San Diego Zoo vs. Safari Park - Pros and Cons of Each Park
Balloon Safari Ride inside Safari Park.
San Diego is a desirable vacation destination for many reasons. The weather is excellent year-round, the beaches are pristine, and San Diego is home to two of the most world-famous animal parks.
Both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park are enormous parks filled with a huge variety of rare and endangered wildlife. You can easily spend an entire day exploring each park, which leads to the conundrum of how to decide which park to visit during your trip. Hence this guide!
My husband and I are former San Diego residents, and my entire in-law family still live there. We’ve spent many family vacations exploring both the animal parks with our kids, and we can provide both a local and insider perspective.
In this comprehensive guide you’ll find detailed information about both animal park’s exhibits, top animals to see, location information, baby and kid-friendly pointers, and even what to eat. We’ve left no stone unturned and you can use all these tips to help you make an itinerary decision.
Panoramic aerial views of Safari Park.
Key Stats About the Parks
Which Park Is Bigger?
If you’re just looking at the number of acres, the Safari Park is by far much bigger than the San Diego Zoo. But in reality a huge portion of the land inside the Safari Park is set aside for conservation and very expansive animal enclosures.
When you’re only considering the actual walkable areas that are open to the public, the Safari Park is still bigger, but only by a little over 10 acres. As you’ll see in this comprehensive guide, the Safari Park has a much more spread out layout and you can expect more walking in between exhibits.
Giraffes viewed from the Africa Tram inside the Safari Park.
Where are the two parks located?
The San Diego Zoo is located in the heart of San Diego in Balboa Park. If you’re staying in popular neighborhoods such as North Park, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Mission Beach or San Diego Old Town, the zoo is less than a 15 drive (assuming no traffic). You wouldn’t have to rent a car during your stay, you could easily take a ride share Uber or Lyft to the zoo.
The Safari Park is located in Escondido, which is much further north and inland than the zoo. You can expect a minimum of a 35 minute drive, and you would definitely want to rent a car for this location.
Lion exhibit inside the Safari Park.
What’s the Weather at Each Park?
Because the San Diego Zoo is located closer to the ocean, the weather is cooler and more mild, especially during the summer months.
The Safari Park is located in Escondido, which is further inland and has hotter summer temperatures. If you’re traveling to San Diego during the peak heat months of July, August and September, be sure to check the weather before heading out to the park. Some days will reach to the very high 90’s and 100’s degrees.
Animal views from the Africa Tram inside the Safari Park.
Which Park Has More Shade on Hot Days?
Not only is the weather at the San Diego Zoo more temperate, but the zoo also has more shaded areas. The Safari Park is more open and sprawling, with less shaded areas. After all, it was meant for wild African animals who can withstand high temperatures!
The Somali Wild Ass viewed from the Africa Tram inside the Safari Park.
Ticket Prices for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Which Park Entrance Fee More Expensive?
The ticket prices for both parks are pretty much the same. If you buy ahead of time online you can save a few dollars on the ticket price.
The main difference is that the Safari Park charges a $15 parking fee per vehicle. And there’s no street parking available outside the parking lot because you’re literally in the middle of a vast rural area.
Elephant exhibit inside the Safari Park.
Is it worth it to buy the discounted pass for both parks?
If you are staying in San Diego for several days and are looking for fun things to do, it may be worth it to save on the bundle price of two entrance fees. The two visit pass costs $110, saving you $20 a person because a one-time ticket costs $65.
There’s also an option to purchase a 3 ticket bundle with Sea World for $173, making each ticket around the price of $57 per adult and slightly less per child.
You should definitely allow for an entire day for each park. These amusement and animal parks are very large and it really takes several hours to experience it all.
Animals viewed from the Africa Tram inside the Safari Park.
Do they charge for parking?
As I mentioned above, the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park does not charge for parking, but the Safari Park in Escondido charges $15 per car to park.
Giraffes viewed from the Africa Tram inside the Safari Park.
Elephant exhibit inside the Safari Park.
How much time should I spend in each park?
According to the official website, they recommend that you allot between 3 - 4 hours for your visit to the Zoo, and 4 - 6 hours for the Safari Park. From my own personal memory from visiting both parks, you will spend more time walking between exhibits at the Safari Park, because the park is more sprawled out, versus the more condensed landscape of the Zoo.
Elephant exhibit inside the Safari Park.
The History Behind the Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park was known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010. The Safari Park sits on 1,800 acres in San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido.
If you just want to see animals up close then definitely the Zoo. I appreciate the Safari Park for its larger habitats and conservation efforts but it's harder to see the animals unless you want to pay a premium price for one of the safari experiences they offer.
Kingfisher inside the Safari Park.
The Difference Between the Animal Enclosures and Exhibits at Each Park
The San Diego Zoo is more like an old-school traditional zoo, with smaller enclosures which allows more up-close viewing of the animals.
The Safari Park offers more of an authentic atmosphere for the animals, especially with the large safari enclosure. You can see the animals walking around freely to the point where you actually feel like you’re on an actually on a safari. The draw back is that you may have minimal viewing of the animals, and in some cases they are completely out of view entirely.
Elephant Odyssey exhibit inside the San Diego Zoo.
Variety of Animals in Each Park
Both parks have the most popular animals such as elephants, lions, tigers and other large mammals.
The San Diego Zoo has a wider range of animal species available for the public to view, but both parks have an excellent range of animals.
If there’s a specific animal you want to see, be sure to check their website or inquire with the help desk to make sure that animal is still available to the public.
The pandas were a very popular attraction at the San Diego Zoo, but sadly they are no longer at the zoo. They have returned home to China.
Colorful lorikeets inside the San Diego Zoo.
Scenic Atmospheres Inside the Parks
When walking through the San Diego Zoo, it feels more like a botanical garden with a wide variety of plant life and canopies of foliage.
The Safari Park has more concrete and walking trails between each exhibit, with less consideration for creating an experience with gardens and plants. Although some exhibits are exceptional, like the bamboo Tiger Trail for example.
Unfortunately the Giant Pandas have left the San Diego Zoo.
Highlights to See at the Safari Park
The Safari Park has several designated areas where visitors can experience unique animal habitats. These include:
African Woods
African Outpost
Elephant Valley
Nairobi Village
Gorilla Forest
Asian Savannah
African Plains
Condor Ridge
Lion Camp
Tiger Trail
Safari Tram
The single most popular attraction inside the Safari Park is the Safari Tram. I can best describe this experience just like the movie Jurassic Park where you ride around in an open air tram car and view the animals as they roam around in open field enclosures.
Best part is that the Safari Tram is free and included in the price of your admission ticket.
An insider pro tip for this ride is to go first thing to avoid the lines. Also, the animals are most active in the morning and then to get lazy and lethargic in the afternoon.
Unfortunately the Giant Pandas have left the San Diego Zoo.
Skyfari Aerial Tram inside the Safari Diego Zoo.
Safari Park Tiger Trail
Another very popular attraction at the Safari Park is the Tiger Trail. At this well-designed animal exhibit you can possibly see excellent up-close views of the tigers (depending on where they’re hanging out that day).
In the Tiger Trail there’s a beautiful walkway with extremely tall bamboo plants, which really creates a visitor experience. There’s also a play area for small kids, and if you’re very lucky you can play tug o’ war with a real life tiger on the other side of the glass.
Safari Park Walkabout Australia
Did you ever think you could walk right into an animal enclosure and actually stand face-to-face with real wild animals? Well the Walkabout Australia is a truly unique experience where you literally walk among the kangaroos and wallabies. Think like a petting zoo… without the petting! Lol
Safari Park Cheetah Run
One of the most memorable experiences at the Safari Park is the famous Cheetah Run. Cheetahs are the fastest land animal and watching them dash at high speeds is really a thrill.
The Cheetah Run usually happens around 3:30pm in the afternoon, but you should definitely confirm that with the staff when you arrive. The run is available for everyone to view from afar, but you can also purchase premium viewing seats for an up-close experience.
Safari Park Petting Kraal
The Petting Kraal is located in Nairobi Village is it’s a great opportunity for kids to touch some playful goats and other friendly animals. Young children especially enjoy this experience!
Aerial views of the San Diego Zoo from the Skyfari Aerial Tram.
Condor Ridge
If you love an inspirational comeback story, then put the Condor Ridge on your must see list. If grew up in California during the 80’s like me, you were probably told that the California Condor would be extinct by the time you reached adulthood. Due to the incredible conservation efforts of wildlife organization California Condor Recovery Program, the California Condor is now thriving in the wild.
At the Condor Ridge exhibit inside the Safari Park, you can see these magnificent birds up close.
Views of the Botanical Building inside Balboa Park from the Skyfari Aerial Tram in the San Diego Zoo.
Views of the California Tower and Dome inside Balboa Park from the Skyfari Aerial Tram in the San Diego Zoo.
Lorikeet Landing
One of my daughter’s favorite memories from the Safari Park is feeding the lorikeets some nectar while they rested on her arm. In this large atrium you can pay a few dollars for little nectar cups. The very outgoing bird residents will come land on your arms and shoulders to drink a sweet snack.
Insider tip - If you’re one of the first visitors of the day to the Lorikeet Landing, these very excited birds will swarm around you and you’ll have several new friends in a matter of seconds!
Giant Anteaters in the San Diego Zoo.
Is it worth it to pay for the Extra Safari Add on Experiences at the Safari Park?
In addition to paying for your admission ticket, you can also add on a premium experience known as a “Safari.” There’s a wide range of add on excursions available, and they all give you the opportunity to get more up-close with the animals. In some cases you can hand feed the giraffes and rhinos in their enclosures.
These add on experiences don’t come cheap, in fact that they usually cost more than the price of admission (and you still have to pay for your admission ticket). So you’re easily looking at spending over $200 per person.
So, it is worth it? For myself, I think my kids at this point are too young to fully appreciate the value of all the extras. But if you’ve got an older child who’s a big fan of a particular kind of animal, then the extra fees could be worth it for a birthday present or special event. If you’re trying to stay on a budget, steer clear of all the pricey add on fees.
Lions in the San Diego Zoo.
Highlights to See at the San Diego Zoo
As a mentioned above, the San Diego Zoo is more of a typical zoo experience, but is still a truly stellar animal park. The San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals, making it truly a challenge to see them all in one day.
The zoo has created large main areas and themed walking and trails, making it easier to plan your visit and prioritize your favorite animals.
The main San Diego Zoo areas include:
The Lost Forest
Northern Frontier
Asian Passage
Elephant Odyssey
Africa Rocks
Urban Jungle
Outback
Discovery Outpost
San Diego Zoo walking trails include:
Aviary Trail
Fern Canyon Trail
Hippo Trail
Monkey Trail
Orangutan Trail
Sun Bear Trail
Tiger Trail
Africa Rocks
Top Special Experiences at the San Diego Zoo
Similar to the Safari Park, you can also purchase add-on experiences at the San Diego Zoo to see the animals more up-close. These range from animal encounters with big cats, sloths and behind the scene tours.
Again, these add-ons are not cheap, and often cost more than your entrance fee. I would reserve these for special occasions, unless you just want to splurge.
Elephant Odyssey exhibit inside the San Diego Zoo.
Which Park Has the Best Food Options?
Similar to all amusement parks, you can expect to pay a premium price for food purchased inside the park. While both parks have overpriced food, the selections are not terrible. You’ll find a variety of food genres including typical American fare, Asian fusion, Tex-Mex and more.
Both parks have options for semi-formal sit down dining, casual dining and to-go food options.
Watering Hole restaurant and bar at the Kijami Overlook in the Safari Park
If you’re celebrating a special event, or you want to enjoy a meal with a view, the Watering Hole Restaurant is a great option. From your table you can see the Kijami Overlook at the Safari Park. You can look down and see a giant savannah with giraffes, rhinos and all kinds of other animals.
Can you bring your own food inside the park?
Yes, you can bring your own food into both parks. If you’re on a budget, have picky eaters, or are concerned about allergies or dietary restrictions, I suggest you pack a lunch and snacks to bring with you for the day.
Which Park Sells Alcohol?
For all the adults out there looking to kick back in the zoo with a brewski, both parks serve craft beer and you can walk around with your drink in hand.
Jaguar in the San Diego Zoo.
Which Park is Better for Families with Babies and Toddlers?
Which Park is better for families with Young Children?
I’ve seen reviews from other parents saying that their kids would get a little bored and tired walking around the expansive Safari Park. The Zoo in Balboa Park is more condensed and you can see the animals more up-close.
That being said, if you have very young babies and toddlers who are likely to be napping, pushing them around the Safari Park in a stroller could be ideal because you have more smooth terrain. Just make sure you’re not going during peak heat times.
Are there Play Areas for Kids?
Both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have designed play areas and climbing structures for kids to enjoy. These areas can help them get their energy out, and maybe get them tuckered out for a stroller or ride home nap.
Which Park is more Stroller-Friendly?
Both parks have smooth paved trails and ramps for strollers. And they both also have single and double strollers for rent.
To be more detailed, the San Diego Zoo has more hills and condensed foot traffic, while Safari Park is flatter and pedestrians have more room for walking.
Tapir in the San Diego Zoo.
More Helpful Information About Both Parks
Could you do both parks in one day?
The answer to this is a big NO! Both parks are huge and require several hours to thoroughly see everything. Plus the fact that they’re far apart and you’d spend a big chunk of time driving back and forth.
Tapir and llama in the San Diego Zoo.
Transportation Options Inside the Parks
The San Diego Zoo has a Guided Bus Tour and the Skyfari Aerial Tram.
The Bus Tour is free with your entrance ticket and it’s a 35 minute round-trip spin through the park. This is a great way to get the lay of the land, and to get off your feet for a bit.
The Skyfari Aerial Tram is also included with your entrance ticket, and it’s another amazing way to kick back for a bit. You will be flying high in sky and seeing panoramic views of Balboa Park and the zoo grounds. I don not recommend this ride for people with fear of heights. Children must be a minimum of 8-years-old.
The Safari Park only has the African tram, and the rest is on foot. You’ll really burn some calories at this park. Wear good walking shoes!
Spotted llama in the San Diego Zoo.
Electronic Scooters for Elderly and Guests with Disabilities
If walking is not an option for someone in your party, you can rent electronic scooters for $60. They are first come, first serve at guest services. If you have your own, you are welcome to bring it into the park.
Elephant Odyssey exhibit inside the San Diego Zoo.
What Days of the Year are the Parks Open?
Both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are open 365 days a year, including all holidays. Spend Christmas Day with your wildlife friends!
Bear in the San Diego Zoo.
Which park is more crowded?
The San Diego Zoo has always seemed more crowded to me. Both because of the condensed layout, and the fact that it’s located in the city center. The Safari Park is more spacious and gives visitors more space to walk freely.
Elephant Odyssey exhibit inside the San Diego Zoo.
Are there any shopping areas inside the parks?
Shopping options for necessary provisions is minimal. They have gift shops with your typical touristy toys and bubble wands, but supplies for babies and toddlers is hard to come by. Make sure to bring all your necessities with you and pack a well-stocked diaper bag with extra diapers, wipes, pacifiers, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.
Secretary Bird in the San Diego Zoo.
Which Park Has Reptiles?
My son is a big fan of lizards, snakes and reptiles, probably even more than the big mammals. The San Diego Zoo has the Discovery Outpost Klauber-Shaw Reptile House with a wide variety of reptiles. The Safari Park has little to none selection of reptiles, so keep that in mind.
Tarantula in the San Diego Zoo.
Which park has bugs?
The San Diego Zoo has an Arthropods section, otherwise known as bugs. My kids love to see big tarantulas, butterflies, scorpions, beetles and all kinds of big bugs. These are mostly found at the San Diego Zoo, and not so much the Safari Park.
Antelope inside San Diego Zoo.
Final Thoughts…
Both parks are amazing, but almost all San Diego locals have a favorite one. Depending on your own zoo style and philosophy, there’s a strong case for visiting both (but not on the same day!). Drop a comment below and tell us which is your favorite park and why!
Camel in the San Diego Zoo.
Flamingos in the San Diego Zoo.
In the spirit of adventure and loving seeing animals out in the wild, have you ever considered a luxury safari? Embarking on a real-life safari promises an unparalleled adventure, where the wilderness becomes your playground and opulence merges seamlessly with nature's grandeur. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the savannah, only to be greeted by the day's first light illuminating a panorama of wildlife.
Africa Rocks exhibit in the San Diego Zoo.
Penguins inside the Africa Rocks exhibit in the San Diego Zoo.
Leopard Sharks inside the Africa Rocks exhibit in the San Diego Zoo.
Tropical Hibiscus flowers inside the San Diego Zoo.
Dwarf Crocodile inside the Africa Rocks exhibit in the San Diego Zoo.
Yellow Crotalus Simus venomous pit viper snake inside the San Diego Zoo.
Blue tree monitor lizard formally known as Varanus macraei inside the San Diego Zoo.
Book Your Stay in San Diego:
Enjoy a rooftop pool and skyscraper views during your stay at the Andaz Hotel in Downtown San Diego.
If you want a true Southern California beach vacation, book a gorgeous room at La Valencia which is just steps from the ocean.
Another coveted beachy vacation spot is the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, which is located next to a world-famous beach.
