Explore the Wonders of the Oakland Zoo
Discover the captivating wildlife and scenic beauty of the Oakland Zoo, a perfect destination for families and nature lovers.
The Oakland Zoo is a delightful destination located in the picturesque hills of Oakland, California. This expansive zoo is home to over 700 native and exotic animals, allowing visitors to explore wildlife from around the globe. From majestic elephants and playful sea lions to colorful birds and fascinating reptiles, the zoo offers a rich and immersive experience for animal lovers of all ages. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to mimic the animals' natural habitats, providing an educational and engaging environment. In addition to its impressive collection of animals, the Oakland Zoo also features beautiful botanical gardens and scenic walking paths, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst nature. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is evident, with various programs aimed at teaching visitors about wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship. Families will appreciate the interactive exhibits and children's areas, which provide hands-on learning opportunities. Plan your visit to align with the zoo's operating hours, as it is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Don’t miss the chance to ride the gondola for stunning views of the Bay Area and the surrounding hills. Whether you're on a family outing or a solo adventure, the Oakland Zoo promises a memorable experience filled with wonder and discovery.
Local tips
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas for a relaxing break during your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many walking paths and hilly terrains to explore.
- Check the daily schedule for animal feeding times and special events to enhance your experience.
- Consider visiting on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the amazing wildlife and scenic views.
A brief summary to Oakland Zoo
- 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, Sequoyah, California, 94605, US
- +1510-632-9525
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Public Transit
From Castro Valley BART Station, take the BART train towards San Francisco and disembark at the Coliseum Station (about 10 minutes). At Coliseum Station, transfer to the 73 bus towards Eastmont Transit Center. Ride the bus for about 20 minutes and get off at the bus stop at 98th Avenue & Golf Links Road. From there, walk approximately 0.6 miles (about 12 minutes) northeast on Golf Links Road to reach the Oakland Zoo entrance at 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605.
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Walking
If you are near the Castro Valley Library, you can walk to the Oakland Zoo. Head north on Castro Valley Blvd, then turn left onto Lake Chabot Road and continue walking for about 1.5 miles until you reach Golf Links Road. Turn right and walk about 0.5 miles to the zoo entrance at 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605.
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Rideshare
You can also use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Simply open the app, enter 'Oakland Zoo' or the address '9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605' as your destination, and request a ride from your current location in Castro Valley. The ride will take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Attractions Nearby to Oakland Zoo
- San Francisco Bay Overlook
- Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate
- Knowland Park Open Space
- Knowland Park
- Chabot Park
- City of San Leandro Root Park
- Siempre Verde Park
- San Leandro History Museum
- Casa Peralta
- Anthony Chabot Regional Park
- Anthony Chabot Family Campground
- Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
- Cherry Grove Park
- Halcyon Park
- Coliseum Gardens
Landmarks nearby to Oakland Zoo
- Veterans Memorial Building
- Historic Peralta House
- San Leandro Plaza History Display
- San Leandro Masonic Building
- San Leandro Historical Society
- American Water Landmark: Chabot Dam
- California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark: Chabot Dam
- Rainbow Crosswalk (San Leandro - Washington & Parrott)
- Estudillo Home (California Historical Landmark No. 279)
- San Leandro Historical Railway Society
- Fletch's Bench
- Leona Heights Park
- Watermelon Rock
- Redwood Canyon by Wedgewood Weddings
- Side show and hood of Oakland