San Diego Zoo, located in the prime location of San Diego, California, is renowned as one of the largest and most impressive zoos in the world. Situated near Balboa Park, this magnificent zoo offers a unique experience for visitors with its diverse collection of wildlife, museums, and stunning natural landscapes. From the beautiful beaches and captivating sea views to the opportunity for birdwatching and immersing oneself in nature, San Diego Zoo truly has something for everyone. Additionally, the zoo's convenient location near the city center makes it easily accessible for tourists. Don't forget to explore the art, dining, and theater options that San Diego has to offer during your visit.

Search Hotels Near San Diego Zoo, San Diego
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Our top choices for San Diego Zoo hotels




1. Stay Classy Hostel
Stay Classy Hostel



2. Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality
Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality



3. City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills
City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills



4. Kasa Little Italy San Diego
Kasa Little Italy San Diego



5. Lafayette Hotel & Club
Lafayette Hotel & Club



6. Westgate Hotel
Westgate Hotel



7. Gaslamp Hostel
Gaslamp Hostel



8. Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa



9. Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront



10. The Artifact Inn
The Artifact Inn



11. Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, A Member Of Design Hotels
Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, A Member Of Design Hotels



12. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront



13. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy



14. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter



15. InterContinental San Diego by IHG
InterContinental San Diego by IHG



16. The Guild Hotel, San Diego Downtown, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Guild Hotel, San Diego Downtown, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel



17. Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn



18. Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
Hilton San Diego Mission Valley



19. Moxy San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
Moxy San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter



20. Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection
Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph CollectionCompare popular hotels close to San Diego Zoo
Property | Property class | Guest rating | Breakfast included | Pool | Spa | Pet-friendly | WiFi included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Stay Classy Hostel | 9.6 Exceptional 944 reviews | View | |||||
![]() Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality | 9.4 Exceptional 154 reviews | View | |||||
![]() City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills | 9.6 Exceptional 194 reviews | View | |||||
![]() Kasa Little Italy San Diego | 9.6 Exceptional 516 reviews | View | |||||
![]() Lafayette Hotel & Club | 9.4 Exceptional 1,953 reviews | View |
Top San Diego Zoo Hotel Reviews
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
"Amazing stay, great staff, definitely recommend using Valet as the parking structure is extremely narrow to get in and out from. We stayed in the 1 bedroom suite with city view. It was very spacious, had great amenities, dishwasher, utensils, plates, paper towels, toaster, microwave. The double entry bathroom was a plus for us when our little one was sleeping. Definitely recommend, very clean, the staff were great. The bar and restaurant area was very comfortable, peaceful, and the food was great. Would 10/10 recommend. The area outside is also very safe with 24/7 valet service. The car was ready for pick up within 5-10 mins and Michael was a phenomenal valet driver! Took care of us the entire stay. Thank you Marriott San Diego!"
Lafayette Hotel & Club
"The pool area is absolutely the best part of the hotel. My room overlooking the pool was also perfect! A few things missing in the gym but otherwise a great stay!!!"
The Sofia Hotel
"Absolutely enjoyed my stay here! So far my fav hotel in San Diego. Very little noise, good privacy. Thank you!"
Wyndham San Diego Bayside
"Loved the bay view"
Ash&9th
"I really enjoyed my stay here! The room was newly remodeled and very spacious for a queen room. The layout was a little awkward, and I did notice that the room was missing some wall art/decor, but overall it was clean, comfortable, and had a fresh, updated feel. The restroom was also really nice, especially the mirror! It had a great regular mirror and a 3x magnifying mirror, which was a huge plus for the girls getting ready. The staff was excellent! The young gentleman at the front desk was especially kind and welcoming, and the older gentleman was also very nice and helpful. Their customer service really made the stay even better. The location was another huge plus. Everything we needed was close by, which saved us a lot of gas and made getting around really convenient. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely consider staying here again!"
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
"Limited Parking and charge for extra parking space."
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
"The area surrounding this hotel was amazing. Saturday farmers market was really nice and the amount of places for eating and shopping within walking distance was great!! The only thing I would warn other about is the parking garage is made for compact cars and the cost was a little much but they have cheaper parking across the street that was much easier for us with a larger vehicle. All in all we had a beautiful trip and the stay was fantastic!!!!"
Inn At The Park
"Loved our stay! I recommend to everyone"
Other attractions near San Diego Zoo

Old Globe Theater

San Diego Museum of Art

California Tower

Museum of Us

Spanish Village Art Center
Starlight Bowl
Sculpture Garden
Mingei International Museum
Find out more about San Diego Zoo
Wildlife wonders await at San Diego Zoo
Top reasons to visit San Diego Zoo
- Largest and Impressive: San Diego Zoo is renowned as one of the largest and most impressive zoos in the world.
- Diverse Collection: The zoo offers a unique experience with its diverse collection of wildlife, including a variety of animals from different parts of the world.
- Stunning Natural Landscapes: Visitors can enjoy the zoo's stunning natural landscapes, which provide a beautiful backdrop for exploring the exhibits.
- Nearby Attractions: The zoo's convenient location near Balboa Park allows visitors to easily access other attractions such as museums, the sea, and beautiful beaches.
- Something for Everyone: The San Diego Zoo truly has something for everyone, whether it's birdwatching, immersing in nature, or exploring the art, dining, and theater options in San Diego.
Find your hotel in San Diego Zoo
When visiting the San Diego Zoo, you'll have a variety of hotel options to choose from. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly accommodations or luxurious resorts, there's something for every traveler.
- Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld - This 3.0-star hotel offers friendly service and is located near the sea, offering opportunities for diving and countryside walks. It's also conveniently close to shopping areas and the beach, making it a popular choice.
- Wyndham San Diego Bayside - With a 4.0-star rating, this hotel provides stunning views of the marina and port. It's within walking distance of museums and offers excursions. The friendly staff and ocean views make it a top pick.
- The Dana on Mission Bay - This 3.5-star hotel features a beautiful view of the marina and sea. Guests can enjoy the beach and outdoor pool, as well as activities like skydiving. Its convenient location and entertainment options make it a popular choice.
By staying in San Diego Zoo, you'll have easy access to the world-famous zoo and all its attractions. Plus, with a range of hotel options available, you can find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Book your stay in San Diego Zoo for a memorable holiday experience.
Explore the best places to visit and stay in San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo, located in San Diego, California, is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast. Situated in the beautiful Balboa Park, this zoo offers a unique experience with its diverse range of animals and stunning exhibits. The Zoo Drive area provides easy access to the zoo, as well as other attractions such as museums, the sea, and beautiful beaches. If you're looking for a taste of local culture, the Zona Centro district in nearby Tijuana is a great choice. With its vibrant atmosphere, this area offers a range of dining options, art galleries, and theaters. For those who prefer to stay closer to the city center, the prime location of San Diego offers convenience and excitement. With its proximity to the zoo and other attractions, you'll never run out of things to see and do. As one of the largest zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether it's birdwatching, exploring nature, or indulging in the local art and dining scene, each area surrounding the zoo offers its own unique geographic features, landmarks, and local experiences to make your holiday truly special.
- Bankers Hill: This area is a mere 1.25 km away from the San Diego Zoo. With its close proximity to the zoo and its stunning views of the city, Bankers Hill is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Explore the nearby museums, enjoy the sea and beach, go birdwatching, immerse yourself in nature, indulge in art and theater, and savor a variety of dining experiences.
- Hillcrest: Just 1.65 km away from the San Diego Zoo, Hillcrest is another great choice for visitors. This area offers the same exciting features as Bankers Hill, with the added bonus of being close to the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood. Enjoy the zoo, museums, sea, wildlife, beach, birdwatching, nature, art, theater, and a diverse dining scene.
- Cortez Hill: Located 1.74 km away from the San Diego Zoo, Cortez Hill provides a unique experience for visitors. Immerse yourself in the zoo, museums, sea, wildlife, beach, birdwatching, nature, art, theater, and dining options that this area has to offer.
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo is a world-famous zoo located in downtown San Diego, offering a zoo-centric visit with a variety of attractions.
- Starlight Bowl: Immerse yourself in the magic of live theater at Starlight Bowl, located just 0.27 km away from San Diego Zoo. Experience the enchantment of captivating performances under the stars, surrounded by the zoo's stunning natural environment.
- Old Globe Theater: Step into the world of Shakespearean drama and contemporary plays at the Old Globe Theater, situated 0.38 km away from San Diego Zoo. Be mesmerized by the exceptional acting and intricate set designs, creating a truly immersive theatrical experience.
- San Diego Museum of Art: Discover a world of artistic wonders at the San Diego Museum of Art, located 0.42 km away from San Diego Zoo. Marvel at the exquisite paintings, sculptures, and installations, showcasing both classic and contemporary art forms.
How to find great deals and cheap hotels in San Diego Zoo
- Look for hotel deals on the Expedia website to save on accommodation in San Diego Zoo.
- Consider staying in hotels near the zoo to save on travel time and expenses.
- Use the search filters on Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels in San Diego Zoo.
- Travel during off-peak times, such as weekdays or non-holiday periods, for potentially lower hotel rates.
- Compare prices and amenities of different hotels to find the best value for your stay.
- Look for hotels that offer complimentary breakfast to save on dining expenses.
- Consider booking a hotel with a kitchenette to save on meals by cooking your own food.
- Check for any discounts or promotions offered by hotels or through Expedia.
- Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses for more affordable options.
- Save on transportation costs by using public transportation or walking to the zoo and nearby attractions.
Discover the flavours of San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo offers a unique dining experience that showcases the local cuisine and highlights the flavours of the region. Visitors can indulge in a variety of dishes that celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of San Diego. From fresh seafood caught off the coast to farm-to-table produce sourced from local farms, the zoo's dining options are a true reflection of the city's vibrant food scene.
One of the highlights of dining at the San Diego Zoo is the opportunity to try unique dishes that are inspired by the animals and exhibits. From themed snacks and treats to full-course meals, the menu is designed to create an immersive dining experience. Whether it's enjoying a Mexican-inspired dish at the panda exhibit or savoring a seafood delight at the sea lion show, dining at the San Diego Zoo is a delicious adventure that complements the visit to the animal exhibits.
Best time to go to San Diego Zoo, San Diego
San Diego boasts a year-around average temperature of 17.5°C, peaking at 22.0°C in August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 13.6°C in December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 21.1mm annually, with February seeing the heaviest showers and May, June, July, August, September being the driest month.
Month![]() | Temperature (Celcius)![]() | Rainfall (mm)![]() |
| January | 13.9 | 50.3 |
| February | 14.4 | 57.7 |
| March | 15.2 | 46.0 |
| April | 16.5 | 19.8 |
| May | 17.7 | 0.0 |
| June | 19.1 | 0.0 |
| July | 21.1 | 0.0 |
| August | 22.0 | 0.0 |
| September | 21.4 | 0.0 |
| October | 19.3 | 14.5 |
| November | 16.3 | 25.7 |
| December | 13.6 | 38.9 |
The nearest major airports for your trip to San Diego Zoo
Flying into SAN Diego Zoo is convenient via San Diego International Airport (SAN), located approximately 5km away. Noteworthy hotels nearby include the 5-star Pendry San Diego and The US Grant, both offering luxurious accommodations. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is another excellent option, situated 19km from the airport. Alternatively, you could fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, which is about 124km away, with hotel options like The Resort at Pelican Hill and Balboa Bay Resort. Lastly, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is around 135km away, featuring upscale stays such as Parker Palm Springs and L'Horizon Resort & Spa.
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