San Francisco Zoos & Aquariums

San Francisco Zoos & Aquariums Overview

San Francisco has several large zoos. From the popular San Francisco Zoo to the combination zoo/aquarium of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. From reptile and exotic insect exhibits to flamingos and elephants, California zoos are the perfect place for a one-day or overnight safari. San Francisco also has some of the best aquariums in the country from the world-renowned Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park to the smaller Aquarium of the Bay on Fisherman's Wharf. Whether you're looking to step into a kelp forest or dip your hands in a shark petting pool, San Francisco has what you're looking for.

San Francisco Zoos & Aquariums
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San Francisco Zoo is located at the intersections of Sloat Blvd., Skyline Blvd. and Great Highway off highway 1. This is a large city zoo with over 250 animal species displayed in a comfortable climate along the Pacific Ocean.

San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, California 94132
(415) 753-7080
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located on the north end of the San Francisco Bay off interstate 80 in Vallejo. This is a combination wildlife park, aquarium and theme park. Attractions include rollercoasters, marine mammal shows and exotic animal exhibits.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
1001 Fairgrounds Drive
Vallejo, California 94589
(707) 643-6722
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Oakland Zoo is located in Knowland Park off interstate 580. This is a large city zoo with more than 400 animals on display.

WARNING: Knowland Park is in a high crime zone of the Bay Area. See our High Crime Zones page for safety precautions in these areas.

Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Road
Oakland, California 94605
(510) 632-9525
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Steinhart Aquarium is being relocated to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. They are due to open in September of 2008. This is a large scale aquarium with mostly local species. The aquarium is part of the California Academy of Sciences, which houses multiple exhibits of biology, space and science. They are the only aquarium in the world to successfully house a Great White Shark for several months. Unfortunately, it has already been returned to the wild.

Steinhart Aquarium / California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 321-8000
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

Aquarium of the Bay is one of the newer additions to the ever-popular Fisherman's Wharf east of the Golden Gate Bridge. Moderate scale aquarium features exhibits of local fish species and petting pools.

Aquarium of the Bay
PIER 39
Embarcadero at Beach Street
San Francisco, California 94133
(888) 732-3483
Map  |   Accommodations  |   Website  |   Other Ideas

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