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Best time to visit San Diego

San Diego Zoo 2023-2024

The world-known zoo surprises with a variety of entertainment for everybody

Best time: all year round

Panda snarfs down some yummy bamboo
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
An adult giraffe chews and peers at the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Red Eye bird on a branch San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo is famous for many things at the same time. From the first cageless exhibit of animals in the zoo to the first-ever YouTube video was filmed here. For more than 100 years, the San Diego Zoo works hard to maintain its reputation as one of the world's best zoos.

Over four million visitors a year come to the San Diego Zoo to observe more than 3,500 animals with no barriers between them. The open-air territory is separated into zones like Asian Passage, Africa Rocks, Discovery outpost, Elephant Oddisey, Lost Forest, Northers frontier, Outback, and Urban Jungle. Their superstars are koalas, reptiles, African elephants, orangutans, and many others. An aerial tram, bus tour, shops, theater, play areas, and restaurants are also available if you need to take a break.

Although San Diego Zoo is open year-round, there are special events each season. Wintertime is known for The Jungle Bells and Wild Holidays celebration. It involves a unique program and lightning decorations throughout the holiday season. As spring arrives, it's time to see more than 30 species of butterflies and 22 species of birds at the Butterflie Jungle Exhibition. Summer brings kids summer camps, the Summer Safari program, and the Nighttime Zoo. The autumn season's highlight is HalGLOWeen in October, with parties, acrobats, and spooky performances. The busiest hours are from 11 am until 2 pm. Thus, it's recommended to choose early visiting times to avoid the lines and be able to explore all the area.

The zoo is open from 9 am until 5 pm every day of the year, even on holidays. The one-day pass price is $60 for adults and $50 for children under the age of 11. Children under three can visit for free. There, you can also get three-day passes, annual passes, and Zoo club memberships.

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