Zoos
Bison Paddock
📍 1237 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94121🌐 sfrecpark.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bison-Paddock-224
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–12 AM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Friday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–12 AM |
About Bison Paddock
Green space with a herd of bison. Longtime pasture with a grazing herd of American bison, cared for by the San Francisco zoo. The bison herd has been a beloved institution in San Francisco since 1892, making it over 130 years old, and was moved to its current location in Golden Gate Park's Spreckels Lake area in 1899. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,400 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Highlights
- American bison herd in Golden Gate Park
- History
- Established 1892, relocated to current site 1899
- Hours
- 5 a.m. to Midnight
- Best For
- All ages
💡 Did You Know?
- The bison herd has been a beloved institution in San Francisco since 1892, making it over 130 years old, and was moved to its current location in Golden Gate Park's Spreckels Lake area in 1899
- The bison are cared for by the San Francisco Zoo and are managed with a daily herding routine, with visitors noting the animals are more likely to approach the viewing benches in late afternoon before being herded for the evening
- Bison Paddock is a unique feature of Golden Gate Park offering visitors an opportunity to observe wild American bison grazing in an open meadow setting without traveling far from the city
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit in late afternoon (before closing) when bison are more active and likely to approach the viewing area, rather than midday when they rest in the middle of the paddock
- Plan for a short visit of 10-15 minutes at the paddock itself; use it as one stop within a larger Golden Gate Park exploration rather than a standalone destination
- Bring a book or plan a relaxing break—the seating benches outside the fence provide a peaceful spot to sit and observe the bison grazing, making it ideal for a quiet moment during your park visit
- Read the informational plaque about the bison's history (in the park since 1892) to enhance your visit with context about this unique 130+ year-old San Francisco tradition
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