An often missed treasure of San Francisco is the San Francisco Zoo.
Located near the far end of Ocean Beach (south of the west end of Golden Gate Park), the Zoo has so much to offer.
With a large collection of birdlife, the photographic possibilities are endless. A cloudy day can often be the best time to visit the Zoo. With few obstructions between you and these magnificent birds, you can walk away with some great photographs. A long zoom lens will allow you to isolate the subject easily. There were taken with a 300 or 400mm lens.
Not only is there a unique collection of wildlife, but a wide array of plant life that cannot be found elsewhere in San Francisco.
One of the most recent additions to the Zoo is the African Savana. This is usually the first stop for most visitors to the Zoo. The Savana offers great, unobstructed views of these majestic animals in a more natural setting. Again, a long telephoto lens will be needed and a tripod is recommended. I will also sometimes use my "Pod" on a nearby railing or rock.
Next to the African Savana, is the Gorilla enclosure. These guys are NOT photo friendly. They know when they are being watched. So be patient and be sure to use the different observation areas around the enclosure for best lighting.
As you make your way around the park, spend time at each area and don't be in a hurry. The best shots come with patience. Weekdays will let you take your time without the burden of children and strollers everywhere. I usually take a mid-day break at one of the two cafés and wait for afternoon light.
After a brief meal, I like to head indoors to the insect zoo until the afternoon sun comes around.
After some time examining these strange creatures, make your way around the back side of the Zoo where you will find the Kangaroo, Polar Bears, Grizzle Gulch, White Rhino, etc.
If you do not have your own vehicle, you can get to the San Francisco Zoo by the MUNI train. Plan to spend sometime at Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach. Keep watching for more on these two great San Francisco locations.
