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

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

A kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, and sink. There are shelves above holding glasses, plates, and a framed picture.

1. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

Laguna, 3.2 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Maria

₩171,100

₩295,391 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 27 - Oct 28

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

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

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

A white building with a red-tiled roof, a covered entrance, and a garden with various plants.

2. Casa De La Vina, a ZenStay Hotel

3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jhoana

₩255,910

₩392,404 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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

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

A spacious living area with a modern staircase, a dining table, and a sofa.

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

3. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Laguna, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Patrice

₩261,385

₩398,648 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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.

4. Marina Beach Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

hampton

₩306,245

₩349,120 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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

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.

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

5. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Abby

₩280,541

₩319,817 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 27 - Oct 28

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.

6. Casa Yano by The Beach

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jacob

₩372,344

₩563,859 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

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.

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

7. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Arlen

₩322,167

₩367,271 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

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".

8. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Amanda

₩299,084

₩340,956 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 28 - Oct 29

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

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

₩392,621

₩448,485 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

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

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

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

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

10. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Rachita

₩294,466

₩344,416 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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

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

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

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

11. Palihouse Santa Barbara

3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Maria

₩543,420

₩620,559 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

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

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

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.

12. The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Bob

₩212,791

₩242,582 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

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

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.

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

13. Beach House Inn

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Tim

₩226,158

₩257,820 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

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

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

14. Hotel Santa Barbara

Lower State, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Karri

₩308,669

₩358,921 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

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.

A swimming pool with a tiled border, a potted plant, and a staircase with colorful tiles.

15. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

hoan

₩354,491

₩404,811 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

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

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees.

16. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

East Beach, 0.6 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Tammy

₩184,140

₩210,287 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 27 - Oct 28

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

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

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

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

17. Lavender Inn by the Sea

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Noah

₩273,583

₩312,418 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

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

A hotel reception desk with a computer monitor, a newspaper, and a sign stating "NO PETS - NO CHECKS - NO LATE CHECK-OUTS".

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

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

18. Castillo Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Eli James

₩202,424

₩231,157 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

19. Harbor View Inn

West Beach, 2.5 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jodi

₩414,358

₩472,368 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

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

20. The Eagle Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Julian

₩391,262

₩446,039 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

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Compare popular hotels close to Santa Barbara Zoo

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 312 reviews	View
Casa De La Vina, a ZenStay Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 218 reviews	View
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 325 reviews	View
Marina Beach Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 1,187 reviews	View
Harbor House Inn	9.8 Exceptional 1,000 reviews	View

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Santa Barbara Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Outstanding Property Great staff and service"

Beachside Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Great place - location service room staff - all! Very professional caring… b’fast and happy hour w/wine cheese grapes - all inclusive! Oceanfront near great food and promenade."

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was perfect. Even though the hotel does not have a restaurant/market, you walk out the doors and within a few yards there is everything you need. Hands down the best location in all of downtown Santa Barbra. Will only stay here in the future."

Hotel Californian

10/10 Excellent

"Wonderful Visually Stunning to a designer’s eyes !"

The Inn at East Beach

8/10 Good

"The property was fabulous for my needs ~ definitely recommend !"

Riviera Beach House

8/10 Good

"The wifi was shaky where we were, so beware back of the building. Also toward the back, the garbage truck went by very early and was loud, sure to wake you up. The rooms were very small, ok if you are ok with Japanese size. The staff was great. Keep in in mind there is no restaurant/bar. The location is excellent."

The Franciscan Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Comfortably sized room, clean, well appointed. Pretty grounds. Walking distance to the beach and to restaurants, yet still quiet."

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Such a lovely place. We received a really warm welcome on arrival and this set the tone for our entire trip. The team at Brisas del Mar are fabulous - so friendly and helpful. Our room was spacious with great facilities - a huge comfortable bed and a great shower. The breakfast was simple but really handy to start the day. Perfect location for walking to the marina and the town. Highly recommended"

La Playa Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Great stay at La Playa Inn. Check in was super easy. Front desk gave us a map of the town, told us all the hot spots, how to get around, and recommendations. Rooms were very spacious and super comfortable. Beds/pillows very comfortable…better than many hotels I’ve stayed at. Bathroom was very clean and quite large. Amenities were great - they have a small courtyard on ground floor to hang out at along with sofas and couches on each floor. Decor felt like I was at a resort. Parking was free and a ton of spaces. Breakfast was good, plenty of single packaged breakfast items along with cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, coffee, etc. Location was literally across the street from the marina/beach. The nightlife spots were a 20min walk, not too bad and at no point did I feel unsafe walking at 10-11pm coming back from the town center or at 6am walking to the beach to catch the sunrise. The town was a very nice small beach town with incredibly friendly people. I honestly wasn’t expecting much from La Playa Inn or the town but was genuinely blown away by how nice it was. Only stayed 1 night but lowkey wish I was there longer. I highly recommend La Playa Inn and will recommend for any friends/family going to Santa Barbara in the future."

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 ₩210,287

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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. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

2. Casa De La Vina, a ZenStay Hotel

3. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

4. Marina Beach Hotel

5. Harbor House Inn

6. Casa Yano by The Beach

7. La Playa Inn

8. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

9. Santa Barbara Inn

10. Mason Beach Inn

11. Palihouse Santa Barbara

12. The Franciscan Hotel

13. Beach House Inn

14. Hotel Santa Barbara

15. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

16. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

17. Lavender Inn by the Sea

18. Castillo Inn at the Beach

19. Harbor View Inn

20. The Eagle Inn

Compare popular hotels close to Santa Barbara Zoo

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Santa Barbara Inn

Beachside Inn

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Californian

The Inn at East Beach

Riviera Beach House

The Franciscan Hotel

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

La Playa 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