5 km (3.4 mi)
- Coronado Island – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Mission Bay – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- La Jolla Cove – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Old Town San Diego – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- San Diego Harbor – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Maritime Museum of San Diego – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Balboa Park Botanical Building – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- San Diego Air and Space Museum – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Balboa Park Miniature Train – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
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