Hearst Grizzly Gulch

Hearst Grizzly Gulch at San Francisco Zoo is where kids who have read every bear book in the library finally meet the subject matter in person — and discover that actual grizzly bears are about four times more impressive than any photo suggests.

The habitat at SF Zoo is designed to reflect the California wilderness habitat that grizzly bears historically occupied before they were hunted to extinction in the state. Rocky terrain, natural vegetation, and a stream running through the enclosure give the bears multiple behavioral options and create a habitat that looks authentically wild rather than zoo-generic. The California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus) is extinct in the wild — making the animals at SF Zoo part of a story about conservation and extinction that carries educational weight beyond just 'look at the cool bears.'

For young children, the size of a fully grown grizzly bear seen up close for the first time is consistently a top memory of any SF Zoo visit. These are 600-700 pound animals with heads wider than most children's entire torsos. The glass viewing areas allow genuinely close observation.

Access requires SF Zoo admission. Morning visits are best for catching bears active — they tend to move around more in the cooler morning hours and rest in the afternoon. Pair with Penguin Island and the Insect Zoo for the most engaging combination of exhibits for young children.

SF Zoo is located on Sloat Boulevard at the western end of the city, adjacent to Ocean Beach — an easy combination for families who want beach time after the zoo.