Oregon Zoo, Portland: Hours, Address, Oregon Zoo Reviews: 4.5/5
Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo
4.5
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Community-supported since 1888, the Oregon Zoo is a world leader in animal welfare and conservation, connecting more than 1.6 million visitors with the world of wildlife every year. Open every day of the year except Dec. 25.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Oregon Zoo
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Northwest District
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,413 within 3 miles
Umami Cafe
39
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Cafe • Asian
Vista Spring Cafe
55
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Bar
Verde Cocina Sylvan Highlands
37
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Fusion • Healthy
Subway
2
0.9 mi
Starbucks
8
0.9 miAmerican
Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza
12
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza
Elephants Delicatessen
489
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Deli • Soups
Ringside Steakhouse
637
1.4 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Goose Hollow Inn
89
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Thai Bloom!
145
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
217 within 3 miles
Portland Children's Museum
353
302 ftChildren's Museums
Washington Park
1,539
0.2 miZoos • Parks
World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum
109
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial
40
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
Hoyt Arboretum
357
0.4 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Wildwood Trail
19
0.3 miHiking Trails
International Rose Test Garden
5,583
0.9 miGardens
Portland Japanese Garden
6,204
0.9 miGardens
Pittock Mansion
2,539
1.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Portland Farmers Market
222
1.5 miFarmers Markets
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
2,573 reviews
Excellent
1,346
Very good
829
Average
289
Poor
63
Terrible
46
Mike
Naperville, IL9 contributions
Lions and tigers and bears!
Jul 2021 • Solo
Excellent zoo!!! So scenic in the middle of Washington Park with easy to follow signs and great exhibits. Animals are out and about since the summer weather is perfect!
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LaurettaYoung
Portland, OR535 contributions
Wonderful habitats
Jul 2021
It's been at least six years even before COVID that we went to this zoo. What an amazing transformation in that time with truly outstanding natural areas for the animals. Totally demonstrating care and thought in the exhibits. The zoo is way more hilly than I recall or maybe I'm just older but it was a good thing we took a stroller for the three year old grandson! Now that restrictions over there will be zoo keeper talks and other special events. The train is on a very short 6 minute ride with not much to see so unless your child is just in love with trains this is not worth the time or even the minimal price.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kami P
7 contributions
Great unplanned destination
Jul 2021 • Couples
Beautiful zoo with spacious and natural looking exhibit enclosures. The elephant exhibit is amazing. We enjoyed the pillar bears and flamingos too. This was a last minute time filter while in Portland and we were glad we stopped.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debroia5233
Red Oak, IA41 contributions
A day with the animals is well spent.
Jul 2021
This is a nice zoo with animals that look well cared for and used to being on display. We enjoyed eating lunch at the zoo to start our adventure. We arrived via the MAX but they do offer paid parking.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jeffrey h
Kailua-Kona, HI562 contributions
The Worst Zoo Experience Ever
Jul 2021
Yesterday our family visited the Oregon Zoo. The trip to the zoo was part of my seven year old grandson's birthday celebration. What a disappointment it was.
I have been going to this zoo, previously known as the Portland Zoo, most of my life. In the past the large animals were housed in enclosures that gave us the chance to actually see them. Yesterday, we were able to actually see very few of the animals. Yes, we could see the elephants and the giraffes. But the only large cat that was visible was a mountain lion. Truly, a pair of lions were fast asleep in a corner so removed from the viewing area that one had to use his imagination. In many of the exhibits, like the one dedicated to the tiger, there was no animal to be seen no matter how hard you looked. We saw one chimp, but the orangutans were permitted to hide under blankets. If there is currently a gorilla at the zoo he was unavailable for viewing.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. My guess is that the majority of the animals we came to see were either unavailable for viewing or so hidden that they could not be seen. Yet the zoo charged a fee as if it were actually providing a "zoo" experience.
My wife loves zoos. As a result, we have been to zoos all over the world and we know what is possible and humane in the way of presenting animals. I realize that we are just emerging from the Covid pandemis, but the zoo is open for business. If they are unwilling to go to the trouble to present the animals, they should close. Or better yet, the person in charge should resign and someone put in his or her place who is interested in showing the people the animals.
I have been going to this zoo, previously known as the Portland Zoo, most of my life. In the past the large animals were housed in enclosures that gave us the chance to actually see them. Yesterday, we were able to actually see very few of the animals. Yes, we could see the elephants and the giraffes. But the only large cat that was visible was a mountain lion. Truly, a pair of lions were fast asleep in a corner so removed from the viewing area that one had to use his imagination. In many of the exhibits, like the one dedicated to the tiger, there was no animal to be seen no matter how hard you looked. We saw one chimp, but the orangutans were permitted to hide under blankets. If there is currently a gorilla at the zoo he was unavailable for viewing.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. My guess is that the majority of the animals we came to see were either unavailable for viewing or so hidden that they could not be seen. Yet the zoo charged a fee as if it were actually providing a "zoo" experience.
My wife loves zoos. As a result, we have been to zoos all over the world and we know what is possible and humane in the way of presenting animals. I realize that we are just emerging from the Covid pandemis, but the zoo is open for business. If they are unwilling to go to the trouble to present the animals, they should close. Or better yet, the person in charge should resign and someone put in his or her place who is interested in showing the people the animals.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jon F
JMFPEDS182 contributions
World-class zoo if it were larger
Jun 2021
This is an excellent zoo, well planned, with a variety of animals that appear to be well cared for, and good descriptions of them and their habitats. needs/etc. If you like zoos, this one is well worth seeing
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna D
Philadelphia, PA87 contributions
Nice way to spend a morning/afternoon
May 2021
We really enjoyed our day at the zoo. I like the one-way path, although near the food stands (by the elephants) that idea goes right out the window. There are lots of different animals to see but Nora the polar bear is a real highlight.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travel_Bug_Bitten
San Francisco, CA194 contributions
MUST DO. This Zoo ranks in the top 5 in my book.
Jun 2021
This was worth every penny. This Zoo is Cool. with the exception for the 93 degree hot day we happened to hit. All the different species of animals was impressive. If I could change anything besides booting COVID. I would ask for special priced snacks or food items for kids. Either as part of a club or membership. just for kids. Some incentive to beat the high prices we are forced to pay when we need to prevent heat stroke or worse crabby hot kids that don't enjoy the experience simply because its to hot.
Great park. Great animals, friendly staff.
Great park. Great animals, friendly staff.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Penwah609
Grand Rapids, MI108 contributions
Enjoyed our afternoon
May 2021
I would not by any stretch call this the largest or best zoo I have been to, but it is clean, fun, well cared for - and even the orangutan looked brushed. Due to COVID you can only go through the zoo once, one way. It's under construction so maybe it would have been a longer visit - although there is a charge to park and a maximum of two hours.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paws0810
Mesa, AZ2,340 contributions
Visit
May 2021 • Couples
So the zoo appears to be neat and clean. It is unfortunate that out in the fresh air they are forcing people to wear masks. It is a beautiful gorgeous day and everybody has their face covered up. They should charge less for a zoo that has not so much open because they are fixing or renovating or just in general closed from past pandemic nonsense
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ak girl
Wasilla, AK1 contribution
How far is the Japanese gardens from the zoo ? What other attractions are close by ?
Shad S
Pasco, WA94 contributions
Any recommendations on a good hotel close to the park?
PortlandManny
Portland, OR43 contributions
Any hotel in downtown Portland would work. You should take the MAX line from downtown hotel and then use the Zoo exit on the MAX.
Is parking free at the Zoo?
Stephen S
Boise, ID132 contributions
No, parking is not free
yazzie06
Oregon100 contributions
Can you take food with you?
Hi there, yes, you may bring in outside food and drink (but not alcohol or plastic straws). Check the Oregon Zoo's website (see Today at the Zoo/Plan Your Trip). Thanks!
shannon b
Walla Walla, WA
I am planning on seeing a concert there this week. Can I bring in a lawn chair?
SueCY9439XR
Portland, OR47 contributions
Ya you can it just needs to be low seating so you do not block people’s view behind you