San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo covers about 100 acres on the city's foggy west side, between Lake Merced and the Pacific. It sits on flatter ground than the hillside Oakland Zoo, which helps with strollers. A small train and a historic carousel add to the day. Grizzly Gulch, the lemur forest, an African savanna and Penguin Island are the big draws.

From Palo Alto it is about 30 miles, a 35 to 50 minute drive up Interstate 280. This guide covers the zoo's history and recent changes, its late 2026 hours and prices, how to get there, food, accessibility and pairings on the west side of the city.

History and recent changes

Planning for the zoo began in 1929. It was first called the Fleishhacker Zoo, after banker and Parks Commission president Herbert Fleishhacker. The city's Recreation and Park Department owns the zoo and the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society has managed it under a public-private partnership since 1993. Wikipedia counted more than 1,000 animals of over 250 species as of 2016. The carousel dates to about 1921.

The zoo has had a rough few years. In 2024 the city's Animal Control and Welfare Commission called its facilities outdated and unsafe. Tanya Peterson, chief executive since 2008, retired in 2025 under pressure from Mayor Daniel Lurie. Cassandra Costello, who joined as chief operating officer, now leads the zoo. In May 2026 the Board of Supervisors approved an $8.5 million city loan to keep it running while a facilities review and structural changes go ahead, with a required five-year plan and cuts of at least 10%. KQED reported that Costello expects the zoo to keep operating without major disruption. A long-discussed plan to bring giant pandas from China, first announced in 2024, had no confirmed arrival date when we checked.

The zoo stayed open through these changes. The history helps explain why some exhibits look dated.

What to see

• Grizzly Gulch. Home to the zoo's grizzly bears.
• Lemur Forest. Part of the Primate Discovery Center.
• African Savanna. A mixed habitat of African grassland animals.
• Penguin Island. The zoo's penguin colony.
• Little Puffer and the carousel. A small train and the Dentzel carousel. Ride prices were not listed online, so check on site.

Look at the calendar of events for keeper talks and feedings on your day.

Hours and tickets for late 2026

The zoo's site announced winter hours from Sunday, November 1: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with last general entry at 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. for members. Parts of the tickets and hours page still showed the summer schedule of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so check before you go. The pages we read did not list holiday closures.

San Francisco residents pay $29 to $31 for adults and get in free on the first Wednesday of each month with proof of address. Resident rates also apply to guests with disabilities, active and retired military and students from 12 through college, which can help visiting families. Non-residents with EBT or SNAP cards can buy up to four tickets at $5 each with matching photo ID. Muni riders get $1 off with a same-day receipt, transfer or pass.

Tickets are sold online and at the main gate. The zoo says buying online lets you skip the ticket line.

ZooLights

ZooLights, the zoo's holiday light event, runs from November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Prices and nightly hours were not on the pages we checked. See our holiday lights guide for other displays around the Bay.

Getting there from Palo Alto

By car

Take Interstate 280 north toward San Francisco and follow signs for the zoo and Ocean Beach via Skyline Boulevard or Highway 1. The trip is about 30 miles and takes 35 to 50 minutes without traffic. The lot has two entrances, one off the Great Highway for drivers coming from the south and the East Bay and one off Sloat Boulevard at 47th Avenue. The only exit leads north onto the Great Highway. Pay for parking at the ticket office, the Little Puffer station, the carousel booth or the main gift shop. Free street parking along Sloat fills on sunny weekends.

By Caltrain and Muni

Ride Caltrain to 4th and King. Board the N Judah into the Market Street subway, then change to an outbound L Taraval at Van Ness or Church. The L ends by the zoo. Muni buses 18 and 23 also serve the area. Allow about two hours door to door and check the SFMTA trip planner, since a direct transfer is not always quick. Children 4 and under ride Muni free.

Who it suits

The zoo works for all ages and is easier on little legs than a hillside zoo. Toddlers enjoy the train, the carousel and the penguins. School-age kids get the most from the bears, lemurs and big African animals. A full visit runs three to four hours. For a smaller zoo closer to home, try Palo Alto's Junior Museum and Zoo.

Accessibility

Stroller and wheelchair rentals are at the Friend and Taube Family Entry Village. Guests with disabilities pay San Francisco resident rates and park free with a valid placard. Trained service animals are welcome except where animals roam freely. A Neurodiversity Program offers a downloadable sensory guide and a free sensory bag from the Membership Office. Pets are not allowed.

Food

The Leaping Lemur Café is open daily and more food stands open on weekends. Outside food is allowed, but glass containers and alcohol are not. A packed picnic saves money and time in line, especially with young kids.

Tips and pairings

• Dress for fog. The zoo is often much cooler than Palo Alto, even in summer.
• Go on a weekday. Tickets and parking both cost less Monday to Friday.
• Arrive early in winter. Last general entry is 3:30 p.m.
• Bring your Muni receipt. It is worth $1 off each ticket.

Ocean Beach is across the Great Highway, but the water is cold with strong rip currents, so keep kids out of the surf. Our beaches guide covers safer options. The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is about 15 minutes north by car and makes a strong indoor second stop. For the East Bay alternative, see the Oakland Zoo. Our San Francisco day trip and animal encounters guide have more ideas. For a two-day city trip, compare hotels in San Francisco.

Frequently asked questions