Top 10 Legit San Diego Zoo Ticket Discounts – Chart


Find your best San Diego Zoo discount ticket deal instantly. My price chart is auto-updated for AAA, Groupon, Tripadvisor, Costco, etc. Plus two more that consistently offer the best zoo and Safari Park deals and how they do it. Save hours of web searching. But first a few basics…

Buying San Diego Zoo discount tickets online from the zoo and approved sellers saves money. Deals greater than 9% off have restrictions. Be cautious with extreme deals. 50% Coupons and Guest Passes are bundled with some memberships. Seniors get 10% off. Active US military, and kids in October get in free.

If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated. Read my Advertising Disclosure for more info. Thanks! ~ Nancy

*Save with a secret promo code on each San Diego Zoo or Safari Park 1-Day Pass. Go any day. Go directly to the gate. Click HERE to get your code, instructions & discounted tickets by email. By clicking the link above you agree to receive an automated email message. Valid only at aRes Travel, San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller. Read my full privacy policy.

Today’s Top Discount San Diego Zoo Tickets Chart

I’ve included the URLs in this chart so that you can quickly check my figures for their discount on a 1-day pass to San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

TOP 10 SAN DIEGO ZOO DISCOUNTSPrices Adult/KidRestrictions
1-DAY PASS – GATE PRICE $74 / 64
– San Diego Zoo online $72 / 62
aRes Travel San Diego $72 / 62 see best deal with code Get 9% more off the publicly posted price with this secret Coupon Code
Funex $56 / 48 You need an Employee Access Code (EAC) from your employer
AAA discount$66 / 57Must be an AAA member. Buy at gate.
– CostcoUnavailable since 2010. See note below.
Groupon $72 / 62
Tripadvisor $72 / 62
Undercover Tourist $72 / 62
Viator $72 / 62
Tripster $72 / 62

This comprehensive guide also provides the best tips and strategies for scoring discounted San Diego Zoo tickets in 2023. I’ll cover when discounts are available, who is eligible, authorized sellers, memberships, combo deals, and more. Follow these methods to save up to 50% or more on zoo admission!


aRes – Best San Diego Zoo Ticket Deal for Anyone

Get an exclusive 9% discount on aRes Travel’s 1-Day Pass in San Diego with an unpublished San Diego Zoo discount code, available only for SanDiegoing.com readers. Buy anytime before entry without the restrictions often seen in other deals.

You do not have to be a member of a particular association, work at a specific employer, or get lucky in your purchase timing.

How can aRes offer cheaper tickets?

Because aRes Travel has worked with the San Diego Zoo since 1996. They helped the zoo develop its first Internet ticket-selling system. This long-standing partnership continues to their mutual benefit. And since their president is a nice guy, he’s allowing me to pass this on to you.

Cartoon man proud of getting a great deal on San Diego Zoo discount tickets. He's  petting a large pink piggy bank with a gold coin in front of a San Diego Zoo sign

Here’s why I like them:

  • They’ve helped many thousands of San Diego visitors just like you save money with worry-free discounted Zoo tickets
  • 100% guaranteed authentic tickets. Obtained directly from the Zoo, Safari Park, and other attractions like LEGOLAND, SeaWorld San Diego, Disneyland, and many other southern California attractions
  • They’re always cheaper than San Diego Zoo gate prices Ask for your exclusive SanDiegoing discount code HERE.
  • Automatic email delivery to your inbox. 
  • Go straight to the gate. No endless waiting in line at the ticket sales window
  • Up to 30% savings on accommodation/ticket bundles for multiple theme parks and 100’s of hotels
  • They’re a San Diego company so they’ve got long-standing relationships with the zoo, local hotels, and attractions
  • Their CEO is a nice guy who took the time to answer my questions when I stopped by their office in Pacific Beach. At that time this website had exactly 3 regular readers, and one of them was my mom.

They charge a $2 online convenience fee ($1 + the Zoo’s $1 online fee) for Zoo tickets. But that’s ok because you can talk to a real person if you need help by calling 800-719-8961. Google them to check out their great online reviews.


FunEx Has Very Cheap San Diego Zoo Tickets But…

You have to be working at an employer that is partnering with FunEx. Ask for an Employee Access Code (EAC) from your Human Resources department. Then you can log onto the FunEx website and use it to get almost 24% off of the zoo adult gate price.

How can Funex offer such inexpensive tickets for access to the zoo? They utilize the zoo’s corporate rates for groups of 100+ to offer you admission tickets at a considerable discount. 


How San Diego Zoo AAA Discount Works

10% off a 1-Day Pass – This discount ticket offer is only good at the park. You must present your American Automobile Association (AAA) Club card at the zoo ticket window before paying to get your ten percent off. The deal is good for you and 5 more in your party.

Keep in mind that you cannot combine a AAA discount with any other coupons or offers. So you can’t use it during the Kids Free in October event. 

But you CAN use my aRes Travel discount code (Just ask me and I’ll automatically email it to you. Save yourself a bit of cash. Load the ticket onto your mobile device (or print it). Skip the ticket window line!


Costco San Diego Zoo Tickets

1-Day Pass – Costco discount San Diego Zoo coupons are a bit like Bigfoot. Everyone’s heard about people who have seen them. And it’s plausible because Costco sometimes has insane deals. But they vanish into the mist when you go looking for them. Here are a few helpful facts:

  • Due to the Zoo’s policy of equal pricing among authorized sellers, these Costco discounts might not be available anymore. The last online reference is from 2010.
  • Check Costco’s Ticket Savings page for current offers, but be aware that special deals are unicorn rare. Non-Costco members can buy tickets on their website with a 5% surcharge and shipping fees.
  • An old PDF for the Go San Diego Card is on Costco’s site, but recent searches mostly yield restaurant discounts. For the Go San Diego Card, visit aRes, a local authorized ticket seller.

Groupon’s “70% Off” Headline is Misleading Clickbait

When Groupon says, “Deals Up to 70% Off” they’re correct. Especially the “up to” part. Their price is the same as the zoo’s ‘buy it online’ one. You’ll only save 2.8% off the gate price. Get my exclusive Coupon Code to save almost 10% instead.


Should You Buy At The Rest of the Top 10?

Tripadvisor, Undercover Tourist, and Tripster often have the same posted 1-Day Pass prices. They are always the same as what the San Diego Zoo offers for online purchases.

Tripadvisor and Viator are both the same company.

If getting the best discount isn’t important to you, buy directly through the zoo’s website. More money will go towards caring for the animals than into some big corporation’s bank account.


How to Get San Diego Zoo Free Tickets

The best-discounted deal at San Diego Zoo is free entry, right? Here’s a chart that shows you your options, eligibility details, and when tickets are valid.

SAN DIEGO ZOO FREE TICKET OPTIONSRestrictions
1-DAY TICKETS
– Kids under 3yrs oldWith a paid adult
– Kids FREE OctoberOnly during October with a paid adult. Other terms apply.
– Seniors FREEOnly in February at Safari Park
– Guest PassesAvailable from annual pass holders who like you…a lot.
– Gift CardsAvailable from the zoo. Or order at aRes Travel for less and surprise someone
– Shoppers PassTime at zoo is limited to 30 minutes
– Military FREEActive duty status only
– Teachers FREE1 free supervising adult is allowed for every 4 students. There’s a 15 student minimum.

Kids Free Under 3 Years Old

All children up to 35 months old are always free with a paid adult. They’ll love their experience at the San Diego Zoo. If you’re going on any guided tours, the Skyfari, Kangaroo Bus, or the free bus tour you’ll have to have them on your lap. You may also have to leave your pram behind. Read my article on what you can bring into the zoo for more details.

How Kids Free October at the San Diego Zoo Works

During October, kids under 12 years old can get in free to the San Diego Zoo. They must be accompanied by an adult. There’s a limit of 5 children per paid adult. The best deal for this month is to buy a discounted adult ticket that allows you to bring in children for free. My exclusive discount code from aRes Travel is ideal because it can be combined with the free kids offer.

Unfortunately, your Southern California CityPASS, Go San Diego, and Balboa Park Explorer Passes are not eligible for special events like this. You also can’t use a AAA discount because it cannot be combined with any other offers. You’ll have to purchase a separate adult ticket.

EXPECT LONGER WAIT TIMES ON OCTOBER WEEKENDS. I recommend that you get to the Zoo early in October. Preferably when it opens. Wait times on Saturdays & Sundays can be up to 30 minutes.

Discover more kid fun for less! Check out my page where I uncover all the discount ticket deals at Sesame Place San Diego for you.

Is February Free for Seniors at San Diego Zoo?

San Diego Zoo does not have a February Free month for people over 65. 

However, San Diego Zoo Safari Park has done this. 1-Day Passes are free there for seniors all through February. But these tickets have to be purchased at the gate. Present a valid photo ID with a birthdate showing that you’re over 65 at a ticket window in the Escondido animal park. Only one pass per senior. Standard parking fees still apply.

San Diego Zoo Guest Passes – Finding & Using Them

Complimentary Guest Passes (aka guest admission coupons) are a terrific way to see the San Diego Zoo for free. But you have to know someone who’s a zoo member with guest pass privileges. And they have to like you enough to give you one (or two) of the free San Diego Zoo entry coupons that they got with their annual membership.

You do NOT have to be with a member to enter the park using a San Diego Zoo Guest Pass.

If you know a member, express your interest and consider offering a favor in return for their free entry coupons. It’s best to ask close to when their membership renews, as they’re more likely to have unused passes towards the end of the year.

Avoid buying Complimentary Guest Passes being resold online. Reselling them is considered fraud by the San Diego Zoo and may result in the passes being rejected without refund or compensation. Zoo members who do this may have their membership revoked.

San Diego Zoo Military – Active Duty Status Free

FREE 1 Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo

All active duty US military personnel can get 1 Day Passes free when they present their Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card at the Zoo gate. Complimentary admission will not be granted without that ID. 

See my notes below for Military Family Discounts.


San Diego Zoo Memberships – Save More

You can save up to 99.6% off the standard 1-Day Pass price if you enjoy the zoo daily for a year with the Resident Adult Premium San Diego Zoo membership. The cost is 29 cents per daily visit.  But what if you don’t want to come every day?

If you want to visit often on weekends, buy the San Diego Resident Premium Adult membership ($109). If you plan to see the animals during the week, purchase the San Diego Resident Adult Membership ($95). This membership level has all weekends and major holidays blacked out, that’s 123 days. Yes, I counted them all on their blackout date calendar. You can find the current year’s blackout dates calendar in the membership sections HERE.

Here’s the link to the San Diego Zoo annual membership page. It contains options from $85 to $10,000 per year for renewing members. Your annual membership card is good for both the Zoo and Safari Park.

Bob and I are Wildlife Protector Premium members. We find that’s the best deal for us because we often visit Safari Park as well and that membership level gives us free parking there. We usually visit the San Diego Zoo at least once per week. We always visit the giraffes, cheetahs, koalas, Amur leopards, and penguins in Africa Rocks. Stopping for a bowl of ice cream at Sabertooth Grill and elephant-watching in their shaded courtyard tops our exotic mini-weekend getaway.

One of the primary benefits of the annual memberships at the Protector level and above is that they come with free Guest Admissions coupons. Each of these printed passes is good for one person for a one-time visit. Guests using these coupons can enter without the member being present. 


A San Diego Zoo Shoppers’ Pass Will Get You In Free, But…

The catch is that you must pay for the 1-Day Pass. You’ll only get a refund if you return to the ticket booth window and ask for the Shoppers’ refund within 30 minutes. Or you can tell any shop employee that you need more time and they’ll extend your time to 60 minutes. 

Remember to leave for the gate about 10 minutes early. It can take that long to go from the Zoo exit to the ticket sales booth. And sometimes you’ll have to wait in line at the ticket sales booth.


50% Off Tickets for San Diego Zoo®

This half-off San Diego Zoo admission deal is for real. But you can only get them from someone who has an annual membership.

These discounted tickets are easier to find than the free Guest Passes. Most of the annual membership options include 2 of these per year. Ask the zoo members in your family, friends, and acquaintances if they have coupons that they have not used or plan to use.

My warning against purchasing Guest Passes online applies to these as well. It’s a good way to get scammed.


San Diego Zoo Group Discounts Help You Save More

10% Off the 1-Day Pass for groups of 15 or more paying visitors. This is great for large family gatherings, social group excursions, business team-building, or networking events. For youth group discounts, see the Zoo’s Field Trip page.

15% off the 1-Day Pass for groups of 100 or more. But make sure that you call the Zoo’s Reservation Sales Department at 619-718-3000 beforehand. They’ve also got meal vouchers that can be purchased at participating Zoo restaurants. this may help your group members save on purchasing entrees à la carte.


San Diego Zoo Tickets Senior Discount

Get 10% off a 1-Day Pass for guests over 65 at the gate. Seniors, present your valid ID with your birth date at a zoo ticket window. It’s that easy!


How Much Are San Diego Zoo Tickets At The Gate?

San Diego Zoo 1-Day Passes purchased at the gate are: 

  • $71 for adults
  • $61 for children up to 12 years old
  • FREE for toddlers and infants under 3 years old with a paid adult

There are also tickets that include the 4D Theater Experience — San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass Plus

  • $78 for adults
  • $68 for children up to 12 years old
  • FREE for toddlers and infants under 3 years old with a paid adult

What do San Diego Zoo tickets include?

San Diego Zoo 1-day passes include:

  • Free Parking
  • Guided Bus Tour
  • Kangaroo Bus
  • Skyfari
  • Keeper Talks
  • Animal Encounters
  • Zoo Zones Animal Exhibits
  • Shows (except 4D Theater)

For more details, I’ve written everything you’d want to know about what you get with your zoo admission fee. It’s on my page comparing the zoo vs. Safari Park.


1 DAY PASSES

Rex the lion statue in front of the San Diego Zoo entrance.

Save up to 9% off their published price for 1-Day Passes to the San Diego Zoo.

The tickets are easy to use. 

  • Click HERE and I’ll send you a one-time email with the promo code
  • Click this link to go to the aRes Zoo Tickets page. 
  • Use the promo code at checkout
  • Your tickets will be emailed to you after purchase
  • Print out your tickets or show them on your mobile device at the gate
  • The Zoo ticket attendant will scan the QR code
  • You enter the Zoo and have a wonderful time 

Discounted 1-Day San Diego Zoo Passes


2 VISIT PASS

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park entrances

Save $20 off buying each adult pass separately at the gate. It allows you to spend 2 days at either San Diego Zoo or Safari Park or 1 day at each. And you

You do have to use both tickets within 1 year of the purchase date. Parking fees at San Diego Safari Park are not included. San Diego Zoo parking is free.

San Diego Zoo 2 Visit Pass: 

  • $118 per adult
  • $108 for children under 13 years old

ZOO MULTI-ATTRACTION TICKET BUNDLES

Legoland California, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park Combo Deal

Three photos with deckled borders. San Diego Zoo entrance. Legoland entrance with characters. Safari Park entrance.

Save $24.80 for each adult and child vs buying each of these tickets separately. You get a 1-day pass to each of these popular attractions. Parking at Safari Park is not included.

This is a great bundle for a 3-day weekend getaway. Each of these attractions has enough to hold your interest for a full day. And kids will love it. 

Legoland California, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park Combo:

  • $224.99 per adult
  • $204.99 for children under 13 years old

Or call 800-719-8961 and let them help you make arrangements for your trip.


HOTEL AND ZOO MULTI-ATTRACTION PACKAGES

I’ve written about the best 3 kid-friendly, budget hotels near San Diego Zoo. All of them have the following hotel packages.

San Diego Zoo Fab4 hotel and zoo discount ticket and hotel bundle. With koala, rhino, orca and lego figure.

Fab4 – The Best of San Diego Adventure Package

SAVE up to 30% when you customize and build your own San Diego vacation package.

This package comes with a fantastic selection of tickets to four of San Diego’s most exciting theme parks: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND California, all bundled together with comfortable hotel accommodations for your convenience.

It’s simple. Click to the Fab4 offer page. Then 1) choose the dates you’ll be staying. 2) Select your hotel and room. Here are my picks for family-friendly, cheap hotels near San Diego Zoo. 3) Select the number of tickets for your group.


Lions, Tigers, and Baby Elephants, Oh My! – The San Diego Zoo or Safari Park Package

Collaged images of a tiger, elephant and baby, lion and the San Diego Hard Rock hotel.

You can save up to 30% off if you book your hotel and a San Diego Zoo 2 Visit Pass together. Of course the discount depends upon which hotel you choose. 

This deal is perfect for a short staycation for locals or a quick getaway for those traveling from Los Angeles or Orange counties. Choosing a hotel may be a difficult choice though, there’s over 110 to choose from. My advice is stay close to where you’d like to spend your evenings. 

If you’re looking for more of San Diego’s wild side, stay in the Gaslamp Quarter at the Horton Grand Hotel (scroll down the linked aRes page a bit to find this one). This historic boutique hotel has fireplaces in every room. And you’ll be right in the middle of our nightlife district. 

Or call 800-719-8961 and let them help you create a memorable weekend.


San Diego Family Fun Vacation Package

Leopard and her cub on a branch at San Diego Zoo.

This bundle is kid-friendly and up to 30% off on your hotel plus San Diego Zoo and other attractions. This build-your-own custom package includes the Safari Park and the Old Town Trolley hop-on, hop-off tour, and many more San Diego sights. Many of the hotels have FREE breakfast and parking. 

One of the over 125+ hotels featured in this deal is the very family-friendly Paradise Point Resort & Spa (scroll to the bottom of the hotel page). It’s a tropical-themed resort with a restaurant, 5 pools, a spa, and activities including those at a private marina where you and the family can enjoy kayaks, jet skis, and sailboats. It’s the perfect spot to recuperate after a long day walking through the Zoo. 

Or call 800-719-8961 and let them help you customize great family memories.

Other Hotel and attractions bundles from aRes Travel.


Public Service & Associations

Military Family Discounts

Screenshot of MCCS Camp Pendleton Latitudes Travel & Information Tickets & Tours home screen.

10% Off 1 Day Pass at the gate for spouses and immediate family members when you present your valid dependent ID card at any ticket window.

But your family members can get a larger discount (15% – 20%) if you purchase your tickets from your local base’s Ticket and Travel Office. The amount varies by location.

Your base’s travel office also offers cheaper prices on 2-Day San Diego Zoo Admission Bundles and annual memberships. Check the current price list from Camp Pendleton HERE. Scroll down to the “Download ITT Price List” button to see it.


San Diego Zoo Discounts for Veterans & Retired Military

15% – 20% off 1 Day Pass – MUST BUY ON BASE. The 100% discount at the San Diego Zoo gate is only offered to active military. San Diego Zoo Tickets for retired military must be bought them directly from your local base at the Ticket and Travel Office. 

You can also find cheaper prices on 2 Day San Diego Zoo Admission Passes and annual memberships. Here’s the link to the Camp Pendleton list HERE. Scroll down to the “Download ITT Price List” button to see it.


San Diego Zoo Tickets Law Enforcement San Diego Zoo Discount

San Diego Police Officers Association logo art

18% off 1 Day Pass – MUST BUY THROUGH SDPOA.org. There are no direct San Diego Zoo discounts for San Diego law enforcement personnel and their families. But there is a significant price reduction if you purchase your tickets through the San Diego Police Officers Association website. Login, click on the Members tab and you’ll see the Theme Park Tickets category.

Once on the SDPOA.org members’ tab you’ll see these ticket deals:

1 Day Passes:

  • $49 for Adults 
  • $39 for children 3-11 years old

2 Day Admission Passes:

  • $89.60 for Adults
  • $79.60 for children 3-11

Tickets purchased through SDPOA.org will be delivered via email or sent to your mobile device. 


Are There Any San Diego Zoo Ticket Discounts for Firefighters?

There are no firefighters’ discounts for the San Diego Zoo. But…

Active US firefighters with a valid ID can get a free 1 Day Pass for the San Diego Safari Park during September “Firefighters Appreciation Month”. This is in honor of all the work that they’ve done protecting that park from local brush fires. 

For complimentary entry to Safari Park, you must present your active firefighter ID with a photo (could be either a department ID or Union ID) and a matching personal valid identification like a driver’s license at a ticket window. You cannot get this discount by phone or online.


Firefighters’ Family Discounts at San Diego Zoo

There are no 1 Day Pass San Diego Zoo discounts for the families of firefighters. 

However, during September, San Diego Safari Park offers 10% off each admission for up to 6 people accompanying an active duty US firefighter who has a valid department or union photo ID.


Are AZA Member Discounts Available at the San Diego Zoo?

There is no AZA member discount at the San Diego Zoo. SDZ Global is not part of the reciprocal American Zoological Association program. 

It is a member in good standing of AZA. But unlike many of the other member zoos, it is fully self-supporting and does not receive any city, state or federal funding. It’s conservation mission is funded primarily through gate admissions and sales within the zoo and Safari Park. 


Travel Industry Ticket Deals at the San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Airline and Cruise Lines Employee Discounts

Airline and cruise company employees and one guest get 10% off 1 Day Pass at San Diego Zoo. You cannot get this deal if you pay online or by phone. To take advantage of this offer present your company-issued photo ID or CLIA card before paying at the zoo ticket window. 


San Diego Zoo Travel Agent Discounts

People in the travel industry get 10% off 1 Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo. This also applies to one guest. It doesn’t matter if you’re a travel agent, wholesaler or tour operator. All you need to do is show your up-to-date IATAN ((International Airlines Travel Agent Network) or IATA card with a photo ID prior to paying at any Zoo ticket window. 


Educators Can Get in Free at the San Diego Zoo If…

They Bring Their Students

Teachers who are supervising students on a curriculum-focused field trip can get in free. In fact, 1 free supervising adult is allowed for every 4 students. There’s a 15 student minimum. Please check the Zoo’s education and field trips link HERE for information and online applications. Double-check for black-out dates, geographical limitations, and other restrictions that you need to know about.

California educators are encouraged to check the CTA Member Benefits website for discounts and offers that you can use to visit the zoo on a personal trip or vacation.  


How to Get Your San Diego Zoo Student Discount

Students get 10% off 1 Adult 1 Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo. This deal is available for all students 12 years of age and older. These passes can only be purchased in person. You must present your valid student ID before payment at any ticket window.

They are good for high school students as well as college and those pursuing graduate degrees. And to answer your question before you ask, the following university IDs are valid for the reduced price entry.

  • UCSD
  • UCLA
  • USC
  • UCI

Is There A Residents’ Discount for San Diego Zoo Tickets?

There are no 1-Day Pass San Diego Zoo deals for locals. However, San Diego Zoo Global does have annual memberships that offer significant savings for California residents in San Diego County zip codes. These zip codes cover southern California from the Mexican border up through Anaheim. 


How to Avoid Online San Diego Zoo Ticket Scams 

cartoon drawing of a masked online criminal at his computer.

1) The first rule to avoid being the target of a fraudulent San Diego Zoo discount ticket scheme is DON’T GET GREEDY. If the deal sounds too good to be true it probably is.

2) Deal locally, face to face. You can avoid most scams this way according to the Craigslist About Scams page

3) Pay with a system that protects your identity and offers buyer protections like Google Wallet, Apple Pay, or Payoneer. If you use PayPal, make sure that you add on the Buyer Protection fee. That’s only a per-transaction fee of 3.1% + $0.30. That’s a very cheap price for peace of mind. 


San Diego Zoo Prohibits Ticket Resales

The San Diego Zoo states on every ticket that they are non-refundable and are not supposed to be re-sold. Unused memberships, complimentary tickets, and guest coupons cannot be transferred either per the legal terms of the San Diego Zoo annual membership agreement.

While I do recognize that sometimes people buy tickets in advance and cannot use them due to emergencies I also realize that it doesn’t happen often. There’s a good chance that the cheap zoo ticket listing that you’re looking at is a scam.

Buying unused memberships is especially foolish. Members must show a photo ID along with their annual membership cards at the gate to enter. If you’ve bought an unused membership online your ID won’t match what’s in the Zoo’s membership database. 


Is Craigslist a Safe Place to Buy San Diego Zoo Tickets?

Purchasing cheap San Diego Zoo tickets on Craigslist is a gamble. I am not aware of any authorized ticket sellers that list their inventory online on Craigslist.  Even if they are legitimate, unused tickets you’re dealing with someone who has already broken their agreement with the Zoo. 

If you do choose to purchase your San Diego Zoo ticket on Craigslist PLEASE read this page first! Here’s a link to Craigslist’s Avoiding Scams page.

Some people have had success if the Craigslist post says “pay after entry”. That usually means that the person selling the entry pass is a member who is selling their guest passes. The zoo member brings you in through the gate as their guest and you pay them the agreed amount after you’re inside. 

eBay – Looking for cheap San Diego Zoo tickets on eBay is risky. Go to their Security Center page and their  How to recognize scams section and stay safe when you buy online.

Reddit –  I’ve seen a few meet-ups and deals for San Diego Zoo passes made in these forums. However, they’ve been mostly the “pay after entry” variety. 


Where to Find Printed San Diego Zoo Coupons

Local magazines and coupon newsletters sometimes offer significant coupon deals. If you live in San Diego check your mailbox. Staying at a hotel? Take a look at the brochures and flyers near the front desk.

The almost 10% discounts in this type of publication may be a thing of the past. It may be due to cost-cutting measures instituted by the Zoo after the COVID-19 closures. Or it could be because of the new policy of price parity among authorized ticket sellers. 

Clipper Magazine – This direct-mail publication has printed $5 off coupons for the Zoo in the past. But I haven’t seen any coupons there since late 2019. 

Get1Free Coupon Magazine is another direct mailer that’s also printed fiver discounts off for the San Diego Zoo. And like the Clipper, those coupons have not been available since the COVID lockdowns. 


Closing Thoughts on San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets

I’m a member of the zoo, so I save every time I visit. But I totally understand the desire to buy cheaper tickets. Saving money makes my inner frugalista happy. You’re probably the same.

But please keep in mind that the Zoo is a fully self-supported non-profit that is dedicated to ending extinction world-wide. It’s able to do it’s conservation work because you contribute by buying tickets. So take legitimate discounts, but don’t cheat. Bragging about stealing from animals facing extinction is not a good look on your social media feed.

Orangutan with white type which says, "I don't always give tips on getting cheap San Diego Zoo tickets...But when I do, it's on SanDiegoing.com. Stay Thrifty My Friends."

I hope that between my San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets chart and the detailed explanations of each savings option, you can find a cheaper entry pass that works for you. Now go and get a great deal for yourself with one of these San Diego Zoo discount ticket options.

Nancy Ulrich

I'm nuts...about animals, polymer clay, mixed media art & husband Bob. Happily planted in San Diego among good friends, family that I would have chosen if given the choice and optimism for a bountiful future for us all.

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