San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wildlife conservation park in Escondido, California — 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. It houses 2,500+ animals of 300+ species across open-range habitats plus over 1.5 million plants of 4,500+ species. Adult admission is US$76 in 2026; children (3–11) pay US$66; infants 2 and under are free. The park opens at 9:00 year-round; closing time varies (17:00 off-peak, 19:00 summer). The free Africa Tram Safari (30 min) is included with every ticket.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park — often called simply “the Safari Park” — is the larger, wilder sister of the San Diego Zoo. Where the Zoo packs 4,000 animals into 100 compact acres, the Safari Park gives 2,500+ animals space to roam across 1,800 acres of open savanna, recreated to reflect the natural landscapes of Africa and Asia. It is a fundamentally different kind of wildlife experience — more adventurous, more open, and further from the city. A comparison of both attractions is available in our San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park guide.
Top Tickets
# San Diego Safari Park 1-Day Ticket
# Safari Park + San Diego Zoo 2-Day Ticket
San Diego Safari Park admission costs US$76 per adult (12+) and US$66 per child (3–11) in 2026. Children 2 and under are free. The standard ticket includes the free Africa Tram Safari, Cheetah Run, bird shows, keeper talks, Lemur Walk, Lorikeet Landing, and all play areas. Paid safari upgrades are separate. Active military enter free; their dependents save 10%. Seniors (65+) and students save 15% at the ticket window. The Go San Diego Pass covers the Safari Park plus 30+ other attractions.
| Category | Price (2026) |
| Adult (12+) | US$76 |
| Child (3–11) | US$66 |
| Infant (2 & under) | Free |
| Active Military | Free (with ID) |
| Military Dependents | 10% discount (window) |
| Seniors (65+) & Students (12+) | 15% discount (window) |
The standard skip-the-line admission ticket covers all regular exhibits and experiences including: Africa Tram Safari, Cheetah Run, Frequent Flyers Bird Show, Animal Ambassador Stage, Hidden Jungle, Lemur Walk, Kangaroo Walk, Lorikeet Landing, Nairobi Station, Tiger Keeper Talk, Training Talk, and all kids’ play areas. Paid safaris are not included.
Adult: US$76 | Child (3–11): US$66 | Infant: Free
Buy This TicketOne visit to the Safari Park and one visit to the San Diego Zoo — or two visits to either — within one year of purchase. Saves around 20% versus buying individually. Over and above the Safari Park inclusions, the 2-Day Ticket also includes the Skyfari Aerial Tram and Guided Bus Tour at the Zoo.
Adult: US$118 | Child (3–11): US$108 | Infant: Free
Buy This TicketAccess to the Safari Park, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and 30+ other city attractions for a fixed day-based price. Best value for visitors spending multiple days exploring San Diego’s top attractions.
Buy This TicketSan Diego Zoo Safari Park opens at 9:00 year-round, including all public holidays. Closing time varies: April–August (peak season) closes at 19:00; the rest of the year closes at 17:00. Note that the Africa Tram Safari runs from 10:00 until 45 minutes before park closing. During summer peak months, the tram queue between 11:00 and 15:00 can be long — board early or late.
| Period | Hours |
| April–August (peak) | 9:00 – 19:00 |
| September–March (off-peak) | 9:00 – 17:00 |
Visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park at opening (9:00) for the best animal activity and shortest queues. Animals are most active in the morning and seek shade in the afternoon heat. Peak weekday crowds fall between 11:00 and 13:00; on weekends 11:00–15:00. Spring (mid-March to mid-June) is the best season — it is also the park’s birthing season, when nursery exhibits showcase baby animals taking their first steps. Summer (June–August) brings the most visitors; October brings Kids Free admission. Note: Escondido runs 5–7°C warmer than coastal San Diego — dress in layers and carry water.
The best time of year to visit is spring (mid-March to mid-June) — the Safari Park’s birthing season. Nursery exhibits showcase newborn animals in their first days and weeks, creating once-in-a-lifetime wildlife moments that are genuinely difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Plan 4–5 hours for a satisfying visit to San Diego Zoo Safari Park covering the Africa Tram, major walking areas, one or two shows, and a meal. The bare minimum (Africa Tram only) takes about 90 minutes. Families with children attending multiple shows and play areas should budget a full day. The park is walk-through only — you cannot drive through it.
Included with standard admission: Africa Tram Safari (30 min, from 10:00), Shiley’s Cheetah Run (daily at 15:30), Frequent Flyers Bird Show (12:00 & 14:00), Animal Ambassador Stage (12:00 & 16:00), Tiger Keeper Talk (11:45), Lorikeet Landing, Lemur Walk, Nairobi Station, Training Talk, and all kids’ play areas. Additional paid options: 11 safari upgrades (see our safaris guide), Conservation Carousel (US$6), and 4D theatre.
The 30-minute guided Africa Tram Safari through the vast open-range savanna habitats is the centrepiece of every Safari Park visit. An expert interpreter narrates throughout as the open-air tram winds 4 km through herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelopes, and exotic birds. Departs from the African Outpost (a 20-minute walk from the main entrance) from 10:00 until 45 minutes before closing. Best time to board: before 11:00 or after 15:00.
Once daily at 15:30, one of the park’s ambassador cheetahs sprints down a 100-metre (330-foot) track, reaching close to 112 km/h (70 mph). One of the most dramatic natural spectacles you can witness at any zoo anywhere. Arrive at least 15 minutes early as it is extremely popular.
A 20-minute show at 12:00 and 14:00 featuring owls, parrots, and large vultures flying within inches of the audience. An impressive and accessible introduction to the park’s bird collection. Included with admission.
Located at Safari Base Camp near the park entrance. Two shows daily at 12:00 and 16:00. Visitors get within a few feet of animals not normally on public exhibit — including pythons, cheetahs, kestrel hawks, servals, and caracals. Included with admission.
At 11:45 at Sambutan Longhouse, the tiger keepers conduct a training session that also functions as an up-close encounter with the park’s tigers. A 15-minute session that fills quickly — arrive at least 20 minutes early.
From 10:00 to 15:45, visitors can interact with colourful rainbow lorikeets in a free-flight aviary. Entry is free; small bowls of nectar (for sale) encourage the birds to land directly on you. Exceptional for photographs.
Walk through the lemur habitat from 9:00 until closing. Ring-tailed lemurs hang in trees or walk alongside visitors on the path. Open to visitors aged 5 and above.
Interactive close-up encounters with smaller animals. The Petting Kraal (10:00–16:45) allows children to interact with Pygmy, Nubian, and Boer goats. The Animal Care Center (also here) houses baby animals — expect waiting crowds when infant lions or cheetahs are in residence.
Located at Safari Base Camp. 60 reproductions of rare and endangered animals rotate around an axis — an engaging and educational activity for children. Cost: US$6 per person for an all-day bracelet. Open from 10:00 until park closing.
Held in the amphitheater between Gorilla Forest and African Woods, the Training Talk gives a behind-the-curtain look at free-flight bird training as birds rehearse for the Frequent Flyers show. Less attended than the main shows — front-row access is usually easy.
The park’s World Gardens feature thousands of plant species arranged by global region. Highlights include the Baja Garden, Old World Succulent Garden, Epiphyllum Trail, Bonsai Pavilion, and California Nativescapes Garden — a world-class botanical collection that rivals dedicated gardens.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is very child-friendly. In addition to the shows and interactive exhibits:
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in Escondido — approximately 32 km (20 miles) inland from the coast. Escondido regularly runs 5–7°C (10–14°F) warmer than oceanfront San Diego. In July and August, afternoon temperatures in the park can be very high. Dress in breathable layers, apply sunscreen, and carry plenty of water. The morning hours are significantly more comfortable.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park is at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027 — approximately 48 km (30 miles) northeast of downtown San Diego. A car is the most practical option as public transport is limited. Drive via CA-78 E toward Escondido (approximately 45–60 minutes from downtown). Parking costs US$20/day general; preferred parking (closer to entrance) costs US$38. Rideshare is a viable alternative to parking costs.
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027
The San Diego Zoo (100 acres, Balboa Park, downtown San Diego) is a compact zoo with 4,000+ animals in enclosed naturalistic habitats. The Safari Park (1,800 acres, Escondido) offers vast open-range habitats where herds roam freely. The Zoo shows more species; the Safari Park delivers a more authentic open-space wildlife experience. Both cost approximately US$76 per adult in 2026.
Buy online in advance at GetYourGuide or directly from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance website. Online tickets are cheaper than gate prices and guarantee entry on peak days.
Key animals include African and white rhinoceros, giraffes, African elephants, lions, cheetahs, gorillas, Sumatran tigers, California condors, kangaroos, wallabies, platypuses, lorikeets, and lemurs — across 11 habitat zones covering Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Yes — single-person food supplies in small containers are permitted. No large coolers, glass items, alcohol, party trays, candles, or balloons. Lockers are available but no other food storage facilities.
Yes. Complimentary shuttles assist guests in accessing lower canyon areas. Request the ADA Packet at Guest Services for a full list of accessible services. Paid safari tours vary in accessibility — call 619-718-3000 before booking.
No. Pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are prohibited. The park is a regulated quarantine facility. ADA-certified service animals are permitted.
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are seniors free during the month of October 2025 ?