Central Coast Zoos And Wildlife Sanctuaries

Discover the wild side of California’s Central Coast, where intimate zoos and sprawling wildlife sanctuaries bring you face-to-face with everything from towering giraffes and playful meerkats to ocean-loving sea otters and majestic elephant seals. Whether you’re seeking hands-on animal encounters, scenic paddles through marshes, or a front-row seat to nature’s greatest comebacks, this region offers unforgettable adventures for families, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Central Coast Zoo

Formerly the Charles Paddock Zoo, this five-acre, AZA-accredited gem celebrated its 70th anniversary by adopting the name Central Coast Zoo in June 2025. Home to over 100 animals representing 45 species, it remains one of the smallest AZA-accredited zoos in the country, offering intimate encounters with Malayan tigers, slender-tailed meerkats, red pandas, and more.

Fun Activities

• Keeper Talks & Feedings: Drop by around 11 am for daily feedings—watch tortoises munch, meerkats scurry, and red pandas nibble while keepers share behind-the-scenes insights .
• Ice Cream Zoofari (June): Join the annual birthday-party celebration with ice cream treats, animal meet-and-greets, and kids’ crafts .
• “Zoo 2.0” Trails: Explore newly refreshed pathways and interactive signage installed as part of the summer 2025 rebrand, highlighting local conservation efforts .

Location: Atascadero Lake Park, 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA
Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Website: charlespaddockzoo.org/visit/

Santa Barbara Zoo

Perched above the Pacific on 30 lush acres, the Santa Barbara Zoo houses 600 animals across 160 species. From African Veldt giraffes to Humboldt penguins, each exhibit blends education with unbeatable ocean views.

Wildlife Experiences

• Giraffe Feeding Deck: Purchase lettuce at the feeding deck and hand-feed Masai giraffes while they stretch their necks for treats—ideal for memorable photos.
• Narrow-Gauge Zoo Train: All-aboard the C. P. Huntington locomotive for a scenic loop around the park, complete with narrated facts about zoo habitats.
• Ridley-Tree Animal Kitchen: Peek in on staff preparing 500+ customized meals—learn how nutrition keeps each species healthy.

Location: 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA
Hours: Daily, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (early closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas)
Website: www.sbzoo.org/visit

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Spanning 1,700 acres of tidal marsh and uplands, Elkhorn Slough is California’s second-largest estuary. It supports 340+ bird species, sea otters, harbor seals, and leopard sharks. The Visitor Center’s interactive exhibits introduce you to estuarine science.

Fun Activities

• Kayak & SUP Rentals: Glide among sea otters and herons on guided or self-guided kayak tours launched from the Visitor Center dock.
• Docent-Led Birding Tours: Join weekend walks (10 am & 1 pm) to spot snowy egrets, cormorants, and migratory shorebirds—binoculars recommended.
• Citizen Science & Beach Cleanups: Volunteer to monitor water quality or help remove debris, supporting ongoing habitat restoration.

Location: 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed Monday & Tuesday)
Website: elkhornslough.org/visit/

Moss Landing Wildlife Area

Managed by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, this 728-acre salt-marsh preserve offers prime viewing of harbor seals, sea otters, and wintering snowy plovers. Level trails wind through tidal flats and channels—all free, but pack water and snacks.

Fun Activities

• Birdwatching: Scan shoreline and salt ponds for black-crowned night herons, stilts, and shorebirds—bring a field guide!
• Photography: Capture marsh reflections at dawn or dramatic sunsets over Elkhorn Slough.
• Nature Walks & Picnics: Use the Highway 1 trailhead for easy strolls; picnic tables across from the boat ramp offer waterfront views.

Location: Along Highway 1 near Moss Landing Yacht Harbor, Moss Landing, CA
Hours: Daily, sunrise – sunset (open access; no fees or facilities)
Website: wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Moss-Landing-WA

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

This free, year-round rookery hosts thousands of northern elephant seals. Winter brings roaring battles between bulls; spring and summer showcase nursing mothers and playful pups. Safe boardwalks place you within 20 feet of the action.

Fun Activities

• Boardwalk Exploration: Wander 1 mile of ADA-accessible paths—docents and interpretive panels enhance your wildlife watching.
• Photography & Wildlife Combo: Pair seal viewing with nearby whale-watching excursions off San Simeon Bay for multi-species spotting.
• Seasonal Seashore Hikes: Use Boucher Trailheads north and south for brief hikes that loop back to panoramic coastal vistas.

Location: Highway 1, 7 miles north of Hearst Castle, San Simeon, CA
Hours: Boardwalk open daily during daylight; Visitor Center open daily, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Website: elephantseal.org/plan-your-visit/

Pacific Wildlife Care Rehabilitation Center

Since 1984, this nonprofit treats 700–1,000 injured or orphaned wild animals annually—from raptors to sea otters—with the goal of release back to nature. While treatment areas aren’t open for walk-ins, the center’s outreach brings ambassadors to the community.

Fun Activities

• Educational Ambassador Talks: Meet non-releasable birds of prey, learn rehab techniques, and get Q&A with wildlife biologists.
• Open House Events: Tour outdoor enclosures, chat with volunteers, and view behind-the-scenes care stations during seasonal open houses.
• Volunteer & Internship Programs: Hands-on opportunities range from animal care to facility maintenance and outreach support.

Location: 1387 Main Street, Morro Bay, CA
Hours: Daily, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Website: pacificwildlifecare.org/

Whether you’re feeding giraffes, paddling among otters, or photographing elephant seals, the Central Coast’s zoos and sanctuaries offer endless ways to connect with wildlife. Pack your sense of adventure—and a camera—and set out to explore!