San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets & membership
Yes, but for your convenience tickets are also available for purchase online.
Yes. Simply buy CityPASS® online for mobile ticket delivery. Next, present your CityPASS® tickets at Zoo entry – no advance reservations needed. Learn more about saving up to 45% off admission with CityPASS®.
For General admission days, feel free to purchase additional tickets for your guests at the ticket windows.
Please visit our ticket window before entering the Zoo to receive a one-time-use pass that provides you full access to your benefits for the day. You will need to provide a valid ID. If you never received your cards, please contact our membership team by emailing us at membership@sfzoo.org or calling us at 415-753-7097.
Guests may use your pre-paid tickets for up to 30 days from your original visit date. Bring your original ticket to the ticket windows to redeem. For questions email at guestservices@sfzoo.org.
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
Yes. We are still offering a 50% discount on general admission to current members of our reciprocal institutions. Please purchase these tickets at the Zoo’s ticket windows. When you arrive, please be sure to have your valid zoo membership card and another form of identification. Please note, this discount only applies to the named adults and two children under 18 on the membership.
EBT/SNAP and Museums for All discounts is again available to provide accessibility to the Zoo for anyone with an EBT/SNAP card. Named cardholders with a matching photo ID can receive up to four admission tickets at $5 each, and available for purchase at the Zoo’s ticket windows. Sorry, the following are not accepted for this discount: P-EBT, SUN Bucks, WIC, Medi-Cal.
We also have a partnership with the Discover & Go program. Under the Discover & Go program you can check out a free pass to the Zoo through the San Francisco Public Library and other local libraries. Please see their website at https://sfpl.discoverandgo.net/ for upcoming details about the Zoo and other Bay Area attractions.
During your visit
Yes, guests may bring their own food and beverages into the Zoo. No glass containers or alcohol are allowed in.
Currently the Leaping Lemur Café is open daily with additional food outlets open on weekends.
Most general food items are available including hamburgers, chicken tenders, fries and salads.
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.
In the loading Zone on Sloat Boulevard outside the Zoo. If you enter the main parking you will have to purchase an exit pass.
Before you walk out, please get a same day re-entry handstamp at the Gatehouse.