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

San Francisco Zoo (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is San Francisco Zoo?

80%Solo-Friendly
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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.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 13,728 reviews)
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Walk Through: San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco, CA. (Dec. 28th, 2024)
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Positives:

  • Quiet Mornings: Fewer visitors at opening offer calm walking paths and active animals.
  • Free Expert Talks: Docents and keepers freely share insights at multiple daily sessions.
  • Accessible Routes: Wide, paved trails make solo navigation easy.

Challenges:

  • Walking Distance: The zoo covers 100 acres—expect up to 2 miles of walking.
  • Limited Shade: Some paths lack cover—bring sun protection on sunny days.
  • Variable Weather: Fog and wind can arrive suddenly; pack a light jacket.
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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 solo trip?

  1. Join free keeper talks and feedings for close animal encounters
  2. Wander Gorilla Preserve and themed gardens at your own pace
  3. Peek behind the scenes at the Koret Animal Resource Center
  4. Enhance your visit with optional train ride or VIP tour
  5. Navigate solo easily with maps, app, and early arrival

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

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.

(View San Francisco Zoo on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in San Francisco Zoo

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.

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

  1. Arrive at Opening: Get in line at 10 am to beat crowds at key exhibits.
  2. Grab a Map: Pick up or download the zoo map to plan efficient routes between talks.
  3. Use the Mobile App: Check real-time talk and feeding updates on the SF Zoo app.
🏖️ 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)?

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.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult AdmissionUSD 25
Historic Dentzel CarouselUSD 4
Little Puffer Steam TrainUSD 9
VIP Savanna TourUSD 35
Total EstimatedUSD 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

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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