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Santa Barbara ZoovsEast Beach
Both Santa Barbara Zoo and East Beach are recommended by professionals. On balance, Santa Barbara Zoo ranks significantly better than East Beach. Santa Barbara Zoo scores 82 with approval from 5 reviews such as Lonely Planet, Michelin Guide and Lonely Planet.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Lonely Planet
Fodor's
Michelin Guide Lonely Planet
U.S. News & World Report
Frommer's
500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
From $0/night
Lonely Planet "At the 500-animal Santa Barbara Zoo, where you'll also find beautiful gardens." Full review
Fodor's "This compact zoo's grounds are so gorgeous people book weddings here long in advance." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Set amid 30 lush acres of cacti and palm gardens overlooking the ocean, the zoo contains some 500 animals of 160 species displayed in environments that approximate their native habitats." Full review
Lonely Planet "Small (so it's perfect for young kids) Santa Barbara Zoo has 146 species covering all creatures great and small, including several not found in many other zoos." Full review
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Don't miss the chance to see endangered California Condors – probably your best bet for seeing them in the whole state – and giant anteaters.
U.S. News & World Report4.0
"Neighboring the Andree Clark Bird Refuge in the east part of downtown, the Santa Barbara Zoo gives visitors a taste of the exotic just a block from the sandy shore." Full review
Frommer's "An appealing, pint-size place, where all 700 animals can be seen in about 30 minutes. Most live in natural, open settings. For more stimulation, try the Discovery Area, miniature train ride" Full review
East Beach Fodor's Lonely Planet U.S. News & World Report
1400 Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
From $0/night
Fodor's "The wide swath of sand at the east end of Cabrillo Boulevard is a great spot for people-watching." Full review
Lonely Planet "Santa Barbara’s largest and most popular beach is a long, sandy stretch sprawling east of Stearns Wharf, with volleyball nets for pick-up games, a children’s play area and a snack bar." Full review
U.S. News & World Report1.0
"There are three major beaches in Santa Barbara: Leadbetter, West and East...East Beach is the best stretch to catch some rays without being mobbed by crowds." Full review
