San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo features animals in a range of settings, from natural habitats to thematic exhibits. Larger animals reside in Cat Kingdom and Grizzly Gulch, while the Insect Zoo showcases crawling creatures like tarantulas and termites. And the zoo has more than animals and gardens—check out the mini steam train and antique carousel. The bio-regions of the Elinor Friend Playground are also ideal for kids, while the Conservation Corner features lessons about conservation at home.

San Francisco Zoo tours offer one-of-a-kind ways to visit, from morning guided tours before general opening hours to history tours and seasonal bike tours tailored for families. Book these online—they usually include general admission.

• The zoo is ideal for animal lovers and families with children.

• Seniors and children ages 4 to 14 receive discounted admission, as do those who take MUNI to the zoo. Kids age 3 and under are free.

• To maximize your zoo time, consider purchasing San Francisco Zoo tickets online to avoid the lines.

• Adventurous visitors can bring a bike and try the seasonal guided bike tours.

• There are three zoo restaurants, including the Station Pizza Parlor, which overlooks the bear exhibits.

• Bring a warm layer, as there’s often fog or a chilly breeze off the Pacific Ocean.

• You'll be eligible for a discount if you take Muni to the zoo.

The San Francisco Zoo is on Sloat Boulevard and 45th Avenue. Beat traffic and take MUNI’s L Taraval line or buses 23 and 18. If driving from the East or South Bay, take 280 North to John Daly Boulevard. From the North Bay, take 19th Avenue to Presidio Parkway. The zoo entrance is on the Great Highway. There is a paid lot at the zoo and free street parking.

The zoo is open from 10am to 4pm every day of the year. Weekends are busiest, so consider visiting mid-week to avoid crowds. For the sunniest weather, plan to visit in September or October; because of its seaside location, the zoo may be chilly in the winter months.

Kids are right at home in the zoo’s Sculpture Learning Plaza, filled with nearly 100 animal sculptures carefully composed with materials that convey a lifelike texture. There’s a true-to-size alligator, enlarged amoeba, and breaching gray whale. This accessible space is designed for touch exploration, and includes species-specific walk-around cards so you can learn about ecology as you explore.

Yes, the San Francisco Zoo is worth visiting. It's home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals and multiple gardens of native California plants, flowers, and trees. Visitors can see grizzly bears, check out an African savannah multi species habitat, and ride the historic Dentzel Carousel.

No, reservations are not needed to visit the San Francisco Zoo. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the booth at the main entry gate. However, the zoo can become crowded on weekends and holidays—in these cases, booking admission ahead of time is advised.

The best time to visit the San Francisco Zoo is mid-morning after the fog has likely cleared and before larger groups arrive. Check the zoo website for feeding schedules to see penguins, grizzly bears, and other animals chow down during your visit. Note that the last entry is at 4pm.

Yes. Visitors must purchase a voucher on-site to park in the San Francisco Zoo parking lot. Fees vary on weekdays, weekends, and holidays; valet parking is available for an additional fee. Free street parking is available along Sloat Boulevard and in adjacent neighborhoods. Visitors arriving by public transportation receive an admission discount.

On average, visiting the San Francisco Zoo takes two to four hours—possibly longer with kids. That's enough time to ride the carousel and see most of the animals and gardens. However, visitors should plan on staying longer to see presentations, animal feedings, educational programs, or after-hours events.

Yes, guests may bring drinks and food inside the San Francisco Zoo. However, glass containers, alcohol, straws, and disposable lids are prohibited to ensure zoo animals and other guests are safe and comfortable. Guests may eat or drink at the Lemur Café and Playfield Lawn or on park benches.