Welcome!

ZOO HOURS: The Zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Online tickets purchased in advance are currently required for ALL guests, including Santa Barbara Zoo Members (member tickets are free of charge).  No tickets required for children under 2.

Buy/Reserve Tickets

Not a Santa Barbara Zoo member? Join today!

Safety
Measures
Detailed
Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Safety Policy

  • Guests are not required to wear a mask or socially distance in outdoor areas
  • All guests (including children), regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask in indoor spaces
  • Masks required for giraffe feeding and other animal encounters with mammals
  • No proof of vaccination status is required when entering the Zoo
  • Most indoor exhibits and public spaces are reopening as available
  • Advance ticketing still required 

Advance Ticketing

Pick a day and time to visit, and you will receive a digital ticket that can be scanned by one of our team members when you arrive.

Some Areas Remain Closed

Eeeww!, Tropical Aviary, and the Barnyard feeding area are currently closed due to construction and other operational needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are advance tickets required?

  • Advance tickets are required for both Santa Barbara Zoo Members and non-members. Member tickets are free of charge.
  • General admission and membership reservations are limited each day. First come, first served.
  • Purchases are limited to 6 tickets.
  • Members will need their photo ID and reservation confirmation.
  • Bring your reservation confirmation (printed or on phone) to check in.
  • Guests must arrive at their reserved time slot to ensure capacity is not exceeded. The final time slot is 4 PM.

Is a face mask required to visit the Zoo?

updated 7/29/21: Local public health code requires all guests (including children), regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks when entering indoor areas where they will be in close contact with others.

Can I use a coupon/other discount on my ticket purchase?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are currently unable to honor any admission discounts at this time.

Can I still see all of the animals?

While some exhibits and attractions may be closed, guests will still see many of their favorite animals, including leopards, penguins, and giraffes! Don’t miss the Australian Walkabout, now open 9 AM–4 PM.

Santa Barbara Zoo Members

I'm a member, do I still need a reservation?

Yes, all Santa Barbara Zoo Members require a timed ticket and will need to show their photo ID and reservation confirmation. If you have questions, please contact our membership team.

Can member reservations be canceled/changed?

If you are a Santa Barbara Zoo Member and you’d like to change your arrival date/time or the number of people on your reservation 48+ hours in advance, log in to your account, click “view” on your reservation, and then edit the date/time or the number of people. Click “next” and “accept” to complete the transaction. You will receive an updated confirmation and tickets from zooinfo@sbzoo.org.

If your scheduled visit is less than 48 hours away or if you need to completely cancel, please contact member services for assistance.

Do I need to make a reservation for kids under 2 years old?

No, guests under 2 years old do not need a reservation.

Help! I am having trouble logging in/making my online reservations, what do I do?

Oh no! We are so sorry you are having trouble, our reservation system can be tricky to navigate. Please contact member services for support.

How can I redeem a membership gift certificate?

If you’d like to redeem a gift certificate for SB Zoo membership, please use the membership support form for help.