The Best Hotels Closest to Santa Barbara Zoo in Santa Barbara 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 sunny outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers.

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

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 marina with numerous boats docked, calm water, and clear skies.

1. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

hampton

₩261,942

₩298,614 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

A door with a glass panel reflecting a building and a number '1' on the wall.

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

A parking lot with white buildings and trees in the background.

2. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

Laguna, 3.2 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Maria

₩168,357

₩292,514 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

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

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

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

3. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Laguna, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Patrice

₩247,065

₩382,245 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 27 - Oct 28

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

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

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

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

4. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Abby

₩280,324

₩319,569 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 27 - Oct 28

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

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

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 dining room with a fireplace, a chandelier, and a kitchen area with cabinets and a microwave.

5. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Arlen

₩298,854

₩340,693 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

A staircase leading to a living area with a sofa and a coffee table.

6. Casa Yano by The Beach

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jacob

₩360,009

₩549,690 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

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

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.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with bar stools.

7. Beach House Inn

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Tim

₩225,399

₩256,955 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

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 living room with a large window, a sofa, a coffee table, and a patterned armchair.

8. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Rachita

₩293,477

₩343,263 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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 large, historic building with arched windows and a central tower, surrounded by palm trees.

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

9. Santa Barbara Inn

East Beach, 0.7 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

melanie

₩392,318

₩448,138 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

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

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.

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a view of the outdoors.

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

10. Hotel Santa Barbara

Lower State, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Karri

₩308,431

₩358,644 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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

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

A cozy living room with a bar area, comfortable seating, and a large window with plants.

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

11. Palihouse Santa Barbara

3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Maria

₩543,000

₩620,078 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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

A hot tub area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a pool, and palm trees in the background.

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.

12. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Amanda

₩310,392

₩353,846 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 28 - Oct 29

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.

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

A dining area with a wooden table, grey chairs, a black floor lamp, and a cityscape painting on the wall.

13. The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Bob

₩232,119

₩264,616 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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

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

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

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.

14. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

hoan

₩372,270

₩425,114 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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

A beach view with palm trees and a clear sky.

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.

15. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

East Beach, 0.6 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Tammy

₩161,814

₩184,783 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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

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

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

16. The Eagle Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Julian

₩389,949

₩444,542 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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

A living room with a TV, a painting, and a red chair with a patterned pillow.

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.

17. Castillo Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Eli James

₩207,160

₩236,569 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

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

A beachside path with bicycles, palm trees, and a clear sky.

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

18. Lavender Inn by the Sea

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Noah

₩340,258

₩388,568 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

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

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

A seaside patio with wicker chairs, a view of the marina, and palm trees.

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.

19. Harbor View Inn

West Beach, 2.5 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jodi

₩414,038

₩472,003 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk, and a nightstand.

A modern kitchen with a central island, wooden flooring, and a dining area with orange chairs and a table.

A lobby with a wooden floor, two patterned armchairs, a small table, and a wall with three framed pictures.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a large window with a view of palm trees and a balcony.

20. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Joseph

₩194,258

₩232,010 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

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Compare popular hotels close to Santa Barbara Zoo

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Marina Beach Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 1,183 reviews	View
Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 312 reviews	View
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 327 reviews	View
Harbor House Inn	9.8 Exceptional 1,000 reviews	View
La Playa Inn	9.6 Exceptional 1,002 reviews	View

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Beachside Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Great staff."

The Franciscan Hotel

8/10 Good

"Nice place always welcoming."

La Playa Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Great stay! Super helpful staff. Beds were comfortable. Water pressure and temperature in shower was great. Quiet property. AC worked great. Easy walking distance to things nearby. Very happy with our stay and would recommend!"

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent

"Great"

Montecito Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Friendly staff and walkable restaurants/shopping areas. Highly recommend this place! It is so clean and well maintained!"

The Milo

8/10 Good

"Nice location- Pool was well-maintained. My bathroom had hair in the shower when I arrived. And they weren’t able to grant me any sort of a late checkout. I felt like they were pressuring me out right at 11. It was fine-"

Santa Barbara Inn

10/10 Excellent

"We got a beautiful corner room with a balcony overlooking the pool! Loved it"

Palmoro House

10/10 Excellent

"It’s cool annex spot w access to all amenities in main hotel. Would recommend"

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 biking 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 browsing the exhibits at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center during your travels in Santa Barbara. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

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Municipal Tennis Center

Catch an event at Municipal Tennis Center during your trip to Santa Barbara. Check out 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 biking 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 biking 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 savor 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, check out the 85 hotels and other accommodations 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 traveler 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 Santa Barbara Inn.

How many hotels are there close to Santa Barbara Zoo?

Expedia has 85 hotels and other accommodations 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, most hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of check in. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Plug in your dates, click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals near Santa Barbara Zoo.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Santa Barbara Zoo?

To find more details about changing or cancelling your stay near Santa Barbara Zoo, head over to our customer service page.

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 El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. 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 transportation options, exploring the area around Santa Barbara Zoo is easy. To venture out into the surrounding area, hop on a train at Santa Barbara Station. You can explore water travel options at the local port.

Find hotels near Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara from ₩184,783

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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. Marina Beach Hotel

2. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

3. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

4. Harbor House Inn

5. La Playa Inn

6. Casa Yano by The Beach

7. Beach House Inn

8. Mason Beach Inn

9. Santa Barbara Inn

10. Hotel Santa Barbara

11. Palihouse Santa Barbara

12. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

13. The Franciscan Hotel

14. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

15. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

16. The Eagle Inn

17. Castillo Inn at the Beach

18. Lavender Inn by the Sea

19. Harbor View Inn

20. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Compare popular hotels close to Santa Barbara Zoo

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Beachside Inn

The Franciscan Hotel

La Playa Inn

Hotel Santa Barbara

Montecito Inn

The Milo

Santa Barbara Inn

Palmoro House

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