San Francisco Zoo
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Home to the largest lemur habitat in the country and housing over 2,000 rescued, endangered, and exotic animals, the San Francisco Zoo is an important stop on your tour of the "City by the Bay." Originally dubbed the Herbert Fleishhacker Zoo, the present location was built throughout the Depression era as part of a Works Progress Administration project that spanned throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s. At Herbert Fleishhacker's own suggestion, the establishment's modern-day moniker, "The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens," was adopted in 1941.
Located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, the San Francisco Zoo spans across 100 acres with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. Visitors can view over 250 species of amphibians, birds, invertebrates, reptiles, and mammals in an environment that's rich with native plant species and careful recreations of natural habitats. With over 20 permanent exhibits and regular, seasonal displays, the San Francisco Zoo has hands-on activities and sites of interest for guests of all ages. It also features a dazzling array of sculptures across five different park zones, two unforgettable rides, a playground, several themed gardens, and a conservation center.
How to Get There
Near San Francisco Airport (SFO), San Carlos Airport, Half Moon Bay Airport, and Oakland Airport, accessible by San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) light rail lines L and K, and accessible by HWY 101, Ocean Avenue, and Market Street
Major nearby cities include Oakland, San Jose, Burlingame, Walnut Creek, Dublin.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to San Francisco Zoo
Visit San Francisco Zoo
Large but not so expansive that it cannot be explored in a single day, the San Francisco Zoo has uniformed docents and interpretative ambassadors throughout the park who can help guide you. If you arrive early, you can watch the daily feeding of the park's grizzly bears at 10:30 a.m. To catch a glimpse of rare Mexican gray wolves, head over to the zoo's Wolf Canyon exhibit.
Live penguin feedings at the San Francisco Zoo occur every day at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. You can check out Magellanic penguins on Penguin Island all day or head over to Family Farm to watch them feast. Covering almost a full acre of land, the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve is the place to go when you want to see primates in action.
Feeding times for popular animals occur from the park's opening until its close. Just after noon, you'll start hearing the ravenous roars of hungry African lions in anticipation of their 2:30 p.m. feeding time at the Lion House. Meerkats feast at 12:30 p.m., and sea lions eat at 2 p.m.
If reptiles are more your speed, head over to the South American Tropical Rainforest & Aviary building. Here, you'll find sloths and anaconda. You'll also have the opportunity to spy gorgeous, exotic birds like the toucan and the macaw flying directly overhead.
Opened year-round, the Natural Trail at the San Francisco Zoo becomes an interactive, hands-on learning experience during the warmer months of the year. Visitors can walk this trail to spy native birds, insects, and animal species thriving in their natural habitats.
Ticket Information
The San Francisco Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets cost $25 for non-resident adults and $22 for San Francisco residents with proof of address. The price of admission for children (ages 2 through 11) is $18 for SF visitors and $15 for residents. Children under the age of 2 are admitted for free, and seniors pay just $20 or $24 for admission for SF residents and non-residents, respectively.
SF Zoo tickets for all guests can be purchased online or in-person by visiting the zoo's official website or the ticket window at the park's entry.
Family-Friendly Options
As if monkeys, anaconda, and pacing lions weren't enough to delight children of all ages, the San Francisco Zoo maintains a lengthy list of family-friendly and kids-specific activities. When visiting with youngsters in tow, be sure to catch a ride on the Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train. Tickets are $7 per person, but children under the age of 3 can ride free with an adult.
The recently restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel is a family-friendly attraction you won't want to miss. Kids can ride on colorful cats, rabbits, horses, and giraffes while listening to uplifting, old-timey tunes.
There's also the Fischer Family Children's Zoo located just near the carousel. It's a park within a park that spans over six full acres. It includes the Insect Zoo, the Koret Animal Resource Center, the Red Panda Exhibit, the Meerkat and Prairie Dog Exhibit, and more. There's a petting zoo and a training center where kids can learn how trained volunteers and zookeepers take care of the park's diverse range of animals.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you plan on seeing all of the animals at the San Francisco Zoo, expect to spend between four and six hours on-site. If you intend to ride the rides, spend time at the petting zoo, traverse the Nature Trail, and relax in the gardens, start early. Open seven days a week, the zoo typically sees the least amount of traffic on Sundays. If you're hoping for a "less-crowded" experience, drop in on Sunday for shorter lines at the carousel, feeding exhibits, and miniature steam train.
Docents at the San Francisco Zoo are volunteers who love what they do. Don't be afraid to stop these uniformed professionals to ask for directions, get answers to questions about exhibits, or learn more about seasonal displays and on-site resources. Many docents carry around small cards that are loaded with bio-facts and hands-on activities. Kids can touch bones, teeth, and fur and take part in interactive lessons. When visiting the Family Zoo's petting zoo, be sure to have your camera ready to snap photos of your little ones connecting with nature.
You should get at least one keepsake SF Zoo key for your trip. This key can be inserted into talking storybooks throughout the park that deliver insightful information on animal habitats, life habits, and more. Non-English speaking or bilingual guests will be delighted to find that storybook presentations are available in multiple languages.
San Francisco Zoo Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Overview
As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city. Here you will have access to all of the recreational opportunities the Presidio of San Francisco has to offer, including hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and so much more. The campground's spacious campsites make it a perfect choice for groups of all kinds, including multi-family gatherings, school field trips, and scout troops. To learn more about the campgrouns rules we ask you to please read over the Terms and Conditions . We look forward to welcoming you to Rob Hill!
Recreation
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco’s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .
There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .
Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .
In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
Facilities
Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco’s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .
There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .
Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .
In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we’ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .
Natural Features
The Presidio is a natural oasis right next door to a big city – a place where you can experience wildflowers, watersheds, and wildlife on an afternoon hike. It is also a where important work is being done to revitalize natural areas and to show how people and the environment can thrive in harmony. At the Presidio, you can explore habitats that have been lost in the urban Bay Area; see a fox or a hawk hunt for their next meal; or stroll around a natural lake that has been brought back to life.
Mountain Lake, one of San Francisco's last surviving natural lakes, is located less than two miles south of Rob Hill on the southern edge of the Presidio. Since 2013 the Presidio Trust has been working with scientists, academic institutions, and volunteers to help revitalize the lake. Polluted soil and invasive species were removed from the lake, and native plant and animal species, such as the Western Pond Turtle and Pacific Chorus Frog are being reestablished. In addition to the many resident species that call Mountain Lake home, 65 migratory bird species have been document visiting the lake on their journey along the Pacific Flyway.
Experienced and newer birders alike will also want to visit Crissy Marsh and Quartermaster Reach Marsh , located about two miles northwest of Rob Hill. The fresh water that flows through the Presidio's largest watershed, the Tennessee Hollow Watershed ultimately meets the salty waters of San Francisco Bay here, creating a vibrant destination for more than 100 bird species, including those stopping for rest as they make their long journey along the Pacific Flyway.
Campers interested in learning more about some of the unique plant life that can be found in the Presidio are encouraged to visit the Ecology Trail . A little over one mile in length, this trail passes through lush restored serpentine grasslands where, from spring to early summer, you may see the endangered Presidio Clarkia and other native wildflowers in bloom. You'll also find yourself amid towering redwoods, oaks, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress at various points along the trail.
To learn more about the natural history of the Presidio, visit the Nature and Sustainability page on our website.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the many places to visit within the Presidio, there is so much to explore in San Francisco itself. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore endless dining opportunities, visit a museum, and so much more. Visit the SF Travel website for tips to help you plan your visit to the city.
Located just over one mile from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center , the campground makes for an excellent base camp for groups wanting to walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Check with the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District for tips to make the most of your visit to this beloved International Orange icon.
Campers looking for more national park experiences can explore the other units of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), including Fort Point National Historic Site , Muir Woods National Monument , and Alcatraz Island . Stretched across 80,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, the 37 parks sites of the GGNRA constitute one of the world’s largest national parks in an urban setting. In total, the GGNRA has more than 130 miles of trails, and 1,200 historic structures, making it a wonderful place to explore for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation holders may make up to two changes per reservation. A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Cancellations less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.
Please read Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies for more information.
Treasure Island RV Park is just to the south of San Francisco. It includes two huge laundry facilities, and it is next door to a Costco Wholesale. In addition, Grocery Outlet and Trader Joe’s are both within walking distance.
This urban campground in San Francisco is situated on a 60-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It features breathtaking sunset views and the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shoreline. Just 16 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, the resort puts you close to all the cultural offerings of the Bay Area.
Activities Near San Francisco Zoo
Things to Do
Stonestown Galleria
If you want to end your day with a quick meal and some light retail therapy, the Stonestown Galleria is just a quick drive away. This two-level mall has all of the top department stores, a bookstore, several homeware stores and beauty stores, a food court, and more.
Sigmund Stern Grove
To further immerse yourself in nature, you can alternatively head over to Sigmund Stern Grove. Stern Grove is a 33-acre recreation site that routinely hosts concerts and festivals but is also home to breathtaking hiking trails.
Ocean Beach
No trip to San Francisco Zoo is complete without a quick jaunt to Ocean Beach. In addition to a sandy, shell-filled shoreline and access to the Pacific Ocean, you'll find surfers, hang gliders, kite lovers, and pet owners and their companions enjoying the land. There are several spots to grab lunch alfresco and up-close views of two massive, historic windmills.
National Parks
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Given its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Zoo is frequently windy and overcast. Thick fog in the morning often gives way to bright sunshine and warmer temperatures in the afternoon, but it's always best to bring at least a light jacket. With weather that can turn at the drop of a hat, packing flexible ensembles will ensure the greatest amount of comfort.
For a trip to the SF Zoo in spring, you'll want a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a sweater or hoodie, durable jeans, and a T-shirt. In autumn and winter, bring sturdy boots, a warm jacket, and a pair of gloves. In summer, check the local forecast before heading out. You might find that the city is due for a bout of rain, preparing for an impossible heat wave, or cloudy and overcast with winds that are perfect for nearby hang gliders.
Safety & Accessibility
When it comes to safety at the San Francisco Zoo, there's much for prospective visitors to know. Although photography is allowed at the zoo, guests are advised to choose photo locations that are sufficiently far away from animal enclosures. Selfie sticks are also allowed but should never be extended over enclosure barriers.
Many of the rules and recommendations for visitors of the SF Zoo are designed to protect the animals. For instance, the zoo asks that guests not tease, feed, or shout at animals. Guests are not allowed to cross paths or exhibit barriers and should never bang or tap on enclosure glass.
All children under the age of 14 must be with an accompanying adult. Smoking, vaping, and solicitation are not permitted anywhere on zoo grounds.
Accessibility is also a top priority at the San Francisco Zoo. Wheelchair users can expect lower railings at many animal habitats for easy viewing. The tactile Sculpture Learning Garden at the SF Zoo also has resources available in braille for the sight-challenged. The zoo's on-site playground, the Elinor Friend Playground, was designed to accommodate guests of all abilities.
Conclusion
FAQ
Rob Hill Campground is a city campground with expansive views of the bay. The Bicentennial Campground in Sausalito is located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and offers a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
There's a modest amount of first-come, first-served paid parking at the San Francisco Zoo for $11 on weekdays and $13 on holidays and weekends. There's also on-street parking on Sloat Blvd., but no special accommodations are available for RVs.
The San Francisco Zoo is firm in its resolve to keep the animals on its grounds well-protected. This includes taking active measures to limit loud and jarring noises, prevent collisions with enclosure structures, and discourage aggressive behavior. To this end, guests are not allowed to bring bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, sporting equipment, amplifiers, or musical instruments.
A trip to the San Francisco Zoo is the perfect outing for the entire family. This location is highly walkable and rich with activities for guests of all ages.
Pets are not allowed at the San Francisco Zoo. However, service animals are permitted if properly leashed or otherwise tethered.