Should You Visit the Safari Park in San Diego?

The San Diego Safari Park is a large, open-air wildlife park where animals roam in big, naturalistic enclosures rather than cramped cages. Expect a full-day visit with a mix of driving through the African plains section, walking through aviaries, and seeing cheetahs, gorillas, and elephants. It’s less a zoo and more a hybrid between a wildlife drive and a spacious zoo. You’ll do a lot of walking, so wear good shoes and bring water. The park gets hot and dusty in summer; mornings are cooler and animals tend to be more active then.

Plan to spend around $80–$130 per adult depending on whether you add the safari tour. The basic admission gets you solid views from the tram and overlooks. The open-air safari truck tour is worth the extra money only if you really want to get within 10–15 feet of rhinos and giraffes; otherwise you can enjoy the park perfectly well without it. Best time to visit is spring or fall when temperatures are milder and crowds are lighter. Skip the balloon ride—it’s expensive and the views aren’t dramatically better than what you see on foot.