San Diego Zoo maintains paid parking while Balboa Park goes free

The San Diego Zoo announced on Friday that it will keep its paid parking program in place past 2026. This decision comes as the city of San Diego restores free parking to the rest of Balboa Park starting Jan. 1.

The zoo charges a $16 fee for parking. Under the new rules, San Diego city residents, zoo members, active-duty military personnel, employees, and volunteers will park for free. All other drivers will pay the fee. The zoo stated that half of the revenue from these fees goes to the city to support Balboa Park operations. It also claimed the program helps ensure more parking spaces are available for zoo visitors.

The fee was introduced earlier this year when the city implemented paid parking across the entire park. That move caused friction between residents and the zoo. Attendance at nearby museums dropped, and residents complained about the cost. The city reversed its policy for the general park a few months later, but the zoo kept its own fee structure.

Visitors have mixed reactions to the continued fee. Habib Albatarse, a zoo guest, said the cost is not unreasonable for a full day of admission. He noted that free parking would be ideal, but the current price is manageable. He also said the city definitely needs the revenue.

Kelly Smith, a single mother from Chino, took a different view. She drove to the zoo with her children during October's free admission month. Smith said the $16 parking fee makes the trip expensive when combined with adult tickets that cost between $65 and $68. She described the zoo as a financial saver for her family in October, but the added parking cost increases the total expense.

The zoo said it is committed to working with Balboa Park neighbors and the city to address concerns about parking access. The zoo noted that the parking program has been a meaningful improvement for the facility.