What makes it 80% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can roam 300-plus animal exhibits, attend keeper talks, and enjoy quiet photo moments; paths are safe and staff helpful, but limited evening activity keeps it from top marks.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for main exhibits, two keeper talks, and a garden stroll without rushing.
Keeper Talks & Feedings:
Attend daily presentations like Raptor Talks at 10 am or Penguin Feedings at 10:45 am.
Tip: Check the feeding schedule at the entrance and arrive 5 minutes early for a front-row spot.
Gorilla Preserve Stroll:
Enter the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve to watch western lowland gorillas roam in spacious habitat.
Tip: Visit around 11 am when gorillas are most active and bring a zoom lens for clear shots.
Themed Garden Walk:
Explore Native California, Dune, African Plant, and Prehistoric Gardens around the park.
Tip: Begin at the Native California Garden and follow the interpretive signs for quick context.
Koret Animal Resource Center:
Observe keepers at work and ask questions about animal care and conservation.
Tip: Stop by midday when volunteers are available to share behind-the-scenes insights.
Little Puffer Steam Train:
Take a relaxed ride through South America and Bear Country on a narrow-gauge steam train.
Tip: Buy tickets at South America Gate before lines form and ride mid-afternoon for cooler air.

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...
Year-round layers are essential—mornings are foggy in summer, while fall mornings are clear. Spring blooms peak in April in the Prehistoric Garden. Check weekend schedules for special talks.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult Admission | USD 25 |
| Historic Dentzel Carousel | USD 4 |
| Little Puffer Steam Train | USD 9 |
| VIP Savanna Tour | USD 35 |
| Total Estimated | USD 73 |
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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