Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara

We take our kids again and again. They love the train and feeding the giraffes. Some people say it's the most beautiful zoo in the world ... and I agree.

I took two three-year olds to this zoo. They especially loved the penguins, lions, giraffes, and gorilla. We had enough to look at for a few hours, but there aren't enough animals to spend an entire day there. I probably wouldn't bring kids older than 7 or 8 because I think they'd go through the zoo even quicker. I was really disappointed that the train required tickets and feeding the giraffes was $4. It seems like in such a small park, you should get to do everything for the admission price.

We took our son to Santa Barbara Zoo for his 2nd B-Day, and he loved it! It seem to target the toddlers more. Well it seem like it! Our son seem to be amazed at all the animals he saw. We were able to feed a girraffe with a little fee of $4 per feeding well worth it. There is also a play area for the kids to play at, and a train to ride with a fee of $3.50 per person. It takes you around the whole zoo very fun for the little one's! You can take a sack lunch if you like plenty of pinic area to eat or sit on the grass. We didnt eat in the zoo. (Tip if your visiting the zoo on a sat. kids eat free until 3pm at El Torrito on 29 E. Cabrillo Blvd. just around the corner from ninos dr.) Hope you enjoy your visit like we did. We will definetly visit the zoo again!!!

where are the animals? Most of the property is set aside to accomodate events, not create habitats for animals. It seems the zoo is in the business of providing an exotic backdrop for your wedding or company picnic and with the wealthy clientele in Santa Barbara, there is no excuse to have any expense spared here. May as well check out the animal shelter in Goleta-at least you can pet/hold the animals!!!

I've been to many zoos, and while this one should take advantage of its location so close to the beach, it doesn't. There are hardly any animals to see, there is more open space that you would be better off going to the park and the animal trainers don't seem to care about the animals at all. The animals are treated as if they didn't feel anything and are put away in their cages 90% of the time. The staff is of no help at all; they are all arrogants and don't seem to care about anyone else that goes to the zoo to visit. Among the employees, there seems to be so much competition and everyone just worries about themselves and they are still forming cliques as if they were back in high school. Overall, I don't recommend this zoo at all, there are better ones out there that will make it worthwhile. Trust me, no matter how far the drive, it will be worth it if you go somewhere else. The facilities inside the zoo are disgusting and look as if they have never been cleaned.

The experience was so fun & the staff are so kind & love hearing about guest experiences. I would highly recommend visiting to anyone who has a chance. It cost the same as if you were going to see a movie only you get excercise & a beautiful setting. They have a new playground & gift shop that is amazing.

This zoo was aforable when I was growing up. However, there are less and less animals and more and more picnic space. Most of the attractions that made this zoo so great are gone. Also, they spent so much money re-doing the elephant exhibit and didn't bother to expand the area for them to live.

great place for little kids as there is lots for them to do; a petting zoo; a little train and lots of grass and a perfect playstructure that parents can rest and enjoy the views and watch their kids play for a while.

This is a great small zoo in a perfect setting. Right across from the beach with beautiful views of the mountains. They have a perfect blend of animals, all of which were easy to see and interact with. Being able to feed the giraffes was a huge highlight. I've been several times and continue to go back whenever I'm in Santa Barbara.

You can spend half a day in the zoo and the kids will have a lot of fun running around. Or you can bring a book in and have yourself a nice peaceful day enjoying your book