A new approach, referred to as a successive zooming genetic algorithm (SZGA), is Proposed for identifying a global solution for continuous optimization problems. In order to improve the local fine-tuning capability of GA, we introduced a new method whereby the search space is zoomed around the design point with the best fitness per 100 generation. Furthermore, the reliability of the optimized solution is determined based on the theory of probability. To demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm, a simple genetic algorithm, micro genetic algorithm, and the proposed algorithm were tested as regards for the minimization of a multiminima function as well as simple functions. The results confirmed that the proposed SZGA significantly improved the ability of the algorithm to identify a precise global minimum. As an example of structural optimization, the SZGA was applied to the optimal location of support points for weight minimization in the radial gate of a dam structure. The proposed algorithm identified a more exact optimum value than the standard genetic algorithms.