Visitor Information
Plan Your VisitAn average Zoo visit lasts 2.5 hours; but many guests spend a half day meandering the grounds, taking in the Pacific Ocean views, and enjoying a picnic lunch or dinner after visiting the animals. If you're short on time, our Zoo Map highlights the "Must-See" exhibits. Also, be sure to check out the Visitor Kiosk just inside the front entrance for keeper talks and other events. Check here for a list of animals that are off exhibit due to Discovery Pavilion construction. We apologize for any inconvenience. Admission TicketsTicket Prices College Student Discount: $2 off adult admission (Monday-Thursday). 2012 blackout dates: 1/16, 2/20-21, 3/24-4/8, 5/19-9/6, 11/22, and 12/12-1/3/13.
AttractionsBarnyard "Dino Doc" Show Cost: free with Zoo admission. Giraffe Feeding Get up close and personal with the tallest residents of the Zoo! Hand feed Baringo giraffes and have the experience of a lifetime. Please call ahead to check on giraffe feeding schedule and times or check at the admissions upon your arrival; feeding schedule is flexible based on the animals' behavior and therefore not guaranteed. Kallman Family Play Area A place to let your little 'animals' run wild! The Kallman Family Play Area, located across from the Zoo Train station, is full of fun stuff for the little ones. Pretend you're a dinosaur and hide in one of the 'dinosaur eggs'; be a spider as you crawl across the giant rope web; or, slide or roll down the perennial favorite ant hill.
Zoo Train Don't miss a ride on the Zoo Train! Two C.P Huntington trains that circle the perimeter of the Zoo delight visitors of all ages. SB Zoo Members: adults & seniors (13+) $3.75, children (2-12) $3.25. Non-members: adults & seniors (13+) $4.50, children (2-12) $4.00. Children under 2: free.
Behind-the-Scenes ExperiencesKeeper for a Day Backstage Pass Behind-the-Scenes Tours NEW! Flamingle! For a limited time only, take a morning stroll with five of our thirteen new flamingo chicks. More...
DiningThe Ridley-Tree House Restaurant serves delicious grilled items, sandwiches, salads, and other tasty delights. Relax in our garden courtyard while you eat. Hot food is served until 4:30 p.m. Enjoy an informal Mexican-inspired meal, light snack or ice cream, and sweeping ocean and mountain views at our hilltop cafe, the Wave. There are also several specialty food carts (seasonal) and vending machines throughout the Zoo. Directions & ParkingThe Zoo is located in Santa Barbara, CA, approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles, 25 minutes north of Ventura, and 40 miles south of Solvang. From the South on U.S. 101: Take the Hot Springs/Cabrillo Boulevard exit. Turn left on Cabrillo and continue to the first stop light. Turn right on Niños Drive. The entrance is on the right side across from the playing fields. From the North on U.S. 101: Take the Milpas Street exit. Turn right on Milpas Street and turn left on Cabrillo Boulevard. Turn left at the first light, which is Niños Drive. The entrance is on the right side across from the playing fields. The Zoo does provide parking for $6 per vehicle: however, on summer days and weekends the lot fills early. Auxiliary parking may be found outside the Zoo. Alternate Transportation
We do not allow barbeques, skateboards, roller skates, bicycles, or pets in the Zoo. Barbeques, RV's, and pets are not allowed in the Zoo parking lot.
Disabled AccessThe Zoo is fully accessible to the disabled, and wheelchairs are available for rental ($6) at the Gift Shop. Limited parking for the disabled is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Event CalendarCheck our Event Calendar to see what's happening the day of your visit. Occasionally, the Zoo closes early to prepare for special events; this information will be noted on the event calendar. Gifts & SouvenirsThere are plenty of places for you to take a little bit of the Zoo home with you. The Zoo’s main gift store is located near the entrance and is an exotic emporium of toys, books, and unique souvenirs. Stroller, wagon, and wheelchair rentals available here. The Explore Store, our eco-friendly shop, is located by the barnyard in the California Trails area of the Zoo. Find gifts, make your own “wild” animals from Animaland, or buy food for the barnyard animals here. We also offer themed merchandise at the train station and gift carts around the Zoo. Lodging NearbyIf you are visiting Santa Barbara from out of town, consider staying at one of these fine hotels & hideaways. Photography & VideoWe encourage you to take photos and video for your own personal use. Commercial photography is allowed, but only with prior written permission. Please contact the marketing department for more information, or review our location filming policy.We may photograph visitors from time to time for promotional and educational purposes: entry to the Zoo grants permission for us to use these images. Smartphone Zoo VideosNEW! Enhance your Zoo experience; watch Zoo videos on your Smartphone! Look around the Zoo for QR (quick response) codes on signage at select exhibits, and enjoy bonus videos of our animals on your Smartphone. Ten locations in the Zoo currently have the added content, with more to come. For more information, read the press release. Smoking PolicyThe Zoo maintains a smoke-free environment. StrollersStrollers are welcome throughout the Zoo, but please be considerate to others when navigating in crowded viewing areas. Strollers and wagons are available for rent at the Gift Store: Single stroller $6 Zoo MapView our Zoo Map. |
