Accessible Travel - San Diego Zoo
I love to travel, especially when it means visiting friends! San Diego is one of those spots, and on this trip I finally had the chance to visit the San Diego Zoo. I’ve always been an animal person — I even thought about becoming a veterinarian when I was a kid — so zoos have always held a special place for me. I was excited to go, and honestly, I was even more impressed by the accessibility features than I expected. If you’re thinking about visiting the Zoo and you have a disability, there are quite a few things in place that make the day easier and a lot more enjoyable.
First off, they have A LOT of accessible parking. The zoo is a popular place, so it was nice to see the amount of parking available. They do have options to rent a manual or electric wheelchair on a first come, first serve basis for a fee. But, in line with the ADA, you can also use your Other Power Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD) —so not just manual chairs or scooters, but more of your adventure style devices. They have specific parameters in their Accessibility Guidebook but its pretty inclusive.
The Zoo is big, and some parts are hilly, so one thing I appreciated is that the map clearly marks an "accessible route” with a blue dotted line through the grounds that allows you to access points while avoiding the steeper hills. There’s also a complimentary ADA shuttle for people with mobility-related disabilities, which helps with some of the longer or tougher sections.
When it comes to personal care, every restroom on the property is marked as accessible, and there’s also an adult changing station located at Health Services near the Reptile House. I do wish there was more than one option as the Health Services building is in the front, and the zoo is pretty giant, but at least there is an option besides the floor. The zoo staff are not allowed to help you in the bathroom, however if you require support from an attendant or caregiver, the Zoo offers a free admission pass for that person. It’s one less cost to worry about and makes the visit more realistic for people who can’t go alone.
They’ve also put real thought into sensory accessibility. If you’re neurodivergent or traveling with someone who is, the Zoo offers sensory bags that include tools like headphones, fidgets, and visual aids. Around the busier or noisier areas, you’ll find signs letting you know when those tools might be especially helpful. They also have weighted lap pads and an app with social stories to best prepare people for their zoo experience. These are small things that can make a big difference in how the day feels.
Personally, I got a bit overstimulated. It wasn’t all that busy, but I still had a hard time regulating. Seeing the sensory options made me consider getting my own Loop earplugs for things such as this. So many of us ignore those signs of distress simply because we don’t consider it a “disability” but these support services can be helpful for a lot of people.
Overall, the Zoo has done a great job of creating a space where people with different access needs can move around, enjoy the animals, and focus on the experience instead of the barriers. It’s not perfect—no place is—but the information they provide helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
My favorite part of the zoo was seeing the otters because they were SO active and playing around. Our 5 year old goddaughter really loved how much they darted back and forth in the water, swimming with glee. But close second was the Aerial Tram. I love being high up, and it offered beautiful views of the tree canopies and some of the animals from above. The tram is accessible if you have a folding wheelchair AND can transfer to the regular gondola seat, but otherwise it is not. I would love to see more opportunities for all visitors to access this, because it is truly breathtaking.
If you’re thinking about visiting the San Diego Zoo, I’d recommend checking out their accessibility guide before you go, deciding whether you want to follow the easiest route, and planning for the hills if they affect your energy or mobility. With a little preparation, the Zoo can be a fun and manageable day out.