Santa Barbara Zoo Tours

Santa Barbara Zoo
Photo by Omg_its_rorie
Photo by Omg_its_rorie


When you've spent some time at this wildlife attraction in Santa Barbara Beach, why not check out Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Mission Santa Barbara, and Presidio Santa Barbara? They're close to Santa Barbara Zoo and also a hit with many tourists.

Plan a trip to see Santa Barbara Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
El Encanto Santa Barbara
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Browse tours and tickets to explore Santa Barbara Zoo

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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History & culture

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Water activities

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Classes & workshops

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Reviews of Santa Barbara Zoo

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
191
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
80
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
28
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Prepare to walk a lot. Spring for feeding the giraffes and train ride. It's worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful place, its a must

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

The zoo is not well cared for the enclosures are very small. There were several animals under veterinary care. Not happy at all.

4/5 - Good

Rue

Small zoo but overall love taking me kids here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a small zoo with great ocean views that you can tour in two hours. You can even see the ocean from certain parts of the zoo.

5/5 - Excellent

KellyWexler

Clean and enjoyable zoo. You can purchase lettuce to feed the giraffes, which the kids love.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Santa Barbara Zoo

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

4 out of 5
633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

4 out of 5
1111 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

2 out of 5
443 Corona Del Mar, Santa Barbara, CA
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
533 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

4 out of 5
901 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Inn
Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

3 out of 5
433 Corona Del Mar Drive, Santa Barbara, CA
Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara
The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach

2.5 out of 5
1029 Orilla Del Mar, Santa Barbara, CA
The Inn at East Beach
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2.5 out of 5
128 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

4 out of 5
421 South Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
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 Barbara Zoo

At Santa Barbara Zoo, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as birdwatching and observing wildlife, while also taking in beautiful sunsets. The zoo is a great spot for romantic getaways and day outings, with sailing experiences nearby enhancing your trip. Whether you're looking to explore the zoo or relax in the scenic surroundings, there's plenty to do for everyone.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots near Santa Barbara Zoo include Paseo Nuevo Mall, Rafael Gonzalez House, and Santa Barbara Public Market, all located 2 miles away. Here, you can enjoy a variety of shops and local vibes, perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs during your visit.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Santa Barbara Bowl, just 2 miles from the zoo, where live music energizes your spirit. For outdoor sports, visit Santa Barbara Golf Club, located 4 miles away. Alternatively, unwind at Elings Park, a 4-mile retreat offering tranquility and scenic views.

Adventure

The Cabrillo Bike Path, located 0.2 miles from Santa Barbara Zoo, offers scenic rides along the coast. For a longer adventure, the Cabrillo Bikeway, 2 miles away, provides stunning ocean views. Nearby, the Municipal Tennis Center, 0.2 miles from the zoo, invites you to enjoy some energetic tennis matches.

Nightlife

In Santa Barbara, the Arlington Theater offers a charming ambiance with its cultural events, just 2 miles from the zoo. The Lobero Theater and Granada Theatre, both within the same distance, provide captivating performances that enhance the city's romantic and entertaining nighttime atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Santa Barbara Zoo

While visiting Santa Barbara Zoo, you'll find a variety of attractions to enhance your experience. From the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach to the scenic marina and jetty pier, this area offers plenty for culture lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don't miss exploring the wonderful zoo itself, along with other nearby points of interest that make for a memorable vacation in Santa Barbara.

  • Santa Barbara Harbor: A vibrant marina offering stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, Santa Barbara Harbor is perfect for those looking to engage in water sports or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Experience the lively atmosphere filled with boats, sea life, and delightful eateries.
  • Stearns Wharf: This iconic pier is a must-visit destination featuring shops, restaurants, and panoramic views of the coastline. Stearns Wharf is rich in history and offers a unique perspective on Santa Barbara's maritime heritage, making it a great spot for families and couples alike.
  • Butterfly Beach: Known for its serene ambiance and beautiful sunsets, Butterfly Beach is the ideal place to unwind. With soft sand and gentle waves, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a peaceful picnic by the ocean.

Best time to go to Santa Barbara Zoo

The best time to visit Santa Barbara Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Barbara Zoo

To save money on your visit to Santa Barbara Zoo, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, and avoid Saturdays, which are typically more expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to find the best deals and consider package options that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership program can also provide exclusive discounts and opportunities to 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 Barbara Zoo are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Barbara Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals available, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Santa Barbara 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.

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