Santa Ana Zoo Tours

Santa Ana Zoo showing landscape views, bird life and zoo animals
Santa Ana Zoo showing landscape views, a pond and a garden
Santa Ana Zoo
Santa Ana Zoo featuring animals and zoo animals
Santa Ana Zoo featuring zoo animals and bird life


Count the monkeys at this charming little zoo that promises at least 50 primates are always present.

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park has been a part of the cityscape since 1952 and continues to uphold the promise made to its benefactor. In 1949, J.E. Prentice donated some of his land for a park, with the proviso that the city keeps at least 50 monkeys at all times.

Today the zoo has more than 80 species of animals, with a focus on the wildlife of Central and South America. Among the obligatory primates are rare and endangered species, including the crested capuchin and golden-headed lion tamarin, and the world’s smallest monkey, the pygmy marmoset.

This relatively small facility is ideal for young children. You can cover the 20-acre (eight-hectare) site in two to three hours.

A walk through the 9,000-square-foot (840-square-meter) aviary seems almost magical. You’ll be in awe of the brilliant plumage of South American birds like the emerald toucanet and scarlet ibis. Watch anteaters, guanacos and rheas in the Tierra de las Pampas (Pampas Grasslands) exhibit, which simulates this highly endangered South American habitat.

Amazon’s Edge replicates the exotic jungles of Brazil. It’s home to creatures like the black-necked swan, centipede, goliath bird-eating tarantula and black howler monkey.

Little ones will love the fenced petting area in the Crean Family Farm. Here you can touch and feed common barnyard animals.

Another magical feature of the zoo is the Conservation Carousel ride, with large, brightly coloured replicas of 33 endangered animals. Children can take a seat on a giant panda, giraffe, cheetah, or perhaps a hummingbird or sea otter. The ride has a small fee, as does a journey on the Zoofari, a six-car train that takes you around the park. An on-site café serves food and drinks and there’s a small gift shop selling souvenirs.

The Santa Ana Zoo is located about five minutes by car from central Santa Ana. The admission fee is reasonable and there’s free parking. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

Plan a trip to see Santa Ana Zoo

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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Ana Zoo

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Santa Ana - Orange County by IHG

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Santa Ana - Orange County by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1600 E 1st St, Santa Ana, CA
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Santa Ana - Orange County by IHG
Motel 6 Santa Ana, CA

Motel 6 Santa Ana, CA

2 out of 5
1623 East 1st Street, I-5/Santa Ana Freeway at 1st St., Santa Ana, CA
Motel 6 Santa Ana, CA
Bel Air Motor Hotel

Bel Air Motor Hotel

2 out of 5
140 W First St, Tustin, CA
Bel Air Motor Hotel
Motel 6 Tustin, CA – Orange County

Motel 6 Tustin, CA – Orange County

2 out of 5
750 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA
Motel 6 Tustin, CA – Orange County
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tustin Orange County

Fairfield Inn & Suites Tustin Orange County

3.5 out of 5
15011 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tustin Orange County
Residence Inn Tustin Orange County

Residence Inn Tustin Orange County

3 out of 5
15181 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA
Residence Inn Tustin Orange County
Orange Grove Inn

Orange Grove Inn

2.5 out of 5
1671 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA
Orange Grove Inn
Santa Ana Travel Inn

Santa Ana Travel Inn

2 out of 5
2005 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana Travel Inn
Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
2726 S Grand Ave, Santa Ana, CA
Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Ana Zoo

At Santa Ana Zoo, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including entertaining exhibits, leisurely walks through the lush grounds, and nearby shopping opportunities. Explore attractions such as Zoo Atlanta, mammal parks, and Prentice Park Zoo, or venture into OC Parks for more outdoor fun. Adventure awaits as you discover all that this vibrant area has to offer!

Food and drinks

Indulge in fine wines at Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery, 7 miles from Santa Ana Zoo, perfect for a romantic outing. For more entertainment vibes, visit Giracci Vineyards and Farms, 11 miles away, or Seal Beach Winery, 14 miles away, both offering delightful experiences for wine lovers.

Shopping

The Market Place, located 3 miles from Santa Ana Zoo, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of shops. Downtown Disney® District, 6 miles away, combines shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out the Anaheim Indoor Marketplace, also 6 miles away, for unique finds.

Recreation

At the Honda Center, enjoy an exhilarating sports atmosphere while catching a game or concert, just 5 miles from the zoo. For a serene outdoor experience, Tustin Ranch Golf Club, 3 miles away, offers beautiful greens, while Garden Grove Park, 7 miles distant, provides a peaceful setting for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of flight at Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center, located 5 miles from Santa Ana Zoo, where you can take on the role of a pilot. For a scenic adventure, hike the Hiltscher Park Trail, 11 miles away, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Lastly, try paddle boarding at Laguna Beach, 14 miles from the zoo, for an exciting water sports experience.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near Santa Ana Zoo! Enjoy a show at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, just 4 miles away, or have fun at Bowlmor Lanes, only 3 miles from the zoo. For more excitement, visit Camelot Golfland, located 7 miles away for arcade adventures.

Find the best attractions near Santa Ana Zoo

During your visit to Santa Ana Zoo, consider exploring nearby attractions like Prentice Park and the vibrant Balboa Park. If you're willing to venture a bit further, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld Orlando offer exciting family experiences. With options ranging from urban parks to beach getaways, you'll find plenty of cultural and recreational activities to enjoy in the area, making your trip memorable.

  • Disneyland® Resort: Experience the magic at Disneyland® Resort, just 6 miles from Santa Ana Zoo. This iconic theme park offers thrilling rides, enchanting attractions, and beloved characters, making it a perfect family destination filled with joy and entertainment.
  • Anaheim Convention Center: Located 6 miles away, the Anaheim Convention Center is a bustling hub for business events and conferences. With its modern facilities, it hosts a variety of events, providing a professional atmosphere for networking and learning.
  • Chapman University: Just 4 miles from the zoo, Chapman University boasts a picturesque campus that blends modern architecture with vibrant city vibes. Visitors can explore its beautiful grounds and enjoy cultural events and performances throughout the year.

Best time to go to Santa Ana Zoo

Visitor numbers around Santa Ana Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Santa Ana Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Santa Ana Zoo falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Santa Ana Zoo falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March59.4°F (15.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.1°F (18.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.9°F (24.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Ana Zoo

To save money on your visit to Santa Ana Zoo, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Consider utilizing public transport or walking to nearby free attractions like Downtown Disney® District and South Coast Plaza. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and combine your hotel with flight and activity packages for better deals. Lastly, join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Ana Zoo are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Santa Ana Zoo is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Santa Ana Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.