Getting Around the San Diego Zoo

We have previously written about The San Diego Zoo. We know out little local Zoo does not need an introduction. It is truly World famous.

This time of year you might be planning a family trip down to the Zoo to see the wild-animal-themed Christmas lights at their annual Jungle Bells event, which runs from December 14 2018 – January 6th 2019. We thought it was time to revisit the zoo ourselves recently and revisit it in the blog.

Usually we spend the day walking at the Zoo. Recently we decided to see it by bus. It was a whole new way to see the zoo. We sat on the top deck of a an open-air double decker bus that tours the entire grounds. It inspired us to write about the various transportation options at the zoo that can change your perspective and experience.

There are two bus tours. One is a guided tour where you remain seated the entire time. The other bus is a hop-on hop-off experience that you can use as many times as you want for the entire day. It is called the Kangaroo Bus and the four Kangaroo Bus stops are marked by a bright yellow diamond and an image of a kangaroo. Each different bus has a different cost outside of your zoo admission price. Additionally there is the Skyfari aerial tram that runs from one end of the zoo to the other and is free to everyone after admission to the zoo.

Skyfari aerial tram

Free to all after admission to the zoo
Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult
Large strollers are not allowed onboard. Many choose to park their strollers at one of the two hop-on hop-off sites to come back to later.
Milmom tip: you can see a lot of the zoo as well as building from nearby Balboa park on the ride! The trams are small and private and offer a unique viewing experience that should not be missed.

Guided bus tour

A 35 minute tour of the zoo narrated by your bus driver
Included with Zoo admission tickets. (There is a $10-13 cost for annual pass holders)
Active Duty military can show ID for free bus tour just as they can for free admission to the zoo
The buses are large open-air double decker buses with seats in groups of two
You board the bus near the entrance of the zoo. Many park strollers at the entrance near the ticket booth for the bus tour.

Kangaroo Bus

Free with zoo ticket. (There is a $6-8 cost for annual pass holders)
Active Duty military can show ID for free bus tour just as they can for free admission to the zoo
Has four stops spread out around the Zoo letting out at near major animal viewing opportunities.
Buses cycle every 15 minutes
You can bring collapsable strollers onboard
Buses are large open-air double decker buses with seats in groups of two.
Great option for little ones that can’t sit for the 35 minute loop of the guided tour and will want to walk around
*Milmomtip Tip: The top floor of the double decker bus has a large window in the front row that allows little ones to pretend they are driving the bus. You can usually secure the seats if you are willing to sit on the bus for a few stops.

Which do you do, or do you plan to do? See the zoo by foot, by bus, by aerial tram, or all three? Whichever you get down to the zoo to see the holiday decorations and the lights starting December 14th!