Visit the Zoo
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens has a way of surprising you. Come explore, meet our animals, and experience everything that makes this place unlike anywhere else in the City.
What to expect when visiting the Zoo
San Francisco Zoo is open 365 days a year, always ready for your next visit.
Spread across oceanfront grounds, there is plenty here to fill your day, with animal encounters, keeper talks, rides, gardens, dining, seasonal events, and so much more.
Come with kids, come with friends, or come on your own — the Zoo gives you something new to discover every time.
Neurodiversity program
A visit to the Zoo can sometimes be perceived as a place of serenity, or a chance to get away from the daily “noise.” But for some individuals, sudden shrieks, like the territorial calls emitted by black-and-white ruffed lemurs or the unexpected roaring by African lions, may lead to anxiety or discomfort.
We have been working to accommodate those with heightened sensitivities, who might need less social interaction or other challenges that neurodiverse individuals might face. As part of the ongoing program, we have a downloadable sensory guide to allow users to better navigate their visit. The guide offers helpful tips about different animal areas, and locations to take a breather away from the crowds.
We also offer a complimentary “sensory bag,” which can be checked out at the Membership Office. The sensory bag provides headphones, a communication card, and a variety of fidgets which serve as a calming effect to help manage sensory overload.
Throughout the Zoo
You’ll find uniformed docents throughout the Zoo who are eager to answer your questions, tell stories, and share their wealth of information.
Docents and youth volunteers staff carts filled with bio-facts of many different animals. See and touch fur, bones, and teeth, and learn about the fascinating physiology of our animals.
Don’t forget to pick up a keepsake Zoo Key to use in our Talking Storybooks throughout the Zoo. Other must-do’s: Ride the Eugene Friend Dentzel Carousel and the Little Puffer miniature steam train, and let the kids run out all that energy at the Elinor Friend Playground.
Family Farm Barnyard Experience
- Weekdays: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Weekends: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m
Insect Zoo
- Daily: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tropical Aviary
- Daily: 10:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Savanna Aviary
- Daily: 10:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nature Trail (open June – August)
- 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Thursday – Sunday)
Plan Your Visit
Before you head out, get everything in order. Tickets, hours, directions, parking, and accessibility information — all the details you need for an enjoyable, stress-free day at the Zoo.
In this section
From daily animal encounters to navigating the grounds, here’s a closer look at what’s available to you throughout your visit.
Discounted ticket bundles
San Francisco CityPASS
Save up to 45% off admission to San Francisco’s top 4 attractions including San Francisco Zoo. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period.
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
- California Academy of Sciences
- Blue & Gold Fleet’s San Francisco Bay Cruise
- Exploratorium
- Aquarium of the Bay
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- The Walt Disney Family Museum
- de Young + Legion of Honor
Adult $89.95 (a value $165)
Child (4-11) $69.95 (a value $125)
There is even an option for including an Alcatraz Day Tour in your itinerary, learn more about San Francisco CityPASS® + Alcatraz!
One easy purchase and mobile delivery saves you time and money.
Go City San Francisco
Save up to 50% with a San Francisco Pass! Includes admission to the San Francisco Zoo, and Admission to 30+ top attractions & activities. Full flexibility to choose. See more, spend less!
Frequently asked questions
View more questions and answers below
For Paid Ticket Holders: If you chose not to visit due to the rain, you may use your pre-paid tickets for up to 30 days from your original visit date. Bring your original reservation to the ticket windows to redeem. For questions email guestservices@sfzoo.org
Guests planning to park in the Zoo’s main parking lot need to purchase a parking voucher on site on the day of your visit.
Parking can be paid for in four ways once you arrive at the Zoo.
- At the ticket office windows when you arrive or when you leave
- At the Little Puffer Train station (11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- At the Denzel Carousel ticket booth (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- At the main gift shop in Entry Village
Please note, paid parking is available on a first come, first serve basis. Parking valid day of only. No in and out privileges.
There is free parking on the street along Sloat Boulevard.
Disabled guests can still park for free with a disabled placard.
Before you walk out, please get a same day re-entry handstamp at the Gatehouse.
A Day at the Zoo
Sculpted gardens, historic rides, quiet corners, and dynamic animal habitats. This is what a day at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens looks like.
Your next Zoo adventure is just a ticket away.
Grab your tickets online and skip the line. With so much to see and do, every visit to the San Francisco Zoo is an adventure waiting to happen.
