Discover the Wonders of Santa Barbara Zoo
Explore the Santa Barbara Zoo, a delightful blend of wildlife and gardens set against breathtaking coastal views in California.
Nestled in the picturesque city of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers a delightful escape into the world of wildlife. With its stunning views and a diverse array of animal exhibits, it's a must-visit for family-friendly fun and educational experiences.
A brief summary to Santa Barbara Zoo
- 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, East Beach, California, 93103, US
- +1805-962-5339
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to enjoy quieter hours and see the animals more active.
- Don’t miss the feeding times for giraffes and sea lions, which are usually scheduled throughout the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo is best explored on foot and there are some hilly areas.
- Check the zoo’s website for special events and educational programs during your visit.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and memorable animal encounters.
Getting There
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Walking
If you're in Montecito, you can enjoy a scenic walk to Santa Barbara Zoo. Start by heading south on San Ysidro Road until you reach the intersection with East Valley Road. Turn left onto East Valley Road. Continue walking until you reach the intersection with Coast Village Road. Take a right on Coast Village Road and follow it as it turns into Olive Mill Road. This road will lead you down to the oceanfront. Continue straight until you reach Santa Barbara's East Beach area, where you'll see the zoo entrance at 500 Ninos Dr. The total distance is approximately 3 miles, which should take around 1 hour to walk.
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Public Bus
From Montecito, you can take the MTD (Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District) bus service for a convenient ride to Santa Barbara Zoo. Head to the nearest bus stop on Coast Village Road and catch either the Line 20 or Line 21 towards Santa Barbara. After about 20 minutes, get off at the stop at East Beach. The zoo is a short walk from the bus stop. Follow the path towards Ninos Drive, and you'll find the entrance to the zoo at 500 Ninos Dr. The bus fare is around $1.75, and you can purchase a ticket on board.
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Bicycle
For the more adventurous, biking is a great way to get to Santa Barbara Zoo from Montecito. Rent a bike from a local shop in Montecito and head south on San Ysidro Road. When you reach East Valley Road, turn left and continue to Coast Village Road. After turning onto Coast Village Road, follow it until it leads you to Olive Mill Road, which will take you towards East Beach. The bike ride is approximately 3 miles and should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace. Be sure to lock your bike at the designated bike racks near the zoo entrance.
Discover more about Santa Barbara Zoo
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
East Beach
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Santa Barbara Trolley
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Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours
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Funk Zone Studios
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Visit Santa Barbara
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Carr Winery
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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
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217 Stearns Wharf
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Stearns Wharf
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Lil' Toot Santa Barbara
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Essential places to dine
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Convivo Restaurant & Bar
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Stella Mare's
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The Nook Santa Barbara
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Oliver's
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Waterline
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Santa Barbara FisHouse
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Moby Dick Restaurant
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Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
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Longboard's Grill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Lily
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