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

Fibromyalgic Guahan
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
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
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
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
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...
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.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Zoo Admission (2 adults) | USD 64 |
| Steam Train rides (2 adults) | USD 18 |
| Carousel rides (2 adults) | USD 8 |
| Total Estimated | USD 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
Address: Sloat Blvd &, Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
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