Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Usama
The SF Zoo houses over 2,000 animals in 100-acre gardens along the Great Highway and the Pacific Ocean. It’s approximately a 15-minute drive from downtown and is open every day of the year. If you plan to take a walk through the majestic San Francisco Zoo Gardens and see exotic and endangered animals, our guide will help you plan your visit. You’ll find the admission prices and the San Francisco zoo parking fee, discover where to find free parking at the SF Zoo, and learn a few tips!
Here’s the address for driving directions: Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132.
How Much Are the San Francisco Zoo Tickets?
All visitors must reserve admission tickets online and ahead of time, including the zoo members. Here are the SF Zoo admission ticket prices.
| General Admission | San Francisco Residents | Other Residents |
| Adults (12-64) | $22 | $25 |
| Seniors (65+) | $16 | $20 |
| Children (2-11) | $15 | $18 |
| Children (under 2) | Free | Free |
| SF Zoo Members | Free | Free |
If you’re not a city resident and searching for an SF Zoo tickets discount, check out one of the following deals.
- San Francisco CityPASS includes admission to four city attractions and saves you 45%.
- Go San Francisco Pass allows you to save over 50% on many attractions.
- San Francisco Zoo Membership includes a year-round free admission ticket.
Discounts are also available for retired or active-duty military personnel, people with disabilities, and guests who take Muni.
San Francisco Zoo Parking Services
The SF Zoo parking lot offers plenty of car parking spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re coming from the East or South Bay, access the lot off of the Great Highway; visitors traveling from North Bay can enter off of Sloat Boulevard.
The outdoor parking area is huge, so finding a convenient parking space isn’t an issue. The zoo also offers limited spots for disabled guests and electric vehicle drivers. If you’re a first-time visitor, check out the SF Zoo map to plan your day, and keep reading to learn more about parking rates and other services.
How Much Is SF Zoo Parking?
The SF Zoo parking price depends on the day and parking service.
| Self-parking on weekdays | $11/day |
| Self-parking on weekends and holidays | $13/day |
| Valet parking on weekends | $25/day |
You cannot reserve parking in advance online, so be sure to purchase an SF Zoo parking voucher; there are three payment methods.
- Pay at the zoo’s ticket office, which is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Pay at the Little Puffer Train station, available between 11 AM and 4:30 PM.
- Pay online—scan the QR code on any poster, pay through your phone, and redeem an exit pass on your way out.
To save some money, consider searching for a San Francisco zoo parking coupon; online deals are often available, and you might get lucky and come across one.
Accessible Parking
The zoo’s parking lot is ADA-accessible, and guests with disabilities are entitled to free parking. Handicapped parking spaces are clearly marked, and you may find them near the entrances. Each visitor needs to own and display a valid disabled parking permit or placard to obtain a free ADA spot. There are no in-and-out privileges. For accessible routes and zoo areas, check out the zoo map listed above or find one at the Main Gate.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Three EV charging stations for Tesla vehicles and two universal stations are available in the SF Zoo parking area. The Tesla towers have red signs next to them—see the picture below—and you’ll see them on the left after entering the lot. Each station can charge two vehicles simultaneously, and the zoo visitors can use any of them free of charge.
Free Parking Near the SF Zoo
The budget-conscious visitors who search for complimentary parking have one option in the vicinity. Free street parking is obtainable along Sloat Boulevard and on other nearby streets. If you plan on coming during a weekend or holiday, it’ll be harder to find a nearby free spot, so we suggest early arrival.
Take Muni To Reduce Your Costs
Public transportation is the best and most cost-effective way to get to the zoo, and it’s an excellent alternative to parking. The zoo encourages people to use public transit by giving Muni riders a $1 discount on the admission price. To get the discount, you must present a Muni receipt or pass at the ticket window. If you choose Muni over driving, hop on a bus line 23 or 18 to get to the SF Zoo. A single-ride Muni ticket is $2.50 for adults, while the cash fare is $3.00.
Find Parking in San Francisco Effortlessly
In addition to the San Francisco Zoo parking information, Parking Access has covered an impressive array of locations and points of interest in cities across the country. Whether you live in or visiting San Francisco, we can help you learn more about the following places and get a pre-paid parking ticket.
If you’re planning a trip and flying out of San Francisco International Airport, we have a perfect guide for you. SFO Parking comprises all on-site parking services, private lots with airport shuttles, hotel deals, and more!