With more than 2,000 animals, San Francisco Zoo is located somewhat off-center from downtown and other San Francisco landmarks, yet it is easily accessible by the Muni line, which will take you straight to this 40-acre park that sits just in front of the south side of Ocean Beach in the southwest part of the city.
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About San Francisco Zoo
From the tiniest insects to giraffes, elephants and grizzlies, this zoo will allow you to see animals from various parts of the world all in one place. The area is quite large, about 40 hectares. For this reason, I would recommend going early so you can see the various areas without rushing, since closing time is around 5 p.m.
The zoo is divided into several different areas: Africa, Australia, South America, Asia, but also lush gardens, and information centers on how to preserve endangered species, play and refreshment areas.
San Francisco Zoo Directions
The San Francisco Zoo is located on Sloat Boulevard and Great Highway, on the west coast of the city of San Francisco.
If you are driving, you can use the zoo’s parking lot (for a fee). The parking lot has two entrances: the first is on Great Highway for those coming from the East Bay or South Bay, and the second is on Sloat Boulevard at the intersection with 47th Avenue for those coming from the north. There is only one exit from the parking lot, however, on Great Highway.
Before you reach the parking lot, try your luck: there are free spots on Sloat Boulevard, but as you can imagine, it is not easy to find them vacant.
The public transportation lines that take you within a few feet of the zoo entrance (and also entitle you to a $2 discount on your admission ticket are:
- the Muni L Taraval line
- the Muni 23 and 18 bus lines.
Cabs and those using Uber or similar have a specific space to drop off and pick up visitors: it is between Sloat Boulevard and 47th Avenue. The zoo parking lot, on the other hand, has no areas provided for this type of service.
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San Francisco Zoo Tickets
San Francisco Zoo is open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are:
- $25 for children and adults ages 12 to 64;
- $20 for those over 65;
- $18 for children between 2 and 11 years old.
Children under 2 years old get in free.
Remember that the cost of parking is $11 on weekdays and $13 on weekends and holidays. There is also a valet parking service at a cost of $25.
If you travel to the zoo using public transportation, you will be entitled to a $2 discount on the ticket cost.
San Francisco Zoo falls under the San Francisco Pass attractions and you can, therefore, get a substantial discount by cumulating it with the other discounted places provided in the pass discount.
The zoo also offers numerous tours:
- Animal Amble: a one-hour guided tour exploring the zoo’s animals and anecdotes about their lives. The tour leaves daily at 11:00 a.m. and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays also at 3:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per person (children under 3 are free);
- History Tour: discover the history of the zoo and the most salient events that have occurred in its 90 years of operation in a one-hour guided tour . The tour leaves at 2 p.m. on weekends from January through March and at 11 a.m. on the first and third weekends from April through November. The cost is $40 per person (children under 3 are free);
- Garden Tour: exploring the gardens and the beautiful plants they house. The tour is one hour long and takes place the second weekend of the month starting at 11:00 a.m. The cost is $30 per person (children under 3 do not pay);
- Secrete Safari Tour: the tour lasts 45 minutes and allows you to enter areas generally closed to the public to observe the animals more closely and discover their secrets. It takes place every weekend at 2 p.m. and the fourth and fifth weekends of the month also at 11 a.m. The cost is $30 per person and, for safety reasons, children under 8 cannot participate;
- BikeAbouts: a 90-minute bike tour with an experienced guide. The tour runs from April to October at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The cost is $30 per bike, so in the case of bikes with attached seats, children do not pay.
- Senior Stroll: a tour for those over 65. The cost is $5 per person.
- Zoo Keys: for $5 you receive a key that, when inserted into the appropriate spaces in various areas of the zoo, allows you to hear stories and information about the animals there.
Things to Do and Tours
Macro areas divided by habitat allow you to easily identify the areas you prefer to visit first. Amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates await you. Especially popular is the Exploration Zone with insects and farm animals, the lemur zone, koalas, as well as penguins, giraffes and elephants. At the entrance there is usually a sign with the feeding times for the various animals, and this too might be a good experience to see.
If you have children, don’t miss the Elinor Friend Playground area. Divided into three different areas (River Play Area for children 6 months to 2 years old, Polar Play Area 2-5 years old, and Banyan Tree Climbing 5-12 years old), the architecture of this space uses natural elements and various materials that entice children to become little explorers.
Inside the zoo there is also a steam train you can ride on for $7 per person (children under 3 are free) and a horse merry-go-round with tickets costing $4.
Where to Stay Near the Zoo
South of Golden Gate Park and on the coast near Ocean Beach, the large Sunset District area has some elements of interest and is accessible by public transportation from the rest of the city. On this page, you will find all the accommodations available in this area, however it remains somewhat decentralized and distant from the main attractions, so I recommend you click on the button below to check out our guide to the best neighborhoods to sleep in San Francisco.
