Experience the best of San Antonio Zoo

Loved by over 54 million guests worldwide

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San Antonio Zoo Tickets

Explore at your pace

Enjoy hassle-free admission to the San Antonio Zoo with a general admission ticket, giving you access to the zoo's exhibits, habitats, and attractions for the day.
Head straight to the entrance, scan your ticket, and begin exploring without the need to reserve a timed entry slot.
Discover hundreds of animal species, immersive habitats, botanical gardens, interactive exhibits, and included attractions at your own pace.
Wander scenic pathways, attend keeper talks and animal feedings (subject to schedule), and spend as much time as you like at your favorite exhibits.
Perfect for families, locals, and visitors looking for a flexible, self-guided zoo experience with the freedom to explore throughout the day.

More details

Enjoy hassle-free admission to the San Antonio Zoo with a general admission ticket, giving you access to the zoo's exhibits, habitats, and attractions for the day.
Head straight to the entrance, scan your ticket, and begin exploring without the need to reserve a timed entry slot.
Discover hundreds of animal species, immersive habitats, botanical gardens, interactive exhibits, and included attractions at your own pace.
Wander scenic pathways, attend keeper talks and animal feedings (subject to schedule), and spend as much time as you like at your favorite exhibits.
Perfect for families, locals, and visitors looking for a flexible, self-guided zoo experience with the freedom to explore throughout the day.

from

$35.99

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Buy online if you're going on a weekend, holiday, or event day. It can bypass or shorten the ticket-window line, but you will still queue for gate scanning and any bag check.

General admission usually covers the zoo's exhibits and public areas only. The miniature train, carousel, giraffe feeding, and many encounters are separate paid add-ons, so set a budget before you arrive.

Aim for the earliest entry you can get, especially in summer. Most visitors spend about 3–4 hours onsite, and outdoor animals are often easier to spot before midday heat builds.

Standard admission is self-guided rather than a guided tour. If you are visiting with strollers or anyone with limited stamina, plan a shorter loop and keep the zoo map handy to avoid extra backtracking.

If parking stress matters, arrive early or use rideshare on busy weekends and holidays. Main lots near the entrance can fill, and some visitors end up parking farther into Brackenridge Park and walking in.

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About San Antonio Zoo

Set inside Brackenridge Park, San Antonio Zoo feels more like a parkland walk than a compact indoor attraction. Tree-lined, hilly paths connect animal habitats with kid-focused play spaces and paid extras such as the miniature train and carousel. That mix of green setting, self-paced routes, and seasonal evening events gives it a different rhythm from many city attractions.

Did you know?

San Antonio Zoo is operated by the non-profit San Antonio Zoological Society, which reinvests revenue into animal care, conservation, and education.

The zoo sits inside Brackenridge Park, one of San Antonio's oldest public parks, giving it a greener setting than many urban zoos.

The zoo participates in conservation and breeding programs through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, helping manage endangered species populations.

Why visit San Antonio Zoo?

Green Brackenridge Park setting

San Antonio Zoo sits inside Brackenridge Park, just north of downtown San Antonio. Its tree-lined, hilly grounds give the visit a parkland feel and make it easy to pair animal viewing with time in the surrounding park.

Thousands of animals in themed habitats

The zoo presents thousands of animals from around the globe in walk-through habitats and public exhibit areas. Visitors can see mammals, birds, and reptiles, with listed highlights including lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and flamingos.

Giraffe viewing and feeding area

The giraffe area is one of the biggest highlights in the zoo's African-themed section. At certain times, visitors can join a paid or controlled feeding experience that brings them close to one of the zoo's most sought-after animals.

Indoor reptile and amphibian exhibits

Indoor reptile and amphibian exhibits give visitors a climate-controlled break during very hot or rainy weather. These galleries can include snakes, lizards, frogs, and turtles, making them a practical midday stop when outdoor animals are less active.

Miniature train and carousel for kids

The miniature train and carousel add short, kid-friendly breaks to a longer walking visit. These attractions are typically paid separately from general admission, so families can choose whether to turn a standard zoo day into a fuller outing with rides.

Plan your visit

Main Entrance (Primary Public Gate)

Located at the front of San Antonio Zoo off N. St. Mary's Street, beside the main parking area at 3903 N. St. Mary's Street, this is the primary gate for all visitors. Ticket holders, members, and guests buying tickets onsite all use this entrance. Tickets are scanned at the gate, and ticket booths nearby handle on-site purchases or ticket issues. Expect short to moderate waits on many weekdays and longer queues on weekends, holidays, and special events. Buying online can reduce ticket-window time, but you will still queue for entry scanning. Visitors with mobility needs should check current access details with the zoo before arrival, as the grounds are hilly in places.