Home to more than 500 animals representing 146 species, the Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the area’s most popular attractions. The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of the natural world and its wildlife, and offers visitors a chance to see some of the world’s most amazing creatures up close. Its lush grounds and stunning scenery make it a perfect place to appreciate the wonders of nature.

Located just two miles from the bustling State Street in Santa Barbara, the 30-acre zoo is home to different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. The zoo features exhibits in open, naturalistic environment that overlook the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of Santa Ynez, providing visitors with breathtaking views.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is the perfect place to spend a few hours. The animals are well-cared for and there are plenty of things to see and do. You could easily spend an entire day here, but two hours is enough to get a good feel for the place.

Being home to some of the tallest creatures on Earth, visitors can get up close and personal with them during giraffe feeding time. You’ll have the opportunity to feed these gentle giants by hand and learn all about their ecology and behavior from the zoo’s expert staff.

You can see the whole park from up high on the 26-foot rock climbing wall. People may also go searching for treasures and stones in Tiny’s Mining Camp. Or if you just want to relax, take a Zoo Train ride around the park to see everything the place has to offer.

The Ridley-Tree Animal Kitchen is also an interesting area to be at for any animal lover visiting the zoo. You can watch as the zoo staff prepare food for the over 500 animals that call the zoo home. You’ll be able to see how much work goes into making sure each and every one of the zoo’s animals is properly fed!

Indeed, the zoo is a must-see for anyone visiting the area, especially families with young children. It’s worth noting that the Food Network dubbed it as “the Audrey Hepburn of zoos,” further describing it as “petite, charming, and beautiful.”

Zoo Hours, Admission & Parking

Planning on spending some time at the Santa Barbara Zoo? You’ll need to make an online reservation beforehand if you want to go, as the zoo is only open from 9:30am to 5pm each day.

The zoo may close early for special events that are held there on occasion. This could be for a private party or function that has been booked out. If the event is during regular opening hours, then the zoo will close to the public early.

Admission for adults to the Santa Barbara Zoo is $19.95, and admission for children ages 2-12 is $14.95. Children under two years old are free.

Other attractions such as the giraffe feeding experience and Zoo Train rides are an additional cost beyond the price of admission. These extra costs can add up, so be sure to budget accordingly!

The Santa Barbara Zoo charges $11 per vehicle for parking, as stated on their website. This fee is required in order to park on the premises and is not included with the price of admission.

Tips for Your Visit

Visitors should be aware that on hot summer days and during busy weekends, the parking lot at the Santa Barbara Zoo fills up quickly. Guests may want to arrive early or be prepared to park in an overflow lot and walk to the zoo entrance.

If you’re planning to visit the zoo, you may be able to find a parking spot outside of the facility. However, if you want to avoid searching for a spot, you can take alternative transportation options, such as the Santa Barbara MTD Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle or the Santa Barbara Trolley. By taking public transportation, you can save yourself the hassle of finding a place to park and enjoy a stress-free journey to the zoo.

The Santa Barbara Amtrak station is conveniently located less than a quarter-mile away from the Santa Barbara Zoo. This makes it easy to visit the place as part of a day trip, since there’s no need to worry about finding parking or dealing with traffic.

The Santa Barbara Zoo prides itself on being fully accessible to all guests, including those with disabilities. A variety of wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the zoo’s main gift store.

There are a limited number of electronic convenience vehicles available, so it’s recommended that you call 805-962-5339 to make a reservation before your visit. Meanwhile, parking for disabled people is also available on a first-come, first-served basis so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot.

The Santa Barbara Zoo has a number of different dining options available for guests, including the Wave Café and the Ridley-Tree House Restaurant. A variety of specialty food carts, picnic tables, and vending machines are also located throughout the park. The food carts offer a variety of hot and cold beverages, snacks, and light meals such as sandwiches, salads, pizzas, pastries, and ice cream.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of delicious meals and snacks, depending on their preferences and needs. Not to mention, the Wave Café and the Ridley-Tree House both offer beer and wine. So, whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or relaxing evening with drinks, the Zoo has something to offer everyone!

After a long day of exploring the zoo, sometimes you just need a break. Luckily, the Kallman Family Play Area is the great place to relax. Located near the Zoo Train station, this play area is perfect for letting the little ones run wild. With plenty of room to play and explore, they’re sure to wear themselves out in no time.

In addition to being a great place for a family outing, the Santa Barbara Zoo is also an ideal location for weddings and company events. The Discovery Pavilion is one of the indoor event spaces at the Santa Barbara Zoo. It’s a state-of-the art space that can accommodate a variety of events. Lastly, the zoo is located on a hilltop overlooking the ocean – providing stunning views of the coastline – making your special occasion even more memorable.