San Antonio Zoo
A vibrant zoo with diverse species, cageless habitats, interactive experiences, and unique overnight stays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
San Antonio Zoo
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant zoo with diverse species, cageless habitats, interactive experiences, and unique overnight stays.
"The San Antonio Zoo was pretty good and I liked how kid friendly it was."
🎯 Beat the Texas Heat
Bring mist fans, hats, and sunscreen. Utilize misting stations and indoor exhibits to cool down.
💰 Locals' Day Savings
Bexar County residents can enjoy $8 admission on select dates. Proof of ID required.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feed the Giraffes
Giraffe Exhibit
An interactive and memorable experience for all ages. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants!
Naylor Savanna
New Habitat
Explore the zoo's largest habitat, offering unique overnight stays with views of giraffes and zebras.
Dinosaur Adventure Park
Various Locations
Roam among 18 lifelike dinosaurs, enjoy themed treats, and catch a 4D movie for a prehistoric thrill.
Butterfly Exhibit
Butterfly Garden
A serene and educational experience, showcasing conservation efforts and the beauty of these delicate creatures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Maximize Your Visit with Passes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Texas Heat
Bring mist fans, hats, and sunscreen. Utilize misting stations and indoor exhibits to cool down.
💰 Locals' Day Savings
Bexar County residents can enjoy $8 admission on select dates. Proof of ID required. +1
🎟️ Year-Round Fun
Consider the 'Pay for a Day, Get the Year Free' pass for great value if you plan multiple visits.
🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun
Feeding the giraffes is a highlight! It's cashless and costs $5 per person.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Texas Heat
Bring mist fans, hats, and sunscreen. Utilize misting stations and indoor exhibits to cool down.
💰 Locals' Day Savings
Bexar County residents can enjoy $8 admission on select dates. Proof of ID required. +1
🎟️ Year-Round Fun
Consider the 'Pay for a Day, Get the Year Free' pass for great value if you plan multiple visits.
🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun
Feeding the giraffes is a highlight! It's cashless and costs $5 per person.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking, with garage options if overflow is needed.
📱 Buy Tickets Online
Purchase tickets online in advance via QR codes for quick entry.
💧 Water Bottle Policy
Check the current policy on personal water bottles; they may encourage purchasing from vendors.
🦖 Dino Adventure Park
Don't miss the temporary Dinosaur Adventure Park with 18 dinos and themed activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the San Antonio Zoo to be a good, kid-friendly experience with well-cared-for animals and engaging exhibits like the giraffe feeding and butterfly garden. However, some note that staffing can be light, especially during peak times, and the Texas heat requires significant preparation. The zoo's policy on personal water bottles and the price of concessions are also points of contention for some.
"The San Antonio Zoo was pretty good and I liked how kid friendly it was. I feel that (especially in the summer time) the zoo could've been more abundantly staffed and you could tell how understaffed they were at certain parts of the park.
I must say that we definitely underestimated the San Antonio sun the day we went (Temperatures reached 110°F 🥵🥵) and the heat I'm sure had a lot to do with a good amount of the animal exhibits being empty.
I want to commend the Zoo on their butterfly exhibit because it was a highlight of our park experience and I love the conservation efforts and how well they protect and take care of the butterflies, they also do a great job educating every patron that comes in to visit the butterflies.
The other big highlight of our Zoo experience was feeding the Giraffes! Very interactive and kids friendly. There was a bit of a line and the shade around the Giraffe's area is almost non-existent. So, I highly recommend bringing all the mist fans, sun hats, umbrellas, and sun-screen.
My last gripe about the park has more to do with money than anything and that's their no personal water bottles/metal containers rule. You can't bring your own water or water for you kids because they want you to buy their $5 - 20oz Dasani water bottles. And that's just not good practice and not having the customer's best interests at hand with how much walking, lack if shade, and hear exposure there is.
To the Zoo's credit there were some mist fan tents to help people cool down. I think we encountered 2-3 of them spanning the park.
Lastly, the fish, reptiles, and big cats areas were great cool down areas and made the work more enjoyable."
Marcus Gamble
"I absolutely adore this place and am so thrilled we have it right here in San Antonio! The animals are so well cared for, which is fantastic. I especially love the abundance of trees for shade and the “cool zones” where you can cool off under misting or an outdoor air conditioner. I wouldn’t splurge on the food here since it’s a bit pricey, so definitely come feed and walk it out! My husband and I snagged the yearly ticket. You can even enter for free after paying the one-time fee! It takes about an hour and 39 minutes to see the whole park, which is a great workout. You won’t even realize how many steps you’ve taken until you’re done! I’m also super excited because they might be adding gorillas this fall 2025! How cool is that?"
David Morales
"I've lived in San Antonio since 2017 and had never been to the Zoo! I recently received free tickets through my job for my family and decided it was time to go check it out at least once. I hate doing anything in San Antonio due to the amount of people literally everywhere, however I was pleasantly surprised at the LACK of people everywhere. We went on a Sunday and it was the best thing I've ever done here in San Antonio and I really enjoyed our time here. Some animals were not out, which is understandable. Their enclosures seemed rather spacious (esp compared to other zoos) and clean! Many concessions were not open, so it did take a while to find food and drinks. I did get a bucket of fries and those were so good! And you can get refills on the buckets, but we went towards the end of the day. If you want to buy tickets, you buy them online now. They have QR codes outside of the entrances for purchase. We rode the carousel twice as well. You also buy those tickets through the QR code."
Harlie Lynn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The San Antonio Zoo is located at 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors use ride-sharing services. Public transportation options may also be available, so check local transit schedules.
Yes, the San Antonio Zoo offers free parking in large lots. There's also garage parking available if the main lots are full.
Driving or using ride-sharing services are popular options. For a more local experience, consider checking VIA Metropolitan Transit for bus routes that serve the zoo area.
The zoo is generally accessible, with paved paths throughout. It's recommended to check their official website for specific accessibility information regarding exhibits and facilities.
While some reviews mention a no-personal water bottle rule, it's best to check the zoo's official policy before your visit. They do offer concessions for purchase.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. Look out for special 'Locals' Days' for Bexar County residents offering discounted admission at $8. +1 For general admission, it's recommended to check the official San Antonio Zoo website for current pricing.
Yes, look for 'Locals' Days' for Bexar County residents. Additionally, the 'Pay for a Day, Get the Year Free' promotion is a great value for frequent visitors. PogoPass can also offer significant savings.
Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, often via QR codes, for a smoother entry experience.
Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official San Antonio Zoo website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
The zoo likely offers group rates for larger parties. It's advisable to contact their group sales department directly for information and booking.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the giraffes (you can feed them!), hippos (underwater viewing), big cats, and the diverse species in the new Naylor Savanna.
Yes, the zoo often features temporary exhibits like the Dinosaur Adventure Park. 
Absolutely! The zoo is very kid-friendly, with interactive experiences like feeding the giraffes and engaging exhibits.
These are designated areas with misting fans or air conditioning to help visitors cool down, especially during hot Texas summers.
Yes, the zoo offers unique overnight experiences, such as staying in the Spekboom Lodge within the Naylor Savanna for animal encounters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reviews are mixed. Some find the food pricey and not a specialty, suggesting dining off-site on Broadway for better options. Others have enjoyed items like fries.
The zoo has various concessions offering snacks and meals. Some were noted as not being open during certain visits.
It's best to check the zoo's official policy on outside food and drinks. Some visitors recommend bringing your own to save money.
Concession stands typically offer standard theme park fare. It's advisable to inquire directly with the food vendors on-site for specific dietary options.
For off-site dining, Broadway Street, which is near the zoo, offers many popular restaurants like Bombay or Augie's BBQ.
📸 📸 Photography
The giraffe feeding area, the new Naylor Savanna, and the Butterfly Exhibit offer great photo opportunities. The diverse animal enclosures also provide unique shots.
Sometimes animals may be resting or out of sight. Also, viewing windows can get smudged with fingerprints, making it hard to see clearly. +1
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing distant animals. A wide-angle lens can be good for habitat shots. Don't forget a polarizing filter for glare and a lens cloth for smudges.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Check the zoo's policy.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a comfortable visit, be prepared for the Texas heat by bringing plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen. Utilize the zoo's 'cool zones' for breaks. Consider purchasing a 'Pay for a Day, Get the Year Free' pass if you anticipate multiple visits, offering great value for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the zoo has food options, they can be pricey. Bringing your own snacks and water (if permitted by current policy) can help save money.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
+1Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the diverse exhibits, perhaps feeding the giraffes for a fun, shared activity.
🚶 Day-Trippers
Focus on key highlights like the giraffes, the new Naylor Savanna, and any temporary exhibits like the Dinosaur Adventure Park.
+1 Utilize the free parking and the zoo's convenient circular layout to efficiently see the main attractions within a few hours. Grab a quick bite at the concessions or plan for a meal just outside the zoo on Broadway.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The San Antonio Zoo Experience: Beyond the Animals
This focus on cageless environments aims to provide a more authentic glimpse into the animals' lives. Beyond the exhibits, interactive elements like feeding the giraffes are a major draw, offering a hands-on connection with wildlife. For those seeking a truly unique adventure, the zoo offers overnight stays within certain habitats, allowing guests to sleep surrounded by the sounds and sights of the animals.
+1 This provides an unparalleled perspective and a memorable experience. The zoo also hosts seasonal events, such as the Dinosaur Adventure Park, which transforms the grounds with animatronic dinosaurs, themed activities, and entertainment, making it a dynamic destination throughout the year. Community feedback highlights the zoo's efforts to combat the Texas heat with 'cool zones' featuring misting fans and air-conditioned spaces.
Maximizing Value: Tickets, Passes, and Deals
For frequent visitors, the 'Pay for a Day, Get the Year Free' promotion is a highly recommended option.
When purchasing tickets, it's strongly advised to buy them online in advance.
Navigating San Antonio's Climate and Zoo Comfort
Despite these provisions, the heat can impact animal visibility, with many creatures seeking shade or resting during the hottest parts of the day.
Furthermore, the zoo's layout is generally considered convenient and walkable, often described as being shaped in a circle, which helps visitors see everything without excessive backtracking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit