Santa Barbara Zoo

500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, USA

Address:	500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, USA
Phone:	+1 805-962-5339
Site:	sbzoo.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Becky Soto

We have held a zoo membership for 3 years now and I plan on renewing it as soon as it expires! My family consists of my husband and I, my 12 year old son, 10 year old daughter, and a 4 year old daughter. As the kids have grown they discover something new each time they go, they have yet to get bored with this zoo!! We have so much fun and plan that the whole entire day is dedicated to the zoo, because we could watch Gods creation all day long! We always bring snacks and a picnic lunch and eat somewhere on the grounds. Lunch tables are available right next to the elephant exhibit (if you dont mind the smell its really fun! haha), there is plenty of grass to lay down on, kind of like being in a park in some places. All the animals appear to be happy, active, well kept and well fed. We have seen elephants giving themselves a bath, we have seen piranhas being fed, we had the pleasure of seeing the giraffe with a crooked neck before he died, weve been on the train ride, the kids (and my husband) have slid down the huge ant hill, we saw and heard the lion roar (one of my favorite memories) the list could go on! So much to experience. I will say that we came with my brother and his wife (ages 34 & 26) and they zoomed through the zoo quicker than we ever have. My family was disappointed that we didnt spend the whole day but they enjoyed themselves. It took them about 2 hours to zoom through and eat a picnic lunch. I will also say this zoo is nothing like Monterey Bay Aquarium, in that it does not have technology everywhere, there is not a tv around every corner or screens with facts on them. This is a good wholesome zoo, it requires patience, love, admiration, and lots of snacks (cause the little ones get grumpy when they are hungry)! It is not out of date by any means! Each time we have gone, there was something new in the works. We live a few hours away so we are only able to go 3-5 times a year, but like I said, each time is special! One last thing...there are really great gift shops throughout the zoo. Check into each one because they all differ slightly. Very reasonably priced!! You also get a discount if you have a membership (and free parking with a membership, and other perks). I think that is all, I have nothing but great things to say!! Hope this was helpful!!

Charles Carlin

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a lush haven. The keepers of the plants are amazing. The title Zoo is the first thing people think about here, seeing animals and birds and reptiles, however being present in the incredible gardens is more than just a nice touch. This Zoo is not to be compared to the ginormous Zoos like San Diego or Los Angeles, it is a medium sized zoo that is a wonderful adventure with the kids. Spending a day or even an afternoon makes for a wonderful trip and the grounds are set for your picnic in the park engulfed in greenery and fun. The Childrens area is very popular and simple things like the chimes, and sliding down the big hill on a piece of cardboard seem to amuse children greatly. The animals and enclosures are done well and visibility is good. The rain forest display had a few fogged up windows, I think weather and the heat humidity ratios have made things difficult. There are add on, for extra bucks, experiences such as the giraffe experience, and the train which I did not do this trip. Find a child and go to the zoo, or just stroll and enjoy. I find this size zoo makes for a great hike and an afternoon of reflection. What ever your persuasion there is most likely something here for everyone.

Sydney Wrigley

My family and I have annual passes to this wonderful zoo. It is by far the cleanest and well kept zoo in California that we have ever visited and we travel nationwide and have been to many compounds, rescues and animal sanctuaries. We look foward to visiting usually 4 times a year. We live 5 hours round trip away, and travel here in one day with our 1 year old and 3 year old , because we love it so much, and its that worth it to us.... The peaceful tranquility of the grounds and gorgeous beachy vibe along with the happy animals in their emaculate exhibits usually snacking on some deliciously prepared cuisine makes for a super fun day! My little ones and we snack on the hills near the Lions and get a little picnic time in before moving slong The reptile and bug house is super cool and my kids just love looking at the penguins and the aquatic walkway that displays the frogs and water creatures its so important that they see these things that dont even live on this continent! Honestly I am so proud of the staff that take care of, preserve and love the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo because they seem to be happy, thriving and healthy. We love making memories in this wonderful little piece of the world.

Michael Proctor

I used to go to this zoo about once a month when I was a child about 20 years ago. The community of Santa Barbara is wonderful. My girlfriend and I just went a few days ago and it is still a very nice zoo with lots of fun things to do for the kids and adults alike. The train that circles the zoo was always one of my favorite things to do there when I was a kid and they still have it up and running. Definitely worth the extra $6 to get the "behind-the-scenes" views. This zoo is not as big as some of the other zoos like LA or San Diego, but also not so crowded and since it is only a couple hundred yards from the beach, the weather is great! Parking is $7(or $10 on the weekends), but if you have a disabled placard or plate parking is free(parking is also free with an annual zoo membership... only $110 for 2 adults and children ). Admission is $17 for ages 13-64, $13 for seniors 65+, $10 for children 2-12 and under 2 are free. The zoo is open every day 10am to 5pm. After visiting the zoo, be sure to check out the pier "Stearns Wharf" only a couple blocks north from the zoo. There is a nice aquarium with a touch tank, there are also some nice gift shops, restaurants and boat tours with reasonable prices.

Neil Howell

This is a very nice zoo, albeit small and VERY kid oriented. Im from San Diego, though I dont assume all zoos will be the same as ours, we are very lucky. I look for animal care, enclosure, views/layout, staff, and price. I think the SBZ does all of them very well. The animals looked well cared for and enclosures well sized...given its a zoo of course. The staff are very happy with their zoo and the place speaks to their pride. Very clean, lots of open area. Almost like a zoo/park. They do a ton of activities with kids and families, and as such, they have huge park like areas for activities. For the small area they are in, the have a good number/balance of animals and variety, and they are reasonably priced. We were only there for a couple hours, and probably would only take an hour if one was in a hurry. Lots of foliage, which breaks up the zoo well so it seems very inviting. They do have keeper talks and feeding of the animals, and enrichment treats.