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The best way to save on San Francisco Zoo tickets is through a multi-attraction pass like Go City or CityPASS, which bundle the zoo with other San Francisco attractions at a significant discount. Resident, military, and other discounts can also bring the cost down.
Beyond those, there are resident discounts, military pricing, and a few other tricks that can bring the cost down. Standalone discount tickets from third-party sellers used to be more widely available, but most US-based resellers no longer carry SF Zoo inventory. The methods below are the ones that actually work right now.
Why visit? San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is a 100-acre accredited zoo home to around 1,000 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered and rescued wildlife. It’s located in the southwest corner of San Francisco, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and Lake Merced, and accessible by public transportation. It’s been a family destination since the 1930s and remains a great option even though it’s not in the city center.
San Francisco Zoo Ticket Prices
San Francisco Zoo general admission for nonresidents is as follows:
- Adult (ages 12–64): $31 (Weekends & Holidays) / $29 (Weekdays)
- Senior (ages 65+): $26 (Weekends & Holidays) / $24 (Weekdays)
- Child (ages 2–11): $22 (Weekends & Holidays) / $20 (Weekdays)
- Children under 2: Free
General admission does not include rides on the Dentzel Carousel or Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train. Online and gate prices are the same. The zoo’s website notes a $1 processing fee for online purchases, which is waived at the ticket window.
San Francisco residents with proof of residency can enjoy discounted admission, listed below as one way to save.
1. Buy Tickets Online at SF Zoo
There are no third-party US resellers currently offering standalone SF Zoo discount tickets. The zoo sells tickets directly on sfzoo.org at the prices listed above. While that means no discount on the ticket itself, buying online guarantees your entry and saves time at the gate.
If you’re visiting multiple San Francisco attractions, your best bet for real savings is a Go City or CityPASS bundle (sections 2 and 3 below). If you only want to visit the zoo, the tips further down this page can still knock a few dollars off.
2. Go City San Francisco Pass
If you’re visiting multiple SF attractions, the Go City San Francisco pass is where the real savings are. It includes the San Francisco Zoo along with dozens of other attractions, and depending on which pass you choose, you can save up to 50%.
- Choose the pass option that best suits you (All-Inclusive or Explorer) and buy your pass in advance.
- Get your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
- Show the pass at eligible attractions, and you’re in.
All-Inclusive options are available in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-day packages, allowing you to visit as many participating attractions as you like. The Explorer Pass offers 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-choice options at varying prices, which must be used within 30 days of the first activation. Make sure the attractions you want are included in the option you buy.
3. San Francisco CityPASS
With a San Francisco CityPASS, you’ll save up to 45% on four attractions. You pick any 4 from 8 options:
- California Academy of Sciences
- Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
- Aquarium of the Bay
- The Walt Disney Family Museum
- Exploratorium
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
- de Young Museum + Legion of Honor
Current pricing is $89.95 for adults (ages 12+) and $69.95 for children (ages 4-12), plus a $2 processing fee. Passes are valid for 9 consecutive days from first use. There’s also a C3 pass ($81.95/$64.95) that lets you pick 3 attractions if you don’t need all 4.
4. San Francisco Resident Ticket Discounts
Residents receive discounted admission year-round. Proof of residency is required. Current resident prices are:
- Adult (ages 12–64): $28 (Weekends & Holidays) / $26 (Weekdays)
- Senior (ages 65+): $22 (Weekends & Holidays) / $20 (Weekdays)
- Child (ages 2–11): $19 (Weekends & Holidays) / $17 (Weekdays)
- Children under 2: Free
The zoo also offers free admission on select days throughout the year to SF residents. Check the ticket page for upcoming free days.
5. Military Discounts
Retired and active-duty military personnel can purchase San Francisco Zoo tickets at the discounted resident rate. Verification is done through SheerID at the ticket window. Note that the free resident days do not apply to military tickets.
6. Discounts for Guests With Disabilities
Guests with disabilities pay the discounted resident rate (but are not eligible for the free SF resident days). Additionally, EBT/SNAP cardholders can purchase up to four admission tickets at $5 each at the Zoo’s ticket windows through the Museums for All program. Bring your named EBT/SNAP card and a matching photo ID. (P-EBT, SUN Bucks, WIC, and Medi-Cal cards are not accepted for this discount.) You can also check out a free Zoo pass through the San Francisco Public Library and other local libraries via the Discover & Go program.
7. $1 Discount for Taking Muni
The SF Zoo encourages guests to arrive by public transportation. If you take Muni, bring your same-day Muni receipt, transfer, or monthly pass to the Zoo ticket window for a $1 discount.
Take the Muni L Taraval line from within San Francisco, or bus lines 23 or 18, which also stop at the Zoo. Plan your route with the SFMTA Trip Planner.
8. Group Prices
Groups of 15 or more can request a group reservation at least three weeks in advance by contacting Guest Services at Reservations@sfzoo.org. More details on the Zoo’s website.
9. San Francisco Zoo Membership
If you’re local or visit SF often, a San Francisco Zoo membership pays for itself quickly. Memberships start at $99 and go up to $2,500 for premium tiers, and include unlimited entry for a full year plus perks like guest passes and store discounts.
Details on the different tiers are on the Zoo’s website.
San Francisco Zoo Hours, Parking & Directions
Hours
The SF Zoo is open 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Last admission is one hour before closing.
Parking
San Francisco Zoo parking costs $13 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays.
There are two parking lot entrances. One is off the Great Highway (for guests driving from the East Bay and South Bay) and the other is off Sloat Boulevard at 47th Avenue (for guests from the North Bay).
You can avoid parking fees by finding free street parking along Sloat Blvd. Disabled guests can park in the lot for free with a valid placard.
Directions
Address: Sloat Blvd & The Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132
Driving directions from various Bay Area starting points and public transportation options are on the zoo’s website.
FAQs About SF Zoo Tickets and Your Visit
Pack layers. The Zoo’s coastal location means that it’s colder there than in the heart of the city.
What is SF Zoo’s rainy day policy?
If you purchased tickets through SF Zoo and do not visit due to rain, you can purchase tickets for a new date. Email the zoo with your new tickets and old confirmation number, and they will refund your original tickets.
Is the San Francisco Zoo still free on the first Wednesday of every month?u00a0
The San Francisco Zoo offers Free Days for SF residents on select dates throughout the year. Residents receive free admission by providing a valid ID at the front gate.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThese dates typically fall on a Wednesday. Check u003ca href=u0022https://www.sfzoo.org/calendar/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003etheir calendaru003c/au003e to see when the next Free Day is scheduled.
What other San Francisco Zoo discounts are available?
SF Zoo members receive a 10% discount at all Zoo shops, cafes, and carts. Subscribe to the zoo’s email list for occasional promo codes and early access to special events.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOne of the easiest ways to save money at SF Zoo is to bring your own food and drinks. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.
What are the latest SF Zoo promo codes?
SF Zoo promo codes that float around the web generally do not work. The zoo does not widely distribute discount codes. Your best bet for saving is through a Go City or CityPASS multi-attraction pass, or resident and military pricing.
Are there in and out privileges?
No. Once you enter the zoo, you cannot leave and re-enter using the same ticket. The same applies to parking.
How long does it take to go through the San Francisco Zoo?
A full day gives you plenty of time, but a half-day works if you are pressed for time. How long you spend depends on whether you want to catch keeper talks, animal feedings, ride the carousel and train, or grab a meal.
How big is the San Francisco Zoo?
The SF Zoo is 100 acres of animal habitats and gardens set along the Pacific coast.
What are the San Francisco Zoo’s hours?
The SF Zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, 365 days a year. The animals are most active in the morning, so I recommend going when it opens.
Get advice for other zoos and aquariums:
Katie Dillon
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