San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Summer Hours
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo have announced summer hours. The Safari Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The reason for the earlier opening is the hot summer temperatures. Meanwhile the Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. in the summer, closing an hour earlier. The summer Safari Park hours will start Saturday, June 14 and will run until Sunday, Aug. 31, according to the Wildlife Alliance’s website. The zoo’s summer hours will kick in on Friday, May 23 and run through Thursday, Aug. 10. Note that in previous years, the Zoo had summer hours through the Labor Day weekend.
For visitors planning a summer trip to San Diego, it’s important to note the adjusted summer hours for the city’s top wildlife attractions due to heat and crowd considerations.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo will have different summer hours:
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The earlier opening is designed to let visitors enjoy cooler morning temperatures before the afternoon heat intensifies. These summer hours will run from Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, August 31.
- San Diego Zoo: Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer, closing one hour earlier than usual to accommodate summer schedules. These hours start on Friday, May 23 and continue through Thursday, August 10. In past years, the Zoo extended summer hours through the Labor Day weekend, but this year the schedule ends earlier in August.
Tips for visiting during these summer hours:
- Arrive early at the Safari Park to enjoy the cooler temperatures and see animals when they are most active.
- Plan your Zoo visit in the late afternoon to take advantage of extended evening hours while avoiding peak midday heat.
- Stay hydrated and wear sun protection, especially at the Safari Park where much of the experience is outdoors.
- Check the official websites before your visit for any last-minute changes or special summer events.
By planning around these hours, you can maximize your experience and comfort while visiting both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park during the summer months.
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