San Diego Zoo is probably the most famous zoo in the U.S and for good reason, it was recently voted the #1 zoo by thousands of voters on Tripadvisor. The San Diego Zoo has 660 Species 3,700 Animals on over 100 Acres.
It is definitely one of the most beautiful zoos you will visit and one of the best things to do in San Diego. I love taking the kids to the zoo, but with prices at over $50 for adults and over $40 for kids, getting some San Diego Zoo discount tickets is a must.
Luckily, I have a very frugal husband (I don’t think that phrase has ever been spoken) who found numerous ways to save on tickets for neighboring Legoland and the zoo.
Thus, here it is, the 10 easy ways to score San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets.
1) Ares Travel
If you have been on my site before you know that I love Ares Travel. They offer some of the best discounts for tickets to Southern California Attractions.
They offer a ton of ways to get not only San Diego Zoo tickets but other places like Legoland, Sea World, Disneyland & tons of attractions up north in Los Angeles. If you want to save even more you can combine tickets with hotel packages. Check Current Prices Here!
2) Undercover Tourist
Another great San Diego Zoo Ticket Discount site is Undercover Tourist. They have been around for years and offer a whole bunch of great discount ticket offers.
You can save on pretty much every theme park in Southern California with Undercover Tourist. Check Current Prices Here!
3. San Diego Go Card
The San Diego Go Card is a great option if you are looking to hit up multiple Southern California Attractions. A 3 Day Pass allows you to visit all these places for only $207.00.
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Go San Diego Multi-Attraction Pass
- Knott’s Berry Farm®
- LEGOLAND® California
- San Diego Zoo®
- San Diego Zoo® Safari Park
- SeaWorld® San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
Make sure you have your morning coffee these days as they will be action-packed. Check Current Prices Here!
4. San Diego Zoo Membership
Living just an hour away from the Zoo, we had the San Diego Zoo Membership for a couple years. It is a great value, especially the kids tickets.
Kids 3-17 can get a wildlife explorer pass to both San Diego Zoo & the Safari Park for only $67 (just $10 more than a one day ticket. Adults are a bit more pricey as it is $139 for an annual pass. San Diego residents are only $95
Pro Tip – It might be a good idea to get an annual pass for just one person as it includes free parking, complimentary guest pass, 50% off experience in the park and food discounts
San Diego Zoo Membership Perks
The San Diego Zoo membership is a program that provides benefits and perks to frequent visitors of the zoo. By becoming a member, individuals and families can enjoy unlimited access to the zoo, as well as discounts on food, shopping, and events.
Some of the benefits of a San Diego Zoo membership include:
- Unlimited admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for an entire year.
- Discounts on food, merchandise, and events at both the zoo and the safari park.
- Member-only early entry to the zoo.
- Free or discounted admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums across the country.
- Discounts on behind-the-scenes experiences, such as animal encounters and guided tours.
- Subscription to the zoo’s monthly newsletter and member magazine.
Memberships come in several levels, including individual, dual, family, and grandparent, allowing individuals and families to choose the level that best suits their needs and budget.
A San Diego Zoo membership also makes a great gift for animal lovers and families, providing a year of endless adventures and memories at the zoo.
Overall, the San Diego Zoo membership offers a convenient and cost-effective way for visitors to enjoy the zoo and the safari park, while also supporting the zoo’s mission of conservation and animal care.
5. AAA – San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets
If you are a AAA member, not only can they save you on flat repairs and locking your keys in your car but also they offer San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets. Members receive a 10% Discount to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park when you show your card.
The discounts available to AAA members vary and may include savings on adult and child admission tickets, as well as packages that include the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. To take advantage of these discounts, AAA members simply need to show their AAA membership card when purchasing tickets at the zoo or through AAA offices.
In addition to discounts on zoo tickets, AAA members may also be eligible for other discounts and perks, such as savings on food, shopping, and parking at the zoo.
AAA San Diego Zoo discount tickets are just one of the many benefits available to AAA members, providing them with exclusive access to cost-saving opportunities on attractions and travel. So, if you’re a AAA member, don’t forget to take advantage of these discounts when visiting the Zoo with the San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets.
6. Military Discounts – San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets
The San Diego Zoo offers discounted and in some cases free tickets for active duty military. Here is an exact description from the San Diego Zoo website.
Active duty U.S. Armed Forces personnel* receive all the benefits of our 1-Day Pass admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park upon presenting a Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card at our gates.
Complimentary admission is reserved exclusively for active duty service members upon presenting valid ID.
Military spouses and eligible dependents receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass at both the Zoo and Safari Park and do not need to be accompanied by an active duty member of the Armed Forces. Just show your valid dependent ID card at any ticket window!
7. Kids Free October
The ultimate San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets are Free Tickets and in October dreams come true. San Diego celebrates Kids in October. Almost every major attraction offers exclusive Kids Free offers to visitors.
To take advantage of this offer, kids (ages 11 and under) can enter the zoo for free with the purchase of a full-price adult admission ticket. The offer is typically valid for the entire month of October, providing families with plenty of time to visit the zoo and enjoy the many animals and attractions it has to offer.
With the kids free October promotion, families can experience the zoo and its wildlife at a discounted rate, creating lasting memories and fostering a love for animals and nature.
This promotion is a great opportunity for families to visit the zoo and enjoy all it has to offer, from watching the animals roam in their habitats to taking part in interactive experiences, like the Guided Bus Tour Kangaroo Express Bus.
So if you are visiting San Diego during the month of October, your Kids will get in FREE, how is that for a San Diego Discount Ticket?! Here is a list of all the places that offer discounted tickets + Kids FREE access.
8. SoCal CityPASS
The Southern California CityPASS San Diego Pass provides admission to the most popular attractions including Disneyland. The pass works for 14 days from first use versus the Go San Diego Card which is only 3 days. This is a great pass as it offers entrance to:
- LEGOLAND® California Resort
- SeaWorld® San Diego and
- 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Ticket for entrance into Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. Plus, you receive one (1) Magic Morning** admission to a designated Disneyland® Resort Theme Park!
For an additional charge, you can add on the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park to this pass. Check Current Prices Here!
9. Group Discounts
Groups of 15 receive a 10% discount and groups of 100 or more receive a 15% discount. I think many of the options above are much better deals.
The San Diego Zoo offers group discounts for parties of 15 or more people visiting the zoo together. This is a great option for schools, youth groups, families, and other organizations looking to save on admission costs while enjoying the zoo’s many attractions and animals.
Group discounts typically include savings on adult and child admission tickets, as well as packages that include the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. To qualify for the group discount, all tickets must be purchased together in one transaction.
In addition to the San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets for groups, groups may also be eligible for additional savings, such as discounts on food, shopping, and parking at the zoo.
Group leaders can also arrange for special guided tours and experiences for their group, allowing them to learn more about the animals and habitats at the zoo.
To take advantage of the San Diego Zoo discount tickets for groups, groups should contact the zoo’s group sales department in advance of their visit to make arrangements.
This will ensure that their group has a memorable and enjoyable experience at the zoo, while taking advantage of the cost-saving benefits of the group discount.
10. Senior And Student Discount
At the gate students, age 12+ and seniors Ages 65 + receive a 10% discount off of the regular 1-Day Pass ticket price with photo ID.
11. Do a Multi Day Ticket to Zoo & Safari Park
If you want to visit the zoo and the Safari Park on consecutive days this is the ticket for you. Here you can enjoy the zoo one day and then head on over to the Safari Park the next day.
Pin for Later: [10 Easy Ways] to Score San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets
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Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets
Does Costco Sell Discount San Diego Zoo Tickets
At times, some southern california Costco locations do sell discount San Diego Zoo tickets
Do Seniors get a discount at the San Diego Zoo?
Seniors Ages 65 + receive a 10% discount off of the regular 1-Day Pass ticket price with photo ID.
Is it better to buy San Diego Zoo Tickets online or in-person?
Whether it is better to buy San Diego Zoo tickets online or in person depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
Advantages of purchasing online:
Convenience: You can buy tickets from anywhere, at any time, without having to visit the zoo in person.
Availability: Online ticket sales may not sell out, allowing you to purchase tickets even during peak times.
Discounts: Online ticket purchases may offer discounts or promotions that are not available in-person.
Advantages of purchasing in person:
Immediate access: You can enter the zoo right away if you purchase your tickets on-site.
Flexibility: You have the option to upgrade your ticket to a multi-day pass or add other experiences while at the zoo.
Assistance: Staff at the ticket booth can answer any questions and provide help if needed.
In conclusion, both online and in-person ticket purchases have their own benefits, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the individual.
Is there a combo ticket to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and SeaWorld?
Yes, there is a combo ticket option that includes admission to both the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and SeaWorld.
Visitors who purchase the combo ticket will have the chance to explore the diverse wildlife at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and then experience the exciting thrill rides and marine life shows at SeaWorld.
The combo ticket provides flexibility and value for visitors who are looking for a comprehensive adventure in San Diego, providing admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and SeaWorld.
What is the Guided Bus Tour Kangaroo Express Bus?
The Guided Bus Tour Kangaroo Express Bus is a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that offers visitors an immersive experience of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This tour allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace while being guided by a knowledgeable tour guide.
The Kangaroo Express Bus provides transportation to various areas of the park, including stops at some of the park’s most popular exhibits, such as the African Plains, Cheetah Run, and Gorilla Forest.
This is a great way to see the park and learn more about the wildlife while enjoying the comfort and convenience of the bus.
The Guided Bus Tour Kangaroo Express Bus is an optional tour that is included with the admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Visitors who want to experience the park in a more comprehensive and educational way should consider taking the Kangaroo Express Bus tour.
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