Santa Barbara Zoo

This was a small but powerful zoo! Everything can be done in about 2-2.5 hours but I felt that the animals were much better than that of other zoos. They actually had a red panda that wasn't sleeping in the morning! They also had a walk in area to go and get closer to the kangaroos which was really cool. Had the other basic cool animals such as lions, cheetahs, giraffes. Only thing that was missing was the gorilla exhibit was closed due to construction.

For $25 per person and $11 for parking, I felt this zoo was actually pretty worth!

Wow, this zoo was amazing! For only $25 I got to see almost every animal (except gorillas) and walk up super close to the kangaroos and wallaby's. There is also goat brushing included! Feeding the giraffes costs only $8 extra and it was an incredible experience.

All of the employees were passionate and kind to our questions.

We took our time and we still finished in 2.5 hours. It was a great little zoo date.

Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the best small zoos in SoCal. I actually prefer it to the LA zoo which is much bigger in size. The zoo is situated by the beach which can expect cooler temperatures. I think what I like most about this zoo is that it has a great assortment of animals for its size and good animal enclosures. This zoo somewhat reminds me of the Living Desert zoo in Palm Springs in terms of its size.

While I've been coming not a whole lot has changed aside from a Wallaby encounter that allows you to come up close to the animals.

Parking is a reasonable charge, you can find free parking around the area if you're willing to walk. Food options are somewhat limited and includes your standard zoo food and kid friendly meals. Most food is found at the gate. There is another dinning location up the hill towards the top of the zoo, but is not always open during slower days.

For children's activities there is a train that takes you around the perimeter of the park and they also have a small children's area play place. The other highlight includes giraffe feeding area which is a highlight.

This zoo is a great place to take young children and one of the highlights of visiting Santa Barbara.

Well we decided to walk around at the zoo and see what this one has compared to the one at home! First it was $50 for the both of us which I thought was a little high for this zoo! No difference between adults or seniors it's the same price! After we started down the path inside I noticed signs stating closed or do not enter! Also landscaping is in need though out the zoo! I guess they are hurting in funds! We have been here many times when visiting SB but we won't be visiting the zoo anymore! It was a disappointment!

Loved how beautiful the zoo was. It's a great experience my kids for sure ! We loved the red panda and the fennec fox and the capybara! Awesome staff as well.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a gem of Santa Barbara located at East Beach. A train ride around the zoo is a must! The property has a wide range of plants that makes the overall experience more memorable.... Lots of kid friendly attractions. Have a fun day there!

If you're looking for a short day trip to the zoo- this is the place to go.

It will only take you about two hours max if it's just you and someone else. We had two toddlers with us so it took a little longer.

Not too many SB Zoo staff around to guide or ask questions about animals. One security guard was walking around and he seemed to be knowledgeable and would help out visitors.

Gift shops are cute and have nice merchandise.

We didn't eat there so I can't say anything about that.

Some of the animals seemed to be napping/relaxing, maybe bc it was in the afternoon.

The plus size was you could see the animals closer up that you would at a bigger zoos.

Keep your expectations low and you will still get to enjoy this zoo. This zoo is known to be very small hence a lower price of $25 per adult versus San Diego Zoo ($69) or Monterey Bay Aquarium ($59.95).

Parking was another $11.

We spent about ~2 hours just walking through the whole zoo. There were a few exhibits without any animals. The Australian Walkabout was interesting since you could walk close to the emus and kangaroos. Though the kangaroos were just laying down from a far distance.

My favorite would probably be the gorilla. While two older ladies had their backs turned away from the glass wall, the gorilla ran towards the glass wall and bang both fists at the glass before running away. Once there was a crowd of people in front of the glass, the gorilla starts posing for the cameras.

Really wonderful place to spend the weekend afternoon! Staff is kind and knowledgeable, there is a lot of animals to see and good area to walk around! Lots of nature, very well constructed!

Best zoo for toddlers in my opinion. I took my son for his birthday because of the size and of course the beautiful location. The animals were all out which made the experience even better. The staff gave my son a birthday button to wear which made his day and mine. Later that day my son was stung by a bee & staff member Chris whose first aid certified gave him a baby giraffe stuffie after he took care of the sting. That sweet gesture warmed my momma heart so much.
You can catch some beautiful ocean views while inside and there is also a lovely garden in the middle. By far, my child had the best time at the oh so creative ant hill in the play area. It was so cool- you have to check it out. Overall, I loved this zoo & can't wait to return for another amazing visit.