Below is a list of the top and leading Aquariums/Zoos in San Francisco. To help you find the best Aquariums/Zoos located near you in San Francisco, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
San Francisco’s Best Aquariums/Zoos:
The top rated Aquariums/Zoos in San Francisco are:
- San Francisco Zoo -home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals
- CuriOdyssey -a science and wildlife center
- Aquarium of the Bay -non-profit organization that protects and conserves San Francisco Bay and its ecosystems
- Oakland Zoo -managed by the Conservation Society of California
- Insect Zoo -terrariums filled with a variety of arthropods
San Francisco Zoo
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NEQ_TnyEJ/
San Francisco Zoo is one of the largest wildlife and preserve center in San Francisco. What started as an amusement park in the early 1800 that housed Robert B. Woodward’s animal collections has eventually evolved and has been formally established as a zoo in 1929. Many years later, it has progressed into a state of the art facility that is committed to taking care of animals and protecting them and their habitats.
Housing several exhibits and gardens, they aim to bring people closer to animals and make them more aware of their environment. Providing several activities where humans and animals can interact, this is certainly a haven for people to experience the beauty of nature. Visit San Francisco Zoo now and learn first-hand about animal wellness and how to care for them from one of their expert zookeepers.
Products/Services:
Rides and Tours, Animal Talks and Feedings, Combo Packages, Dining, Zoo Map
LOCATION:
Address: Sloat Blvd &, Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132
Phone: (415) 753-7080
Website: www.sfzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Worth a visit. Go early when it opens as it closes at 4 pm. Good parking. Has well-divided sections. Good collection of animals. Nice playground, Tran and cafeteria. The only negative side is that they closed it at 4 pm. Should keep it open till 5 on Saturdays. We spent 4.5 hours and could not visit the petting zoo.” – Tarak Vasavada
CuriOdyssey
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CuriOdyssey is a science playground and zoo facility in one area. Established in 1954, this center aims to provide kids an up-close experience with wildlife and have a fun time in the many exhibits that they have where children can better understand science, nature and the world surrounding them. Committed to inculcate environment awareness to young minds through education, CuriOdyssey provides a fun learning environment for both kids and kids at heart.
Offering hands-on activities and exhibits, your kids would surely enjoy their time here. They also housed around 100 native animals from birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates that kids can check and see. An awe-spiring experience perfect for family and friends, you would surely get to appreciate science and nature more with CuriOdyssey.
Products/Services:
Animals, Exhibits, Activities, Schools and Groups
LOCATION:
Address: 1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: (650) 342-7755
Website: www.curiodyssey.org
REVIEWS:
“This is a good place for kids. You can meet animals and play some science toys. This is not so big as Zoos, but big enough for small kids to go around easily.” – Rina Uchida
Aquarium of the Bay
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Aquarium of the Bay is a green business that shows the diversity of marine life in Northern California. Managed by BayEcotarium, a non-profit organization, this aquarium houses more than 23,000 aquatic animals. They have sharks, rays, octopus, jellyfish and otters that you would enjoy looking at.
Committed to protect and restore the biodiversity of San Francisco Bay, they provide the best marine world experience that would inspire people to take better care of the environment particularly the sea. Experience the tranquility that this place offers and experience firsthand some aquatic animals through tactile experience in the labs that they have. Delight yourself in the colorful world of fishes by exploring the Aquarium of the Bay now.
Products/Services:
Plan-a-Visit, Events, Contribute, Explore, Conservation, Education
LOCATION:
Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 623-5300
Website: www.aquariumofthebay.org
REVIEWS:
“It was truly a magical experience! They are doing a great work and the staff are extremely friendly. I also like the fact that the tickets are valid all day long and you can walk in and out. In terms of conservation work, their talks are truly informative and beneficial to sensitize people of the threats to wildlife.” – Veronique Couttee
Oakland Zoo
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Oakland Zoo is a wildlife conservation center that is managed by the Conservation Society of California. Established in 1922, this zoo aims to provide a family-friendly destination where you can have fun while learning more about wildlife. Committed to providing protection and safekeeping to all the animals it houses, they also ensure to give the best experience to all of their visitors.
Open from Monday to Friday at 10 AM to 5 PM and Weekends at 11 AM to 5 PM, they have zoo facility, gondola and adventure landing where kids can ride rollercoasters and carousels or enjoy tours to encounter up-close some of the animals in the zoo. Explore the different terrain that they have like the African Savanna and Wild Australia and see the natural animals found on those terrains. Immerse yourself and your family on the wonder of nature and learn how to extend protection and care to the animals in the wild.
Products/Services:
Plan Visit, Explore, Animals, Taking Action, Education
LOCATION:
Address: P.O. Box 5238 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland, Ca 94605
Phone: (510) 632-9525
Website: www.oaklandzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Very impressed with this zoo! Lots of space, awesome exhibits, and an incredible variety of animals. It was awesome how up close and personal you can be with the animals. The main thing that surprised us was how big it is. You can even take a ski lift to the upper level that is like a whole other zoo. Really cool place.” – Enduring Pursuit
Insect Zoo
https://www.facebook.com/InsectMuseum/photos/ms.c.eJxF0VGuRUEERNEZvVAUbf4Te6FPu78r7EiAYZUJFQMl5A8fcICxgAv1wO~_K74pZVGmqXzjmKQZ3~_wF7QgULbsHMlAfMnpBaCJkGdMEG9HxAeAOYC3bhN9FRKbwofaJwXcBMCBeiD2NsYw6Ts4eRZ~_DUg4gLG62chu5h5zZiGyUDe3rRG7xsV~;oNrvW9oSS1o~_L2IEoMlop~;spVdtw~-~-.bps.a.2563977110325070/2563985906990857/?type=3&theater
Insect Zoo is an exhibition found inside San Francisco Zoo that is dedicated to arthropods. Started originally as a temporary exhibit in 1979, it has become popular with locals and tourists alike that it has become a permanent fixture inside SF Zoo. Housing several terrariums filled with insects like cockroaches, spiders, bugs, tarantulas and scorpions, you can experience a totally different world of insects and creepy crawlers here.
They offer participatory experiences where you and your family can enjoy and learn more about arthropods. They also provide other fun activities that kids will surely enjoy like puzzles, videos and demonstrations. Be amazed seeings these insects up-close, enjoy now and have fun at the Insect Zoo.
Products/Services:
Rides and Tours, Animal Talks and Feedings, Combo Packages, Dining, Zoo Map
LOCATION:
Address: Sloat Blvd &, Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132
Phone: (415) 753-7080
Website: www.sfzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“I saw a really interesting worm with my dad.” – Andrés Arzúa
Alain Atkins is the senior editor for Kev’s Best. Alain has been working as a journalist for nearly a decade having published pieces in many print and digital publications including the Argus Leader and the Huffing Post. Alain is based in St Louis and covers issues affecting his city and state. When he’s not busy in the newsroom, Alain enjoys backpacking.