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California Zoos & aquariums

Our most recommended California Zoos & aquariums

San Diego: SeaWorld Skip-the-Line Park Admission Ticket

1. San Diego: SeaWorld Skip-the-Line Park Admission Ticket

Discover the underwater world at SeaWorld San Diego, with animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and thrilling rides. Get up close to marine life and enjoy educational animal presentations for the whole family to enjoy. Upgrade your ticket to include a dining pass to eat all day at SeaWorld. Experience thrilling rides such as Electric Eel with its high-energy twists and loops, or Manta, with two thrilling launches that send riders soaring in the spirit of the world’s largest ray. For kid-friendly fun, enjoy Tentacle Swirl, Sea Dragon Drop, Elmo's Flying Fish, and so much more. Admire the animals at SeaWorld such as beluga whales, walruses, penguins, sharks, and orcas as you learn about these incredible creatures. Enjoy interactive exhibits such as the Explorer's Reef Touchpools and Sea Lion Point. Explore the Sesame Street Bay of Play where you can meet your Sesame Street friends. If you choose to upgrade to the all-day dining bundle, you can get an entree, a side/dessert, and a drink every 1 hour at Shipwreck Reef Café®, Calypso Bay Smokehouse, Mama Stella’s® Pizza Kitchen, Big Bird's Bistro, Coral Market, Shark Market, Orca West Market, and Pretzel Shop.

LA: Aquarium of the Pacific Skip-the-Line Entry

2. LA: Aquarium of the Pacific Skip-the-Line Entry

Take a journey of discovery at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Los Angeles. Benefit from skip-the-ticket-line access so you don't waste your day waiting in the long ticket booth line. Discover sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Come face-to-face with the ocean’s ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon, hand-feed colorful lorikeet birds, and watch the Magellanic penguins. Discover Pacific Visions where you explore underwater realms and future possibilities. The centerpiece, Honda Pacific Visions Theater, features an 8-minute film with multisensory effects. The massive 180-degree curved screen and floor projection disc encompass the viewers’ full range of vision, creating a uniquely immersive experience. The theater experience is included in admission. Come visit our newest exhibition: Babies! Meet the newest members of the Aquarium family and discover how they hold the key to our future. From rescued sea otters, mesmerizing little cuttlefish, and miniature sea jellies to tiny translucent fish and a young desert tortoise, experience the heart-warming joy of baby animals while learning their fascinating behavior and biology, how we care for them, threats to their survival, and what their future means for their species and our ocean planet. Also learn about the many endangered local animals that the Aquarium is helping to save, including frogs, abalone, giant sea bass, green sea turtles, and more. Open Now! Join us as we feature new arrivals and the latest births. Babies hold the future for all species.

San Diego Zoo: 1-Day Admission Ticket

3. San Diego Zoo: 1-Day Admission Ticket

Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to over 4,500 rare and endangered animals, and experience their worlds at the Polar Bear Plunge, Elephant Odyssey, and other areas. The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is known for its naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters. An urban paradise for all ages, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California. Winding paths through the tropical oasis of a botanical garden bring you to the zoo‘s rare and fascinating animals, including koalas, Galápagos tortoises, tigers, eagles, flamingos, great apes, and more. Other exotic animals you may encounter include Sichuan takins, Buerger’s tree-kangaroos, arctic foxes, pangolin, and Visayan warty pigs. Explore Africa Rocks to discover penguins, baboons, the mysterious fossa, weaver birds, and other unique creatures. The festive, lively atmosphere makes the San Diego Zoo a great place for family fun and gathering friends. Discover the wonders of wildlife with animal encounters, interactive experiences, and exciting animal presentations and shows. The Zoo’s 17 Galápagos tortoises are now at home at the Fetter Family Galápagos Tortoise Exhibit. When keepers are present, you can pet and occasionally feed the tortoises over a short rock barrier. At the Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, you can get closer to polar bears than ever before. Climb aboard an Arctic research helicopter, crawl into a bear den, or measure yourself against the size of a polar bear. The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey is a 7.5-acre habitat and a first-of-its-kind experience. This area combines the fun of a zoo with the experience of a museum by creating an untamed landscape of animals from the past and present. A leader in animal care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience.

San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences Entry Ticket

4. San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences Entry Ticket

Discover the California Academy of Sciences located in the heart of Golden Gate Park where you can experience the only place on Earth with an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one day. With hands-on exhibitions, shows, and public programs, you’re in for an action-packed science adventure. Plunge into the world’s deepest living indoor coral reef, home to nearly 60,000 live animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species. Meet the newest African penguin chicks, Pogo and Ozzie, and the rest of the colony of playful penguins in African Hall. Then pay a visit to the iconic alligator with albinism, Claude. Catch the latest immersive show in the 75-foot planetarium, taking you on a spectacular journey to the far reaches of the universe, featuring different themes at varying times throughout the day. Step inside a lush, four-story rainforest teeming with life – from free-flying birds to exotic reptiles, amphibians, and more. Investigate hundreds of specimens and dabble in hands-on activities for children and adults alike in the Naturalist Center. The adventure continues outside with unique rooftop views on the 2.5 acre living roof. Then, take an opportunity to activate your child’s curiosity about the natural world in our outdoor nature play and exploration space, Wander Woods.

San Francisco Zoo Admission Ticket

5. San Francisco Zoo Admission Ticket

Visit the San Francisco Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals and 250 species of plants. Your full-day admission ticket includes access to the Leanne Roberts African Region and the Valentine Family Savanna. Both zones offer multi-species landscapes with giraffes, zebras, kudu, ostriches, storks, and more. At Hearst Grizzly Gulch, get nose-to-nose with rescued grizzly bear sisters Kachina and Kiona. See how lemurs leap through the Lipman Lemur Forest, the largest outdoor lemur habitat in the country. Marvel at Penguin Island, home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins outside of the wild. Admire the Zoo's gorillas in the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve. Feed and pet the farm animals in the Fisher Family Children's Zoo. Find the historic 1921 Dentzel Carousel and 1904 miniature Little Puffer Steam Train. Learn about the fun rides, educational programs, and exciting events for children.

San Francisco: Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

6. San Francisco: Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

Explore the beauty and wonder of San Francisco's Aquarium of the Bay with this entrance ticket, giving you access to the 3 main exhibit halls. Discover the amazingly diverse marine life that lives beneath the surface of San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. Explore the “Discover the Bay” exhibit, highlighting the unique ecosystem that provides a home to a diverse selection of marine life. The exhibits feature more than 20,000 aquatic animals. Learn all about this delicate underwater habitat and the need for its conservation. Then, experience the magic of the habitat at “Touch the Bay,” complete with tide pools where you can touch the creatures that patrol San Francisco Bay’s waters. No trip to Aquarium of the Bay would be complete without a visit to the North American River Otter Gallery, where frisky river otters romp, swim, sleep and play. Get a scuba diver’s view of San Francisco Bay at the Aquarium of the Bay’s most iconic exhibit, “Under the Bay.” As you walk through the tunnels, you’ll see fascinating jellyfish, watch schools of fish that swim near the shore, see delicate starfish, and view larger fish, such as sharks, rays, and sturgeons, which live in the deeper waters of San Francisco Bay.

From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour

7. From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour

Discover the scenic coastline of California on a day trip by air-conditioned bus from San Francisco. Visit the Monterey Peninsula, Cannery Row, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Travel scenic California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, famous for its spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife, and historical past. Stop at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck, where there are great shops and restaurants overlooking the Pacific. Next, travel through the famous 17-Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach Golf Course. Photo stops will be made along this gorgeous drive.  Your tour continues to Carmel by the sea where ample time is given to walk through this charming town dotted with lovely shops, and beautiful architecture.

San Diego: San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Ticket

8. San Diego: San Diego Zoo Safari Park 1-Day Ticket

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an adventurer’s safari paradise in Southern California. The 1,800-acre Safari Park is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 375 species—many living in wide, open field enclosures. So jump onto one of our thrilling array of tours and create memories of adventure for you and your family – all while benefiting the conservation of species here and in more than 35 countries across the globe. Welcome to a land of volcanoes, tropical rain forests, a treasure trove of biodiversity—and tigers. Sumatra is home to the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, along with other endangered species such as orangutans, rhinos, and elephants. Tiger Trail provides a journey to discover tigers and their current struggles within their island world. Lion Camp - Get nose to nose with our African lion pride—literally! Bring the kids up close to see lions that may come right up to the glass to check you out. Heart of Africa - The winding trails take you through an African forest and savanna to a serene lake. Stop and cool off at Jamison Research Island. Elephant Overlook - An elevated walkway takes you out where you can get a closer look at our Elephant Cam stars. Don't miss the youngsters born right here! Hidden Jungle - Enter our tropical greenhouse and experience a habitat of exotic birds, insect, and plants, home to our annual Butterfly Jungle event. Wings of the World Aviary - Everything in this free-flight aviary is designed to approximate the natural turf for over 140 birds of 40 species. Condor Ridge - Follow the trail of North American habitats and animals to see bighorn sheep and learn the great conservation story of the California condors. Other activities included in your admission: Elephant Enrichment - Watch our elephant herd enjoy morning treats. Discovery Station - This kid-friendly area is filled with musical instruments, puppets, books, craft activities, and wildlife “toys” and is designed to give children and their adult companions a playful space for animal-themed fun. Savanna Cool Zone - Walk through palm trees offering a gentle mist to three slippery critters that spout water: a turtle, a lion, and a crocodilian. Jameson Research Island Interpretive Center. Africa Tram Safari - Guided tour rides depart 10 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. daily (The Africa Tram Safari is an exciting expedition with brightly colored tour vehicles and our diverse animal collection creating a relaxing adventure. Lorikeet Landing - Watch our colorful rainbow lorikeets swoop down to enjoy nectar offered by guests. Exhibit entrance if free; lorikeet food is available for purchase to experience the thrill of feeding these birds by hand. Petting Kraal - Touch gentle deer and antelope. Have you “herd”? with Robert the Zebra - Robert the Zebra lives in digital, animated form on a large screen, where he can see the people who have come to visit. He asks questions, cracks jokes, talks about zebra life, and is very curious about humans. Frequent Flyers® Bird Show - An East African crowned crane in flight is a stunning sight viewed by only a privileged few, until now! The crane is one of the stars of the Park’s bird show, Frequent Flyers. The program lets you witness birds in full flight and focuses on a variety of birds from around the world. Animal Encounters - This interactive program gives you an opportunity to have face-to-face contact with the Park’s animal ambassadors like a cheetah, alligator, serval, and other rare and exotic animals. You may interact with trainers and ask questions about the species. Cheetah Tales - Come meet our cheetah ambassadors in Heart of Africa. Note: Schedules may vary or be canceled due to weather or animal health needs.

San Diego: Sesame Place Ticket With Optional SeaWorld Ticket

9. San Diego: Sesame Place Ticket With Optional SeaWorld Ticket

Visit the first west coast Sesame Street theme park during your San Diego vacation. Explore the interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, cheer your favorite characters at a parade, and get wet in the wave pool. Explore this fun theme park with kids of all ages. Try out all the 18 Sesame Street-themed rides. Ride the Super Grover's Box Car Derby or see the park from above on the Sesame Street Soar & Spin. Cool off with a dip in one of the largest wave pools in Southern California or splash down Big Bird's Rambling River tube ride. Visit the Sesame Street Neighborhood and get a photo with Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Grover. Listen to Big Bird tell a story and enjoy the many interactive games. Stop in the Sesame Street Theater to see the all-new show, Welcome to Our Street! Watch as each character welcomes you and your family in their own way. Dance along with the characters as they parade down Sesame Street. Choose the 1-day ticket to Sesame Place or extend your theme park visit with the 2 park ticket. Visit Sesame Place one day and SeaWorld San Diego anytime in the next 6 months.

Aquarium of the Bay VIP Tour

10. Aquarium of the Bay VIP Tour

Discover the beauty and wonder of San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay with this skip-the-line personally guided admission ticket PLUS a comprehensive VIP Tour. With your general admission ticket, enjoy access to 4 main exhibit halls. Learn about the amazingly diverse marine life that thrives beneath the surface of San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. Experience the “Discover the Bay” exhibit, highlighting the unique ecosystem that provides shelter to a diverse selection of marine life. See exhibits of more than 20,000 aquatic animals while also learning about conservation. Experience “Touch the Bay,” complete with tide pools where you can touch the marine animals that patrol San Francisco Bay’s waters. You can also visit the river otters or get a scuba diver’s view of San Francisco Bay at the most iconic exhibit, “Under the Bay.” Walk through the tunnels and gaze at the schools of fish and larger fish such as sharks, rays and sturgeons. Once you’ve explored the aquarium’s exhibits, get ready to go Behind the Scenes. Go to the lab and learn about how the marine animals are taken care of when injured or sick. Discover the holding tank where new arrivals are observed closely by staff to see how they adapt. Learn how the aquarium breeds skates, pipefish and jellyfish in tanks. From there, discover how jellyfish grow from white specks to full grown, luminous jellyfish. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes so you can walk on catwalks above the aquariums and learn about the aquarium’s dive operations. You may even get to see a bird’s eye view of how the sharks are hand-fed by divers.

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Frequently asked questions about California Zoos & aquariums

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Other Sightseeing Options in California

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What people are saying about California

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 797 reviews

Get your guide so so easy to use. Loved the ease of getting in the park. And the convenience of purchasing the tickets. We had an amazing time at Sea World. Thank you so much for your service. Olivia W.

Get your guide tickets worked well. We enjoyed the planitorim shows, rain forest and many other exhibits. Worth the price, family enjoyed it, kid is happy. Parking is 33$(max) but very convenient.

Great park, no issues with scanning and entry with Get Your Guide tickets through the app.

Great driver and guide. The coast is beyond spectacular. Really great tour.

We loved it. It was a perfect afternoon with our 9 and 11 year old kids.