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Our top choices for San Diego Zoo hotels

1. City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills

City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills
4.5 star property
2 km from San Diego Zoo
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (180 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay! Clean spacious room and friendly staff."
United States
omokayode
The price is ฿4,755
฿6,507 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Aug - 26 Aug
City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills

2. Stay Classy Hostel

Stay Classy Hostel
2.0 star property
East Village, 2.7 km from San Diego Zoo
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (899 reviews)
"Nice stay in budget."
United States
Nitin
The price is ฿2,183
฿2,484 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jul - 29 Jul
Stay Classy Hostel

3. Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality

Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality
2.0 star property
East Village, 2.6 km from San Diego Zoo
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (96 reviews)
"This was a great location for nearby cafes and nightlife, the parking is a little tough but luckily there is a parking garage near that is safe."
United States
Anthony
The price is ฿2,402
฿5,377 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Aug - 25 Aug
Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality

4. Lafayette Hotel & Club

Lafayette Hotel & Club
4.0 star property
2.3 km from San Diego Zoo
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,846 reviews)
"Great experience, staff was excellent food was delicious.. definitely recommend the hotel!"
United States
Lisa
The price is ฿9,704
฿11,154 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Lafayette Hotel & Club

5. Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
3.5 star property
2.8 km from San Diego Zoo
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,007 reviews)
"We loved staying here! Amazing location, great breakfast options, rooms were nice and the view was amazing"
United States
Colleen
The price is ฿7,379
฿8,568 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Aug - 28 Aug
Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

6. Hotel Z

Hotel Z
3.0 star property
Gaslamp Quarter, 2.9 km from San Diego Zoo
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,077 reviews)
"Amazing staff, clean room and perfect distance from prime area in Gaslamp!"
United States
Nicole
The price is ฿4,025
฿5,838 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Hotel Z

7. Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego
3.5 star property
2 km from San Diego Zoo
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,137 reviews)
"Place is clean and beautiful, grear location."
United States
Mabel
The price is ฿7,143
฿8,282 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Diego

8. Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa

Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
4.0 star property
3.1 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (3,120 reviews)
"Clean rooms, beautiful property and friendly staff. Loved my stay."
United States
Shakundala
The price is ฿5,968
฿6,859 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa

9. The Horton Grand, Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

The Horton Grand, Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
3.5 star property
Marina District, 3 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (2,856 reviews)
"Great location & staff!"
United States
Jack P Williams,
The price is ฿4,864
฿6,578 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Aug - 21 Aug
The Horton Grand, Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

10. Gaslamp Hostel

Gaslamp Hostel
2.0 star property
Gaslamp Quarter, 2.7 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (648 reviews)
"Great for solo travelers, great overall"
United States
Anthony
The price is ฿3,836
฿4,364 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Aug - 7 Aug
Gaslamp Hostel

11. The Margot Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, Outset by Hilton

The Margot Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, Outset by Hilton
4.0 star property
East Village, 2.8 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (992 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Clean rooms and great staff"
United States
BRENDA
The price is ฿5,498
฿7,547 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
The Margot Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, Outset by Hilton

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

Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, A Member Of Design Hotels
4.0 star property
Gaslamp Quarter, 2.4 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (824 reviews)
"Service and the room were excellent, would stay again!"
United States
Jayden
The price is ฿6,705
฿7,774 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, A Member Of Design Hotels

13. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
3.0 star property
2.9 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (695 reviews)
"Good breakfast. Rooms were nice. Staff was nice."
United States
Traci
The price is ฿9,064
฿10,505 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jul - 29 Jul
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

14. Westgate Hotel

Westgate Hotel
4.5 star property
2.4 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,007 reviews)
"Clean romantic location staff was kind and helpful great location."
United States
Juan J
The price is ฿6,690
฿8,929 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Westgate Hotel

15. InterContinental San Diego by IHG

InterContinental San Diego by IHG
4.0 star property
2.9 km from San Diego Zoo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,178 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, great location excellent views"
United States
yosef
The price is ฿7,453
฿10,908 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Aug - 28 Aug
InterContinental San Diego by IHG

16. The Beau Hotel Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

The Beau Hotel Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
3.0 star property
Gaslamp Quarter, 2.4 km from San Diego Zoo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (864 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United States
Liam
The price is ฿4,184
฿4,760 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
The Beau Hotel Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

17. Best Western Plus Bayside Inn

Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
3.0 star property
2.4 km from San Diego Zoo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,015 reviews)
"Great hotel"
Canada
Katarzyna
The price is ฿5,222
฿6,044 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn

18. Gaslamp Plaza Suites

Gaslamp Plaza Suites
3.5 star property
Gaslamp Quarter, 2.5 km from San Diego Zoo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,146 reviews)
"Nice stay, the room was nice and the staff was accommodating. Will definitely plan another stay."
United States
Thalia
The price is ฿4,549
฿5,174 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Gaslamp Plaza Suites

19. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
4.0 star property
Little Italy, 2 km from San Diego Zoo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (866 reviews)
"Awesome stay!"
United States
Sherry
The price is ฿6,874
฿7,970 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Aug - 3 Aug
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

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

The Guild Hotel, San Diego Downtown, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel
4.0 star property
2.7 km from San Diego Zoo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,226 reviews)
"Clean room all staff was super nice and helpful"
United States
Melissa
The price is ฿6,031
฿6,993 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Aug - 5 Aug
The Guild Hotel, San Diego Downtown, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Compare popular hotels close to San Diego Zoo

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
Deluxe 2 King Bedrooms, Multiple Beds, Sleeps 11ppl | Terrace/patio
City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills
4.5 star property
9.8
Exceptional
180 reviews
View
Memory-foam beds, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board (on request)
Stay Classy Hostel
2.0 star property
9.6
Exceptional
899 reviews
View
Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, City View (Self check-in) | Desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board
Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality
2.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
96 reviews
View
3 bars/lounges, lobby lounge, cocktail bar, cocktail bar
Lafayette Hotel & Club
4.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,846 reviews
View
Gym
Hotel Z
3.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,077 reviews
View

Top San Diego Zoo Hotel Reviews

Hotels near other San Diego Zoo attractions

Find out more about San Diego Zoo

Top reasons to visit San Diego Zoo

  • Diverse Wildlife: San Diego Zoo is home to a vast array of animals, offering visitors a chance to observe exotic species up close.
  • Engaging Activities: Enjoy wildlife observation, birdwatching, and art displays that enhance the overall experience.
  • Proximity to Attractions: Located near Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, the zoo is surrounded by cultural and recreational opportunities.
  • Family-Friendly Environment: The zoo provides a vibrant atmosphere, catering to visitors of all ages with numerous attractions.
  • Varied Accommodation: A range of lodging options are available nearby, ensuring a comfortable stay for every type of traveller.

Find great hotels near San Diego Zoo

Discover a variety of accommodation options near San Diego Zoo, perfect for every type of traveller. From luxurious resorts to convenient apartments, you'll find pet-friendly and adventure-ready lodgings tailored for business and leisure alike. Enjoy a memorable stay just moments away from the zoo's captivating wildlife and attractions, ensuring your visit is both comfortable and exciting.

  • Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle: This 3-star hotel, rated 8.0 out of 10, offers a convenient location just 3km from San Diego Zoo, making it an excellent base for adventure seekers and business travellers alike. The hotel features a range of recreational activities such as surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling nearby. Notably pet-friendly, the property welcomes dogs and service animals, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests travelling with their furry companions. With adventure sports options available both onsite and in the vicinity, Days Inn provides an engaging experience for all guests.
  • Wyndham San Diego Bayside: A 4-star accommodation with a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, Wyndham San Diego Bayside is also located 3km from San Diego Zoo. This hotel caters to families and business travellers, featuring various adventure sports such as parasailing and Segway tours. Children are well catered for with amenities such as free cribs and family-friendly activities. With a focus on creating memorable experiences, this property is a fantastic choice for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
  • Best Western Seven Seas: This 3-star hotel is situated 3km from San Diego Zoo and offers a delightful blend of adventure and family-friendly facilities. Rated for its suitability for children, the hotel provides free cribs and nearby adventure options like mountain biking and hiking. Best Western Seven Seas is ideal for families and business travellers who wish to explore San Diego while enjoying a range of recreational activities. Its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful amenities create a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.

Where to stay near San Diego Zoo

Visitors to San Diego Zoo will discover a vibrant atmosphere enriched by friendly locals and family-friendly attractions. Just a stone's throw from the zoo, downtown San Diego offers excellent dining, shopping, and historical sites within walking distance. Explore Balboa Park, a cultural gem nearby, or stroll through the scenic Gaslamp Quarter. With numerous similar destinations around, you’ll find plenty to engage your senses and create lasting memories during your stay in this captivating region.

  • San Diego: San Diego is a vibrant city renowned for its warm climate and beautiful beaches. The San Diego Zoo is a major attraction within the city, making it a hub for family-oriented and outdoor activities. Visitors can indulge in shopping at numerous centres or relax at local resorts. The area boasts stunning landmarks such as picturesque beaches and lively theme parks, ensuring a memorable experience throughout the year, particularly from March to April and July.
  • Downtown San Diego: Located a mere 3km from the San Diego Zoo, Downtown San Diego offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and coastal charm. This neighbourhood is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a variety of shopping centres and educational venues. With its proximity to the beach and event conference venues, Downtown serves as a bustling hub for both leisure and business visitors, especially during peak seasons in April and June to July.
  • Gaslamp Quarter: The Gaslamp Quarter is another lively neighbourhood situated 3km away from the San Diego Zoo. Known for its historical architecture and vibrant nightlife, it attracts families and business travellers alike. Here, visitors can enjoy shopping at trendy centres and exploring educational sites. The area is also home to significant landmarks such as sports facilities and convention centres, making it a dynamic spot for entertainment and events. Peak visitor times occur in March to April and July, ensuring a lively atmosphere.

Things to do near San Diego Zoo

Shopping

Inside San Diego Zoo, you can explore the gift shop featuring plush toys, apparel, and unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, head to Westfield Horton Plaza for a variety of shops and dining options, or visit Fashion Valley Mall for high-end brands and an extensive shopping experience.

Recreation

At San Diego Zoo, unwind at the tranquil Koi Pond area, where you can enjoy the calming sounds of water and vibrant nature. Participate in guided yoga sessions amongst the lush surroundings, allowing for a serene connection with wildlife while enhancing your mindfulness and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Barona Speedway, located 40km from San Diego Zoo, where you can enjoy motor racing amidst an exhilarating atmosphere. Feel the adrenaline rush as you watch high-speed races and immerse yourself in the vibrant sports and adventure vibe of the venue.

Nightlife

The San Diego Zoo offers a unique evening atmosphere with guided night tours, allowing you to explore the zoo under the stars. For a lively post-visit experience, consider heading to nearby Gaslamp Quarter, brimming with vibrant bars and restaurants, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near San Diego Zoo

Within and around San Diego Zoo, visitors can explore urban parks, maritime museums, and private gardens, catering to culture, family, and outdoor enthusiasts. For an enriching experience, consider looking for photos near the zoo, the best local resorts, insights on zoo animals, and wildlife explorations available in the vicinity. These attractions promise a delightful blend of adventure and education for all ages.

  • Hotel Circle: Located 3km from San Diego Zoo, Hotel Circle is a vibrant street filled with a variety of accommodation options and dining experiences. Its lively atmosphere makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.
  • Balboa Park: Just 805m away from the zoo, Balboa Park is a stunning private garden featuring lush landscapes, beautiful walking paths, and numerous museums. It's a serene escape perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying nature's beauty.
  • USS Midway Museum: Situated 3km from the zoo, the USS Midway Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. Visitors can explore the aircraft carrier and enjoy exhibits that reflect the cultural significance of naval aviation.

Best time to go to San Diego Zoo

The best time to visit San Diego Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April60.6°F (15.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June66.4°F (19.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July70.5°F (21.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.3°F (22.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.0°F (22.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to San Diego Zoo

Flying into SAN Diego Zoo is convenient with three major airports nearby. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is merely 5km away, with luxury hotels like The US Grant and Pendry San Diego both offering easy access. Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located 124km from the zoo, featuring upscale options such as The Resort at Pelican Hill. Tijuana's General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (TIJ) is 27km away, with quality accommodations like Quartz Hotel & SPA. All these hotels provide seamless transportation links to their respective airports, ensuring a hassle-free start to your San Diego adventure.

Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around San Diego Zoo?
San Diego Zoo is located in an area of San Diego known for its array of dining options, bird watching and popular zoo. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 118 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.
What's the best place to stay near San Diego Zoo?
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this aparthotel offers a 24-hour fitness centre and free WiFi. It's located just a short 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from San Diego Zoo. Other good choices within a few miles include Wyndham San Diego Bayside and The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection.
How many hotels will I be able to find near San Diego Zoo?
Expedia has 118 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from San Diego Zoo.
If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near San Diego Zoo, will I receive a refund?
Yes! The majority of room reservations are refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of check in. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, it may still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to review the top deals on offer near San Diego Zoo.
What can I see and do near San Diego Zoo?
USS Midway Museum, San Diego Museum of Art and San Diego Air and Space Museum feature captivating exhibits. Hotel del Coronado, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala and Casa de Balboa are landmarks that you won't want to miss. You can watch performances at San Diego Civic Theatre, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Humphreys Concerts by the Bay if you're interested in local theatre.