Set on the West Side of San Francisco between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean along the Great Highway, the 100-acre San Francisco Zoo and Gardens is owned by the city's Recreation & Parks Department and managed by the San Francisco Zoological Society. Ranked as the 6th best zoo in the United States as of April 2025, this historic destination is home to more than 1,000 individual animals representing over 250 species.
As you explore, you will discover historic bar-less enclosures built in the 1930s—such as the Lion House, Elephant House, and bear grottos—alongside an original Michael Dentzel/Marcus Illions carousel dating back to around 1921. Notable resident stories include rescued Alaska black bear cubs and Henry, a blind California sea lion treated at the facility.
The zoo is famously known as the birthplace of Koko the gorilla and was once the long-term home of Elly, North America's oldest black rhinoceros from 1974 to 2016. Today, the zoo participates in more than 30 Species Survival Plans, dedicated to conserving animals like reticulated giraffes, gorillas, black rhinos, and Madagascan radiated tortoises.
What to see at San Francisco Zoo
- Home to over 1,000 animals across more than 250 species
- Historic 1921 Michael Dentzel/Marcus Illions carousel
- Features rescued wildlife like Alaska black bears and a blind California sea lion
- Famous as the birthplace of Koko the gorilla
Visiting tips
Enter via the main entrance located on the ocean side to the west, situated across Sloat Boulevard and just one block south of the Muni Metro L Taraval line.
How long: Half day · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
San Francisco Zoo is easy to reach on San Francisco’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our San Francisco travel guide.
See the full San Francisco travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.