I've typed this in a FB group, any corrections or feedback are welcome!!
*This is ever changing and I'll update with suggestions or better info as we go!! This is as of 6/6/25.
**MP1, MP2, are Map Locators, they are Red Circles on the Map that correlate to the Red Circles markers around the zoo.
***Download the San Diego Zoo app for maps and directions!!
****Always verify prices and any closures on the Zoo's website!
Here is how I typically navigate the zoo:
1, Treetops to see Orangutans, then past Zoo Brew coffee/beer, through Parker Avairy.
2, 2 lefts uphill, right at the restrooms to the Pygmy Hippo area.
3, Continue downhill to Gorillas.
4, Now at the Bashor bridge that crosses over Panda Ridge. I cross it and turn to the right for Elephant Odyssey.
5, When you get to the bus road near the California Condors, keep right, the path splits into a Y, go right as it connects back after.
6, At MP9, go right downhill to Africa Rocks, until you get to the Bashor Bridge again, take the elevator up.
7, Cross again and go left for Polar bears, after go up the hill to the SkyFari (Gondolas) and take that to the front of the Zoo.
8, You are right in Wildlife Explorers Basecamp aka WEB (splash pad, play areas, 1pm Presentation, 2 indoor buildings with many exhibits), once finished there head out under the SkyFari.
9, To the left is the Wegeforth Bowl (2pm show) past the Humming Bird Habitat and Komodo Kingdom.
10, Continue to the right is The Reptile Walk, it loops down and back up to the same area.
11, When back in the Central Plaza you can stay to your left to get back to the front of the zoo and bypass the reptile house, or go into the Reptile House (a square building you can walk around to all 4 sides).
12, Then back across the front plaza, to the left past Map Locator 4 (FYI upgrade to a day pass to a membership here) is where the Guided Bus tour starts.
13, When you exit the bus go left (unless you left a stroller at the bus entrance) When you hit the bus road at MP8 go to the right towards the Urban Jungle which is behind Sydney's Grill (BBQ).
14, After you finish the Urban Jungle, and Koalas head back to MP8 and down Center Street to see the bears.
15, At MP11 go right to the path into the trees, when the path ends at Africa Rocks to the right, the Bashor Bridge to the left.
16, Back down to the Bashor Bridge, go left (don't cross) toward Treetops Cafe, then uphill to the right past the Gorillas, stay to the right then downhill to Scripps Avairy.
17, When you exit the upper level of Scripps Avairy go left to see the Bonobos (there are 4 viewing areas) continue past the first left to see the Bonobos. Albert's restaurant is past there.
18, Head back to that first left (now a right) to the lower level of Scripps Avairy.
19, Right at the exit of the lower level, look to your left for Tigers, that's the top of their habitat. Down the hill (not a ADA friendly hill) to the left is uphill through Tiger Trail.
20, If you continue downhill to the River Hippos, Red River Hogs, Otters, ect.
21, At the bus road MP14, Panda Ridge entrance is right there, left downhill is the Lagoon and Asain Passage at MP15.
22, From there head back up the hill to the Bashor Bridge to head to the back side of Monkey Trail (past the Scrips Avairy path). Or head up the hill to the left of the Asain Passage to Eagle Trail and back up to Polar Bears (not a ADA friendly hill).
Some like to do the guided bus tour (~35 minutes) first thing in the morning, then walk to the animals they didn't see. I like to take it in the afternoon when I am ready for a break and grab a snack!!
It doesn't need to be in that order, but the elevator can help you walk most of the zoo down hill.
Any shop with fountain drinks will fill any water container for free!!
That's about ~90% of the zoo! This does miss part of Monkey Trail, Tiger Trails, and Owens Avairy(under construction)!
Key events:
The gate at the Zoo opens at 8:30am, no lines, easy parking, and may see some animals!
9am Opening Ceremony inside the Zoo at the entrance.
12pm Africa Rocks Stage presentation with an animal ambassador on stage to learn about them!
1pm Basecamp presentation near the splash pad at the stage in the back of the WEB, 1 or 2 animal ambassadors on stage to learn all about them, and be able to ask questions!!
A, 2pm Wildlife Wonders show at the Wegeforth Bowl, which is by the Reptile House. Members can be seated at 1:40 (you may see some pre-show fun), day pass guests can be seated at 1:50. Food and drinks are allowed, but remain seated at all times during the show!!
That's about ~90% of the zoo!
The 3 ways to see the Panda's up close:
1, purchase an early entry tour.
2, Scan a QR code at the Zoo entrance for a free return time. These are 15 minute windows, up to 6 people. But they are limited, so go in early. If your return time is 11am, get there at 11:05am to walk straight in, ni need to be early. This is only on weekends for now. 6/6/25
3, A standby line, which is just waiting to get in. Busy days it could be an hour, quiet days walk straight in.
You can often see the Panda's from the Bashor Bridge looking downhill (West).
Feel free to post suggestions, ask questions for clarification, or mention your favorite part of the Zoo!!
