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Central Coast Zoo

9100 Morro Road · Atascadero, CA

Why you should go…

The Central Coast Zoo, formerly known as Charles Paddock Zoo, is a municipal zoo owned and operated by the City of Atascadero next to Atascadero Lake Park. Founded in 1955 and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1991, it is the only AZA accredited zoo on California's Central Coast. It rebranded from Charles Paddock Zoo to Central Coast Zoo in 2026 to mark its 70th anniversary.

  • #zoo
  • #family
  • #wildlife
  • #outdoor

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Central Coast Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Margarita Adventures

    $50+

    A six line zipline canopy tour over Santa Margarita Ranch wine country with a suspension bridge crossing.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Sub Sea Tours & Kayaks

    $25–$50

    A Morro Bay outfitter for kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals plus whale watching and glass bottom harbor cruises.

    10 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    San Luis Obispo County

    Free

    California's Central Coast wine country and beach region, covering San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay.

    10 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

    Free

    A San Luis Obispo museum honoring veterans with military artifacts, uniforms, firearms and recorded oral histories.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    San Luis Obispo

    Free

    The City of San Luis Obispo's official visitor site for California's Central Coast.

    12 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Puzzle Effect

    $25–$50

    An hour-long escape room in downtown San Luis Obispo with immersive, puzzle-filled themed rooms for groups.

    12 mi awayMore like this