What to Expect Visiting the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Due to the latest preemptive measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the San Francisco Zoo is now closed until further notice. For more information about San Francisco's recovery plan, find out what's open.

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is an urban oasis, filled with beautiful and amazing animals from every corner of the world. After some necessary closures due to COVID-19, the Zoo is once again open to visitors—with some important changes. Here's everything you need to know about planning your next visit to the San Francisco Zoo.

Ticketing and Parking

• All tickets must be purchased and reserved in advance online.
• All tickets must be purchased online for specified entrance time, and must be redeemed during that time.
• There are a limited number of reservations available per day. Check back if you aren't able to make a reservation on your preferred date.
• Members must make a reservation for a time and date, as well, and will be issued a free admission ticket.
• Bring your confirmation and ID with you when you visit.
• Guests planning to park in the Zoo's parking lot need to purchase a pre-paid parking ticket prior to your visit. (Disabled guests can still park for free with a disabled placard. You do not need to pre-purchase parking.)
• To purchase admission and parking tickets, click here. 

Rules Inside the Zoo

• No in and out privileges. 
• Face coverings are required for all staff and visitors except children age 2 and under at all times.
• Please maintain a six-foot distance between your group and others.
• Please follow the "rules of the road" on pathways. Walk on the right and pass on the left.
• Stay safely behind red lines and avoid touching high contact surfaces.

Food & Gift Shops

• Take-out food service is available, with indoor seating currently closed.
• Outdoor pop-up Gift Shops will be available.
• The Zoo will not be accepting any cash. Apple Pay, Google Pay and credit card transactions only.

New Safety Protocols

• The Zoo has increased its cleaning and disinfecting protocols per CDC Guidelines.
• Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the park.
• The Zoo has limited attendance to 50% capacity to maintain social distancing.
• Most restrooms are open. Water fountains are closed.

What to See & Do

The San Francisco Zoo has dozens of must-see exhibits. Unfortunately, not all of them are available to visitors at the moment. Outdoor animal areas are open with selected window viewings. The following exhibitions are closed:

• South American Tropical Rainforest and Aviary
• Great Ape Passage Indoor Dayroom
• California Conservation Corridor
• Insect Zoo
• Family Farm
• Dentzel Carousel
• Little Puffer Steam Train
• Exploration Zone
• Eleanor Friend Playground
• Sculpture Learning Plaza