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Santa Barbara Zoo

500 Niños Drive · Santa Barbara, CA

Why you should go…

The Santa Barbara Zoo sits on 30 acres near the ocean in Santa Barbara, California, and is home to about 393 animals representing 109 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. The zoo is open daily year-round, with extended hours in spring and summer. It positions itself around conservation of the natural world through education, science and hands-on visitor experiences.

  • #zoo
  • #family
  • #animals
  • #outdoor
  • #kids

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 Santa Barbara Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Stay
    Local Gem

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    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Sport & Outdoor
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    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

    Free

    Long-running open-air arts and crafts market along Santa Barbara's waterfront, held every Sunday.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Cat Therapy

    Under $25

    Santa Barbara's only cat cafe, where visitors socialize with adoptable rescue cats in a cage-free lounge.

    2.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
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    Six Flags Magic Mountain

    $50+

    A coaster-lover's theme park in Valencia with one of the largest roller coaster collections anywhere.

    61 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Santa Monica Pier

    Free

    A classic wooden pier with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, arcade, and the official end of Route 66.

    72 mi awayMore like this