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Where is San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 ET

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

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 NameSan Diego Zoo
LocationSan Diego, California, USA — Balboa Park, central San Diego
Latitude & Longitude32.7353° N, 117.1490° W
Total AreaApprox. 100 acres (≈40 hectares)
Established / OpenedDecember 2, 1916
Managed BySan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (formerly San Diego Zoo Global)
RegionBalboa Park / Central San Diego / Southern California
Address2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Zip Code92101
Area Code619
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptConservation, wildlife preservation, zoological exhibits, educational programs, endangered species breeding, immersive habitats
Main Sections / AreasLost Forest, Panda Canyon (historical), Elephant Odyssey, Polar Bear Plunge, Reptile House, Children’s Zoo, Aviaries, Botanical Gardens
Famous AttractionsGiant pandas (historical), koalas, gorillas, tigers, polar bears, elephants, Skyfari Aerial Tram, guided tours, wildlife shows and feeding sessions
Annual VisitorsApprox. 3.2 million visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – General Zoo Ticket Required
Ticket Price RangeAdults $65; Children (3–11) $55; Seniors $60; prices vary by season and special exhibits
Ticket OptionsSingle-day general admission, multi-day passes, guided tours, Skyfari Aerial Tram access, annual membership, special experiences (behind-the-scenes, animal encounters)
Best Time to VisitSpring and Fall for mild weather and lower crowds; mornings for active animals; avoid peak summer heat for comfort
Nearby AirportSan Diego International Airport (SAN) – 3 miles (5 km)
TransportationCar, taxi/ride-share, public buses, parking available at Balboa Park, walking within zoo, Skyfari Aerial Tram connecting sections of zoo
Official Websitehttps://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)

Top Places to Visit in California

Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.

Places (A -J)Places (J - P)Places (P - Z)
Alcatraz IslandJoshua Tree VillagePebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Angel Island State ParkKings Canyon National ParkPebble Beach
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Badwater BasinLaguna BeachPinnacles National Park
Balboa IslandLake Shasta CavernsPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve
Balboa ParkLake Tahoe Scenic DrivePoint Reyes National Seashore
Bixby BridgeLassen Volcanic National ParkRedwood National and State Parks
Big Sur CoastlineMalibu BeachSan Diego Zoo
Big SurMalibu Creek State ParkSan Francisco Cable Car System
Bodie State Historic ParkMalibu Lagoon State BeachSanta Barbara Mission
Burney FallsMammoth Lakes BasinSanta Monica Pier
Carlsbad BeachMission DoloresSanta Monica State Beach
Channel Islands National ParkMission San Antonio de PaduaSequoia National Park California
Coronado BeachMission San Carlos BorromeoSonoma County
Crissy FieldMission San Juan CapistranoSonoma Wine Country
Crystal Cove State ParkMission San Luis Obispo de TolosaTahoe National Forest
Death Valley National ParkMission Santa BarbaraThe Broad Museum
Disneyland ParkMono Lake Tufa State Natural ReserveThe Exploratorium
Donner Memorial State ParkMonterey Bay AquariumThe Getty Center
Emerald Bay State ParkMount Lassen Peak TrailHenry W. Coe State Park
Fort Point National Historic SiteMount ShastaJ. Paul Getty Villa
Golden Gate BridgeMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Presidio
Golden Gate ParkMount WhitneyUSS Midway Museum
Griffith ObservatoryMount Whitney TrailThe Wave Organ
Griffith ParkMuir Woods National MonumentTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hollywood SignNapa Valley Wine CountryTransamerica Pyramid
Hollywood Walk of FameNewport BeachUniversal Studios Hollywood
Joshua Tree National ParkPalace of Fine ArtsYosemite National Park
Joshua Tree Scenic Drive

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.