We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Search
Free Newsletter

Interested in Santa Barbara?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Santa Barbara each week.

Explore other Santa Barbara resources:

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
Sponsor:
view map of Santa Barbara Zoo

Free Santa Barbara Guide

Download your guide now!

Get the best picks for where to eat, sleep, and play.

Traveler Photos & Videos

View all photos

What's Near Santa Barbara Zoo

Top-Rated Nearby Hotels
Distance in: mi km
Hotel USD* Distance Rating
Inn At East Beach $198 0.1 mi 0.2 km 4 of 5 stars
Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach $112 0.2 mi 0.3 km 3 of 5 stars
Hotel Mar Monte $236 0.2 mi 0.3 km 3 of 5 stars
Inn of the Spanish Garden $355 1.6 mi 2.6 km 4.5 of 5 stars
San Ysidro Ranch, A Rosewood Resort $986 3.0 mi 4.8 km 4.5 of 5 stars
All Hotels in Santa Barbara
*Average price
Top-Rated Nearby Restaurants
Distance in: mi km
restaurant Distance Rating
East Beach Grill 0.2 mi 0.3 km 4 of 5 stars
TRE Lune 1.3 mi 2.2 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Arigato Sushi 2.1 mi 3.3 km 4.5 of 5 stars
All Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Top-Rated Nearby Things to Do
Distance in: mi km
Thing To Do Distance Rating
East Beach 0.3 mi 0.4 km 4 of 5 stars
Bryan Lee 1.7 mi 2.7 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Sustainable Vine Wine Tours 2.0 mi 3.3 km 4.5 of 5 stars
All Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Traveler Advice on Santa Barbara Zoo

Traveler Forum
  • Ask a question or view 27 posts on Santa Barbara from this week.
The Best Web Links
Professional Advice (2)
Title Source
“Santa Barbara Zoo” Fodors.com
“Santa Barbara: fun stuff that's free (or cheap) & easy” Los Angeles Times (free registration required)
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #30 of 73 attractions in Santa Barbara
Traveler Description:
Familiar with Santa Barbara Zoo? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Zoo
Address: 500 Ninos Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Tel: 805-962-6310
Fax: 805-962-1673

Best deals: Santa Barbara Zoo

View all deals for Santa Barbara
Sponsored links *

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Santa Barbara Zoo

( 1-9 of 9 )
“Depressing”
Save Review
2 of 5 stars
BendingLine
White River Junction, VT
Mar 20, 2008

I must have visited the zoo on a bad day, because I didn't have a very enjoyable time. I saw a lot of empty/stripped exhibits, and the animals I did see seemed distressed. I saw animals pacing and weaving (particularly the leopards) in what I thought were very small enclosures, and I also saw some of the smaller primates housed... more

“Wonderful little zoo”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
sunnyoneCalifornia
California
Jul 22, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

We visited the zoo on our trip up the California Coast with our two teens. They both had a great time. The zoo is on the smaller side, but nicely set up so that you sometimes feel like you are the only ones there! The views of the ocean from the giraffe area are beautiful, and the atmosphere overall is... more

“Not much to see”
Save Review
2 of 5 stars
naturelovinggal
Los Angeles, CA
Apr 18, 2007
3/4 found this review helpful

I love zoos and was looking forward to visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo. I was disappointed because this zoo is pathetic! When we got our map, there weren't very many animals listed on it, so I thought maybe they just listed the highlights and the rest of the animals were along the way. WRONG! This zoo has a very poor... more

“great place for kids and adults!”
Save Review
4 of 5 stars
tangscience
Jul 11, 2006
6/8 found this review helpful

It is a relaxed, easygoing, carefree, and "not-crowded" zoo. It has great weather and awesome views. It does not smell bad at all like the LA zoo does. the surrounding is clean. it is a small zoo (relative to sandiego or LA). everything is kid-friendly. my 1.5 year old daughter could see everything without us holding her up. Animals are... more

“The amazing Lions”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
LoS Angeles
Feb 5, 2005
12/14 found this review helpful

Santa Barbara zoo is my favorite zoo, there's lots of love there, between the animals. You can feel it, and it's so beautiful, it's like being at a fabulous park, with the added attractions of the animals and lovely birds. Someone was having a wedding reception there, that's how beautiful it is. But my daughter and my experience with the... more

“Love the zoo!!”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Santa Barbara, Ca
Sep 18, 2003
8/10 found this review helpful

I LOVE this zoo!! It is just the right size. Perfect for children of every age. Lots of animals, losts of running space and the food is pretty good too. The weather is always so perfect that the animals are not always sleeping. It is close to the beach and easy to find. The lions are new and they are... more

“gorillas”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
oxnard, CA
May 2, 2003
3/9 found this review helpful

I love the gorillas. The last time I was there one of the gorillas hit the window. The new Cats of Africa exhibit is so cool you get so close to them. more

“sb zoo”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Apr 1, 2002
1/6 found this review helpful

i like the zoo....it is cool! the train is awesome and u should go sometime! hehe the animals are cool, and the lions are scary but dont worry they wont eat u! GO TO THE ZOO!!! more

“the zoo!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Apr 1, 2002
4/15 found this review helpful

the zoo is great dont be late ride on the train the lion has a mane i wish i was there right now the zoo does not have a cow more

Reviews of Santa Barbara Zoo

( 1-9 of 9 )
Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Ty Warner Sea Center
4 of 5 stars 1 Review
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Price not available
No photo provided
Stearns Wharf
4 of 5 stars 2 Reviews
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Price not available
No photo provided
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
4.5 of 5 stars 5 Reviews
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Price not available
All Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Santa Barbara Zoo? Share your experiences!

Top choices in Santa Barbara

View all deals for Santa Barbara
Sponsored links *

Santa Barbara Zoo: Management Resources

Santa Barbara Zoo Address

500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Tel: 805-962-6310 Fax: 805-962-1673