San Francisco Zoo

Location

San Francisco Zoo is located in the Southwest corner of San Francisco, across from the Ocean Beach. Zoo access is clearly marked with signs along nearby roads and highways, and there is ample paid parking outside the entry gates, as well as free parking just a couple blocks away on Sloat Blvd.

To get there, take Sloat Blvd West, turn left on Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35), then right onto the Great Highway. The right turn exit is well marked, for the zoo.

Attractions:

Impressive landscaping that babies can reach out and touch, including fuzzy plants and lifesize statues and depictions of hippos and gorillas.
Animals from all of the books children read, finally come to life!
A huge range of animals to choose from - it would take several many-hour visits to see the whole zoo!
Special events like feedings are posted at the zoo entrance, so you can attend what you are interested in.
Children's interactive and learning area with a small petting zoo.
There are cafes, a playground, and many benches for taking a break, getting a bite, and/or burning off energy.
A peacock roams free at the zoo!
A miniature steam train rolls throughout the zoo - hop on for $3!
Ride your favorite animal on the zoo's carousel for $2 (parents ride free with a paying child).
Talking storybooks occur throughout the zoo. Buy a key as you enter the zoo for $3 and listen to cool facts and stories about the animals.
The first Wednesday of every month is free!
The beach and a Golden Gate Recreation Area are just across the highway from the zoo, so make it an all-day outing!

Limitations:

This place is huge! Plan what you want to see (no more than 1/3 of the park, per visit), rather than trying to do the whole thing in a day and getting frustrated.
Paths meander throughout the zoo, so its easy to lose one's bearings. Pick up a map when you enter!
No dogs, bicycles, or rollerblades allowed.
Weather in San Francisco is highly variable, so dress in layers and be prepared for wind, sun, rain, and mist.
Some events and exhibits close, due to weather or maintenance. Check the zoo website before visiting, to be sure what your interested in is open or running.

Season:

The zoo is open every day (including holidays) from 10 am to 5 pm. The children's area and zoo are open from 10 or 10:30 am until 4:30 pm daily.

Fees:

There is a $5 parking fee, but you can park for free on the street outside the zoo, and walk a few blocks. Admission is also required, except on free days - the first Wednesday of every month for SF Residents. San Francisco residents pay a reduced admission fee, and children under 2 years old are free. For admission prices, see http://www.sfzoo.org and click Visit.

Maps & More Information:

Maps are provided upon entry or just beyond the entry to the zoo.
Signs are posted throughout the park, that point to the most popular nearby exhibits.
SF Zoo Website: http://www.sfzoo.org

Handicapped Access:

All zoo paths are flat, wide, and paved or packed fine gravel, so are suitable for handicapped access.

Recommended routes:

Zoo Visit:
Don't plan on visiting the zoo and getting a workout - you'd miss the whole point of having so many incredible animals in one place. The zoo is absolutely huge, so plan a realistic route (don't count on covering more than 1/3 of the zoo), give yourself a few hours, and stop at the cafe or play area near the zoo's center, to take a break in the middle of your visit. Note where the Children's Area is, if your little one is eager to play and interact with animals. Don't forget to check out the various plants and look out for SF native animals that have stopped by the zoo to check out the exotic animals.