San Diego Zoo military and veteran discount

San Diego Zoo admits US active duty service members, including the Guard and Reserve groups it lists, free every day at the Zoo and Safari Park, and gives their spouses and dependents 10 percent off a 1-Day Pass. Veterans and retirees get no park discount, and the zoo points them to base MWR ticket offices.

Veterans: No.

Discount: Free admission for active duty; 10 percent off a 1-Day Pass for active duty spouses and dependents
Where: In store
How to verify: ID check at the park gate or ticket window
Checked on: October 1, 2026Against San Diego Zoo's own page (opens in a new tab)

Go to San Diego Zoo's military discount page (opens in a new tab)

Who qualifies

Active duty, Guard and Reserve members get in free, and their spouses and dependents get 10 percent off; veterans and retirees do not qualify at the parks. The zoo does not mention surviving spouses, Gold Star families, caregivers or spouses of veterans.

VeteransNoThe zoo does not offer retirees or veterans a discount at its parks. It points them to base MWR ticket offices.
Active dutyYesFree entry with a CAC or Uniformed Services ID card. Civilians and foreign military are not included.
National Guard and ReserveYesThe zoo's definition names the Ready Reserve, National Guard and Reservists in training. A valid ID is required.
RetireesNoThe zoo does not offer retirees or veterans a discount at its parks. It points them to base MWR ticket offices.
Veterans rated 100 percent disabledNoThe zoo's no-discount rule for veterans names no exception for a disability rating.
Spouse of active dutyYes10 percent off a 1-Day Pass with a dependent ID. The service member does not need to come.
DependentsLimitedEligible immediate dependents of active duty members get 10 percent off a 1-Day Pass with a dependent ID.

Not stated by San Diego Zoo: spouse of a veteran, surviving spouse, Gold Star family and caregivers.

Proof and verification

San Diego Zoo checks military status through ID check at the park gate or ticket window.

Accepted proof: Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID card for active duty, Guard and Reserve; Valid dependent ID card for spouses and dependents
How long it takes: Checked in person on arrival. There is no online review.
At the register: Active duty must show valid ID at the entry turnstile. Without it, you must buy a nonrefundable ticket.
Without a smartphone: No phone is needed. The benefit works by showing a physical ID in person.
Recently separated: Free entry is for current active duty only. After you leave the service, the zoo sends veterans to base MWR ticket offices instead.
Privacy: The help center describes only an ID check at the gate. Parking registration asks for a phone number, license plate number and state.
Verifying again: Show valid ID on every visit.

See every way to prove you are a veteran

Based on sources 1 and 2.

Where it works

The benefits work in person at the gate or a ticket window; the zoo does not describe an online military price.

In storeFree entry for active duty; 10 percent off a 1-Day Pass for spouses and dependentsAvailableActive duty show ID at the turnstile. Spouses and dependents show a dependent ID at a ticket window.
OnlineNot stated by San Diego ZooThe help center describes the military benefits only at the gate and ticket windows.

What is excluded and the limits

Guests ages 3 and older visiting with an active duty member need their own ticket or membership.
Special ticketed events and programs are not included.
Safari Park parking is not included in free active duty admission.
Value Days and 2-Visit Pass prices cannot be combined with any other discount.

Code rules: No code. Show ID at the entry turnstile or a ticket window on each visit.

The cheapest way to buy San Diego Zoo as a veteran

The military discount is not always the lowest price. Compare it with these before you buy.

On the $78 adult 1-Day Pass Any Day price checked October 1, 2026, the 10 percent spouse and dependent discount brings the ticket to $70.20. That is $2.80 less than the $73 Value Days online price, which cannot be combined with the discount. If you will visit twice within a year, the $130 adult 2-Visit Pass works out to $65 a visit. Veterans and retirees pay these public prices unless a base MWR ticket office has a lower package.

The zoo does not say whether the 10 percent spouse discount combines with other offers. Value Days and 2-Visit Pass prices cannot be combined with any discount.

Exchange availability was not confirmed. The zoo names base MWR ticket offices, not the Exchange, as the route for veterans and retirees.

Each October 1 to 31, children 11 and younger enter free with an adult who has valid entry, and the zoo counts a US military ID as valid entry.

If the discount does not work

Turned away for free entry without military ID

Free entry needs a valid CAC or Uniformed Services ID at the turnstile. Without it you must buy a nonrefundable ticket, and the zoo will not refund it later.

Spouse charged full price

Show a dependent ID card at a ticket window for 10 percent off the 1-Day Pass. The service member does not need to be there.

Veteran or retiree finds no discount at the gate

The zoo does not discount for veterans or retirees at the parks. Ask a base MWR ticket office about its discount packages.

Unsure how parking works for active duty

Go to a ticket booth window when you arrive to register your vehicle.

A VA benefit that may be worth more

In-store commissary, exchange and MWR access

Qualifying veterans with a service-connected rating, including 0 percent, can use commissary and exchange privileges. Other eligible groups include retirees, former POWs, Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients and recognized primary family caregivers. Bring your VHIC or the required VA eligibility evidence and photo ID for checkout.

Since November 1, 2024, eligible people without a VA health ID card (VHIC) can enroll for base access with a REAL ID at the visitor center, which checks eligibility electronically. The gate and the checkout check eligibility separately, so confirm local entry rules before you go.

If your privilege comes only from the 2020 expansion, commissaries add 1.43 percent for credit or signature debit and 0.36 percent for PIN debit. Cash, checks, SNAP EBT and eWIC have no fee.

As of November 1, 2024 · Checked on October 1, 2026 · Source 1 (opens in a new tab) · Source 2 (opens in a new tab) · Source 3 (opens in a new tab) · Source 4 (opens in a new tab)

Read about eligibility and next steps

Changes to this discount

October 1, 2026: First checked October 1, 2026

Questions about the San Diego Zoo military discount

Does San Diego Zoo give veterans a discount?

No. The zoo says it does not offer retirees and veterans a discount at its parks. It works with base MWR ticket offices on discount packages, so ask yours.

Is San Diego Zoo free for active duty military?

Yes. US active duty members, including the Guard and Reserve groups the zoo lists, get in free at the Zoo and Safari Park with a CAC or Uniformed Services ID. Anyone 3 or older visiting with them needs a ticket.

Do military spouses get a discount?

Spouses and eligible dependents of active duty members get 10 percent off a 1-Day Pass at either park. Show a dependent ID card at a ticket window. The service member does not need to come.

Does free military entry cover the Safari Park?

Yes. Free entry applies at both parks. Safari Park parking and special ticketed events are not included.

Sources

San Diego Zoo help center: military discount (opens in a new tab). Retrieved October 1, 2026.
San Diego Zoo parking (opens in a new tab). Retrieved October 1, 2026.
San Diego Zoo ticket prices (opens in a new tab). Retrieved October 1, 2026.

Checked on October 1, 2026.