Is Santa Barbara Zoo Worth Visiting?

Prices, Entry, and Travel Tips

Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the more famous zoos in Santa Barbara, and is known for its diverse animal collection, beautiful ocean views, and family-friendly attractions.

This is a very popular zoo to visit in the coastal town, as it offers a great experience. Make sure you set aside some time to see it as it's worth visiting for a variety of reasons. The crowds here are not as busy as with other attractions, but it still sees quite a few visitors. The crowds tend to get larger duing the peak travel season, too.

What is Santa Barbara Zoo?

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a charming and family-friendly attraction located along the beautiful coastline of Santa Barbara, California. It offers visitors the chance to explore habitats of over 500 animals representing more than 146 species, many of which are endangered. The zoo is known for its scenic views, especially of the Pacific Ocean, making it a pleasant outdoor destination. It features various interactive exhibits, a miniature train, a giraffe feeding station, and educational programs suitable for visitors of all ages. The well-maintained grounds and friendly staff enhance the visitor experience. Its manageable size makes it an ideal visit for families and those looking for a relaxing, nature-focused outing. Overall, it serves as both an enjoyable and educational experience centered on wildlife conservation.

Families with children absolutely love it, as it offers plenty of fun. You'll make some great family memories from your trip here, as it's one of the top family-friendly attractions in the area. It's not particularly romantic for couples, but not bad either. Budget travelers and backpackers love the zoo. It's fun, interesting, and exciting.

Visiting Santa Barbara Zoo

How much does Santa Barbara Zoo cost?

Entry to Santa Barbara Zoo costs $22 for adults, $17 for seniors and teens (ages 13-17), $15 for children (ages 2-12), and children under 2 enter free.

Do I need a tour for Santa Barbara Zoo?

You'll be exploring Santa Barbara Zoo on your own.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is not required, but highly recommended to reserve your spot. Entry tickets cost $22 for adults, $17 for seniors and teens (ages 13-17), $15 for children (ages 2-12), and children under 2 enter free.. Also, if you don't want to go inside, it's possible to see the zoo from the outside for free if you just want to walk by. In fact, many tours in Santa Barbara will pass by the outside while giving you an overview.

How long does it take to visit Santa Barbara Zoo?

Many people will spend around 3 hours during their visit. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll probably be doing a lot of walking. Also, this is mostly an outdoor attraction, so you might need to plan for the weather.

When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara Zoo?

As for the time of year, Santa Barbara Zoo is equally busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.

More things to do around Santa Barbara

For even more trip ideas, check out these other articles about Santa Barbara.

• Is Stearns Wharf Worth Visiting?
• Is Santa Barbara County Courthouse Worth Visiting?
• Is Funk Zone Worth Visiting?
• Is Santa Barbara Museum of Art Worth Visiting?
• Is El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park Worth Visiting?
• Is Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Worth Visiting?
• Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?
• Santa Barbara Travel Costs
• Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?
• Is San Francisco Worth Visiting?
• Is San Diego Worth Visiting?
• Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?
• Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?
• Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?