Some visitors of the San Diego Zoo will have to start paying to park next year, according to the zoo’s website.
This change is part of the city of San Diego’s larger plan to charge for parking at Balboa Park and address the city’s budget deficit. In September, the San Diego City Council passed an amendment to the zoo’s lease that allows the zoo to charge for parking at the zoo parking lot and set different rates for different kinds of parkers.
Starting Jan. 5, 2026 — when the city is scheduled to begin paid parking in Balboa Park — the zoo says it will charge non-members a fixed daily fee of $16 per vehicle.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance members can continue to park for free in the zoo’s parking lot, but must register their vehicle online in the “Member Parking Portal.” Each adult member is allowed to register only one vehicle, which can be done before visiting the zoo or after getting to the parking lot. Members can update their vehicle information at any time, according to the zoo.
How non-members can pay for parking at the San Diego Zoo
Non-members can choose one of the following ways to pay after getting to the parking lot (the zoo does not recommend paying before arriving):
Kiosk:
Find a kiosk in the parking lot or at the zoo’s main entrance plaza.
Follow the instructions on the screen to put in your license plate number and swipe your credit card.
Take your receipt. You do not need to place it on your dashboard.
Phone:
Scan the QR code on the signs in the parking lot or text “1671” to 619-901-0402.
Follow the instructions on the payment website to input your license plate number and enter your payment method (credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
Ticket booth:
If you’d like to pay with cash, you can visit a ticket booth at the zoo’s main entrance. Don’t forget to note your license plate number.
Those who do not pay or register their vehicle could get a notice from ACE Parking or have their vehicle towed, according to the zoo’s website.