How To Buy Discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets: Top 17 Ways - La Jolla Mom
I'm a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance member and a huge advocate of visiting San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I'll share why it's not your average zoo, but first, you'll want my insider tips for buying discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets through authorized sellers, including access to my exclusive promo code for 1-Day tickets.
I have to keep this deal unpublished because it's so low, but I'll show you how to get it. My readers and clients have used millions of dollars of these tickets over the years. But, sometimes, it might make more sense for you to buy a sightseeing pass or combo tickets. So, I'll share how to figure this out.
This way, you'll avoid trying online coupons and special offer links that do not work (there are many). The idea is to leave a little extra cash in your pocket to upgrade your day with animal encounters, safaris, sweet treats, or fun souvenirs. We fact-check our recommendations regularly and only discuss legitimate resources.
You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through some links in this post, I may be compensated. Our editorial guidelines.
ACCESS MY EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT
I have the best final price on San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets that is available to the general public, with no membership required, through my partnership with aRes Travel an authorized San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance ticket seller. For this reason, we can't publish the promo code online, but you can get it by text or email. The price is $66/adult and $56/child (ages 3–11) — all taxes and fees included!
*By texting the word SAFARI to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this agreement isn't a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Read my full privacy policy.
(You may still hear people refer to the park by its old name, San Diego Wild Animal Park, or as the Escondido Wild Animal Park.)
First, These Are San Diego Zoo Safari Park Ticket Prices at the Gate
First, learn how much San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets cost and what they include. You can jump to my discount code if you already know all of this.
General admission prices are consistent across authorized ticket sellers, which is why my promo code is so valuable. First, you need to know the gate San Diego Safari Park prices to understand the savings.
- 1-Day Passes – Any Day: $74/adults (ages 12+) and $64/child (ages 3-11). Get a $2 per ticket discount for buying online.
- 1-Day Passes – Value Dates (online only): $68/adults (ages 12+) and $58/child (ages 3-11).
- 2-Visit Passes: $124/adults (ages 12+) and $114/child (ages 3-11)
San Diego Zoo Safari Park charges a $2 per ticket administrative fee for purchasing admission online through them. You pay less overall with my discount code because taxes and fees are included in the price.
Admission includes the Africa Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences (subject to availability).
Parking Fees
San Diego Zoo Safari Park parking is $20 per vehicle and $38 for RV parking year-round. Preferred parking is available and starts at $38 per vehicle. You'll pay for parking when you arrive at the park. No $100 bills are accepted. I like to get there early because while I've never had issues parking, it's not a huge lot.
How to AnalyzE the savings
Some methods are better for those on longer San Diego vacations, while others are a better deal for day-trippers, but here is the bottom line:
- Decide whether you need a 1-Day ticket because you're only visiting the Safari Park. If so, you will save the most with my exclusive San Diego Zoo Safari Park discount code.
- If you also visit other San Diego attractions, you'll need to crunch the numbers to decide which sightseeing pass, combo ticket, or a la carte discount ticket purchases are best for you.
The most popular (and easiest) way to get discounted admission to San Diego attractions, including the Safari Park, is through my affiliation with San Diego-based aRes Travel. They are an authorized ticket seller that I am comfortable recommending because I know people in the company and use the tickets personally.
NOTE: The Safari Park charges a $2 per ticket transaction fee. Since my aRes tickets include taxes and fees, you are already coming out ahead. Passes can be printed at home or pulled up on a mobile device to skip the ticket line. Either way, the gate attendant will scan a QR code on your ticket.
If you want to buy 1-Day San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets, this is your best deal all-in. I will show you how to access it.
*By texting the word SAFARI to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this agreement isn't a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Read my full privacy policy.
2. Go Twice for Less with 2-Visit Passes
If you want to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park twice, do not buy two separate 1-Day tickets. You'll save significantly by purchasing the 2-Visit Pass. The pass must be used by the same person each time and is valid for one year from the day of purchase.
3. Go City San Diego Sightseeing Pass
Go San Diego is the most popular bundled attraction pass used by tourists and locals alike. With it, you can save up to 50% off admission to most of the top San Diego theme parks, museums, and attractions — including San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo.
It's extremely easy to buy and use. Just choose the pass option that gives you the best discount on the attractions you want to visit. You have two pass choices:
- Purchase admission to 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions with the Explorer Pass — OR —
- Choose the All-Inclusive pass, available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7-day options, which allows you to visit all included attractions.
- Get your pass on a mobile device through the app or print it at home.
- Show the pass at any participating attraction and you're in.
Once you buy your pass, it will appear on your phone and serve as your ticket. My discount below on All-Inclusive passes stacks on top of Go San Diego pass sale pricing for extra savings.
EXCLUSIVE LA JOLLA MOM DISCOUNT
Use promo code SDOJAN10SAVE to apply an extra 10% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! Expires 2/2/24. Prices increase in February!
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
4. Combo Ticket Packages with Other Theme Parks
You can enjoy deeper savings when you bundle your discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket with other theme parks in San Diego.
5. Save on Safaris — Upgrade Your Day
Safaris are upgraded experiences that you can pay extra for. You will still need to purchase San Diego Safari Park admission and parking in addition to the safaris. San Diego Zoo Safari Park tours are called "safaris" and are at an additional cost to your general admission. These safaris offer some of the best animal encounters in San Diego, and if you're a conservation or animal enthusiast, I would recommend them.
When you purchase through the park, prices for these exciting safari expeditions vary based on whether you attend on a value, standard, or peak day.
Through aRes Travel, I have access to good any-day safari prices. On peak days, these will be less expensive than buying directly, and on standard days, they are usually the same price.
6. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Vacation Packages
There are a couple of popular ways to combine San Diego Safari Park tickets with hotels near San Diego Zoo Safari Park for extra savings.
There are many reasons to stay in the Escondido area, where hotel prices can be more reasonable. But you can also bundle admission with hotels across San Diego County.
LOOK FOR PRICE DROP ALERTS!
When you shop the San Diego Zoo Safari Park vacation packages below, look for the special Price Drop alerts that indicate deeper hotel savings. The longer you stay, the more you save!
An Adventurer's Paradise at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
These 18 hotels are among the closest to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Bundle your stay with tickets to save more.
7. San Diego CityPASS
San Diego CityPASS offers an opportunity to bundle San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets with a handful of other experiences. It only makes sense if you'll visit LEGOLAND California and/or SeaWorld San Diego in addition to San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Here's how it works:
The pass types include:
- SeaWorld San Diego + 3 Attractions
- LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
- SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
The three attractions can be your choice of:
- San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park (not both)
- USS Midway Museum
- City Cruises
- Old Town Trolley Tours
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
I think Go San Diego provides more flexibility but which sightseeing pass you choose depends on your itinerary.
8. Free Kids Tickets in October (For Ages 11 & Under)
One of the best times to visit San Diego as a family is in October when kids eat, stay, and play for free at over 90 venues around town. Throughout the entire month, up to five kids ages 11 and under enjoy free admission to San Diego Zoo Safari Park when accompanied by a paying adult with a qualifying ticket
Tickets purchased with my exclusive discount code qualify for Kids Free October! Sightseeing passes typically do not qualify for the promotion. Kids free tickets include the Africa Tram and everything typically included with a 1-Day pass.
See also: Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
9. AAA Discount San Diego Safari Park Tickets
While this isn't the deepest discount available, AAA San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets are 10% off for members with valid membership cards. You can buy these at the ticket window for up to 6 people or check with your local branch to see if you can purchase them in advance.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance encourages people to arrive at their parks with tickets in hand as part of their increased health and safety measures. My deeper savings offers nearly the same discount and the tickets can be purchased online right now, saving a little bit of hassle.
10. Military Discounts and Free Tickets
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers special military discounts in the form of free passes for active-duty members and discounts for spouses and dependents. These discounts are currently available year-round, and you can take advantage of them more than once a year. If you are a military member or family reading this I would like to thank you for your service!
For Active-Duty U.S. Armed Forces Personnel
If you present a Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID card at the ticket window, you'll receive a free single-day pass to the Safari Park. Free tickets are for active-duty members.
For Military Families
Spouses and children of active-duty personnel who present a valid dependent ID card at the ticket window will receive a 10% discount on a single-day pass.
TIP: Your MWR Department may know of other discount programs for veterans and military members that can be applied to San Diego Zoo Safari Park admission.
11. Group Ticket Discounts
Groups that include 15 people or more and purchase tickets together can receive a 10% discount on single-day passes. Groups of 100 or more can get a 15% discount on their 1-Day Passes.
You can also arrange meal vouchers for your group for cashless transactions at participating restaurants. To expedite entry, I would highly suggest arranging your group discount before arriving. You can do this by calling the Reservation Sales Department at 619-718-3000. Group tickets are typically not available at the park entrance gates.
12. Teacher Discounts, School Field Trips, & Youth Groups
Teachers and other accredited educators who plan to bring their classes to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park can organize field trips for free or for a small fee by calling Safari Park directly at 760-738-5057.
San Diego County students and their chaperones are free during most school days. Some neighboring county school groups may pay a discounted price of $15 per student on regular school dates.
Youth groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts can also visit for a cheaper price. The price is $29.50 for each guest ages 17 and younger and $34.50 for each guest ages 18 and older, including chaperones.
Your group will need to be 15 or more people with a reservation made at least 14 days in advance. Read the details and requirements for these special offers.
13. Student Discounts
The Safari Park student discount applies to students ages 18 and older. Students who live in San Diego County receive 10% off San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, or Wildlife Protector Premium memberships.
Students who do not live in San Diego County will receive 10% off a Wildlife Protector or Wildlife Protector Premium membership.
These discounts can only be realized when purchasing memberships in person at the park using a student ID.
14. Senior Discounts – Free in February
During the month of February, guests aged 65 and up received free general admission to San Diego Zoo Safari Park. If you qualify for this discount, you will present your ID at a ticket booth window when you arrive at the park. Parking is not included. You can get the details for 2024.
Outside of the seniors free in February promotion, visitors who are 65 and older can get a 10% discount on memberships. Seniors age 65 and older who live in San Diego County receive a 10% discount on San Diego Resident, Resident Premium, Wildlife Protector, and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships. Seniors aged 65 and over who live outside San Diego County receive a 10% discount on Wildlife Protector and Wildlife Protector Premium memberships.
15. Travel Industry Discount Tickets
If you are a travel agent, airline employee, or cruise line employee, you can receive a 10% discount on a 1-Day Pass. You must present the required identification at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket booth window.
16. Gift Cards
While not part of a discount program, San Diego Zoo Safari Park gift cards let you give your favorite people the gift of visiting the park more often. Gift cards can be applied to regular passes, a safari experience, or even an annual membership. Gift card amounts start at $50.
See also: How to Buy Discounted Tickets to the San Diego Zoo
17. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Memberships
We have an annual San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance membership and believe it's of great value. Regular visitors should absolutely consider a San Diego Zoo Safari Park membership that will allow weekday or unlimited admission per year for one flat rate. The membership tiers and perks have been revised for 2021 and beyond. Here's what's new.
- All membership tiers (except for the San Diego Zoo Kids Club) receive Wild Perks benefits around the parks, which are discounts on food, merchandise, and more when showing your membership card. Discounts range from 5–15%, depending on your membership tier.
- If you're looking to cover multiple family members, adults choose the membership tier that is best for them. Kids ages 3–17 use the San Diego Zoo Kids Club annual membership ($71/year).
San Diego Resident and San Diego Resident Premium Passes
San Diego Zoo Safari Park annual passes are for San Diego County residents in these zip codes who would like to enjoy the Zoo and Safari Park as much as they like during a membership year. You have two membership types to choose from.
San Diego Resident: Get weekday-only admission to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park with some blackout dates. You'll also receive two 50% off admission coupons, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% Wild Perks discounts. ($99/adult – $71/child — $89.10/senior)
San Diego Resident Premium: Get unlimited admission to both parks and two 50% off admission coupons, exclusive member specials, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, and 5% off Wild Perks. ($129/adult – $71/child — $116/senior)
Membership Clubs
Wildlife Protector: This pass includes weekday admission to both parks with some blackout dates, one free 1-Day Pass, free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, and a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription. ($149/adult – $71/child – $134.10/senior)
Wildlife Protector Premium (Top Pick): This pass includes unlimited admission to both parks, one free 1-Day Pass, free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours. This is the pass that resembles the old Keeper's Club pass the most. ($169/adult – $71/child – $152.10/senior)
Wildlife Guardian: Get unlimited admission to both parks, two free 1-Day Passes, free parking, 10% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours, a 50% off Special Experience/Safari Tour, member appreciation day and access to special events. ($225/adult and $71/child)
Wildlife Champion: Passholders receive unlimited admission to both parks, two complimentary 1-Day Passes, free Preferred Parking at the Safari Park, 15% Wild Perks discounts, use of the Donor Club entrance, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal subscription, special early hours, two 50% off Special Experience/Safari Tour, priority boarding for the Bus Tour at the Zoo and Africa Tram at the Safari Park, member appreciation day and access to special events (including the annual "Evening with the Directors" event. ($425/adult and $71/child)
President's Clubs
Choose one of the President's Club donor club levels to get more out of our membership.
You'll receive everything in the Wildlife Champion membership and access to some pretty incredible special events filled with insider news and a closer look at some of the animals. The higher the level, the more exclusive experiences and events you're invited to at both parks.
We have been to many of these events, and they are pretty incredible for those who enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences and animal interactions. Memberships range from $1200–10,000.
Tip: Always check blockout dates! Certain membership levels have blockout dates that can include weekends, holidays, and random peak days.
What to Know Before Buying San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets
Here is what you need to know:
- Reservations are not required.
- You should purchase San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets (use my promo code for 1-Day tickets) and upgraded safaris in advance to minimize transactional contact while at the park.
- Take your valid admission ticket straight to the turnstiles for scanning.
- Check park policies during your visit.
- Locker rentals are available near the entrance at Safari Outfitters.
You can read more about the new procedures.
Other San Diego Zoo Safari Park Discounts for Saving Money Inside the Park
One of the other things people always want to know after purchasing admission is whether there are other ways to save while at the park.
WildPerks
Outside of the ticket deals mentioned above, an annual membership is the best way to save on purchases inside the park. Memberships include WildPerks, which provide San Diego Zoo Safari Park discounts on food and merchandise.
To give you an idea, San Diego Resident Premium passholders receive a WildPerks 5% discount. Wildlife Protector passholders receive a 10% discount.
Bring Your Own Food and Water
You can bring in food and drinks, which is one way to minimize costs. Park re-entry is permitted (get a hand stamp on your way out), so you can grab things from your car. But you can also put a small soft-sided cooler and snacks in a locker.
Be sure to avoid disposable straws (these are prohibited inside the park) and be very careful to manage trash that may harm the animals if blown away.
What Else to Spend Money On (Or Not)
I recommend planning to spend a few dollars on food to feed the ducks, especially if you visit with kids. Outside of this, you don't need to spend money in the park.
Where the Money Goes
Part of my job involves keeping an eye out for reliable San Diego Safari Park coupons, cheap admission tickets, and discount codes, so if they exist, they'll be listed in this post.
However, if you spend money in the park, every dollar you spend goes to operating costs and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's amazing conservation initiatives as a nonprofit organization.
FAQs About San Diego Safari Park Tickets & More
These are the questions about San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket prices and admission that I receive the most in my inbox.
Is there a First Responders or Essential Workers Ticket Discount?
In September 2019 and 202, the park celebrated Firefighter Appreciation Month by giving active firefighters free 1-Day tickets upon presenting a firefighter identification card and a photo ID. Up to six accompanying family members or friends can receive 10% off of 1-Day tickets as well.
This promotion did not occur in 2023, however, there are discounts of up to 20% on tickets at shop.id.me.
Is There a Costco Discount
People often ask me if they can get San Diego Safari Park Costco tickets thanks to false information online. I haven't seen cheap tickets at my local store, which is one of the largest Costcos in San Diego. You can check online because availability may change.
Costco has removed the theme park ticket section from its website and has stopped selling tickets to major theme parks across the country. Some people report that tickets appear seasonally, but I haven't seen them.
Can I Buy San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets at the Gate?
Yes, purchasing San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets at the gate is possible. You will pay full price.
Which Is Cheaper, San Diego Zoo or Safari Park?
The price of admission to San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park is exactly the same. The main cost difference between the two parks is that parking is free at San Diego Zoo, but not at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Do You Need Reservations For San Diego Safari Park?
No. Reservations are not required to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park or San Diego Zoo. Tickets are valid for one year after purchase.
Is There an AZA Reciprocal Discount?
No. San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) but the park does not participate in the reciprocal admissions program.
The AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program means that if you are a member of an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, you can receive free or discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in this program. You can check the list of participants.
Does Costco Sell San Diego Safari Park Tickets?
No. Costco has not sold San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets for some time. However, it doesn't hurt to check your local store. You will not find them on their website either.
What About Groupon?
Groupon sometimes sells tickets to the Safari Park but not at a discounted price. There are none available at the time of this writing.
Is There an AARP Discount?
No, there is no AARP discount. Seniors age 65 or older can receive 10% off memberships. There are no senior discounts on 1-Day or 2-Day passes.
Can You Drive Through San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
No. While there are other safari parks across the United States where you can drive your car through to see animals, this park is not set up like that.
You can book the Caravan Safari, which will drive you into the African Plains to see rhinos, giraffes, and other animals up close. Or, you can take the Africa Tram around the park.
How much are San Diego Safari Park tickets?
A 1-Day Pass to the park costs $71 for guests 12 years and older and $61 for guests 3-11 years old if purchased online. Children ages 2 and under are free. You can save on one-day tickets using my promo code.
Are tickets separate for San Diego Zoo and Safari Park?
Yes. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, but they are separate parks with separate tickets.
(Note: I have heard of people accidentally buying tickets for one park that were able to use them at the other park. I highly suggest avoiding this. Make sure that you buy the correct tickets for each park.)
Is there a San Diego Zoo and Safari Park package?
Yes, there are several multi-park passes you can purchase. The 2-Visit Pass gets you admission into both the Zoo and the Safari Park (one visit each) or two visits to either park.
The All-Inclusive Go San Diego Card provides admission to more than 55 local attractions including both San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks. Its cost depends on how many days you'll use the pass for.
How can I get San Diego Zoo Safari Park discount tickets?
Request my secret ticket discount code for cheaper 1-Day tickets (mentioned above). That is the best deal for single-day admission. You can also use my other advice for taking advantage of military, AAA discounts, and more.
What does a San Diego Safari Park ticket include?
A San Diego Safari Park ticket gets you into the park with access to all open public exhibits, favorites like the Cheetah Run, unlimited rides on the Africa Tram, and all regularly scheduled shows. You may upgrade your day with various safaris at an additional cost.
Are there San Diego resident discounts?
San Diego County residents who live in zip codes 91900–92899 are eligible to purchase annual passes at a cheaper price.
Annual passes are the only way that residents can save a little bit more on tickets, dining, and merchandise in the park. Anyone, including SD residents, can get a better price by using my promo code on tickets.
Is there a Safari Park and LEGOLAND package?
San Diego Zoo Safari Park and LEGOLAND ticket packages are very popular for those staying in North County San Diego. Visit these two San Diego attractions with an All-Inclusive or Explorer Go San Diego pass.
You can also bundle these two parks with San Diego Zoo tickets or San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego at aRes Travel.
How do I use an aRes Travel ticket?
It's so easy. I buy these tickets myself. All you need to do is pull your ticket up on a mobile device and the park will scan its QR code at the turnstiles. Alternatively, you can take a printed copy, which you will receive immediately after purchase by email, and they'll scan the QR code on your printed copy. With an aRes Travel ticket, you can go straight to the gate and skip the ticket booth queues.
Where can I find San Diego Wild Animal Park ticket discounts?
The best San Diego Wild Animal Park ticket discounts are secured by using my promo code for San Diego Safari Park tickets because they are the same place! San Diego Wild Animal Park is the Safari Park's former name.
Why You Should Visit & What to See
You can feel good about visiting this park and will leave it with a deeper understanding of its important conservation initiatives.
It's the world's largest veterinary hospital, home to a Frozen Zoo (from which they plan to bring the white rhino back from extinction, for example), and their research is shared with organizations worldwide to help save native species.
Not to mention you'll enjoy one-of-a-kind views of zebras, camels, cheetahs, gorillas, giraffes, lions, meerkats, tigers, warthogs, wild cattle, and more in free-range enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats closely. Some of my many favorite highlights include:
- The wallabies that freely jump around you in Walkabout Australia.
- The only platypuses outside of Australia (you will see my name on the wall in this exhibit)
- Feeding rhinos during the Caravan Safari (an upgraded experience).
- Tiger Trail.
- Condor Ridge to appreciate how instrumental the park was in saving the California condor from extinction.
More San Diego Zoo Safari Park Resources for Your Visit
I've been visiting for over two decades, so I have a lot of recommendations to help maximize your day in the park.
