Some visitors of the San Diego Zoo will have to start paying to park next year, according to the zoo's website.

This change is part of the city of San Diego's larger plan to charge for parking at Balboa Park and address the city's budget deficit. In September, the San Diego City Council passed an amendment to the zoo's lease that allows the zoo to charge for parking at the zoo parking lot and set different rates for different kinds of parkers.

Starting Jan. 5, 2026 — when the city is scheduled to begin paid parking in Balboa Park — the zoo says it will charge non-members a fixed daily fee of $16 per vehicle.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance members can continue to park for free in the zoo's parking lot, but must register their vehicle online in the " Member Parking Portal ." E

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