There’s a lot to see and do on the San Diego Zoo, from exploring wonderful displays to recognizing uncommon and endangered animals. Figuring out the Zoo’s insurance policies forward of time will help make your go to easy and stress-free.
Whether or not you’re packing snacks, determining stroller guidelines, or planning what to carry, this information covers the whole lot you have to know—from the San Diego Zoo meals coverage and bag coverage to pet guidelines and extra.
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San Diego Zoo Meals Coverage
When visiting the San Diego Zoo, one vital element to plan for is the meals you’ll carry—or purchase.
Guests have a spread of choices for meals and drinks, in addition to particular pointers about what they’ll carry with them.
Outdoors Meals and Drink Coverage
Thankfully, the San Diego Zoo meals coverage permits outdoors snacks and drinks. I used to be advised some time again, whereas on a tour, that as a result of it’s a nonprofit group, they don’t have the sources to accommodate all dietary wants.
Whereas in style eating spots like Albert’s Restaurant supply scrumptious eating, bringing your individual meals lets you eat what you need. It additionally saves time by avoiding ready in line or for meals preparation.
Like a variety of theme parks, the meals might be expensive. Many Zoo company herald lunch however then splurge on snacks like a mushy serve cone at Hua Mei cafe (a private favourite of mine).
You can too be at liberty to eat your individual meals at any of the picnic tables in entrance of the eating institutions.
Though a picnic lunch is welcome, sure objects are prohibited. For instance, you can’t carry glass containers or straws. Paper straws and their wrappers pose a danger to the animals if by accident ingested.
Small Coolers and Containers
Many guests pack meals in small coolers to carry into the Zoo. Particularly, six-pack-sized coolers or small Tupperware containers are acceptable in the event that they match below a stroller.
The overall guideline is that coolers and enormous meals storage containers needs to be no bigger than 12″ x12″. Coolers with wheels usually are not allowed.
Alcohol Coverage
Guests might carry non-alcoholic drinks. Craft beer and different alcoholic drinks can be found for buy at designated eating areas contained in the park. Outdoors alcohol is prohibited, and the San Diego Zoo strictly enforces this coverage to keep up a family-friendly setting.
Some spots the place you possibly can seize a beer embody Zoo Brew within the Misplaced Forest and San Diego Craft Beer & Margaritas on Entrance Avenue.
Particular Dietary Wants and Restrictions
As talked about already, the San Diego Zoo meals coverage addresses particular dietary wants and meals allergy symptoms by permitting company with dietary restrictions to carry private meals objects.
Over time, Zoo eating places have gotten higher at providing vegetarian and gluten-free objects. However not each restaurant has these choices.
Nonetheless, when you’ve got particular dietary issues about eating within the Zoo’s eating places, it’s straightforward to name their customer support or use the chatbot on their web site to ask extra particular questions.
Meals and Drink Choices Contained in the San Diego Zoo
For many who don’t wish to carry meals, San Diego Zoo eating choices are fairly good, truly. If meals is vital to you, plan your day round seeing the displays close to the restaurant you wish to go to. It isn’t straightforward to stroll throughout the Zoo to eat someplace.
Some eating spots to take a look at embody:
- Albert’s Restaurant (Misplaced Forest): That is greatest for sit-down eating and fish tacos.
- San Diego Zoo Sandwich Firm (Entrance Avenue): Straightforward to-go close to the doorway
- Sabertooth Mexican Grill (Elephant Odyssey): I had actually good tacos right here just lately.
- Hua Mei Café (Asian Passage): Ice cream and orange hen.
- Sydney’s (Outback): Barbecue
To be taught extra, take a look at our article on San Diego Zoo eating places.
San Diego Water Bottle Coverage
I at all times carry a standard-sized plastic water bottle or Hydroflask to the Zoo. As talked about earlier, don’t carry one which’s glass, as that’s not allowed.
There are consuming fountains all around the park, and you’ll ask for cups of ice and water in any of the eating places totally free. In fact, you can too purchase an expensive bottled water if push involves shove.
San Diego Zoo Bag Coverage
Navigating the San Diego Zoo’s bag coverage means understanding dimension restrictions and storage choices for objects you don’t wish to carry.
Bag Dimension and Restrictions
Guests can carry backpacks, purses, and satchels. These things are typically allowed so long as they meet normal dimension limitations. Outsized baggage usually are not assured entry, so plan accordingly.
Baggage and Journey Bag Storage
For bigger baggage or journey baggage, the San Diego Zoo affords lockers for handy storage. Locker charges are as follows:
- Small objects: $10 per piece
- Medium objects: $12 per piece
- Massive objects: $15 per piece
Why Retailer Your Luggage
I’m a fan of getting lockers at theme parks. The Zoo entails a variety of strolling and also you don’t wish to carry a heavy backpack. Plus, you would possibly want one thing later or possibly don’t wish to retailer one thing in a sizzling automobile in an unshaded parking zone.
Strollers and Wagons on the San Diego Zoo
Households visiting the San Diego Zoo have a number of choices for managing their little ones’ transportation. You possibly can carry your individual strollers or wagons or select from the stroller leases obtainable on-site.
Word that strollers for lease are on a first-come, first-served foundation close to the doorway. For reference, listed below are the present rental costs:
- Stroller single: $16
- Stroller double: $20
Whereas strollers and wagons are improbable for exploring the San Diego Zoo, they’ve restrictions on sure rides and sights.
For security causes, these things are sometimes not allowed on trams, tour buses, or choose displays. Securing them in designated areas earlier than taking part is often required. As an example, there’s stroller parking on the Guided Bus Tour, which begins and stops in the identical spot.
FAQ: Can I Take a Stoller on Skyfari Aerial Tram?
I rode this tram with my relations, who had a fold-up stroller, and it was tremendous straightforward.
San Diego Zoo Digicam Coverage
I carry my DSLR digital camera with a giant zoom lens to the Zoo on a regular basis. Guests can carry cameras for private use, however skilled gear is restricted.
- Tripods: Allowed however should not hinder pathways or habitats.
- Drones: Prohibited to make sure animal and visitor security.
Plan accordingly if you happen to’re capturing your journey. And don’t be stunned if you happen to see some media cameras there occasionally who’ve particular permissions. On media days, you’ll see tripods in a variety of locations.
San Diego Zoo Pet Coverage
Whereas service animals are permitted, pets and emotional assist animals usually are not.
Service Animals
The San Diego Zoo follows ADA pointers for service animals. They have to be on not than a 6-foot leash and are allowed in most areas, retaining their distance from Zoo animals.
Close by Animal Daycare Companies
Since there isn’t a kennel service on the Zoo grounds, vacationers with pets can look into close by daycare amenities for pets and emotional assist animals.
Close by Pet-Pleasant Motels
For in a single day stays, have a look at one of many many pet-friendly accommodations in close by Downtown San Diego, together with Alma Resort and Pendry San Diego.
You’ll even be conveniently situated to San Diego Worldwide Airport and Santa Fe Depot prepare station. (The one factor is that you simply usually can’t go away pets unattended in accommodations to go sightseeing.)
What You Can’t Convey to San Diego Zoo
For security and pleasure, sure objects usually are not allowed contained in the San Diego Zoo. These embody however usually are not restricted to:
- Smoking merchandise
- Alcohol and unlawful substances
- Weapons and replicas
- Disruptive objects (e.g., laser pointers, noisemakers)
- Costume apparel
Plan Your Good Day on the San Diego Zoo
With considerate preparation, you possibly can guarantee your go to to the San Diego Zoo is stress-free and memorable. Whether or not packing a picnic, renting a stroller, or exploring displays, realizing the principles will assist you to give attention to the enjoyable. We’ve a complete article targeted on San Diego Zoo suggestions, however listed below are a few fast highlights:
- There’s free parking in a big lot. (I’ve by no means not been in a position to park.)
- You’ll want a timed ticket to see the pandas.
- Get there early to see the animals once they’re most lively.
- We’ve closely researched the right way to get San Diego Zoo low cost tickets.
Prioritize everybody’s security and respect the Zoo’s wildlife for an fulfilling expertise.
Able to go? Go to the Zoo’s web site for updates, obtain the San Diego Zoo app for maps and schedules, and seize your discounted admission. Don’t neglect concerning the sister park, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which has related digital camera, meals, and bag insurance policies.
