San Francisco Zoo: A Wild Urban Escape
Discover wildlife and conservation at the San Francisco Zoo, a beloved destination for animal lovers of all ages.
The San Francisco Zoo, nestled between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean, has been a beloved Bay Area destination since 1929. Home to over 2,000 animals across 250 species, the zoo offers a mix of naturalistic habitats and immersive experiences, making it a fun and educational outing for all ages.
A brief summary to San Francisco Zoo
- Sloat Blvd &, Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, Lakeshore, CA, 94132, US
- +1415-753-7080
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Take public transportation (Muni) to the Zoo and receive a $1 discount on admission.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure parking.
- Check the Zoo's daily schedule for feeding times and special events.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the Zoo covers a large area.
- Visit the Greenie's Conservation Corner to learn about sustainable practices.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the Muni L Taraval line outbound directly to the Zoo. The L Taraval operates frequently, and the ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, Muni bus lines 23 and 18 also stop at the Zoo. A single Muni fare is $3. Show your same-day Muni receipt, transfer, or monthly pass at the ticket window for a $1 discount off the price of admission.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer direct transport to the San Francisco Zoo. The drop-off and pick-up location is off Sloat Boulevard at 47th Avenue. From downtown San Francisco, a taxi or ride-share typically costs between $28 and $35, depending on traffic and demand. The journey takes around 15 minutes.
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Driving
The San Francisco Zoo is located at the intersection of Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway. From the north, take Highway 101 south, then exit onto 19th Avenue and follow signs to the Great Highway. From the east, take the Bay Bridge to Highway 101 south, then Highway 280 south to the Westlake District/John Daly Boulevard exit. From the south, take Highway 280 north to the Westlake District exit. The Zoo has a parking lot with entrances off the Great Highway and Sloat Boulevard. Parking costs $11 on weekdays and $13 on weekends and holidays. Free street parking is available along Sloat Boulevard. Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the Zoo parking lot.
Discover more about San Francisco Zoo
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