Zoo Accessibility
At the Santa Barbara Zoo, everyone is welcome, and we strive to make every guest’s visit as fun and educational as possible. Please use the information below to help make your Zoo visit a safe, enjoyable, and memorable one.
Accessible Map
Wheelchair/stroller-friendly paths and quieter spaces are marked on the Zoo’s map.
Dining
The Zoo’s two restaurants offer gluten-free and dairy-free selections. The Ridley-Tree House Restaurant serves delicious grilled items, sandwiches, salads, and other tasty delights. At the Wave, you’ll enjoy sandwiches, kid-friendly meals, light snacks, and frozen treats along with sweeping ocean and mountain views on the Zoo’s hilltop cafe. Hot food is served until 4:30 p.m., and beer and wine are available.
Seasonal carts with snacks and beverages and vending machines are found throughout the Zoo.
Low-Cost Admission Programs
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a proud participant in the Museums for All program, offering discounted pricing on general daytime admission ($3 per admission for up to four people) for guests presenting an EBT card, SNAP benefits, and a valid form of photo ID. Zoo parking not included.
If your school receives Title I funding or your nonprofit organization serves children recognized as economically disadvantaged and/or at-risk, you can request reduced field trip admission through the ZOO4U program. Learn more here.
Parking
Accessible parking in the Zoo’s parking lot is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must show a disabled person parking placard or license plate at the parking kiosk to receive free parking. If the accessible spots are full, guests may park anywhere else in the parking lot at no charge.
Wheelchair/ECV Rental
Wheelchairs are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis at the main gift store near the Zoo’s entrance.
Electric convenience vehicles (ECV) are available to rent for the day. Supplies are limited, so please rent your ECV online when you make your reservation to visit the Zoo.
- Wheelchair: $7/day, $6/day for SB Zoo Members
- ECV: $40/day, $35/day for SB Zoo Members. ECV rentals require a $10 deposit.
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed if they meet ADA’s definition as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” Pets, emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not allowed in the Zoo. Read more information about the AZA’s service animal policy here.
Social Narrative
Make your visit a little easier with this visual story. Landmarks, quiet spaces, and other helpful information can be found in the social narrative: Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo.
