⭐ Top 10 Hotels Near Santa Barbara Zoo for 2026

A giraffe with a patterned coat and a brown mane, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

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Our top choices for Santa Barbara Zoo hotels

A coastal house with a red roof, surrounded by palm trees and a mountain backdrop.

A coastal road with palm trees, a beach, and a parking lot with vehicles.

A hotel room with a bed, two armchairs, a small round table, a lamp, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.

A house with a patio area featuring wicker furniture and potted plants.

1. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Izak

S$332

includes taxes & fees

21 Sept - 22 Sept

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table, a mirror, and a wardrobe.

A white utility shed with a door labeled "AIR MACHINE" next to a dense green hedge.

A compact kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, and a small sink.

A narrow hallway with white walls and a wooden floor. There is a door with a window on the left, a light switch on the right, and a ceiling vent.

2. Casa Jardin

Laguna, 3.2 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Yessica

S$298

includes taxes & fees

21 Sept - 22 Sept

A sunny outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers.

A hotel room with a bed, a round table with a pair of sunglasses and a book, a chair with a denim jacket, and a window with white blinds.

A hotel with a patio area, outdoor seating, and a well-maintained garden with flowers and palm trees.

An aerial view of a swimming pool surrounded by white umbrellas and lounge chairs, with palm trees and a tiled deck.

3. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Amy

S$310

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A traditional building with a white facade, arched windows, and a balcony with a railing.

A modern entrance with a glass door, a potted plant, and a number '8' on the wall.

A modern hotel bathroom with a large mirror, vanity, and a vase of flowers.

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island with stools, a grey sofa, and a painting of a wave on the wall.

4. Casa De La Vina

3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Richard

S$332

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a view through a glass door to the outdoors.

A star-shaped hanging light fixture in a white-walled room with an arched ceiling.

A hallway leading to a living area with a sofa, a small table, and a view of greenery outside.

A modern bedroom with a large window, a bedside table, a chair, and a built-in kitchen area.

5. Casa Riviera

Laguna, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Antoinette

S$415

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

A multi-story hotel with a sign reading "LA PLAYA INN Santa Barbara, California".

A wooden cabinet with a mirror, a trash bin, and a potted plant in a hallway with patterned flooring and a door in the background.

A hotel corridor with a view of mountains, a palm tree, and a lantern-lit staircase.

A corridor with a central staircase, outdoor seating, and lanterns.

6. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

WENHUAN

S$355

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A beige sofa with multiple cushions, a white vase with greenery, and a window with blinds.

A hallway leading to a dining area with a wooden floor, white walls, and a black railing.

A modern living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a patterned rug.

A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a vase with flowers, and a view of the outdoors through the windows.

7. Casa Yano by The Beach

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jacob

S$515

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

An outdoor patio area with stone flooring, wooden chairs, and tables. There are palm trees and a decorative stone wall with a statue.

A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a sofa, a coffee table, and a dining table with chairs. There is a kitchen in the background with white cabinets and a television mounted on the wall.

An aerial view of a rectangular swimming pool surrounded by white lounge chairs and umbrellas, with palm trees and a tiled roof in the background.

A hotel reception area with a granite reception desk, black leather chairs, a large flat-screen TV, and a potted orchid.

8. The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Bob

S$300

includes taxes & fees

29 Sept - 30 Sept

A bedroom with a bed, bedside lamps, a mirror, and a window with curtains.

A covered outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, potted plants, and a small pool.

A hallway with a checkered curtain, a framed artwork, a bench, a potted plant, and a wooden cabinet with handles.

A white building with a red roof, a stone wall, and a staircase leading to a door.

9. Palihouse Santa Barbara

3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Demey

S$608

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A multi-story building with a curved entrance, palm trees, and a staircase leading to the entrance.

A dining area with a wooden table, chairs, and a bench. There are two doors leading to a balcony, and a chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

A cozy living room with a fireplace, two armchairs, a round coffee table, and a dining area with a view of the outdoors.

An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, a covered walkway, and a view of the street.

10. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Liad

S$340

includes taxes & fees

21 Sept - 22 Sept

A sunlit balcony with a curved sofa, a small round table, and a potted plant. The balcony features arched windows with a view of palm trees and the sea.

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and large windows.

A spacious room with two sofas facing a glass table, a vase with flowers, and large windows offering a view of the ocean.

A coastal view with a beach, palm trees, and a white building with a red roof.

11. Santa Barbara Inn

East Beach, 0.7 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Joanne

S$494

includes taxes & fees

15 Oct - 16 Oct

A spacious interior with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central column.

A spacious dining area with a central island, round tables, and comfortable seating.

A bar area with a high ceiling and skylight, wooden flooring, and a bar counter with stools.

A room with a wooden floor, two brown armchairs, a round table with a book and a plant, a framed painting on the wall, and a wooden door with intricate carvings.

12. Hotel Santa Barbara

Lower State, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Veronica

S$335

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A white building with a sign reading "Mason Beach Inn" and a balcony with a railing.

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a framed quote on the wall, and a large potted plant.

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and a building with arches and palm trees.

A covered outdoor area with a pergola, steps leading to a door labeled "Office," and lush greenery including large plants and flowering bushes.

13. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Rachita

S$365

includes taxes & fees

16 Sept - 17 Sept

A marina with boats docked, palm trees, and a building labeled "Sea Landing."

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a TV. There is a view of palm trees and a marina through the windows.

A breakfast bar with various food items, beverages, and a coffee machine.

A reception desk with a wooden wall and a sign that reads "West Beach Inn".

14. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Amanda

S$330

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A beach with clear blue water, a sandy shore, and a backdrop of buildings and trees.

A room with two leather chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a balcony with a table and chairs.

A bedroom with a fireplace, a bed, a TV, and a window with curtains.

15. The Eagle Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Julian

S$417

includes taxes & fees

21 Sept - 22 Sept

A living room with a fireplace, a sofa, a wicker chair, and a dining area.

A bedroom with a wooden bed, a ceiling fan, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a picture, and a window with a view.

A modern building with a courtyard, outdoor seating, and a fire feature.

A modern living room with a round table, wooden chairs, a sofa, and a fireplace.

16. Beach House Inn

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Tim

S$264

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A bright kitchen with a large island, white cabinetry, and a view through glass doors to an outdoor patio.

A table with a pitcher of dark liquid, a clear pitcher, and glasses, along with small bowls of pretzels and nuts.

A spacious living area with a fireplace, white cabinetry, wicker furniture, and a large window.

A hotel with a red roof, multiple balconies, and a parking lot.

17. Lavender Inn by the Sea

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Terry

S$314

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A two-story building with a balcony, palm trees, and a sign that reads "Castillo Inn."

A room with a sliding glass door leading to a patio area with a yellow fence and a table with chairs.

A building with a sign reading "Castillo Inn at the Beach" indicating a hotel.

A patio with a round table, chairs, and a red umbrella. There are potted plants and a surfboard visible.

18. Castillo Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Abraham

S$251

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A resort with a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, a beach view, and a well-maintained lawn.

A waterfront hotel with a reflective pool, a pedestrian bridge, and a view of mountains in the background.

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a central seating area with two armchairs and a small table, a patterned wall, and a wooden floor.

A bridge leading to a row of white buildings with balconies, a palm tree, and a brick pathway.

19. Harbor View Inn

West Beach, 2.5 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Gabriel

S$412

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

Two Adirondack chairs facing a small table on a balcony with a view of the ocean and palm trees.

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees.

A motel sign with a large number '6' and the word 'Motel' on a wooden board.

A reception area with a wooden reception desk, two surfboards, a 'Welcome' sign, and an orange sofa.

20. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

East Beach, 0.6 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

David S

S$197

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

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Compare popular hotels close to Santa Barbara Zoo

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Harbor House Inn	9.8 1001 1,001 reviews	View
Casa Jardin	9.8 304 304 reviews	View
Marina Beach Hotel	9.8 1178 1,178 reviews	View
Casa De La Vina	9.8 216 216 reviews	View
Casa Riviera	9.8 315 315 reviews	View

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent

"Great 👍"

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

8/10 Good

"Great property for families, centrally located and overall wonderful experience. The resort is a little dated and could use a small facelift, but overall it was well maintained. My biggest gripe was that none of the ice makers around the property were working."

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent

"Happy with room and area"

The Franciscan Hotel

8/10 Good

"For the price we paid for one night, there should have been a microwave in the room. The pillows were gargantuan and not comfortable. Way too big; at least we should have options for a more comfortable, smaller pillow. Not unreasonable to ask. The TV is difficult to manage. The air conditioner should be easier to manage."

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

10/10 Excellent

"Love this hotel and the staff was amazing!"

The Inn at East Beach

8/10 Good

"No AC units in any room only ceiling fan and 2 oscillating fans. The bed was a bit lumpy and the pillows were great. Very small fridge. The pool was clean. Coffee and individually wrapped muffins available for breakfast. Very spacious parking in the back; perfect for large vehicles such as trucks or fill size SUV’s. Minutes away from the beach (short walk). Def would stay here again."

The Milo

10/10 Excellent

"Wonderful property with clean updated rooms, helpful and friendly staff, beautiful outdoor sitting areas, and it’s the perfect location. Bikes were a blast, so close to everything!!"

Montecito Inn

8/10 Good

"Great location. Old world decor . Rooms small and bathroom a bit tight but if you like the classic look and feel this place has for you"

Santa Barbara Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful hotel overlooking the beach. Huge luxurious rooms with a large balcony. Perfect location for the beach and a short drive to all the restaurants and bars. Would 100% stay here again."

Other attractions near Santa Barbara Zoo

A beach with a large cruise ship in the distance, palm trees, and mountains in the background.

East Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at East Beach during your trip to Santa Barbara? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.

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A pier extending into calm waters, palm trees, and a mountainous backdrop.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

9.6/10 (8 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center during your trip to Santa Barbara. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Municipal Tennis Center

Catch an event at Municipal Tennis Center during your trip to Santa Barbara. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

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Cabrillo Bike Path

9.6/10 (11 reviews)

You can take time to visit Cabrillo Bike Path during your travels to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

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Andree Clark Bird Refuge

10.0/10 (1 review)

You can take time to visit Andree Clark Bird Refuge during your travels to Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

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Cabrillo Pavillion

10.0/10 (1 review)

Cabrillo Pavillion is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the cycling trails.

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Chase Palm Park

9.6/10 (5 reviews)

Chase Palm Park is just one of the places to see in Santa Barbara, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Santa Barbara Channel

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Santa Barbara Channel during your travels in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Santa Barbara Zoo?

Santa Barbara Zoo is located in a walkable area of Santa Barbara known for its beautiful beaches and popular zoo. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 79 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay near Santa Barbara Zoo?

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this resort offers a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. It's located just a short 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Santa Barbara Zoo. Other good choices within a short distance include Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach and Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

How many hotels are there close to Santa Barbara Zoo?

Expedia has 79 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Santa Barbara Zoo.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Santa Barbara Zoo, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are refundable provided that you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your arrival date. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, you may still be able to cancel and be given a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view top deals close to Santa Barbara Zoo.

What can I see and do near Santa Barbara Zoo?

You'll want to browse the collections at Presidio Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. Explore notable local landmarks like Mission Santa Barbara, Casa Del Herrero and Rafael Gonzalez House. You can catch a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, Lobero Theater and Arlington Theater.

How can I get to Santa Barbara Zoo?

With so many choices for transport, seeing all of the area near Santa Barbara Zoo is a breeze. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station. You can learn about water transport options at the local port.

Hotels near Santa Barbara Zoo

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Star rating

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Our top choices for Santa Barbara Zoo hotels

1. Harbor House Inn

2. Casa Jardin

3. Marina Beach Hotel

4. Casa De La Vina

5. Casa Riviera

6. La Playa Inn

7. Casa Yano by The Beach

8. The Franciscan Hotel

9. Palihouse Santa Barbara

10. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

11. Santa Barbara Inn

12. Hotel Santa Barbara

13. Mason Beach Inn

14. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

15. The Eagle Inn

16. Beach House Inn

17. Lavender Inn by the Sea

18. Castillo Inn at the Beach

19. Harbor View Inn

20. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Compare popular hotels close to Santa Barbara Zoo

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

The Franciscan Hotel

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Inn at East Beach

The Milo

Montecito Inn

Santa Barbara Inn

Other attractions near Santa Barbara Zoo

East Beach

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

Municipal Tennis Center

Cabrillo Bike Path

Andree Clark Bird Refuge

Cabrillo Pavillion

Chase Palm Park

Santa Barbara Channel

Frequently asked questions