San Francisco Zoo

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.

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).

• 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.