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You can save money by purchasing discounted San Francisco Zoo tickets from authorized sellers. Your chosen method depends on how many other San Francisco attractions are on your itinerary and whether you’re an SF resident who qualifies for special discounts and free days.
The options mentioned here are by far the most reliable and will eliminate the time spent scouring the web for promo codes, offers, deals, and coupons that may not work. We love zoos and theme parks, and highlighting these savings for our readers in major tourist destinations is a significant part of what we do, as no one likes to pay more for tickets than necessary.
Why visit? San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is a 100-acre accredited zoo home to more than 2,000 exotic, rescued, or endangered animals. It’s located in the southwest corner of San Francisco, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and Lake Merced, and accessible by public transportation. The first exhibits were built there in the 1930s, and it remains a popular destination for families in San Francisco, even though it’s not in the city center.
San Francisco Zoo Online and Gate Prices
San Francisco Zoo general admission for nonresidents is as follows:
- Adult (ages 12–64): $31 (Weekends & Holidays) $29 (Weekdays)
- Seniors (ages 65+): $24 (Weekends & Holidays) $26 (Weekdays)
- Children (ages 2-11): $20 (Weekends & Holidays) $22 (Weekdays)
- Children under 2: Free
San Francisco Zoo gate prices typically are around the following prices:
- Adult (ages 12–64): $31
- Seniors (ages 65+): $24
- Children (ages 2-11): $22
- Children under 2: Free
General admission does not include rides on the Dentzel Carousel or Little Puffer Miniature Steam Train.
San Francisco residents with proof of residency can enjoy discounted San Francisco Zoo tickets, listed below as one way to save.
1. Discounted One-Day San Francisco Zoo Tickets
We previously sold these through our ticket site. You likely won’t be able to find these on other authorized reseller sites in the U.S.
However, for whatever reason, you can find them on very reputable overseas ticket sellers.
Agoda
I lived in Hong Kong and likened Agoda to Expedia in the United States. It’s a big and reputable option, and you can typically save a few dollars on San Francisco Zoo tickets through them. Check Agoda to see if tickets are available.
(I’ll add a few more over the coming days as I see how these discounts shake out.)
2. Go City San Francisco Pass
The Go City San Francisco pass can enable you to save up to 50% on top San Francisco attractions (depending on which type of pass option you choose), including the San Francisco Zoo, in three simple steps:
- 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 for free.
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 60 days of the first activation. Ensure the attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy.
3. San Francisco CityPASS
With a San Francisco CityPASS, you’ll save up to 45% on four attractions. These include:
- California Academy of Sciences
- Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure
Plus, two of the attractions below
- Aquarium of the Bay
- The Walt Disney Family Museum
- Exploratorium
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Current pricing is $89 for adults (ages 12+) and $69 for children (ages 4-12). There’s also a C3 pass that includes three attractions.
4. San Francisco Resident Ticket Discounts
Residents receive discounted admission year-round. Proof of residency is required, and the current residency admission prices are:
- Adults (ages 12–64): $28 (Weekends & Holidays) $26 (Weekdays)
- Seniors (ages 65+): $22 (Weekends & Holidays) $20 (Weekdays)
- Children (ages 2-11): $19 (Weekends & Holidays) $17 (Weekdays)
- Children (under 2): Free
Additionally, the San Francisco Zoo offers free admission on select days throughout the year to San Francisco residents. Check the ticket page for more details.
5. Military Discounts
Retired and active-duty military personnel may purchase discount San Francisco Zoo tickets directly from the Zoo at resident rates. (Free entrance days for residents do not apply to military tickets.)
6. Discounts for Guests With Disabilities
Guests with disabilities pay the cheaper resident rate (but are not eligible for the free SF resident days).
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.
You would take the Muni L Taraval line from within San Francisco to the Zoo. Or, you can take Muni bus lines 23 or 18, which also stop at the Zoo. Figure out which method is best for you with the SFMTA Trip Planner.
8. Group Prices
Planning a group visit to the park? Groups of 15 or more can request a group reservation three weeks in advance by contacting Guest Services at Reservations@sfzoo.org. More information is detailed on the Zoo’s website.
9. San Francisco Zoo Membership
Regular visitors should consider purchasing a San Francisco Zoo membership, which provides unlimited entry per year at a single flat rate.
There are multiple membership tiers to consider, each offering a variety of perks, as detailed on the Zoo’s website. Prices currently range from $99 to $2,500.
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. The last admission is 1 hour before the Zoo’s closing time.
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. The other is located off Sloat Boulevard at 47th Avenue and is used by guests traveling from the North Bay.
Alternatively, you can avoid parking fees by finding free parking along Sloat Blvd. Disabled guests can park in the parking lot for free with a valid disabled placard.
Directions
Address: Sloat Blvd & The Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132
Directions to the San Francisco Zoo, including driving from various starting places in the San Francisco Bay area and public transportation, are enumerated 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, purchase tickets for a new date. Then, email them with your new tickets and old confirmation number. They will refund your old tickets.
Tickets purchased through aRes Travel do not require reservations, so you can visit on any day, rain or shine.
Is the San Francisco Zoo still free on the first Wednesday of every month?
Sometimes, San Francisco Zoo has been known to offer Free Days for SF residents on certain days. This means residents receive free admission by providing a valid ID as proof of residency at the front gate.
These dates typically fall on a Wednesday. However, you’ll need to check their calendar to see when Free Days occur.
What other San Francisco Zoo discounts are available?
SF Zoo members receive a 10% discount at all Zoo shops, cafés, and carts.
One of the easiest ways to save money at SF Zoo is to bring your own food and drinks versus purchasing onsite. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.
What are the latest SF Zoo promo codes?
I have tested multiple promo codes for San Francisco Zoo discounted admission that are floating around the web lately and none of them have worked.
Are there in and out privileges?
Currently, there are no in and out privileges. Once you enter the zoo, you cannot leave and re-enter using the same ticket. The same applies to parking. Once you have parked in the lot, you cannot leave and re-enter.
How long does it take to go through the San Francisco Zoo?
One day is enough to see the San Francisco Zoo. If you are pressed for time, a half-day will be fine. How long you spend inside depends on whether you’d like to plan your day around scheduled keeper talks, animal feedings, riding the carousel and train, and other activities on the calendar in addition to having a meal.
How big is the San Francisco Zoo?
The SF Zoo is 100 acres of animal habitats and pretty 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. The animals are the most active in the morning, so I advise that you go when it opens.
Get advice for other zoos and aquariums:
Katie Dillon
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