The San Francisco Zoo is Open by Appointment - 510 Families
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The San Francisco Zoo is Open by Appointment

Tucked away by Ocean Beach, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half to get to the San Francisco Zoo from the East Bay (traffic!). So plan your day as a full-on day trip and you’ll be prepared for a majestic animal packed adventure that you and your little ones will not soon forget.

SF Zoo officially reopened on Wednesday, July 15. All guests, including Members, must make an online reservation for a specific date and entrance time. Reservations can be booked from noon on today’s date for the next two weeks. Due to limited capacity at this time, please be considerate and don’t overbook reservations. If parking in the Zoo’s parking lot you will need a pre-paid parking ticket. Learn about the new procedures to keep guests, staff and animals safe >.

Penguins at the SF Zoo
Penguins at the SF Zoo | Photo: SF Zoo

According to SF Gate, Many precautions have also been taken to encourage looking, but not touching. Drinking fountains are covered with tarps as are all the animal sculptures that kids like to climb on and offer photo opportunities. Handrails are marked with caution tape and red lines discourage people from touching glass walls that offer views into animal exhibits.

Areas of the zoo where the virus could spread easily are all closed, including indoor exhibits, the carousel, the train, the family farm, the sculpture garden and the playground.

SF Zoo has animals you can’t find other places

San Francisco Zoo Tigers
This was the closest we’ve ever come to tigers. Quite a thrill! | Photo: Julie Herson

Plan your visit to the SF Zoo

Covid-19 tips

Buy admission tickets and parking permits in advance for a specific date and time – capacity is limited to 50% of normal.

Bring a face covering with you and plan to use it, except for kids under two.

No cash to be used on site.

Water fountains are closed but bathrooms are open. Hand sanitizing stations throughout the park

Outdoor animal areas are open, indoor areas are closed.

Parent tips

Dress in layers. It can be chilly by the ocean. Pack a stroller, snacks/lunch, hats, sunscreen, towels/baby powder for the beach.

If pizza is your thing, check out The Station Pizza Parlor. They serve tasty personal pizzas and sharing-sized $5 soft serve cones. Yum!

Ocean Beach is a quick hop across the street from the zoo. Make sure to allow time to run around and get sand in your shoes. Arrive early, leave early, avoid the crowds and traffic.

Running at Ocean Beach
Running off the last of our energy at Ocean Beach. Perfect for before a long drive home | Photo: Julie Herson

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1 thought on “The San Francisco Zoo is Open by Appointment”

  1. I purchased my ticket date by mistake. How can I change the ticket date?
    Instead of the 14th of January I would like to change it to the 15th of January 2024 instead.

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