Oakland Zoo
Discover over 850 native & exotic animals, enjoy stunning bay views from the gondola, and experience magical holiday lights at Glowfari.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & see active animals
Oakland Zoo
Best Time
Beat crowds & see active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover over 850 native & exotic animals, enjoy stunning bay views from the gondola, and experience magical holiday lights at Glowfari.
"The Oakland Zoo was awesome, my favorite so far with active animals and great bay views!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and skip lines. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo's expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gondola Ride
Upper Zoo Area
Soar above the zoo for stunning bay views and access to the upper exhibits. A must-do for seeing animals like wolves and jaguars.
Active Animals
Various Exhibits
Catch animals like lions, monkeys, and bears at their most active, especially during feeding times or cooler parts of the day.
Glowfari Lantern Festival
Throughout the Zoo
Experience the zoo transformed by hundreds of giant, glowing animal lanterns during the holiday season.
Cheetah Habitat
Cheetah Exhibit
See Savanna, the zoo's oldest ambassador cheetah, enjoying enrichment walks and her habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry & Arrival
Glowfari Holiday Magic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and skip lines. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo's expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
🚠 Ride the Gondola
Don't miss the gondola for great bay views and access to upper exhibits. Arrive early as it closes at 7:30 PM.
🦁 Lion Overlook
For a unique view, take the $5 lift directly over the lion enclosure for a surreal experience. :lion:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and skip lines. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo's expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
🚠 Ride the Gondola
Don't miss the gondola for great bay views and access to upper exhibits. Arrive early as it closes at 7:30 PM.
🦁 Lion Overlook
For a unique view, take the $5 lift directly over the lion enclosure for a surreal experience. :lion:
☀️ Visit During Cooler Hours
Animals are often more active in the morning or late afternoon, especially during warmer months. :sunwithface:
🦩 Train for Wallabies
The train is the only way to see wallabies and emus. Consider the line length if time is limited. :train2:
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy lunch at the cafe in the upper zoo area for delicious food and beautiful bay views. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Oakland Zoo for its well-maintained habitats, active animals, and beautiful bay views, especially from the gondola. Many highlight the engaging playgrounds for kids and the unique experiences like the lion overlook. While generally positive, some note potential wait times for attractions like the train.
"I feel we nailed it on our timing. We got there before they opened and were first in line. When we got inside we headed straight for the far end of the park and worked our way back. We were able to catch many animals being fed and almost all of them were out and about. We also didn't have to wait in line for the ride or wait to get close to the animals.
The weather was perfect and the animals seemed to be putting on a show. The lions were roaring and playing, the monkeys and chimpanzees showing off, and more.
It was a fantastic experience and a wonderfully kept up zoo. The animals seemed well taken care of. I value that."
Celeste Roam (Roaming EO girl)
"Had an amazing experience! There are so many fun learning areas and awesome playgrounds for the kids. The animals were super active, the gondola rides were a bonus, and the bay views were the cherry on top. Definitely a place we’ll visit again!"
Jacqueline Arellano
"It was my first time to Oakland zoo and it was such a fun time! We went around 1pm on a Saturday, it was pretty hot and luckily some animals were very active!
Favorite exhibit was grizzly bears, wolves, giraffes, we went to 3 different bear exhibits and they were all so cute.
Definitely take the sky ride! We took it and were able to see sleeping lions resting underneath the shade further back in their exhibit. If we didn’t take the sky ride, we definitely wouldn’t have been able to see them. It also has great views of the bay!
We also did the train ride- this one took a bit long to get on as there were so many families and large parties. This is the only way to access wallabies and emus. It was fun to see emus up close- but maybe would skip if you’re short on time and the train line is too long.
Definitely would come back again to enjoy the park- who doesn’t love animals?"
Tiffany Sun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oakland Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605. You can drive and park (fee applies), or use public transportation. AC Transit bus lines 51A and 57 stop near the zoo. +1
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors. A parking fee is typically charged per vehicle. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
Yes, you can reach the Oakland Zoo via AC Transit bus lines 51A and 57. Check the AC Transit website for the most current routes and schedules.
From I-580 East, take the Golf Links Road exit and turn right. The zoo entrance will be on your left. From CA-24 East, take the CA-13 South exit towards Hayward, then merge onto I-580 East and follow the directions above.
The Oakland Zoo is generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Paved paths wind through most of the zoo, and there are accessible restrooms.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to purchase your Oakland Zoo tickets online in advance for a specific timed entry. This helps manage crowds and ensures your entry.
Oakland Zoo hours typically vary by season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, the zoo offers a 'Summer Discount AfterZOOn' with 50% off general admission after 3 PM, Monday-Thursday, from May 30 to August 31. Check their website for other potential discounts like EBT or AAA.
Timed entry means you book a specific arrival window online. While they are not overly strict, arriving close to your scheduled time is advised to avoid potential delays.
While specific Groupon deals can vary, it's always a good idea to check their website or Groupon directly for any available offers on Oakland Zoo tickets.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the grizzly bears, wolves, giraffes, lions, and primates. Don't miss the chance to see the hyraxes, though they can be shy!
Yes, the Oakland Zoo features a gondola that takes you to the upper zoo area, offering fantastic bay views and access to exhibits like wolves and jaguars.
Glowfari is a popular holiday event featuring hundreds of giant, illuminated animal lanterns throughout the zoo, creating a magical nighttime experience.
Yes, the Oakland Zoo has fun learning areas and awesome playgrounds for kids, making it a great family destination.
The zoo offers a train ride that is the only way to access the wallaby and emu exhibits. Be prepared for potential wait times for the train.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Oakland Zoo has a cafe located in the upper zoo area that offers food with a beautiful view of the bay.
The cafe offers a variety of food options, described as 'yummy' by visitors. It's a convenient spot for lunch while enjoying the zoo's scenery.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, most zoos allow visitors to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. It's always a good idea to check the zoo's specific policy.
Currently, the gift shop at the Oakland Zoo is closed for construction. Visitors should plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
The gondola ride offers panoramic views of the bay, perfect for landscape shots. Animal exhibits, especially when they are active, provide great opportunities for wildlife photography.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at the Oakland Zoo. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them.
While most photography is permitted, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always check the zoo's guidelines if you plan on extensive photo or video shoots.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after opening and before closing – often provide the best natural light for photography. Animals are also typically more active during these times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the Summer Discount AfterZOOn for a more budget-friendly experience, or plan for Glowfari during the holidays for a magical evening. The gondola ride also offers a unique adventure for kids, providing stunning views and access to different parts of the zoo.
+1 Remember to book timed-entry tickets online in advance to streamline your arrival. 💰 Budget Travelers
Purchasing tickets online in advance is generally the standard, so keep an eye out for any early bird specials or bundle deals. While there's a parking fee, consider using public transportation like AC Transit buses to save on parking costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For wildlife photography, aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and animals are often most active. Capture the unique behaviors of animals like the giraffes, primates, and big cats. The lion overlook lift offers a rare and dramatic perspective for capturing lions in their habitat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Oakland Zoo's Exhibits
Beyond these, the zoo features a diverse range of animals from around the globe. The primate area is always a hit, with lively monkeys and chimpanzees. For a unique experience, the African hoofstock area allows you to see animals like hyraxes up close, though they can be quite shy and require patience.
Many exhibits are designed to encourage natural animal behaviors, making for more engaging viewing. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is evident throughout, with informative signage and keeper talks that provide insights into the animals' lives and the importance of protecting their wild counterparts.
The Magic of Glowfari
Each year, Glowfari introduces new themes and designs, making it a fresh experience even for returning visitors. The lanterns are meticulously crafted, depicting animals from various ecosystems in vibrant colors and intricate detail. It's a fantastic way to experience the zoo in a completely different light, quite literally.
Planning for Glowfari is essential. The zoo uses a 'plan ahead' pricing system, where ticket prices vary and increase as the event date approaches. Booking your tickets well in advance is crucial to secure the best prices and ensure you don't miss out on this beloved holiday tradition.
Unique Experiences: Gondola & Lion Overlook
+1For an even more thrilling perspective, the lion overlook lift is a must-try. For a small additional fee, this lift takes you directly over the lion enclosure, offering an unparalleled and surreal view of these magnificent big cats. Visitors have reported hearing lions roar from this vantage point, making it a truly memorable experience.
These special attractions add an extra layer of adventure to your zoo visit. The gondola is particularly recommended for its views and accessibility, while the lion overlook provides a unique thrill that sets the Oakland Zoo apart.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit