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The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are two of the world's greatest wildlife experiences — and the 2-Visit Pass gives you entry to both for one discounted price. Use the pass for one visit to each park, or two visits to the same park — your choice. Tickets are valid for one year from purchase.

The San Diego Zoo, set in Balboa Park, houses over 3,500 animals from 650+ species including giant pandas, elephants, tigers, and gorillas. The Safari Park, 35 miles northeast in Escondido, offers an African savanna-style open landscape where giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and cheetahs roam across 1,800 acres. Book your 2-Visit Pass on Thrillark.

Key Highlights

  • San Diego Zoo: 3,500+ animals from 650+ species in beautifully landscaped Balboa Park habitats
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park: 1,800-acre open preserve replicating African and Asian landscapes
  • Africa Tram Safari: 30-minute narrated tram through elephant, giraffe, rhino, and zebra herds (Safari Park)
  • Giant pandas, Sumatran tigers, polar bears, gorillas, and California condors at the Zoo
  • Heart of Africa: 32-acre safari trail with lions, tigers, and rare species encounters
  • Use both visits separately or combine both parks for a full San Diego wildlife itinerary
  • Valid for 1 year from purchase — no expiry pressure
  • No advance reservation required for general admission

About 2-Visit Pass: San Diego Zoo + San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

The San Diego Zoo is widely regarded as one of the best zoos in the world. Set within the rolling landscape of Balboa Park, it combines extraordinary wildlife — over 3,500 animals representing 650+ species — with an immersive, naturalistic habitat design that allows for genuinely close encounters. Giant pandas are among the most sought-after residents; the zoo's long history of giant panda conservation makes it the definitive place to see them in the US.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a different kind of experience entirely. Rather than the traditional zoo layout, the Safari Park is an open landscape of 1,800 acres modelled on the African and Asian savannas. The Africa Tram — a 30-minute narrated tram tour included with admission — takes you through herds of giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and zebras roaming in semi-natural conditions. The Heart of Africa trail, a 32-acre walking safari, brings you within viewing distance of lions, tigers, cheetahs, and rare species from across the continent.

Your 2-Visit Pass gives you one visit to each park (or two visits to the same) with a 1-year validity window. Both parks are operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and represent some of the world's most important conservation work. Book on Thrillark and plan two of Southern California's most unforgettable days out.

Inclusions

  • Admission to San Diego Zoo
  • Admission to Safari Park 

Exclusions

  •  Premium guided safari experiences (Caravan Safari, Behind-the-Scenes tours) — available as paid add-ons
  •  Food and beverages at either park
  •  Hotel transfers and transportation
  •  Parking at both parks (paid separately — Balboa Park charges $16/vehicle/day from Jan 2026)
  •  Personal expenses and souvenirs

Insiders' Tips

Start your Safari Park day early (opening time) and head straight to the Africa tram queue before it builds. The tram gets very busy by mid-morning. At the Zoo, arrive at opening and head to the Giant Panda area first — pandas are most active in the morning hours. Both parks are large — wear comfortable walking shoes and plan to spend a full day at each. Check both parks' websites for seasonal show schedules before your visit.

Additional Information

Opening Hours
  • Both parks open daily year-round. Hours vary seasonally – check the official websites before your visit. 
  • Both parks are open on all major holidays.
 Child Policy
  • Children under the age of 3 enjoy free entry
  • Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult 
Pass Notes:
  • Non-transferable: both visits must be used by the same person
  • No reservation required: walk up to any ticket window with your pass
  • Visit both parks on the same day or on different days within 1 year of purchase
Accessibility:
  • Both parks are wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout. 
  • Stroller and wheelchair rentals available at the entrance of each park.

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable: All bookings are final once confirmed. Please review carefully before completing your purchase.

2-Visit Pass: San Diego Zoo + San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both visits on the same day?
Technically yes — the Zoo and Safari Park can both be visited on the same day. However, both parks are large enough to fill a full day each. For the best experience, we recommend visiting on separate days to fully enjoy each park.
What is the Africa Tram at the Safari Park?
The Africa Tram is a 30-minute narrated tram ride through the Safari Park's massive African habitat, where you'll see giraffes, elephants, rhinos, antelopes, and zebras roaming in open, semi-natural conditions. It's included with general admission and is one of the most popular experiences at the park.
How far is the Safari Park from the San Diego Zoo?
The Safari Park is approximately 35 miles northeast of the San Diego Zoo in Escondido — a 40–50 minute drive depending on traffic. Public transit options are limited; a car or rideshare is recommended.
Are giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo?
Yes — the San Diego Zoo has one of the most notable giant panda programs in the US and is the definitive place to see pandas in Southern California. Availability is subject to change; check the zoo's website before your visit.

Ratings & Reviews

2-Visit Pass: San Diego Zoo + San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

USD 148

Insiders’ Tips

Start your Safari Park day early (opening time) and head straight to the Africa tram queue before it builds. The tram gets very busy by mid-morning. At the Zoo, arrive at opening and head to the Giant Panda area first — pandas are most active in the morning hours. Both parks are large — wear comfortable walking shoes and plan to spend a full day at each. Check both parks' websites for seasonal show schedules before your visit.

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