California Zoos and Aquariums

20+

AZA-Accredited Facilities

5,000+

Animal Species

250+

California Condor Chicks Bred

3M+

Annual Combined Visitors

Quick Navigation

Top-Rated California Zoos

San Diego Zoo TOP RATED

Location: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92108 (Balboa Park)

Website: sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

Overview: Founded in 1916, the San Diego Zoo is one of the world's most popular zoos, featuring over 3,500 animals representing 650 species across 100 acres. Known for its innovative cageless exhibits and groundbreaking conservation work.

Highlights:

  • Africa Rocks - multi-species habitat with penguins, baboons, and lemurs
  • Guided Bus Tour and Skyfari Aerial Tram included with admission
  • Tiger River - immersive Asian rainforest experience
  • Gorilla Forest with extensive primate collection
  • Elephant Odyssey featuring fossil exploration

Visitor Information:

  • Hours: Typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (extended during special events)
  • Parking: FREE parking currently (fees apply starting January 5, 2026; members receive free parking)
  • Kids Free October: Ages 11 and under free all month (up to 6 kids per adult)
  • Military Discount: Complimentary 1-Day Pass with CAC or military ID
Conservation Milestone: The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has bred over 250 California condor chicks, helping bring the species back from fewer than 30 individuals in the wild.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park TOP RATED

Location: Escondido, California (30 miles northeast of San Diego)

Website: sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

Overview: Spanning 1,800 acres, the Safari Park features expansive savannas teeming with over 3,500 animals representing 350 species. Home to the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of hoofed mammals (ungulates).

Signature Exhibits:

  • African Plains - Masai giraffes, eland, sable antelope, wildebeest, and ostrich roaming together
  • Nikhita Khan Rhino Centre - six white rhinos in state-of-the-art facility (opened 2019)
  • Tull Family Tiger Trail - Sumatran tigers in naturalistic habitats with glass viewing
  • Walkabout Australia - interactive kangaroo and wallaby experience
  • Condor Ridge - California condor breeding and conservation center

Premium Experiences:

  • Africa Tram: 25-minute guided journey through savanna habitats
  • Ultimate Safari: Custom experience with exclusive areas and wildlife interactions
  • Roar and Snore: Overnight sleepover adventures (age-appropriate themes)
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Aerial views of the park

Special Collections: Home to North America's largest greater flamingo population (three of six flamingo species represented). Gardens feature 600+ epiphyllum plants and a striking Bonsai Pavilion.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Griffith Park)

Website: lazoo.org

Overview: Home to 1,400+ animals representing 270 different species (58 endangered) on 113 acres. Features a botanical collection of over 800 plant species. AZA-accredited through March 2028.

Notable Exhibits:

  • LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles): State-of-the-art facility housing critically endangered species like Iranian harlequin newts
  • Rainforest of the Americas: Advanced climate control for sensitive endangered species
  • Advanced aquatic habitats with UV sterilization and biofiltration
  • Home to Koko the gorilla (birthplace)

Visitor Information:

  • Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
  • Military Discount: $3 off adult, $2 off child admission
  • Combo Tickets: LA Zoo + Aquarium of the Pacific package available
  • School Field Trips: LAUSD students free; non-LAUSD $3/student

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens

Location: Sloat Boulevard and Upper Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132 (southwestern corner between Lake Merced and Pacific Ocean)

Website: sfzoo.org

Overview: Open 365 days a year on 100 acres directly on the Pacific Coast. Home to 2,000+ exotic, endangered, and rescued animals in majestic gardens. Owned by SF Recreation & Parks, managed by SF Zoological Society (501(c)(3)).

Features:

  • Naturalistic habitats throughout 100 acres
  • Rotating exhibits year-round
  • Petting zoo and beautiful gardens
  • Historic significance: birthplace of Koko the gorilla
  • Former home of Elly, oldest black rhinoceros in North America (1974-2016)

Visitor Information:

  • Access: Adjacent to Golden Gate Park on western border
  • Public Transit: Muni L Taraval line to Zoo; buses 23 and 18
  • Muni Discount: $1 off admission with same-day Muni receipt/pass

Oakland Zoo

Location: East Bay, San Francisco Bay Area (30-35 minutes from Fisherman's Wharf)

Website: oaklandzoo.org

Overview: Established June 6, 1922 by naturalist Henry A. Snow. AZA-accredited for 36 years. Known for spacious natural habitats and strong conservation focus. Features the California Trail (opened summer 2018), representing $70 million investment at hilltop above main zoo.

Exhibits:

  • African savannah enclosure with giraffes and zebras roaming together
  • Simulated tropical rainforest with white-handed gibbons
  • California Trail with native species
  • San Francisco Bay Overlook with scenic views

Conservation Programs:

  • Wildlife Rescue: Partnering with CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife to rehabilitate wildlife from wildfires and human-wildlife conflict
  • Rescued 22 mountain lions, 38 California condors, 8 bears, 600+ yellow-legged frogs
  • Education: Free and discounted programs for underserved Title 1 schools in Greater Bay Area

Special Events: Annual Lantern Festival (returns November 7) with hundreds of larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the zoo, telling stories of wildlife conservation.

World-Class California Aquariums

Monterey Bay Aquarium MUST-SEE

Location: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

Website: montereybayaquarium.org

Overview: Opened October 20, 1984 as the largest public aquarium in the United States. Features over 35,000 animals and plants representing 550+ species including giant Pacific octopuses, hammerhead sharks, and California sea otters.

Signature Exhibits:

  • Kelp Forest: Nearly three-story high exhibit, first successful attempt to maintain living kelp forest in artificial setting
  • Open Sea Wing (1996): $57 million expansion focusing on pelagic habitats 60 miles offshore, nearly doubled public exhibit space
  • Into the Deep (April 2022): $15 million, 10,000-square-foot deep sea exhibit featuring animals from nearly 5,000 feet deep

Special Features:

  • Over 5,000 US gallons to 350,000 US gallons exhibit capacity
  • State-of-the-art deep-sea collection technology
  • Educational focus on marine conservation
  • Partnership with SeaWorld for California sea otter conservation

Aquarium of the Pacific LARGEST IN CA

Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (Rainbow Harbor)

Website: aquariumofpacific.org

Overview: Opened in 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest aquarium in California, occupying over 360,000 square feet on a 6-acre site. Visited by 1.6 million people annually. AZA-accredited member and 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Galleries:

  • Southern California/Baja Gallery: Features 142,000-gallon, three-story Honda Blue Cavern showcasing Catalina Island ocean life
  • Northern Pacific Gallery: Bering Sea organisms including sea otter habitat, giant Pacific octopus, diving birds (puffins and auklets)
  • Tropical Pacific Gallery: 350,000-gallon Tropical Reef Habitat (largest in aquarium) with colorful fish, coral, sea turtles, and sharks

Interactive Experiences:

  • Moon Jelly Touch Lab: Feel the gentle pulse of moon jellyfish
  • Shark Lagoon: Shallow touch pool to feel sandpaper-like skin of small sharks
  • Visit Duration: Average 3 hours to explore (extend with shows, special events, educational activities)
  • Parking: $8.00 per day with validation

Collection: Over 12,000 animals in exhibits ranging from 5,000 to 350,000 US gallons. Staff of approximately 1,800 including 1,500+ volunteers and 300 employees.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Website: aquarium.ucsd.edu

Overview: Public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Over 500,000 annual visitors. Houses 9,000+ animals representing 400+ species. AZA-accredited member. Hilltop site provides stunning views of La Jolla Shores and Pacific Ocean.

History:

  • Established 1903 by Marine Biological Association of San Diego
  • Named for Ellen Browning Scripps and E.W. Scripps (newspaper pioneers)
  • Small public aquarium built to communicate marine research discoveries

Notable Exhibits:

  • Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery: Journey through Pacific Ocean ecosystems
  • Seadragons & Seahorses (2019): Expansive seadragon habitat designed for breeding in captivity of leafy seadragon
  • Beyster Little Blue Penguins: 2,900-square-foot habitat for diminutive seabirds (3 pounds, under 1 foot tall)
Recent Recognition: Voted Newsweek Magazine's Readers Choice for Fourth Best Aquarium in the US (Spring 2025). Listed as one of 16 Best Aquariums in United States by US News & World Report (Winter 2025).

Complete California Zoo Directory by Region

Southern California

Bay Area / Northern California

Central California

Conservation Programs and Achievements

California Leading Conservation Efforts

California zoos and aquariums are global leaders in species conservation, participating in Species Survival Plans (SSP) and breeding programs for endangered species.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Major Programs:

California Condor Recovery:

  • 250+ condor chicks hatched at Safari Park (spring 2025 milestone: Emaay #250)
  • Species recovered from fewer than 30 individuals in wild
  • First zoo-bred chick hatched 1988; captive-bred releases began 1992
  • Approximately 330 birds now flying free across United States

Pacific Pocket Mouse:

  • Conservation breeding program established 2012
  • Species thought extinct before rediscovered 1990s
  • Currently persists in three isolated Southern California populations
  • Goal: prevent extinction, preserve genetic diversity, reintroduce to historic range

Przewalski's Horse:

  • All living horses descended from just 12 individuals
  • Genetic diversity restored through cloning from Frozen Zoo cell lines
  • Stallion preserved 40+ years ago cloned twice

Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs:

  • Approximately 170 zoo-bred frogs released into wild in Southern California
  • Collaborative effort with multiple organizations

Oakland Zoo Wildlife Rescue:

  • Partnership with California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Rehabilitate and re-home wildlife rescued from wildfires and human-wildlife conflict
  • Rescued Animals: 22 mountain lions, 38 California condors, 8 bears (grizzly and black bears), 600+ yellow-legged frogs

Living Desert Zoo Conservation:

  • Member of AZA since 1983 and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
  • Peninsular bighorn sheep reintroduction to local mountains
  • Arabian oryx return program to Oman

Planning Your Zoo Visit

Admission & Pricing

General Pricing Trends:

  • Plan-Ahead Pricing common (book early for best rates)
  • Any Day tickets valid 1 year from purchase
  • Children ages 2 and under typically free

Sacramento Zoo:

  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily
  • Plan-Ahead Pricing saves money (buy at least 1 day in advance)
  • Community Days: $10 admission for all ages
  • Giraffe Encounters: $5/person (10 AM and 2 PM daily, credit card only)

Fresno Chaffee Zoo:

  • Open 365 days except December 25
  • April 1 - Sept 30: 9 AM - 6 PM
  • Oct 1 - March 31: 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Thanksgiving: 9 AM - 2 PM
  • Parking: $5 per car
  • Stingray Bay: $5 admission per person (members free); $3 per feeding

What to Bring & Expect

Essentials:

  • Comfortable walking shoes (most zoos cover 100+ acres)
  • Sunscreen and hats (California sun is strong year-round)
  • Reusable water bottles (many zoos have refill stations)
  • Camera or smartphone for photos

Outside Food Policies:

  • Fresno Chaffee Zoo: Outside food allowed for small groups (no glass, straws, or alcohol)
  • Most zoos allow small snacks; check individual policies

Average Visit Duration:

  • Small zoos (Sequoia Park, Happy Hollow): 2-3 hours
  • Medium zoos (Oakland, Sacramento): 3-4 hours
  • Large zoos (San Diego, Safari Park): 4-6 hours
  • Aquariums: 2-3 hours average

Admission Discounts and Free Days

San Diego Zoo Kids Free October

Every October 1-31, youths ages 11 and younger receive free entrance to the Zoo and Safari Park when accompanied by an adult with valid entry. One adult can bring up to 6 youths free. Children ages 2 and younger are always free year-round.

Military Discounts

  • San Diego Zoo: Complimentary 1-Day Pass for active U.S. Armed Forces with CAC or military ID
  • Los Angeles Zoo: $3 off adult admission, $2 off child admission (ages 2-12) for active and retired military and immediate family
  • Fresno Chaffee Zoo: 50% off general admission for up to 2 guests with military ID; 10% off Zoo Memberships

Museums for All / EBT Programs

  • Santa Barbara Zoo: $3 per admission for up to 4 people with EBT card, SNAP benefits, and valid photo ID
  • Sacramento Zoo does not currently offer EBT/Museums for All discount

AZA Reciprocal Admissions

Over 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer discounted admission to members of reciprocal facilities. Members typically receive 50% discount. Proof of eligibility required at purchase.

Best Time to Visit California Zoos

By Season

Fall (September-November) - BEST OVERALL

  • Perfect weather with mild temperatures
  • Fewer crowds than summer
  • Animals more active in cooler weather
  • Beautiful autumn foliage in botanical gardens
  • October: Kids Free San Diego promotion

Winter (December-February) - GREAT VALUE

  • Comfortable temperatures for exploring all day
  • Smallest crowds of the year
  • Budget-friendly hotel rates
  • Special holiday events and decorations

Spring (March-May) - FAMILY FAVORITE

  • Adorable baby animals being born
  • Gardens bursting with colorful flowers
  • Animals more active in cooler mornings
  • Pleasant weather before summer heat

Summer (June-August) - BUSIEST

  • Peak tourist season with largest crowds
  • Extended hours at many facilities
  • Special summer events and programs
  • Arrive early or visit evenings to beat heat
  • Fresno: Avoid summer (regularly exceeds 100°F)

By Time of Day

Early Morning (Opening Time) - RECOMMENDED

  • Animals most active during feeding times
  • Cooler temperatures for walking
  • Avoid crowds developing after 11 AM
  • Best photo lighting
  • Aim to arrive by 9:00 AM on weekdays

Midday (11 AM - 3 PM) - BUSIEST

  • Largest crowds
  • Hottest temperatures
  • Many animals seek shade and rest
  • Longest lines at popular exhibits

Late Afternoon/Evening - PLEASANT

  • Cooler temperatures
  • Animals become active again
  • Smaller crowds as day visitors leave
  • Special evening programs at some zoos

Frequently Asked Questions

California has over 20 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, the most of any state in the nation. The California Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) is comprised of 20 voting members. Major facilities include San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Los Angeles Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific, Oakland Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Sacramento Zoo, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Santa Barbara Zoo, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, SeaWorld San Diego, and many others. AZA accreditation ensures the highest standards of animal care, conservation, education, and guest experience.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the largest by land area, spanning 1,800 acres of expansive savannas and habitats in Escondido. However, the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is the most visited, attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually across 100 acres. For aquariums, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is the largest in California at over 360,000 square feet with 1.6 million annual visitors. Each facility offers unique experiences - the Safari Park focuses on large, open habitats for herds of animals, while the San Diego Zoo features more intimate exhibits with greater species diversity (650 species vs. 350 at Safari Park).

Yes, several California zoos offer free or discounted admission on select days. The most notable is San Diego Zoo's Kids Free October, where youths ages 11 and younger receive free entrance all month long when accompanied by an adult (up to 6 kids per adult). Sacramento Zoo holds Community Days throughout the year with $10 admission for all ages. Children ages 2 and under are always free at most California zoos. Military personnel receive complimentary or heavily discounted admission at San Diego Zoo, LA Zoo, and Fresno Chaffee Zoo with valid military ID. The Santa Barbara Zoo participates in the Museums for All program, offering $3 admission (up to 4 people) with EBT card and photo ID.

California zoos are global leaders in conservation. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has bred over 250 California condor chicks, bringing the species back from fewer than 30 individuals to approximately 330 birds flying free today. They also run breeding programs for Pacific pocket mouse (thought extinct before rediscovery in 1990s), Przewalski's horse (using cloning from Frozen Zoo cell lines), and Lord Howe Island stick insect. Oakland Zoo partners with California Department of Fish and Wildlife to rehabilitate wildlife from wildfires, having rescued 22 mountain lions, 38 California condors, 8 bears, and 600+ yellow-legged frogs. Living Desert Zoo participates in peninsular bighorn sheep reintroduction and Arabian oryx return programs.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is excellent for families with young children due to its interactive touch pools, including the Moon Jelly Touch Lab and Shark Lagoon where kids can feel small sharks. The average visit takes 3 hours, perfect for shorter attention spans. Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla offers stunning ocean views and a manageable size with 9,000+ animals across 400+ species, plus the adorable Little Blue Penguins exhibit. For the Bay Area, the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco features 300-foot tunnels that kids love. Monterey Bay Aquarium is spectacular but larger and can be overwhelming for very young children - best for ages 5+.

Early fall (September-October) is the best overall time to visit California zoos, offering perfect weather, fewer crowds, and more active animals in cooler temperatures. Fall also features beautiful botanical gardens and October's Kids Free San Diego promotion. Winter (December-February) provides comfortable temperatures, smallest crowds, and budget-friendly rates. Spring (March-May) is ideal for seeing baby animals and colorful flowers. Summer (June-August) is the busiest season with largest crowds and peak heat - avoid Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Living Desert Zoo during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. For best animal viewing, arrive at opening time (typically 9:00 AM).

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park use dynamic pricing where ticket costs vary by date. One-Day Any Day tickets are valid any day within one year from purchase, while Value Days tickets are available on select days at lower prices. The 1-Day Pass includes one visit to the facility, plus the Guided Bus Tour and Skyfari Aerial Tram at the Zoo, or Africa Tram at the Safari Park. Children ages 2 and under receive free admission year-round. During Kids Free October (October 1-31), youths ages 11 and younger are free with a paying adult (up to 6 kids). U.S. military personnel receive complimentary 1-Day Pass with military ID. Parking is currently free but will have fees starting January 5, 2026.

Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka is the oldest zoo in California, established in 1907. It is also one of the smallest AZA-accredited zoos in the country, housing about 200 vertebrates representing 54 species on just 7 acres. The zoo achieved AZA accreditation in 1995. Notable features include the Redwood Sky Walk (completed 2021), the longest sky walk in the western United States at just under a quarter of a mile. The zoo features exhibits with river otters, salmon, bald eagles, Northern spotted owl, plus rare and endangered species like South American bush dogs, Chacoan peccaries, and red pandas. The second oldest is San Diego Zoo, founded in 1916.

Outside food policies vary by zoo. Fresno Chaffee Zoo welcomes outside food for small groups but asks guests to leave glass, straws, and alcohol at home for the safety of guests and animals. Most California zoos allow small snacks and sealed bottled water, though policies differ for full meals and coolers. Large zoos like San Diego Zoo and LA Zoo have on-site restaurants and cafes but generally permit small snacks. Reusable water bottles are recommended as most facilities have refill stations throughout the grounds. All facilities prohibit glass containers and alcoholic beverages for safety reasons.

Yes, all AZA-accredited California zoos and aquariums are wheelchair accessible and comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. Facilities offer paved pathways throughout exhibits, accessible restrooms, designated parking spaces, and wheelchair rentals at guest services. Many exhibits include viewing areas at multiple heights to accommodate wheelchair users and children. Service animals are permitted at all facilities. Stroller rentals are available at major zoos for families with young children. Some hilly locations like Oakland Zoo and Living Desert Zoo provide trams or gondolas (included with admission) to assist with elevation changes.

Last updated on November 27, 2025