The Santa Barbara Zoo Review

The only problem is they need a better way to get tickets for train

Loved visiting this zoo so much! I really like the openness of the park and while it may seem small there is so much to do and so much to see! Will come back

Very nice family place but I recommend you bring your own lunch because inside they do not sell so many things to eat but I recommend them

So much fun. Kids had so much fun my youngest didn't want to leave

Nice collection of over 500 animals in a nice park like setting. Great interactive activities for children including feeding a giraffe. Expect to pay more than it appears since you have to pay to park , pay an entrance fee and then pay for the activities in the zoo itself. You have to pay to feed the giraffes ride the train climbing rock wall go in the bounce house by the time you get through the day it's a little pricey

Absolutely a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Giraffes, elephants, lions, black swans, penguins. All sorts of animals! The landscaping is beautiful!

This is a great zoo! You can see the ocean from where the giraffe's are. A lot of open grass areas for picnics or relaxing. There's so much to do and see, it was a great enjoyable day.

Didn't know what to expect but ended up being one of the nicest zoos I've been to in a long time. I recommend feeding the giraffes!

It was beautiful! All of the staff were nice and friendly! Saw a lot of exotic animals! They even have gorillas!

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 Children's 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.

The food and thing are a bit expensive but it's a wonderful place to spend your time it has this little park and it's amazing.

It was alot of fun, some animals were not put. Very disappointed about ordering food online. I had a 3 year old granddaughter she was hungry and NO exception no help

Took my kids here with our family and it was really fun for the kids to go on the train around the park.

I love our local zoo, but one thing I've learned is that with so many geriatric animals, there are a lot of deaths. New young lions seem to love each other, new partner for Jasmine our gibbon is first rate. New Snow Lion. Nothing yet to replace our two deceased elephants.

Everything is in full bloom and the weather is perfect for just strolling, relaxing, and enjoying all the beautiful animals and plants.

Most of the animals were hiding but its a nice little zoo

Great zoo with amazing ocean views! A fun drive down the PCH from LA.

The landscape is beautiful, the exhibits are interesting, staff helpful. My grandchildren love coming here. There's something for all ages. The train is a nice little tour as well.

My Daughter loves the train, and the whole experience

Because you see all all animals at Santa Barbara zoo it so fun you can spend time with your family and friends it's like every thing you stairs

Scarce variety of animals. Just one or two per exhibit and asleep. Not impressive...

Many animals and birds were in their sleeping encloser, non-existent (closed exibit) or hiding/sleeping in a far corner. Very difficult for our 3 year old grandson to see. It was more of a walking experience, fun on the grass hill and other activities. The elephants were active.

So much fun .. and you could also feed the giraffes.. What!! awesome!!

We absolutely love coming here. It's the perfect size zoo. It's never too crowded, the animals are so close you, and the staff are always super helpful. We are now passholders and plan on going in our free time as much as we can. Such a peaceful place. You can see the ocean while you have a giraffe in your eye sight. It's just incredible.

Great little zoo, lots of animals I haven't seen anywhere else. Easy trails even for the handicapped

Clean peaceful great place to relax and enjoy your time price is right and parking not bad in the area

Clean zoo! Come early in the day when the animals aren't sleeping!

Best small zoo in America. Make sure to take the train ride, feed the giraffes and enjoy all the little extras . . .

Decent sized zoo. COVID restrictions take away from what could be a great time.

We went for a girl scout overnight, and had a great time! Thank you for a fun, educational weekend!

Not too busy, reasonably priced and most exhibits were well done. Amur Leopard seemed bored and stressed.

Worked here when I was 15!! It was my first job!! I love the santa Barbara zoo Tony and I keep a year past for the zoo

Wonderful to see the different species they have, children will surely have a great time

When I went it was a Thursday and it was very quiet and calm and not very busy. It's a very large zoo with lots of animals and nice photo ops. I recommend this place for people with children or for school teachers as well. Loved it!

Little hyped as a zoo. But a greatly maintained botanical garden com children's park cum zoo.

Loved how I was able to take my kids to the zoo during this crazy time. They allow you to go at the time you choose to buy your ticket and they have limited tickets available. Kids get to walk around and enjoy seeing the beautiful animals they have. When ordering food you need to download the app to order from there. It was a different experience given the fact we had to wear our face masks but we all really enjoyed ourselves.

My kids love this place! Great family zoo and it's just the perfect size! With amazing views of Santa Barbara's beautiful beaches.

bigger than I thought. I wish the could relocate the leopard? away from the freeway. think about living next to 101with no wall.

If you like great Zoos, this one needs to be on your list. I hadn't been here for many years, but it's as beautiful and captivating as ever. Timeless. Best on weekdays as the weekend can be pretty full.

Small but cute! Perfect for a family with young children. The size is just right for a small stroll but not to big that it s overwhelming.

Really not that fun compared to sandeago zoo felt like it was run on a shoestring budget.

A great place for kids and adults. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I come here every other year and I have never had a bad experience here.

Beautiful zoo in a beautiful place. Only downside is that it's not very big. But, depending on what you want, that could be a big plus.

Great small zoo to have a picnic at. Lits of grassy area to hang out at.

This is a very clean and well maintained zoo. You must visit.

Nice little zoo with great atmosphere in beautiful Santa Barbara!

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Santa Barbara! Love that they let you bring in your own food and beautiful grounds....you won't be disappointed.

Surprisingly large zoo with a good variety of animals, both large and small. Great to spend an afternoon

Wonderful place for walking with family and friends.

Great place to take the family. A little pricey though

What a clean, quaint, perfect easy day! The layout of this little zoo was really cool. The process here were so crazy good we wanted to come back the next day. Santa barbara is gorgeous as a whole but this little zoo had some really awesome animals to see. Would definitely repeat when we go back.

Neat little zoo with a cool condor exhibit. We saw them fly and it was quite a sight. They have a train that goes around the whole zoo. Make sure you feed the giraffe! Fun!

Lots of animals. It's kind of small, but totally worth it. The kids had fun. Don't buy a pretzel!! Huge mistake. Tasted terrible, and cost too much.

Small.not all animals were available,my 2 year old had fun.. Fyi.one of the soda machines there took$5 dollars from me