Are you planning a trip to Southern California and trying to decide what to do? While you can never go wrong by visiting the San Diego Zoo, did you know that the zoo has a sister park?

Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park also just happens to be my favorite!

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Keep reading for some helpful information about visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Not to be confused with the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park is located north of San Diego, in Escondido.

The Safari Park is home to more than 3,600 animals including elephants, cheetahs, lions, condors, kangaroos, giraffes and so much more. You can even get up close and personal with kangaroos and check out the only two platypuses living outside of Australia at a zoo!

For those interested in botany, the park is also home to more than 1.3 million plants representing more than 3,700 specimens!

If you have the time to visit both parks, I would highly recommend it. While there are more species at the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park is a whole different experience.

This park is an absolute gem. Clean, spaced out, beautiful grounds; I really love visiting this park. There is something really special about getting to see these animals have so much open space to roam.

Nearly all of the animal enclosures are very large and it’s great to see the animals roaming over the parks 1,800 acres.

Click here for my post, Visiting the San Diego Zoo!

Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

1. Do not forget sunscreen – much of the time you will be walking around in direct sunlight!

2. Bring water bottles, drinks and snacks. While large coolers are not permitted, you are able to bring in your own food and beverages. This is a great way to save some money! While we normally like to get lunch from the park, we always pack snacks and drinks in a small lunch box with ice packs.

3. Most of the safari rides throughout the park cost additional but the Africa Tram is included in the cost of your ticket! Ride this tram early in the day as the line can get quite long mid day. This is a great way to give your feet a rest and get to see some of the animals up close.

4. Paper maps are almost always available as soon as you enter the park but the following apps can be downloaded to also help you navigate your way around the park.

Links

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Apple iOS App

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Android App

5. If you are visiting in the summer and have children, bring a change of clothes. There are a couple of splash areas around the park for kids to cool down and you don’t want them in wet clothes for the rest of the day!

6. Just like the San Diego Zoo, there are many play areas and playgrounds throughout the park. If you have children, take these play areas as an opportunity to have a rest at the bench, lather on more sunscreen and have a cold drink.

Click here for the handheld misting fans that we love or here for the fan that we clip right on our stroller!

7. Luckily, this park is big enough to help spread out large crowds and I haven’t yet experienced it being very busy. That being said, you will still find larger crowds during the summer time and during school breaks. Weekends too!

Looking to add even more adventure to your visit? The park offers Roar & Snore Safaris where you can actually camp out at the Safari Park! We haven’t had a chance to try this out yet but we are hoping to very soon!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

One Day Pass

Adult (Ages 12+) – $62

Child (Ages 3-11) – $52

Two Day Pass

Adult (ages 12+) – $104

Child (Ages 3-11) – $94

Click here for the most up to date pricing and other ticket options.

Dining at the Safari Park

On our first visit, we ate at The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook. The view is incredible and the food was good too (complete with a margarita flight!). I would highly recommend making reservations for this restaurant as it is very popular and fills up quickly.

If you aren’t looking for a sit-down restaurant, there are many quick service food options throughout the park.

You’ll find pizza, burgers, chicken tenders and so much more.

Hours

During the summer, the park is typically open from 9am to 7pm. In the fall/winter/spring, the park closes earlier in the evening.

For the most up to date hours, click here.

Location

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road

Escondido, CA 92027

Parking is $15 per vehicle or $20 per RV.

(760) 747-8702

I hope you enjoy visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as much as I do!