A Guide to the Santa Barbara Zoo: Animals, Tickets, Hours & More
Looking for one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids, family, or out-of-town guests? The Santa Barbara Zoo offers a fun way to spend the day surrounded by animals, gardens, ocean views, and hands-on experiences.
Located along the Santa Barbara coast, the zoo combines wildlife exhibits with family-friendly attractions, educational programs, conservation efforts, and some of the most beautiful scenery you'll find at a zoo in California. Whether you're planning your first visit or looking for a new 805 adventure, the Santa Barbara Zoo is worth adding to your list.
Photo by Nikolay Tchaouchev on Unsplash
About the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is located at 500 Niños Drive near the waterfront in Santa Barbara. The zoo sits on approximately 30 acres and features landscaped gardens, animal habitats, and views toward the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the nearby Andrée Clark Bird Refuge.
The zoo opened to the public in 1963 and has become a popular attraction for both local residents and visitors to the Santa Barbara area. Today, it is home to hundreds of animals representing more than 100 species.
Beyond seeing animals, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, participate in animal encounters, ride the Zoo Train, feed giraffes, visit the Australian Walkabout, and learn more about wildlife conservation.
What Animals Can You See at the Santa Barbara Zoo?
One of the biggest reasons to visit the Santa Barbara Zoo is the variety of animals. The zoo's current collection includes 381 animals representing 101 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.
Some of the animals you may encounter include:
- Masai giraffes
- Humboldt penguins
- Western lowland gorillas
- African lions
- Amur leopards
- Red pandas
- Chinese alligators
- California condors
- Island foxes
- Capybaras
- Asian small-clawed otters
- Western gray kangaroos
- Bennett's wallabies
- Snow leopards
- Flamingos
- Meerkats
The zoo also participates in Species Survival Plans through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. These cooperative programs help maintain healthy animal populations and support conservation efforts for species at risk of extinction.
Santa Barbara Zoo Attractions
The animals are only part of the experience. The Santa Barbara Zoo has several attractions that can turn a regular zoo visit into a full day of activities.
Santa Barbara Zoo Train
The Zoo Train is a favorite with families and children. Two C.P. Huntington trains travel around the perimeter of the zoo, providing a different view of the animal habitats and grounds.
Train operation can vary depending on weather, and tickets may sell out on busy days. If riding the train is high on your family's list, consider checking availability when you arrive or purchasing tickets in advance.
Giraffe Feeding
One of the most memorable Santa Barbara Zoo experiences is feeding the Masai giraffes. Visitors can step onto the giraffe deck and hand-feed these towering animals while learning more about their care and behavior.
Giraffe feeding is an additional-cost experience and schedules can change because of weather and animal behavior. Check the daily schedule at the giraffe deck during your visit.
Australian Walkabout
The Australian Walkabout lets visitors get close to kangaroos and wallabies in a walk-through habitat. It is included with regular zoo admission and membership.
The experience offers a chance to see Australian wildlife in a more immersive setting while learning about the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
Goat Brushing
Families with younger children may want to stop by the Barnyard for the goat brushing experience. Guests can get close to the zoo's friendly goats and enjoy a simple, hands-on animal experience.
Goat brushing is included with zoo admission or membership, although daily hours can vary.
Climb for Condors
For visitors looking for something more active, Climb for Condors features a 26-foot rock climbing wall. The attraction connects the experience to the zoo's conservation work involving California condors.
Additional fees apply, and operation times can change depending on weather and seasonal schedules.
Kallman Family Play Area
The Kallman Family Play Area gives younger visitors a place to climb, explore, and burn off some energy. The play area includes a giant rope web, dinosaur-themed features, and an ant hill slide.
Theater Gone Wild
Theater Gone Wild combines entertainment and conservation education through interactive performances featuring animal puppets. Shows take place on the outdoor Rolling Hill Stage and are included with zoo admission.
Santa Barbara Zoo Wildlife Experiences
For visitors who want to get even closer to the animals, the zoo offers Wildlife Experiences featuring educational encounters with selected species.
Depending on the experience, visitors can learn about animals such as lions, Amur leopards, giraffes, kangaroos, penguins, red pandas, tortoises, and other wildlife. These experiences generally last 20 to 30 minutes and include an educational component and questions with zoo staff.
Availability, age requirements, prices, and schedules vary by animal experience, so check the zoo's current schedule before planning your visit.
Santa Barbara Zoo Tickets
Santa Barbara Zoo admission prices can change, so it is a good idea to check the official ticket information before visiting.
Current general admission pricing listed by the zoo includes:
- Adults ages 13 and older: $39.95
- Children ages 2–12: $29.95
- Children under 2: Free
The zoo says visitors can save $2 per ticket when purchasing tickets online. Reservations are recommended for general admission.
Additional fees may apply for attractions and special experiences, including giraffe feeding, the Zoo Train, climbing wall activities, and guided experiences.
Santa Barbara Zoo Hours
The zoo operates on seasonal hours.
Spring and Summer
The zoo is generally open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with last entry at 6:00 PM.
Fall and Winter
The zoo is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM.
Holiday schedules, special events, weather, and other circumstances can affect operating hours. Check the zoo's official website before heading out, particularly if you are planning a visit around a holiday.
Santa Barbara Zoo Parking
Parking is available at the zoo for $11 per vehicle. Santa Barbara Zoo members receive free parking during regular visits.
Accessible parking is free for vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking placard or license plate. Bicycle parking is also available.
The zoo notes that its parking lot can fill early on weekends, summer days, and event days. Visitors should allow additional time for parking, especially during busy periods.
Is the Santa Barbara Zoo Good for Kids?
Absolutely. The Santa Barbara Zoo is particularly well suited for families looking for things to do in Santa Barbara with kids.
In addition to the animal habitats, younger visitors can enjoy the family play area, Zoo Train, goat brushing, giraffe feeding, Theater Gone Wild, and the Australian Walkabout.
The combination of animals, outdoor spaces, interactive experiences, and educational activities makes it easy to spend several hours at the zoo without running out of things to explore.
Tips for Visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo
Plan for Several Hours
Give yourself enough time to explore the animal habitats and enjoy some of the attractions. Families with young children may want to plan for most of the day.
Check the Schedule Before You Go
Some attractions have specific operating times, and schedules can change because of weather or animal behavior. Check the zoo's daily schedule when you arrive.
Consider Buying Tickets Online
The zoo recommends purchasing admission online, and current online purchases receive a $2-per-ticket savings.
Arrive Early on Busy Days
Parking can fill early on summer days, weekends, and special event days. Arriving earlier can make it easier to park and gives you more time to enjoy the zoo.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
The zoo's grounds include landscaped areas and pathways, so comfortable walking shoes are a good choice for a full day of exploring.
Where Is the Santa Barbara Zoo?
The Santa Barbara Zoo is located at:
500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
The zoo is conveniently located near Santa Barbara's waterfront and is an easy addition to a day exploring the city, beaches, parks, and other Santa Barbara attractions.
Santa Barbara Zoo and Wildlife Conservation
A visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo is about more than entertainment. Conservation is an important part of the zoo's mission.
The zoo participates in wildlife conservation programs involving species such as California condors and island foxes. It also participates in cooperative Species Survival Plans designed to support healthy animal populations within accredited zoos and aquariums.
The zoo's conservation programs provide visitors with an opportunity to learn how wildlife organizations, scientists, and communities work together to protect threatened and endangered species.
Plan Your Visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo
Whether you're a local looking for a weekend activity or visiting Santa Barbara as part of a California getaway, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers a combination of wildlife, family entertainment, education, and beautiful coastal scenery.
From feeding giraffes and riding the Zoo Train to watching penguins, exploring the Australian Walkabout, and learning about California condor conservation, there is plenty to discover.
If you're searching for things to do in Santa Barbara, family activities in the 805, or a fun outdoor attraction along the Central Coast, put the Santa Barbara Zoo on your list.
Santa Barbara Zoo Information
Planning a visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo? The information below makes it easy to find the zoo's location and contact details before you go. Located along the Santa Barbara waterfront, the zoo is a convenient attraction for locals and visitors exploring the 805 region. Before your visit, it's a good idea to check the official website for the latest admission prices, seasonal hours, special events, and attraction schedules.
Santa Barbara Zoo Contact Information
Address: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: (805) 962-5339
View Santa Barbara Zoo's 805 Business Directory Listing
Published September 4, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)