Santa Barbara Zoo

500 Niños Drive
Santa Barbara, CA

Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the beauty of the wildlife is matched only by the lush grounds and sweeping views. Located just two miles from State Street, this 30-acre park is home to more than 146 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Some of the Zoo’s most famous residents include penguins, giraffes, anteaters, gorillas, and a flock of native California condors.

The Zoo can be toured in about two hours, but you’ll likely be tempted to linger longer. Described by the Food Network as “the Audrey Hepburn of zoos—petite, charming and beautiful,” it’s a must-see Santa Barbara attraction, especially for families with kids. Meet the Zoo’s tallest creatures during giraffe feeding time, or take a relaxing ride around the park on the Zoo Train. Don’t miss the Ridley-Tree Animal Kitchen, where you can observe the impressive food-prep process for the Zoo’s 500+ animals.  

Zoo Hours, Admission & Parking

The Santa Barbara Zoo is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by online reservation only. Upon the purchase of your ticket, you will select an entry time. 

For the safety of all guests and staff, there will be no re-entry to the park. Please ensure that you have everything needed before entering and exiting. Guests arriving more than 10 minutes before their entry time, should wait in their vehicles. If you miss your arrival time, please contact guest relations. The Zoo occasionally closes early for special events.

Admission is $25 for adults (age 13+) and $15 for children (age 2–12). Admission is free for children under two years old. (The Zoo Train, giraffe feeding, and other attractions are an additional cost.) Parking is $11/vehicle.

Tips for Your Visit

Note that on summer days and weekends, the parking lot fills early. You may be able to find parking outside the Zoo, or consider taking alternative transportation, such as the trolley. The Santa Barbara Amtrak station is a 35-minute walk to the Zoo, or find more Santa Barbara Car Free transportation information here.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Wheelchairs and electronic convenience vehicles (ECV) are available for rent at the main gift store. The ECV supply is limited, so call 805-962-5339 before your visit to make a reservation. Parking for the disabled is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Zoo offers many delicious dining options, including the Ridley-Tree House Restaurant, the Wave café and several seasonal specialty food carts and vending machines throughout the park. Beer and wine are available at both the Ridley-Tree House and the Wave.

Need a break? Stop by the Kallman Family Play Area across from the Zoo Train station and let the little ones run wild. They can hide inside of kid-sized dinosaur eggs, make like a spider crawling across the rope web or slide down the giant ant hill.

Not only is the Zoo a great place for a family excursion, it’s also a unique place to host a special event. The scenic seaside hilltop is ideal for weddings and company picnics, and indoor event spaces include the beautiful, state-of-the art Discovery Pavilion. Find information about hosting a private event at the Santa Barbara Zoo here.

Hours of Operation

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5pm
Santa Barbara Zoo

500 Niños Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Get Directions

Amenities

Overview

Attractions
Picnic Area:
Yes
Educational Programs:
Yes
Gift Shop:
Yes
Kids Programs:
Yes
Onsite Restaurant/Food Vendor:
Yes
Parking Available:
Yes

Details

Accessibility
ADA Accessible:
Yes
Wheelchair:
Yes
General
Green:
Yes
Hours
:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Special Events


El Día del Niño
April 7, 2024
Time:
Location: Santa Barbara Zoo

Celebrate “El Dia del Niño” (Children’s Day), one of the most popular celebrations at the Zoo which recognizes…


Earth Day Celebration
April 21, 2024
Time:
Location: Santa Barbara Zoo

Celebrate Earth Day with the Santa Barbara Zoo! Climate change and other effects of human activity on our planet have a devastating impact…


Roar & Pour
May 4, 2024
Time:
Location: Santa Barbara Zoo

Roar and Pour is a wild wine tasting event where the animals stay out late and the Zoo is open so guests can stroll and sip. General…


Zoo Brew
June 1, 2024
Time:
Location: Santa Barbara Zoo

Enjoy tastings from 30+ breweries and vendors while strolling the Zoo’s hilltop and enjoying an ocean view. General admission ticket…






Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 18 - 27, 2024
Time:
Location: Santa Barbara Zoo

With six nights of “spell-a-bration,” there’s plenty of time to get into the Halloween spirit as the Zoo offers safe…


ZooLights
Nov. 13, 2024 - Jan. 12, 2025
Time:
Location: Santa Barbara Zoo

See the Zoo in a whole new light at the 3rd Annual ZooLights! Watch the Zoo transform after dark into a magical world of lights, featuring…