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United States/Things to Do in San Francisco, couple trip

San Francisco Zoo (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is San Francisco Zoo?

75%Couple-Friendly
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What makes it 75% Couple-Friendly: Pairs can stroll lush gardens, watch grizzly breakfasts and gorilla preserves, then ride the 1921 carousel; family-heavy crowds and sparse romantic seating lower the intimate atmosphere.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 13,728 reviews)
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San Francisco Zoo Secrets They Don’t Tell You
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SAN FRANCISCO ZOO. NEW updates and exhibits! TOUR the zoo with us.
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Exploring the San Francisco Zoo Walkthrough
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Exploring the San Francisco Zoo Walkthrough
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Report finds San Francisco Zoo 'extremely outdated', unsafe
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Report finds San Francisco Zoo 'extremely outdated', unsafe
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We're back at the San Francisco Zoo! All your 2025 Zoo updates! No Panda??
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San Francisco Zoo's VIP Guided tour!! Plus, Zoo updates!!
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San Francisco Zoo's VIP Guided tour!! Plus, Zoo updates!!
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[4K] San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
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[4K] San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
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Autistic nonverbal teen visiting San Francisco zoo with the family! | Autism life with Ashy
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Autistic nonverbal teen visiting San Francisco zoo with the family! | Autism life with Ashy
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Walk Through: San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco, CA. (Dec. 28th, 2024)
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Walk Through: San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco, CA. (Dec. 28th, 2024)
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San Francisco CA. Zoo - The most interactive Zoo in the Bay Area!
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San Francisco CA. Zoo - The most interactive Zoo in the Bay Area!
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Positives:

  • Close animal encounters: Attend the Bear Breakfast and Gorilla Preserve stroll for up-close views.
  • Historic rides: Enjoy the 1921 Dentzel Carousel for a charming, shared experience.

Challenges:

  • Variable weather: Fog and wind can be strong; dress in warm, layered clothing.
  • Crowded weekends: Parking and pathways fill up fast on weekends; consider a weekday visit.
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🏖️ Explore San Francisco Zoo with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around San Francisco Zoo. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is San Francisco Zoo?

  • A 100-acre zoological park on San Francisco’s southwestern edge, housing over 2,000 animals across nearly 300 species
  • A habitat-driven collection of exhibits including the Insect Zoo, African Savanna, South American Tropical Rainforest and Jones Family Gorilla Preserve
  • A landscaped urban oasis integrating native and exotic gardens with historic architecture and conservation-focused facilities

What is so special about San Francisco Zoo for couple trip?

  1. Up-close encounters at Grizzly Bear Breakfast
  2. Stroll through the quiet Gorilla Preserve habitat
  3. Discover four themed gardens with native plants
  4. Ride the historic 1921 Dentzel Carousel together

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for key animal experiences and a garden stroll without rushing.

(View San Francisco Zoo on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in San Francisco Zoo

Grizzly Bear Breakfast:

Watch Kachina and Kiona eat at 10:30 am and hear their rescue story.

Tip: Arrive by 10 am and queue at the Grizzly Gulch viewing area for best seats.

Gorilla Preserve Stroll:

Walk through the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve to see western lowland gorillas in a large outdoor habitat.

Tip: Visit midday when gorillas are most active and staff share care insights.

Themed Garden Walk:

Explore four gardens—from Native California to Prehistoric—featuring wildflowers, ferns, proteas, and dune plants.

Tip: Pick up a garden map at the entrance to follow all four distinct areas.

Historic Dentzel Carousel:

Ride the restored 1921 carousel near the Children’s Zoo for a nostalgic experience.

Tip: Buy tickets at the ride kiosk and ride early to avoid afternoon lines.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to San Francisco Zoo

  1. Buy tickets online: Secure admission and skip entry lines by purchasing in advance on the zoo website.
  2. Arrive early: Get to the park at opening to catch the 10:30 am Bear Breakfast before fog sets in.
  3. Use the zoo map: Download or grab a map at the gate to plan an efficient route between highlights.
🏖️ Tour San Francisco Zoo like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in San Francisco Zoo. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of San Francisco Zoo

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Fibromyalgic Guahan

Fibromyalgic Guahan

Oct 2025

We love animals and this was wonderful! The animals were relaxing. We got to see bears, lions, wolves, penguins, rhinos, etc. The food was good for the price. The experience was better in person. Lots of walking too. We enjoyed ourselves.

Isaac Langford

Isaac Langford

Sep 2025

During our visit, I incurred the following expenses: two chicken strip dinners for $57 and an admission fee of $28. While exploring the park, we observed that most of the animals were not active. Fortunately, there was one individual actively engaging the crowd with the koalas exhibit. However, I believe that more people are needed to provide commentary on the animals as they are typically asleep ...

J M

J M

Sep 2025

Discover the wonders of the San Francisco Zoo.Located at Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy, this spacious, family-friendly destination is home to over 2,000 amazing animals, each thriving in their unique habitats. Highlights include the African Savanna, Penguin Island, and the enchanting Lemur Forest! With stroller-friendly paths and a vibrant playground, your little ones can laugh, play, and explore ...

Major Reaction

Major Reaction

Sep 2025

Took my family to the zoo yesterday. It had been years since we last visited this location, and we thought it would be fun to go back. We spent about 5 hours walking through the entire park, trying to find every exhibit and animal. Many of the exhibits were closed for renovations or due to new animals being introduced into their habitats (i.e. gorilla). There were still more than enough animals an...

Jonathan Phan

Jonathan Phan

Jul 2025

Located at Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy, the San Francisco Zoo is a spacious, family-friendly destination with over 2,000 animals across diverse habitats. Highlights include the African Savanna, Penguin Island, and the Lemur Forest. The zoo is stroller-accessible and offers kid-focused attractions like the steam train, carousel, and a hands-on children’s zoo. Staff are friendly and informative, an...

When is the best time to visit San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco, United States)?

San Francisco fog clears by early afternoon. Start indoor exhibits in the morning and explore gardens after noon. In spring (Mar–May), watch for protea and wildflower blooms.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to San Francisco on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Zoo Admission (2 adults)USD 64
Steam Train rides (2 adults)USD 18
Carousel rides (2 adults)USD 8
Total EstimatedUSD 90

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of San Francisco Zoo

Address: Sloat Blvd &, Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA

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About San Francisco Zoo

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 415-753-7080

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