The Best Hotels Closest to Santa Barbara Zoo in Santa Barbara - 2026 Updated Prices

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 parking lot with white buildings and trees in the background.

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.

1. Casa Jardin, a ZenStay Hotel

Laguna, 3.2 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Maria

฿3,845

฿6,867 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

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

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

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

฿4,825

฿7,986 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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.

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

Lori

฿5,558

฿6,336 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

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

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

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.

4. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Laguna, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Matthew

฿5,841

฿9,143 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

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

A bathroom with white tiled walls, a showerhead, and a shelf with toiletries.

5. Harbor House Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

James

฿5,856

฿6,675 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

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

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

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

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

6. La Playa Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Nick

฿6,643

฿7,574 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

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

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

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

7. Casa Yano by The Beach

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jacob

฿6,669

฿11,043 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Nov - 4 Nov

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

8. Hotel Santa Barbara

Lower State, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Karri

฿8,126

฿9,449 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 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 dining area with a wooden table, grey chairs, a black floor lamp, and a cityscape painting on the wall.

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

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.

9. The Franciscan Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Bob

฿4,647

฿5,297 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

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

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

10. Palihouse Santa Barbara

3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Maria

฿13,412

฿15,316 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

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 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.

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

11. Santa Barbara Inn

East Beach, 0.7 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

melanie

฿9,690

฿11,069 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Oct - 31 Oct

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

A hotel room with two beds, a ceiling fan, and artwork on the walls.

A modern living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a ceiling fan.

12. Beach House Inn

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Tim

฿7,442

฿8,484 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

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

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.

13. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Amanda

฿8,250

฿9,405 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

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

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

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.

14. Mason Beach Inn

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Rachita

฿8,721

฿10,160 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 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 swimming pool with a tiled border, a potted plant, and a staircase with colorful tiles.

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

15. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Richard

฿8,485

฿9,689 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

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.

16. The Eagle Inn

West Beach, 2.9 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Michele

฿8,584

฿9,785 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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

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

17. Castillo Inn at the Beach

West Beach, 3 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Wesley

฿4,996

฿5,705 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

A beach view with palm trees and a clear sky.

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees.

18. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

East Beach, 0.6 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Tammy

฿3,997

฿4,564 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

19. Lavender Inn by the Sea

West Beach, 3.1 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Brandon

฿7,487

฿8,549 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

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

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.

20. Harbor View Inn

West Beach, 2.5 km from Santa Barbara Zoo

Jodi

฿10,394

฿11,850 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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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 317 reviews	View
Casa De La Vina, a ZenStay Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 220 reviews	View
Marina Beach Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 1,196 reviews	View
Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel	9.8 Exceptional 339 reviews	View
Harbor House Inn	9.8 Exceptional 1,002 reviews	View

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

8/10 Good

"Great one night stop. Served my needs."

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Price was too high for what you get. Dont have a tall vehicle. We had to find parking. The place is Beautiful"

Montecito Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Considering the location (Monticeto, and on the Pacific Ocean) this small luxury hotel is an excellent bargain. Definitely recommend upgrading to an ocean view. Easy proximity to Santa Barbara, Lotusland, the Huntington, and many historic sights made this a delightful stay. Continental breakfast had limited choices but very high quality."

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Apparently the original Motel 6!"

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"location, staff"

Hotel Californian

8/10 Good

"Beautiful property and location. Helpful and friendly staff. What a beautiful city! 2 minor gripes: Could not stream with their chrome cast platform. Staff tried to help but didn’t know what iPhone settings need to be changed. Hot tub out of order."

Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

8/10 Good

"Staff was great,location not but a block or so from beach but a bit of a walk to the wharf, older property but clean but pretty out dated, could have had a better continental breakfast. Parking is on-site but tight. Great place to stay if your looking for a full kitchen"

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

8/10 Good

"Great location, easy parking, delightful staff & clean comfortable rooms. Somehow mosquitos got in our room and had a great feast. Other than the sky vampires, an absolutely great hotel."

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 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 85 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 Santa Barbara Inn.

How many hotels are there close to Santa Barbara Zoo?

Expedia has 85 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 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 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.

Search Hotels Near Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

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. Marina Beach Hotel

4. Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

5. Harbor House Inn

6. La Playa Inn

7. Casa Yano by The Beach

8. Hotel Santa Barbara

9. The Franciscan Hotel

10. Palihouse Santa Barbara

11. Santa Barbara Inn

12. Beach House Inn

13. West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

14. Mason Beach Inn

15. Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

16. The Eagle Inn

17. Castillo Inn at the Beach

18. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

19. Lavender Inn by the Sea

20. Harbor View Inn

Compare popular hotels close to Santa Barbara Zoo

Top Santa Barbara Zoo Hotel Reviews

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Casa Riviera, a ZenStay Hotel

Montecito Inn

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

Hotel Californian

Pacific Crest Hotel Santa Barbara

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

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