Santa Barbara Zoo

Everyone loves a zoo and there is lots to love at the Santa Barbara Zoo! Located on over 30 acres, this zoo is notable for its beautiful setting that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. The zoo has over 500 animals across 160 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Here you sometimes feel as though you are walking through a botanical garden as the property is laid out with formal gardens, open spaces, native plants, trees, and cacti.

The zoo first opened its doors in August 1963 and has evolved over the years. Programs like the Barnyard, where you can feed domesticated sheep, or the Giraffe Feeding station where you can get up and personal with a Baringo giraffe draw regular visitors and are a favorite with children. Also on site is a carousel and a zoo train for kids.