San Francisco Zoo
Park Coastal zoo with diverse species and conservation programs
By San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, the San Francisco Zoo provides family-oriented animal exhibits, play areas and conservation programming-an accessible outing for children and visitors wanting coastal views alongside enclosures.
The San Francisco Zoo is a municipal zoo on the southwestern edge of San Francisco, adjacent to Ocean Beach and the Great Highway. It opened in 1929 and occupies parkland used for outdoor animal exhibits and public recreation.
The zoo’s grounds include walkways, enclosures for a range of mammals, birds and reptiles, and visitor facilities such as a children’s zoo and picnic areas. It functions as a city-run zoological and conservation facility.
The zoo developed across the 20th century from initial parkland exhibits into the current institution with modernised enclosures and public amenities. Programming typically includes educational outreach and seasonal events.
Geographically, the zoo is located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, close to the city limits and accessible by road from central San Francisco and nearby communities.
- Coastal location: Sits adjacent to Ocean Beach and the Great Highway on San Francisco's southwestern edge, making it easily combined with a coastal visit.
- Size and opening year: The site opened in 1929 and occupies roughly 100 acres of parkland and animal exhibits.
How to Get to San Francisco Zoo #
From downtown San Francisco take MUNI N-Judah to the Judah & 46th Avenue stop, then transfer to the 18-46th Avenue bus. Driving from central SF follows Great Highway south to Sloat Boulevard; the zoo has on-site parking (fee). The zoo is walkable from Ocean Beach (~15-20 minutes).
Tips for Visiting San Francisco Zoo #
- Buy timed-entry general admission online to avoid weekend ticket queues.
- Start with the South American exhibits and end at the Penguin Island-feeding times often draw the biggest crowds.
- If visiting on a foggy San Francisco morning, save the outdoor animals for later and do indoor exhibits first.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco Zoo #
Best visited in spring or autumn for milder weather and smaller crowds; summer mornings can be foggy near the coast.
Weather & Climate near San Francisco Zoo #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (820 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (169 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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