santa barbara zoo

This is a small zoo that took us about 2.5 hours. It has some nice exhibits and beautiful grounds and walking trails. We especially liked the black swans, snow leopard, unique birds and turtles from south american which we observed feeding. Nice display of snakes, lizards, spiders, and scorpions which we used our camera flashlight to view the ones in the darker cages that did not glow in the dark with the backlight as they were often in the dark.

You can't help but enjoy walking around a zoo that has the view that this one does. It really is a nice little zoo.

This zoo might not be the largest in California, but it might be the most loved and best maintained. We were constantly impressed with the immaculate habitats, well cared for animals, and helpful staff. You can tell everyone involved in running this place really cares, it shows! Don't miss the California condors!

This is a great place for families to bring their children or even for couples to come and enjoy the day. The exhibits are well-maintained as far as zoos go and the bathrooms are spotless. Enjoyed my day.

We went to Santa Barbara for Valentine's Day weekend and decided to take our 18 month old daughter to the zoo. What a great decision! The zoo is open and spacious which we found to be really nice. There are large, open grass areas where you can sit and eat picnic-style and let your little ones run crazy. There's also a kids play area that was a big hit. You can get closer to the animals at this zoo than what I remember at other zoos. Everything is really clean and up to date, which makes for an enjoyable experience. I plan to visit Santa Barbara again when my daughter is older and when we do we will definitely be going to the Santa Barbara Zoo again!

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a perfect place for kids...lots of green lawns and open space to run around.. a fun snack bar and gift shop.. and, best of all, all the animals that little kids (and grownups!) like to see...There are lions and elephants and penguins and flamingos.. there are creepy-crawlies and amazing birds.. there are even giraffes that kids can feed! and a multitude of other animals.. even a petting area...Best of all, the weather is usually gorgeous, and the whole zoo is a comfortable walking area for kids and grandparents too...beautiful landscaping...reminiscent of a park...and a fun train ride that travels around the entire property as well..It's a great way to spend a day.. and keep everyone in the family interested and amused!

My husband and I came here while visiting friends in Ventura. The animals were healthy and there was a ton of open space which was nice. You don't feel like cattle being herded through with tons of other people. We fed the giraffes and the staff was very friendly.

Very clean. All the animals looked well cared for. Plenty of space to move around. Enjoyed feeding giraffe and learning a bit about their history from knowedgeable staff member.

Santa Barbara zoo is the perfect place for a kids' day. Conveniently located, well set out with an amazing variety of animals plus a train! Definitely a place to visit with youngsters.

Big kids (adults), little ones (baby to 12) and all teens will all LOVE the Santa Barbara Zoo. Animals, nature, views and weather are all A++++. Include it on your itinerary.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is impressive, given that it's in a relatively small city. Logistically, it's easy to get to, with ample parking, and I'd recommend planning for about 2-3 hours. The zoo has a lot of open green space for relaxing and taking in the beautiful views of the ocean, and the hills of Montecito.You'll find a variety of animals, including four lions, two amur leopards, and two snow leopards. Right now, there's a baby anteater which can be seen riding on it's mother's back -- it's super cute -- and a baby giraffe, born in November 2014. If possible, go on a weekday. It's a popular time for the stroller brigade, but it never feels overcrowded.

We had fun feeding Michael the giraffe! There is a photographer there but when we saw the photos a zoo employee was in every one : / I would suggest you tell him/her to step a little to the left so they can do their job without being in every single photo. Some signage was confusing. Not a large zoo. Kids bring large pieces of cardboard to slide down a tiny little hill in the center of the zoo. If you buy the tickets to feed the giraffe, do so at the entrance and get in line at least 15 minutes early. You will not be rushed but a lot of people like doing it.

This is a great little zoo with more than 400 animals and beautiful surroundings. Whenever our grandkids visit we got off to the zoo and they have also attended and loved Zoo Camp in the summer. Before you visit, stop at the visitors center on Garden street (About 1/2mile from the zoo) and get a free Santa Barbara map that has a discount coupon for the Zoo. Finally, before you leave the Zoo, go for a quick slide or two using a piece of cardboard, on the "grassy" knoll just behind the Zoo train station.

Easy to get to, lot's of great animals in a friendly habitat. You can tour the entire zoo in 2 hours. Great views of the ocean with a nice cool breeze.

My family and I love going to different zoos. We stopped here on a road trip to Northern California. It was not scheduled but I'm really glad we stopped. We toured the entire zoo in about 2 hours because we got there just before 3 and the zoo closes at 5. Plenty of time to see everything but another hour or so would have been nice. There are many places to sit, relax and take in the sites. For the younger kids there is a great playground. We really enjoyed our time!