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Tips for a Stress-Free Day
at the San Diego Zoo

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With some advanced planning, you can make the most out of your Zoo visit. In this section, I’ll answer your questions about planning your day. Hope you’ll find the following tips useful!

Enjoying the zoo How much time do I need at the Zoo?
You should allow at least half a day, but a full day is best. Maybe you want to break away for an afternoon nap and then return in the evening during the extended summer hours. Or maybe you’ll push through even with your tired kids and collapse at your hotel at the end of the day (at least you’ll have the pictures to show for it!).

Can I visit the Zoo and Wild Animal Park in the same day?
No way! You will hate San Diego on that day. There’s too much to see in both parks, too much walking to be done, and even a long car ride in between to add to your misery and stress level.

When is the best time to visit?
Animals are more active in the early morning and afternoon. The Zoo is less crowded in the fall, winter and spring. But the summer, even with its crowds, has some advantages. Extended hours make the Nighttime Zoo a fun place for walking in the cool of the evening and catching a show.


Can I see the entire Zoo on foot?
It is possible, but challenging especially with kids. You’ll probably walk 3-4 miles to see everything and some of the paths are steep. Really steep. You can avoid those steep climbs by using speedramps in a few places but not all. When my husband had a leg injury, I thought it would be fun to push him around in a wheelchair. I was wrong - what a workout! The Skyfari aerial ride is a much better way to get across the Zoo and then you can walk back to the main entrance. The bus tour is worth the investment to get around with less walking.

How can I look at a map of the Zoo?
The San Diego Zoo website has a really cool interactive map. You can click on the different animals, exhibits and restaurants and see where they are located in the Zoo. Tips: Click here for the interactive zoo map.

Do I have to pay for parking?
Thankfully, parking is FREE. Wahoo! Just remember what row you’re parked in (look for the fun animal sign markers).

Stroller rentals at the zoo How much are stroller rentals?
Strollers are $9 and double strollers are $14.

Where are the ATM machines?
They are located near the entrance in front of the Reptile House, at the Treehouse Trader, and next to the Canyon Café.

Is there first aid available?
A staffed first-aid station is located on the north side of the Zoo’s Reptile House. Open daily, all day.

Are lockers available?
Coin-operated lockers are located behind the Reptile House. When you walk through the entrance, go left.

Where is lost and found?
Visit the Security Office, located at the Zoo’s main entrance if you’ve lost an item or heaven forbid, a person from your party.

Are there special services for guests with disabilities?
Yes, the Zoo provides special parking, rest rooms, telephones (including TDD at the Security Office) for disabled guests. There’s also a free shuttle service. Read other tips about disabled access information here.


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