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What Can You Bring Into The San Diego Zoo? | Simply Explained

Zoos are typically a bit more picky than most tourist attractions in what you can and can't bring onto their property with the San Diego Zoo being no exception to these strict guidelines. 

In this guide, we'll explain what is and isn't allowed to be brought into the San Diego Zoo!

"San Diego Zoo" Sign and Logo

Can These Items Be Brought Into The San Diego Zoo? ...Answered!

  • Strollers
  • Cameras
  • Food & Drinks
  • Coolers
  • Straws
  • Glass Containers & Bottles
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Bags & Backpacks
  • Service Animals & Pets

Are Strollers Allowed At The San Diego Zoo?

Strollers are allowed at the San Diego Zoo with no restrictions on size or shape (like wagon strollers) at this time. 

If you don't have or want to bring your stroller, then San Diego Zoo offers stroller rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

There are certain rides and areas of the zoo (like the Skyfari) you won't be able to bring a stroller with you, but most of the property is very stroller friendly.  

Two Koalas in a tree

Are Cameras Allowed At The San Diego Zoo?

Cameras are welcome at the San Diego Zoo!

There are so many exotic and rare animals at the zoo that you'll want to bring a camera with you.

You're also allowed to bring tripods and other camera equipment as long as they can be folded up and stored if needed. 

The photographs and videos you take at the zoo must be for personal or private use, no commercial photography is allowed without prior approval of the San Diego Zoo. 

Are Food & Drinks Allowed?

Food and drinks are allowed at the San Diego Zoo!

Please feel free to bring your food and drinks with you or you can dine at one of their many restaurants

Two people on the San Diego Zoo Skyfari

Are Coolers Allowed?

Coolers are allowed at the San Diego Zoo as long as they are smaller than "six-pack size".

This means a cooler should be able to hold six cans, but no more. 

If your cooler is larger than this size then you'll need to leave it in your car, but there is a picnic area right outside of the San Diego Zoo where you can enjoy your food and drinks from your cooler.

Are Straws Allowed At The San Diego Zoo?

Like many zoos and animal conservatories around the world, plastic straws are not allowed.

Paper straws however are allowed at the San Diego Zoo!

Two Hippos in the water

Are Glass Containers & Bottles Allowed?

Glass containers or bottles are not allowed at the San Diego Zoo.

Most glass items in general will not be allowed through security at the San Diego Zoo, so if you have any items that are largely made of glass then be prepared to leave them in the car.

This is done for the safety of the animals at the San Diego Zoo. If a glass item were to break and make it into an animal's enclosure, they could severely injure themselves. 

Are Alcoholic Beverages Allowed?

You may not bring your alcoholic beverages into the San Diego Zoo. 

Alcoholic beverages are served inside the Zoo, so if you're looking to enjoy a beer during a hot day at the zoo then you'll have no issues doing so! 

Gian Lion Statue outside of the San Diego Zoo

Are Bags & Backpacks Allowed Into The San Diego Zoo?

Most bags and backpacks are allowed at the San Diego Zoo with certain size restrictions you'll need to adhere to

Large bags and suitcases may not be allowed into the San Diego Zoo, but bag storage is offered at the San Diego Zoo for a fee if you need to store items like luggage. 

Generally, you should have no issue bringing in handbags and backpacks designed for everyday use. 

Are Service Animals & Pets Allowed?

Service Animals are allowed at the San Diego Zoo.

Pets, in-training service animals, and emotional support animals are not allowed at the San Diego Zoo though

 

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