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    San Francisco Zoo

    3.4 (1.8k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Services - San Francisco Zoo

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    Annie X.

    This is a very big Zoo. But you'll be lucky to see all the animals. They're either sleeping or being cared for. Food here are just snacks, so eat before you come or bring your own snacks. Wished we got to see more!

    Nathalie T.

    We came On a weekday at noon and there were hardly any people. It was so nice to walk around and enjoy without a crowd (not sure if it gets too crowded on weekends). ALL the staff were so kind from the tickets to entrance to friendly faces we saw around the space. That was definitely a highlight.

    Aliza J.

    It had been a while since our last visit to the SF Zoo, and I'm so glad we went today. On our previous visits, several areas were closed for renovations, but now everything seems open. Apart from the many animals, there were also plenty of flowers in bloom and bees around this season, which made the whole place feel extra lively. My little one had such a great time--we really enjoyed our visit!

    Statues of animals
    Ashley S.

    Great Zoo! Lots of animals. We loved seeing the flamingos, snow leopard, orangutans, giraffes, zebras. They have an insect house with beetles, and spiders and roaches! Once you are done walking the zoo they have a huge playground that has space for littles, toddlers and bigger kids to play to.reall make sure they take that nap in the car ride home haha! Merry Go Round was $4 a person and a fun experience too.

    Benzi the camel
    Tiffany A.

    Seriously excellent zoo experience! We had the pleasure of being escorted by Hailie and she provided such an informational tour and we could sense her enthusiasm working there. She was professional the whole time and it was good to know the animals are really taken care of here! There are tons of unique animals from lemurs to bears. We even fed a camel which will be the highlight of my life.

    giraffe

    I've been to this zoo several times. I would say it's a fun trip to go with friends and family if you're in the area. You get a small discount if you're a sf resident, veteran, or senior! Along with the other reviews, yes the food is expensive and bad. That's like all Bay Area zoos though lollll.

    Kimberly P.

    Parking was sparse, but found one of the last spots around 10:30 am, get there early! The animals and sanctuaries were well cared for. The zoo was clean. A handful of exhibits were empty. We were bummed we didn't see elephants or hippos, but know we can't see them all every time. We'll be back soon, and hope to see more then.

    Entrance

    San Francisco Zoo is a fun and family-friendly place with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastal setting. Visitors especially enjoy seeing the giraffes, penguins, gorillas, and other animals up close, while kids love the playground, steam train, and carousel. The zoo is spacious, easy to walk around, and great for spending a few hours outdoors. Many guests mention that the staff and volunteers are friendly and informative, and the ocean-side location gives the zoo a unique and peaceful vibe compared to larger zoos. Weekdays are usually less crowded and make for a more enjoyable visit. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that some exhibits may be under renovation or temporarily empty, and ticket plus parking prices can feel a little expensive. A few visitors also feel certain areas could use modernization and better upkeep.

    Judy S.

    Came here to volunteer on a Saturday morning. They have a great system with many different groups of volunteers where you do various tasks for the horticulture department such as clearing out branches, spreading mulch etc. before the zoo opens to the public. The area we were volunteering at was near some birds but the birds seemed to be plucking their feathers out. Got to see a beautiful giraffe habitat also.

    Dog Days at the Zoo! SF residents - adult: $26, dog: $22. Zoo will select dog(s) who can attend in advance.
    Cherylynn N.

    Why I love the city? As a city with more dogs than kids, the city is incredibly dog-friendly.... Where else can you bring your dog to the zoo so they can enjoy all the sights and smells? And, enjoy the "smells" Tater Tot did...THE funk was like euphoria to him. Dog Days at the SF Zoo is an event on designated dates where well-behaved dogs are allowed with advanced ticket purchase. When I visited, I had to submit a form, wait for an email letting me know that I was selected, and provided a link to purchase a ticket. The process has since changed. * Occurs twice a month, usually on Thursdays. * Advanced ticket is required and is first come, first serve (you no longer have to submit a form). * Dog ticket is $22 and one adult ticket is required per dog (general: $29, SF residents: $26) * Time slots: 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm. * Fifteen dogs are allowed at each timeslot. * You'll be provided with a map of areas dogs are allowed and not allowed. * Leaping Lemur Café has three food stations (Burgers, hot dog, ramen, pizza, and more). Dog-friendly outdoor seating. * Parking: $11 on weekdays. We parked on Sloat and walked over. It's free with no time limit. It took about 2 hours to walk through the entire zoo. Most dog parents came prepared with dogs in strollers or a cart. (+) SF Resident Free Day is once a month. Check the SF Zoo calendar. (+) Zoo employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and informative. (+) The red panda, koala bear, prairie dogs, and meerkats were my favs. (+) You can bring your own food and drinks. (+) Huge play area with three different zones based on age group (6 months to 12 years old). (+) Plenty of restrooms throughout the zoo. (-) Outdated and dilapidated looking enclosures. I haven't been to the SF Zoo since middle school (yeeaaaars ago) and it still looks the same. (-) About 40%-50% of exhibits were empty (no camel, lion, orangutan, chimpanzee, bongo, wolves, leopard, gorilla, wolverine, etc). (-) The solitary animals looked SO sad esp the rhino. (-) Petting zoo was closed. (-) Little Puffer Steam Train was not running. Overall, while I'm not a fan of zoos in general, the state of the SF Zoo has become hella depressing to see as an adult. IMO, it needs a complete overhaul and renovation. But, my dog LOVED the experience - it provided unique enrichment opportunities and tons of mental stimulation. To him, it beats booty sniffs!

    Nora C.

    We visited the SF Zoo on Wed., Dec. 3, during a free admission day for San Francisco residents. When we arrived, it was cloudy, but once the sun came out, I'm glad it got warmer. Unfortunately, it didn't feel much like a zoo -- there were very few animals present, and we ended up seeing more people and greenery than actual wildlife. Highlights: The red panda and prairie dogs were adorable and definitely the standout animals. The children's playground was a great spot and added some extra fun to the visit.

    Chris R.

    I recommend this business because there's new leadership me and my girlfriend were waking my dog Gizmo and we thought we would take him around the area. Def a super dope place to learn about animals would recommend everyone coming and checking out the new exhibits

    Deanna L.

    Visited on a Friday and several of the animals were out and about. Decent sized park with plenty of shades and clean walkways. I loved the glass dividers for the Meerkat and red panda, made it easier for the little shorties to see them. Asides from the cage of the toucan, all the other animals seemes comfortable with the amount of space built around them. Never visited this zoo before having a toddler so it was a nice visit and wasn't too overwhelming. The wide walkways and the variety of playground made it extra fun for the little ones to run around, especially the carousel($5). Unfortunately the train ride was closed during my visit.

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    San Francisco Zoo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - San Francisco Zoo

    How much at the gate does it cost?

    31 dollars

    Can you bring your own food inside the zoo?

    Yes

    Went to this zoo recently. Where is the tigers and elephants!?

    Elephants haven't been there in forever. Tigers got removed after one escaped and attacked 3 teenage boys.

    Do you offer a discount for WIC cards or medical cards?

    Yes for WIC and EBT, no for Medi-cal, it's on their website when you search for how much tickets cost

    Do I need to buy tickets online or can I purchase at the gate?

    You can purchase them at the gate

    Are ALL of the animals rescued or just some? If just some, what percent are rescued?

    Some

    Can you bring your dog?

    No, I haven't seen any dogs in the zoo.

    What's the 2021 parking rate?

    Hi John The info can be found on their website:… Read more

    Is the polar bear still there?

    Sadly, no. Uulu, their last polar bear, died of old age almost 3 years ago now. She was 36, though. So well past the age that they live to in the wild.

    This question is for nursing mothers. Are there any designated nursing lounges? If not, any tips on a quiet and preferably indoor location to breastfeed? Thanks!

    Yes, I took a picture on Yelp with a private room area for nursing moms. It's right by the female restroom by the playground area.

    Do SF Zoo Members receive free parking each time they come?

    Only if it's included in your membership so depends on which package you purchased.

    Do SF Zoo members get free parking?

    Parking costs money if you park in their lot. $11 weekdays, $13 weekends. If you park on Sloat Ave, it's free, but that's first come first serve and you may end up with a hike over to the zoo entrance. Reference:… Read more

    We are going this weekend and wondered if you are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks and also if wagons are allowed?

    Yes to all. They don't check your bags going in. Just make sure to get there like 10 mins early by 10am for parking. You can bring your own wagon...a lot of people do.

    Can you bring a kids wagon to carry them around in, into the zoo?

    Yes

    How much is entrance fee?

    $23 adults, $17 kids, various discounts, park in the neighborhood north of zoo to avoid large fee.

    Is there any attractions where you can feed some of the animals? If so, which ones and cost for it?

    Recently on weekend at the giraffe exhibit, you can pay $5 to feed a lettuce leaf to a giraffe - but it's super fast so you don't get to linger. Just long enough for the giraffe to slurp up the lettuce and snap a quick pic.

    What exhibits are currently closed or under construction at the moment 4/11/19?

    The Komodo dragon died.

    Is the zoo free on Wednesdays for children and adults?

    First Wednesday of month

    Do they have dolphins show there? Anyone have any recommendation where's around Bay Area we can see dolphins show? My son been asking to see dolphins 🐬. 🙏🏻 thanks

    I would recommend Monterey Bay Aquarium or Bay Aquarium by the Pier 39.

    Can anyone tell me how much parking typically is ? Thank you.

    I think it was $12 for the day

    View All 30 Questions

    Review Highlights - San Francisco Zoo

    It had been a while since our last visit to the SF Zoo, and I'm so glad we went today.

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    A Venue

    A Venue

    (10 reviews)

    Five stars for this new event space in Daly City. It's always a pleasure working with Maria for our…read morefamily's balloon decor and dessert tables, now we can add this special space to our list. Booking the spot was easy. After I messaged Maria, she was quick to confirm that our date was available. (We booked 3 months in advance.) The booking and payment/deposit process was also straight forward. Really appreciate the easy process. As for the space, it can fit up to 50 people for a luncheon comfortably. One restroom; back room for extra tables and that's where our caterer stayed during our event. (Which btw I booked after seeing them featured on A Venue's Instagram post.) Maria and team had setup the tables, chairs, table covers and the balloon backdrop (extra charge) for us. The place was also so clean when we arrived! We booked this spot for a bday surprise family luncheon and it was perfect for our family! Can't wait to book again!

    If you are hosting a kids party please make sure your guest clean up after themselves!! My cleaning…read morefee was included and i was charged extra because the place was " messy " it was a kids party to be exact 25 kids. of course it will be messy. Save your $90 and just clean yourself. If i would've know i would've just cleaned up all by myself. The air conditioning does not work, i was told it took a while to work. all day i tried to get it to work my guest were sweating. The rental for small jump house is $150 that's half of the price of one, the least they can do is clean it or buy a new one. That thing was DIRTY. Very unpleased with the results, I could not wait to go home, my $1k+ rental was not worth it...

    Lake Merced Boathouse - Inside entrance area.

    Lake Merced Boathouse

    (5 reviews)

    Lakeshore

    My sister and I rented the Lake Merced Boathouse for our mother's celebration of life. I had been…read morethere several times before for events and a family member's engagement party. I think it is Park & Rec's nicest event space. The best part about this venue is the view of the lake, second - the ample parking and ease of getting in and out of the area. There is one large room for rent and an adjacent room that can be added for extra space. We rented both spaces and it was pretty affordable. With the cost of the rental, you get to use the tables and chairs. However, you are also responsible for your own set up and take down of everything at your event. So if you don't have a set up crew, you will need one. Make sure to allow extra time on your rental for this. In addition to the two rooms, there is an entrance hall that we set up with photos, flowers and sign in table. There are men's and women's restrooms and a catering kitchen with fridge, freezer, sink and ice maker. There are no ovens, microwaves or any heating appliances available. There is no wifi available, bring your own hot spot if needed. That being said, it was a beautiful event and on a sunny day, the sun glistens off the lake in a golden hue and just sets the scene for any event.

    We attended a large baby shower at this great venue. The large space had an expansive balcony and…read morelarge picture perfect windows with really great views of Lake Merced. The main room was recently renovated and could occupy 125 people. There was a caterer's kitchen set up area and well maintained bathrooms for the guests. Parking was ample and access to the freeway was easy. The space rented from the SF Parks and Rec Department so I was told that the price for the space given the views are reasonable. Definitely a good venue for the views, location and price.

    Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Pool - The dance

    Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Pool

    (78 reviews)

    Lakeshore

    Enrolled my baby into the Cuttlefish class and he enjoys it! Some instructors are more enthusiastic…read morethan the others, but that's okay. I like that the pool is heated since it gets pretty cold in the area. The first 15 minutes is free time, then the rest of class consists of sing-along and additional activities. I thought an hour would be too long, but it goes by pretty quickly. One session isn't enough to teach them to swim, it's nice to get them acclimated to being in the water and getting their whole head wet. Especially when we don't know anyone that has a pool near us.

    Wonderful place to do swim lessons with your little one! I've done at last 3 Cuttlefish sessions…read morehere now with my daughter, which have been fantastic. You sign up for day of the week, and get a 1 hour swim lesson with other children around the same age (6 months - 6 years for Cuttlefish). The first 15 mins of the class are free time in the water, you can play with the various water toys. The next 15-20 mins is Karaoke in the Pool, with nursery rhymes in a circle time. The last 15-20 mins of the class are divided into age groups, with the youngest kids on one side, and older kids on the other. Some of the teachers are really wonderful, Mary is my favorite, as she has a passion and affinity for working with the little ones. All the teachers are great though in different ways. My daughter loves swim lessons here, even though the class week after week is the same thing lol. The classes are also inexpensive compared to Le Petite Balen. The makeup sessions are very flexible too - just be sure to call Monday morning at 10am the week you'll be needing a different day - and generally they're able to fit you in. Or even in my case, they couldn't, but said to call the following week to have me do the make-up, which was so kind. Parking is super easy here too, and conveniently located next to the Zoo and Sunset district.

    Trocadero Clubhouse - Getting ready room photo @allisonandres

    Trocadero Clubhouse

    (26 reviews)

    This is a lovely setting for a wedding. I know, because I came to a wedding reception here long…read morebefore I lived in San Francisco. Said wedding was fine except for some in-poor-taste snarkery that one particularly tall fellow was spilling within earshot of the people he was snarking (he had never met them before and was just spreading nasty rumors about them, because he was an imbecile). Sadly, the marriage whose beginning I celebrated here did not last, and even more sadly, the bride's sister, who was a year younger than me, has also passed away. Why am I mentioning all these rude and sad things? Because I associate them with that wedding and this place, even though nothing bad from that wedding should be associated with this place. I mean, it's not Trocadero Clubhouse's fault that the particularly tall fellow was an imbecile or that the then happy couple was mismatched from the start and destined for unhappiness with each other or that drug addiction is often tragic and deadly. Here's what to know: This is a lovely setting for a wedding. You can't get much better than the smell of redwood trees at your wedding reception.

    This is an update on my previous review after getting married here in November…read more Despite some of the cons(see previous review), it is completely worth it. Absolutely beautiful, staff onsite was friendly and willing to pitch in if needed even though that isn't included. There are extra tables onsite(some good size rectangular ones). Both the upstairs rooms have some chairs and there is a bathroom upstairs in the larger room(perfect for a getting ready room!). There is even a clothing rack in that room! The water damage is still very obvious from the redwood Grove where a lot of people will have their ceremonies. The hillside going up toward sloat is still barren and does not look good a a back drop. I would recommend having your ceremony in the east meadow(included with rental), it's so pretty and very spacious and more private. A lot of traffic goes through the redwood grove area. The lights in the main "dining room" have a dimmer which is nice! There is a restroom behind the bar in the main building as well as the public restrooms just outside on the deck.

    San Francisco Zoo - zoos - Updated May 2026

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