San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The basics

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers many safe animal encounters, including photo caravan rides, balloon safaris, and safari truck tours that pull up right alongside various animals. Stand ringside at the cheetah run and experience the incredible speed of these big cats, or ride the Africa Tram, an open-air, soft-wheeled tram that carries you around a natural environment that feels like the African plains.

Amphitheaters in the park feature shows and presentations throughout the day, such as keeper talks about the Sumatran tigers and flight shows featuring birds of prey. Some San Diego Zoo Safari Park tours from the city offer transportation to the main San Diego Zoo as well, including admission to one or both parks (typically over two days).

Things to know before you go

• The Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo are 32 miles (52 kilometers) apart, about a 45-minute drive between the two.

• Given San Diego’s sunny clime, take a sunhat and sunscreen.

• Lockers and luggage storage are available.

• Several restaurants inside the park sell food, or you can bring your own; picnic areas are available.

• The park is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. An ADA shuttle transports guests with mobility challenges around the large park, and wheelchairs are available for rent.

How to get there

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 34 miles (54 kilometers) north of San Diego, in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido in Southern California. Paid on-site parking is available.

When to get there

The park is open daily year-round with general hours from 9am to 5pm. The park is enormous and the animals are often most active in the early morning, so arrive close to opening and plan to spend the whole day.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park for kids

Kids love animals, so this wild animal park is a natural fit for little ones. Stroller rentals are available at the front of the park, and there are several play areas to burn off energy, including the Tiger Trail Play Area, the Village Playground, and the Savanna Cool Zone. Nairobi Village also includes a petting zoo and an animal nursery.

Is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park worth it?

Yes. The San Diego Safari Park is worth it if you love animals and are excited to learn more about them. You can take the bus around the park to save on walking everywhere, or if you want to get some steps in, there is plenty of ground to cover.

What is the best month to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

Most months are great for visiting the San Diego Safari Park, but try to avoid the hot summer months. It can get dry and dusty, and the sun can beat down on you in the summer, so stay hydrated and wear proper clothes if you go.

How long does it take to walk through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

You can spend up to an entire day at the San Diego Safari Park, depending on how much you want to see, how long you stay at each exhibition, and if you have members of your party who need naps. You can also take the bus tour to get an overview in a shorter time.

Can I do the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in one day?

No, planning the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park in one day is not a good idea. They are each huge, so you’ll want to maximize your time at each place. Plus, they are around a 40-minute freeway drive from each other.

Can you drive your own car through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

No, you cannot drive your own car through the San Diego Safari Park. You park in the lot, walk to the entrance, and from there, you can either walk through the park or hop on the bus for a thorough overview of the area.

Should you buy San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets in advance?

Not necessarily. You can purchase your tickets online or at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. If you book online, you will avoid waiting in lines under the hot sun, which might make for a smoother day out, especially if young kids are involved.

Ways to explore

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers many ways to safely view its resident animals. Safari truck tours offer up-close views, while the Africa Tram—an open-air, soft-wheeled tram—carries visitors through the park’s African habitat areas. Other activities range from wildlife treks and hot-air-balloon flights to ziplines and even a “roar-and-snore” sleepover safari option.

It’s worth prebooking admission tickets online to this always-popular San Diego attraction. Some tours from the city also offer transportation to the main San Diego Zoo or include admission to both parks.

Accessibility

A number of accommodations are available for guests with disabilities, including wheelchairs, accessible paths, and a complimentary shuttle service that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Age limits

None, although some experiences, including wildlife safaris, are only open to kids aged 6 and up.

What to pack

Water bottle, snacks, sun protection, backpacks

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers and good walking shoes to this open-air attraction.

Not allowed

Smoking and vaping, drones, pets, glass bottles

Amenities

Gift shops, bathrooms and water fountains, storage lockers, restaurants

Address 

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in Escondido, California. Driving (or booking a taxi or rideshare) is the fastest and most direct way to get there, though some public transit options are available.

Driving

From downtown San Diego, drive north on I-15, then exit at East Via Rancho Parkway. Take a right on San Pasqual Road, then another right on CA-78 East. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Paid parking lots are available on-site.

Public transportation

From San Diego, take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) 235 bus to Escondido Transit Station, then transfer to the North County Transit District (NCTD) 371 bus. The journey takes a little more than two hours.

Best times to visit

The park is typically open from mid-morning until early evening. Arrive early in the day to give yourself the most time for exploring.

Best days to visit

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open every day of the year. For a calmer experience, consider visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend.

Best months to visit

If you can, visit during the spring months—you’ll enjoy good weather but will miss the peak summer crowds. You’ll also likely be rewarded with baby animal sightings.

Special events

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park hosts a range of events throughout the year, including special festivals such as the Autumn Festival and Wild Holidays.