OVERFLOW PARKING ADVISORY
The Santa Barbara Zoo is located at 500 Niños Drive and has an adjacent parking lot. During summer months, weekends, and special events, the lot tends to fill quickly.
Across the street from the Zoo, the Dwight Murphy Field Renovation Project is underway from May 30, 2025 to Spring 2027 (the schedule is subject to change). This will limit Zoo overflow parking and create a new route from Milpas Street.
Preferred Offsite Parking
($) Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
The Hilton is located .5 mile from the Zoo. Zoo guests can park at the hotel for a $10 flat fee. Go to the Hilton front desk and show your Hilton parking ticket and Zoo admission ticket/Zoo membership card for the preferred rate.
Other Parking Options
($) City Waterfront Parking Lots
Cabrillo East Parking Lot (.3 mile from the Zoo)
Cabrillo West Parking Lot (.4 mile from the Zoo)
Garden Street Parking Lot (1.3 miles from the Zoo)
Neighborhood Street Parking
Look near Corona Del Mar Dr., Orilla Del Mar Dr., and other nearby residential areas. Please be respectful of our neighbors!
Suggested Route from Southbound 101
Please follow posted signage when driving to the Zoo.
Alternate Transportation
MTD Shuttle
Skip the stress and hop on the MTD Waterfront Shuttle for just 50¢ per ride! It’s a scenic and fun way to get to the Zoo. The shuttle runs during the summer (May 30 through September 1, 2025), approximately every 20 minutes from 10 AM to 6 PM, Friday to Sunday.
More Information
Find the latest updates about the Dwight Murphy Field Renovation Project here.