May 6, 2022
What to Expect Visiting the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
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