San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo
4
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
With more than 8,500 animals on 56 acres, there's plenty of fun for the whole family. The San Antonio Zoo was first established with a donation from George W. Brackenridg in the 1800s. Two of the first cageless exhibits in the U.S. opened here in 1929 and the bird collection is one of the world's largest.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
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Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from $26.87
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
Top ways to experience San Antonio Zoo and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Uptown Broadway
Best nearby
Restaurants
627 within 3 miles
Attractions
170 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,968 reviews
Excellent
921
Very good
644
Average
248
Poor
85
Terrible
70
TMarie1980
Houston, TX111 contributions
Mar 2022
The zoo had some animals that our local zoo does not have and it is always fun to see different exhibits and how they are set up. This zoo was really expensive though. We got a discount because of being a zoo member elsewhere but were still shocked at what we paid for this zoo. Parking was free but you did have a walk to get to the entrance. It was busy when we went and parts of the zoo got super crowded.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rick
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
One of the best zoos we've been to in the US! our young toddler loves animals and zoo's and aquariums. Been to several around the US on trips, and this one was one of the best, if not the best, so far. Lots of different animals in good sized enclosures, well cared for, and the whole zoo was CLEAN. Opportunities to feed animals- fed a giraffe!- for a small $$$. Would go back if ever in the San Antonio area!
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
melwashere81
Cleveland, TX1,059 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
I've been to a lot of zoos and although this one isn't the biggest, it is very pretty and laid out quite nice. The path through the zoo was easy to follow and I never once got lost (yes I've gotten lost at zoos before). Parking here is FREE but be prepared to pay $20 per adult to get in and more if you want to have any animal encounters. Masks were not required outside but they are for all indoor spaces including exhibits, restaurants, restrooms, and gift shops. And they are required for all animal encounters as well.
The zoo is currently CASHLESS so be prepared to pay via credit or debit card. My dad tried to pay with cash and while they didn't flat out refuse they asked if he would please use a credit card instead.
My only complaints may or may not have to due with covid restrictions....they didn't have a FREE bag to hold my purchases from the gift shop so to avoid carrying everything in my hand I had to purchase a reusable bag. Also, they took our picture at the entrance but instead of printing it they wanted me to pay for it then they would send it to my phone so I could share it to my social media accounts. What if I wanted to frame it? Now I have to pay extra to have it printed. Not a large price to pay but I already paid once! Lastly only after we purchased icees were we told they don't have straws. I think this is so kids don't throw them in animal enclosures but how am I supposed to drink an icee without a straw?!
Overall it was a nice experience but I think I'll wait until after covid to go back.....
The zoo is currently CASHLESS so be prepared to pay via credit or debit card. My dad tried to pay with cash and while they didn't flat out refuse they asked if he would please use a credit card instead.
My only complaints may or may not have to due with covid restrictions....they didn't have a FREE bag to hold my purchases from the gift shop so to avoid carrying everything in my hand I had to purchase a reusable bag. Also, they took our picture at the entrance but instead of printing it they wanted me to pay for it then they would send it to my phone so I could share it to my social media accounts. What if I wanted to frame it? Now I have to pay extra to have it printed. Not a large price to pay but I already paid once! Lastly only after we purchased icees were we told they don't have straws. I think this is so kids don't throw them in animal enclosures but how am I supposed to drink an icee without a straw?!
Overall it was a nice experience but I think I'll wait until after covid to go back.....
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sugar9225
McGaheysville, VA30 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We were so excited to see the zoo, and extremely disappointed when we got there. The young man that handled the scooters didn't know how to business. I couldn't walk well, but EVERY single scooter was charging. It takes overnight to charge, so I was forced to walk as well as I could. The bears, cougar, elephant, and several other large animals exhibited severe behavioral problems with anxiety pacing, lethargy, and heat prostration. Certain pens needed cleaning. We waited over 40 minutes to eat a $12.95 cheeseburger that was tepid, overcooked, and tough. The Cafe was filthy, and had no ketchup. Overall, seeing the animals was a treat, but the Zoo itself needs staff that can handle all aspects of animal care and business practices.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melody B
Moore, OK5 contributions
Mar 2021
Truly, this zoo was a mistake. We paid $120 for our family of 4 to visit this zoo. I saw more birds than I did animals and even my 8 year old (who loves our zoo at home) had a horrible time. It was so crowded, you could barely move at times and there were more birds than anything else and I am not a fan of birds. If i want to see birds, I will look out my bedroom window. The only wonderful part of the zoo was the workers. Adam and another guy I can't remember who were working in customer service/lost and found. We thought I had lost my wedding ring at the zoo and they were amazing in helping keep an eye for it and helping my husband. Adam even said he would pray that it was found at our hotel (and it was). But besides the workers, the layout and animal selection for the price I paid was a joke. I really wish I could get a refund. We could go to our zoo for 30 bucks at home and see a bigger selection and it's so spread out, that it's never crowded. I will never waste my money at this zoo again.
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Renee S
San Antonio, TX40 contributions
Aug 2021
The zoo is fantastic, They are doing great things.
BUT if you purchase annual memberships - be careful. I purchased a 2 pack Advocate for me and a family member. If you want to use your zoo membership pass to get a discount for other places, know that the name of the other family member will not show (except on the scanner at the zoo) and they won't be able to use the discount unless you are present. I was told they couldn't refund and let me do it correctly nor could they reissue her pass in her name. In the digital world today, that is so silly. The office said my family member could show the other business my pass and let them read the receipt that it was a 2 Pack...
BUT if you purchase annual memberships - be careful. I purchased a 2 pack Advocate for me and a family member. If you want to use your zoo membership pass to get a discount for other places, know that the name of the other family member will not show (except on the scanner at the zoo) and they won't be able to use the discount unless you are present. I was told they couldn't refund and let me do it correctly nor could they reissue her pass in her name. In the digital world today, that is so silly. The office said my family member could show the other business my pass and let them read the receipt that it was a 2 Pack...
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wilson2B
Fahaheel, Kuwait15 contributions
May 2020
Warning: Prices are not accurate on Trip Advisor/ outdated. It's not $15 per person. One way to shut a Zoo down.. To purchase tickets and get in now to DRIVE only is complicated..
Review of San Antonio Zoo
Reviewed today
I believe I came here many years ago as a kid. Was a great experience.
Now considering the World "Scare" going on, understandably it's a drive through. I mean it costs a lot of money to keep it going, understand.
HOWEVER, just trying to get the facts if they are open is complicated. The voice automated answering recording does not give you the details needed.
Going on line you find out that they play this only members go get tickets game.
Annual or auto Monthly charge.. The on top of that you buy a ticket.
Long story short, Im just amazed that a lower quality experience "Drive through" they are turning people away by nickle and dimming people..
"Online convenience fee" , convenience for who, the Zoo? I hate this..
This will put the Zoo out of business ,Poor animals,
Tickets
Drive Through Zoo - Monthly Member (per vehicle)
Friday, May 22, 2020 10:00 AM
1
$32.00
$32.00
Monthly Membership Processing Fee - Supporter Plus (per person)
4
$20.00
$80.00
Online Convenience Fee
$2.25
Total to drive family through in your car.. = $114.25
Review of San Antonio Zoo
Reviewed today
I believe I came here many years ago as a kid. Was a great experience.
Now considering the World "Scare" going on, understandably it's a drive through. I mean it costs a lot of money to keep it going, understand.
HOWEVER, just trying to get the facts if they are open is complicated. The voice automated answering recording does not give you the details needed.
Going on line you find out that they play this only members go get tickets game.
Annual or auto Monthly charge.. The on top of that you buy a ticket.
Long story short, Im just amazed that a lower quality experience "Drive through" they are turning people away by nickle and dimming people..
"Online convenience fee" , convenience for who, the Zoo? I hate this..
This will put the Zoo out of business ,Poor animals,
Tickets
Drive Through Zoo - Monthly Member (per vehicle)
Friday, May 22, 2020 10:00 AM
1
$32.00
$32.00
Monthly Membership Processing Fee - Supporter Plus (per person)
4
$20.00
$80.00
Online Convenience Fee
$2.25
Total to drive family through in your car.. = $114.25
Written May 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rick Kretschmann
New Braunfels, TX49 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Moderately expensive, until you get in to realize there were endless charges for nearly everything else. So many venues had extra charges such as $2 to enter approx 400 sq ft enclosure to look at butterflies. Times this x 5 for our family and x other extra charges for things like feeding the giraffes then things get expensive quickly.
A completely unexpected and exciting attraction was Longnecks, home of the worlds most expensive and slowest cooked hot dogs!!! At 8 bucks a dog and a minute of cooking time per dollar in series, you can spend a lot of cash and time here.
My 3 y/o girl couldnt get enough of the bat exhibit which I thought was well done and allowed great viewing of the bats.
The displays were good but were mostly roped back so you couldnt go the the glass or edge of the exhibit. The kiddie stuff was all closed off as well, but the tickets were at a discount presumably for that reason.
Overall, there are much better zoo's in other cities but it was worth a trip if one lives in San Antonio and doesn't wish to travel far to teach the kiddies about animals.
A completely unexpected and exciting attraction was Longnecks, home of the worlds most expensive and slowest cooked hot dogs!!! At 8 bucks a dog and a minute of cooking time per dollar in series, you can spend a lot of cash and time here.
My 3 y/o girl couldnt get enough of the bat exhibit which I thought was well done and allowed great viewing of the bats.
The displays were good but were mostly roped back so you couldnt go the the glass or edge of the exhibit. The kiddie stuff was all closed off as well, but the tickets were at a discount presumably for that reason.
Overall, there are much better zoo's in other cities but it was worth a trip if one lives in San Antonio and doesn't wish to travel far to teach the kiddies about animals.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CharlaVass
Greeley, CO14 contributions
Jun 2021
We have been to other zoos in various cities and we felt that the San Antonio Zoo was well worth the money! There were several interactive experiences available and we loved the beautiful walkways. There were lots of places to sit and great shade. Our 11-year old daughter had a lot of fun and so did my husband and I. Definitely a must-do vacation experience!
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steven D
Spring Hill, TN1,745 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We stayed in San Antonio in late February for three nights to visit our daughter and two grandsons. A trip to the zoo was planned — so we joined the all day excursion. The zoo was busy with lots of young families but not overwhelming. The size of the zoo was just right for our younger ones. We kept our picnic items in the vehicles just in case dining options were limited inside the park — good thing we did because not much was open in the way of concessions nor eateries. The vintage carousel ride was a big hit. There are two other major attractions associated with the zoo which are worth the extra time and effort — the pint sized train ride and nearby vintage kids amusement park. Plan on spending the entire day to fully enjoy the entire scope of activities without feeling like you’re rushing through just to check it off your list.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can you take backpacks in to the San Antonio zoo?
HSPBER789
United States46 contributions
Yes!! They will just be checked.
Can you leave for lunch then reenter zoo
Mary Pat D
San Antonio, TX4 contributions
Yes, you may exit and re-enter. You need to keep your entry ticket from that day and get your hand stamped when you exit in order to re-enter. This is for same day only. No re-entry on another day. I hope this helps answers your question.
Reciprocity with Houston Zoo membership?
Tim
Oklahoma City, OK1,309 contributions
Hi there,
So sorry for the lag. I called and called the San Antonio Zoo, no person to talk to. I resorted to email.
Yes, if you present your Houston Zoo membership when you get your tickets at the San Antonio Zoo, they tell me that you will get a 50% discount.
Their zoo is great, you’ll have a good time!
Best,
Tim
JBP
3 contributions
The zoo seems like a lot of walking. Are there trams or trains or other ways of getting around?
If not are there different parking areas in different sections of the zoo?
TravelingFriends2015
San Antonio, TX94 contributions
The above answers are correct....no trolleys or trams. But I'm a senior citizen and found it quite easy to get through it all as it is not as large as other zoos I have visited. Very doable in one day.
Jet12363553279
San Jose, CA
Are the souvenir cups good just for that trip or are they good for refills (at a lower cost) for the summer or all year long?
Elephants need water or fountains and more shade.
Ronald A
Tieton, United States97 contributions
And the question is -- are you an animal expert?
Do you receive a refund on wheelchairs after you are finished with them
VanEsq12
Dallas, TX2,375 contributions
You put down a deposit in addition to the rental fee. Once you return the chair or scooter, you are given your deposit back.
Service dogs allowed?
Booboo811
52 contributions
Yes they are but you have to check in with the front office when you arrive.
Are service dogs allowed
kembrey
Floresville, TX117 contributions
I know there will be certain places in the zoo you can’t take the service dog, but you’d have to check on that at the front office.
San Antonio Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about San Antonio Zoo
- San Antonio Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- San Antonio Zoo admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $26.87, while a popular guided tour starts around $94.00 per person. See all 6 San Antonio Zoo tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- San Antonio Zoo can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 6 San Antonio Zoo tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience San Antonio Zoo:
- San Antonio Zoo General Admission Ticket (From $26.87)
- Go City: San Antonio Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From $94.00)
- Alamo and San Antonio Quarry Helicopter Tour (From $285.50)
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in San Antonio (From $274.71)
- Vacation Photographer in San Antonio (From $274.71)
- Hotels near San Antonio Zoo:
- (1.42 mi) Hotel Emma at Pearl
- (2.32 mi) Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk
- (2.81 mi) Canopy By Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
- (0.44 mi) Casa Linda Motel
- (2.72 mi) Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
- Restaurants near San Antonio Zoo:
- (0.22 mi) Jingu House
- (0.44 mi) Smoke Shack
- (0.35 mi) Augie's Barbed Wire Smokehouse
- (0.94 mi) Cappy's Restaurant
- (0.45 mi) The Smoke Shack