Sacramento Zoo

4.4(8.7K)google

3.7(735)yelp

Adult · Weekday $19/Weekend $24·Child(2-11y) · Weekday $14/Weekend $18·Infant(under 1) FreeUSD(The zoo features a dynamic pricing model. Purchasing tickets online in advance saves a few dollars compared to gate prices. Free parking is available around Land Park.)

FamilyWildlife

Overview

Nestled beautifully within the shady trees of William Land Park since 1927, this historic 14-acre zoological garden provides a lush, intimate educational environment home to over 400 native and exotic animals. The zoo is heavily dedicated to global species conservation, showcasing rare and endangered residents such as majestic snow leopards, tall giraffes, playful red pandas, and colorful tropical reptiles. Families can enjoy relaxing rides on the vintage carousel, educational live keeper chats, and beautifully landscaped exhibits designed to simulate natural ecosystems.

Practical Info

3930 West Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822

Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours

Best TimeRecommended for clear spring or autumn mornings. The pleasant temperatures prompt animals like giraffes and lions to be highly active, and the tree-lined paths provide excellent shade for a family stroll.

Getting ThereLocated inside William Land Park at 3930 Land Park Dr. Driving is most convenient via I-50 exits, with a large free outdoor parking lot right out front. Alternatively, take Sac RT bus line 62 to the park.

(916) 808-5888

saczoo.org

Travel Tips

The shared William Land Park parking lots cap out by 10 AM on weekends; schedule arrivals for weekday mornings or post-1 hour past noon to secure parking.
Single-use plastic straws, films, and standard helium balloons are legally barred inside the gates to prevent ingestion hazards to endangered species.

Photo Tips

Best LightCapture savanna exhibits before 11 AM to bypass the harsh, overhead midday backlighting common during hot Central Valley summer afternoons.

Reviews

Positive

Though small in scale, the zoo is very charming and allows you to get closer to the animals than at massive zoos, making it perfect for families with toddlers.
The lush trees provide abundant shaded areas, so walking under the canopy doesn't feel too hot even on a summer afternoon.
Restrooms and trash cans are highly dense throughout the park; cleaning facilities are easy to find along the way and kept very clean.
The public Keeper Chats are engaging and educational, teaching a lot of interesting scientific facts about giraffes and red kangaroos.

Heads up

Due to aging facilities, the enclosures for some large animals like big cats look a bit cramped, which is disheartening to see.
The adult ticket price is a bit high for a zoo of this size, and the carousel and giraffe feeding require extra cash.
The parking lot is often completely full on weekend mornings, forcing visitors to circle around residential side streets for a spot.
During popular holidays, the lines for buying tickets and entry are very long, lacking effective crowd control or fast-pass lane management.