San Diego Safari Park: A Wild Adventure You Can’t Miss
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my disclaimer.
If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in San Diego, don’t miss the San Diego Safari Park. Just 35 miles from downtown, this massive wildlife sanctuary offers a true safari-style adventure: wide open landscapes, herds of exotic animals, and experiences that go far beyond a typical zoo. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with kids, it’s one of the best family-friendly attractions in Southern California.
About the San Diego Safari Park
Located in Escondido, just 35 miles from downtown San Diego, the Safari Park spans 1,800 acres and is operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. But don’t expect a typical zoo layout — this place feels more like a real African savanna, with animals roaming in wide-open enclosures that mimic their natural environments.
One of the highlights is the Africa Tram, which takes you through a huge open-range habitat where giraffes, rhinos, buffalo, antelopes, and zebras roam freely. You can also upgrade your visit with behind-the-scenes safaris, zipline adventures, and even a hot air balloon ride.
For convenience, there’s ample parking at the park, including preferred parking closer to the entrance for a small additional fee. This makes it easy to get in and out without having to walk too far, especially on busy days.
This park is great for families, couples, or solo adventurers. It’s calm, spacious, and surprisingly inspiring, a true gem in Southern California.
Save with a 2-Day San Diego Zoo + Safari Park Pass
If you’re planning to visit both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Visit Pass Ticket is by far the best value. With just one ticket, you’ll get two days of wildlife wonder — and you can use both visits within a year of purchase. This experience has earned the Badge of Excellence, meaning it’s highly rated by travelers and has met top quality standards. It also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, and you can reserve now and pay later, perfect if you’re still finalizing your itinerary.
🎟️ What’s Included
- One visit to the Zoo and Safari Park; or two visits to either one
- All animal exhibits and shows
- Unlimited rides on the Africa Tram (Safari Park)
- Unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour and Skyfari Aerial Tram (Zoo)
- Mobile tickets for easy entry
- Ticket valid for one full year from purchase date
Note: Attractions are subject to availability, and both parks are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
🕘 Zoo & Safari Park Opening Hours
- Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fri–Sat: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🐾 What to Expect
At the San Diego Zoo:
Walk through world-class exhibits like the Elephant Odyssey, visit lions and jaguars, and check out interactive educational zones. It’s perfect for all ages and full of lush landscaping, fascinating animals, and fun learning experiences.
At the Safari Park:
About 35 miles north of the Zoo, the Safari Park offers a totally different experience — open landscapes where rhinos, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and more roam in herds. Take a ride on the Africa Tram, explore walking trails like the Heart of Africa, and enjoy close-up encounters with exotic creatures.
👉 Click here to book the San Diego Zoo + Safari Park 2-Day Pass
The San Diego Safari Park App: Your Personal Guide
One of the standout features I found during my visit to the San Diego Safari Park is their official app, which makes navigating the park a breeze. Whether you’re trying to meet friends at the watering hole (like I did), find a specific exhibit, or get directions to key spots, the app works like a GPS for walking. It even estimates how long it’ll take to get to your destination!
Here are some of the app’s top features:
- GPS navigation to help you find specific locations, just like in a car
- Real-time walking directions, so you know exactly how long your walk will take
- Up-to-date park hours and the latest event schedules
- Ticket purchasing links, so you can buy your tickets directly from the app
- Create your personal visit plan, with suggested activities and exhibits
- Featured topics like animal facts, conservation efforts, and more
This app was an absolute game-changer, and I highly recommend downloading it before your visit for a seamless experience.
San Diego Safari Park: A Wild Adventure You Can’t Miss
If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in San Diego, don’t miss the San Diego Safari Park. Just 35…
Explore Spectacular Outdoor Art Exhibits at Desert X
Are you seeking a fun adventure in the Palm Springs / Coachella Valley area? How about exploring the spectacular […]…
How to Enjoy The Wildflowers At Diamond Valley Lake
Are you seeking a fun family adventure in Southern California? With all the rain we got this year, flowers are…
What to Bring (Especially If You Love Photography)
Here’s what I packed for my day at the park, especially helpful if you’re a photographer or just want to be ready for anything:
🎒 Essentials
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses + sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Snacks or lunch (outside food is allowed in limited quantities)
📸 My Camera Gear
- Sony A7 IV
- Zoom lens (Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens with the 1.4x Teleconverter)
- Extra batteries + memory cards
There’s a lot of walking, but the photo opportunities make it so worth it, and you can rest a little on the tram ride.
What I Saw at the Safari Park: A Photo Safari Come to Life
Here’s a snapshot of the incredible wildlife I saw during my visit:
- Tiger: Resting peacefully in the shade, powerful and majestic.
- Gorillas: Watching them interact in their forest habitat was a moving experience.
- Elephants: munching on grass and playing in the dirt.
- Rhinos: Massive and calm, grazing under the California sun.
- Giraffes: Graceful and towering, just like you’d imagine on an African savanna.
- Zebras: Galloping freely with their iconic black-and-white stripes.
- Blue wildebeests, antelopes, gemsbok, African buffalo — it truly felt like being on safari.
- Kangaroos and wallabies: In the Walkabout Australia area, I got to stroll right alongside them!
- Rainforest Aviary birds: Beautiful bird sightings.
Final Thoughts on San Diego Safari Park
Even though I’ve lived in San Diego for years, this was my first time visiting the Safari Park — and wow, I can’t believe I waited this long. It completely exceeded my expectations. Sometimes, as locals, we forget to explore the amazing places right in our own backyard. This visit reminded me just how special San Diego is and how much there still is to discover. If you haven’t been yet, take this as your sign to go. Whether you’re a tourist or a lifelong San Diegan, the Safari Park is a wild, beautiful experience that stays with you.
