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Location
Visitor tip
Visit with young children (especially ages 2-12) to maximize enjoyment. The zoo's small size makes it manageable for toddlers, and the wooded lake park setting with play equipment and paddleboat rentals provides additional activities beyond animal viewing.
Visitor tip
Check the online live animal cams before your visit to see which animals are most active and plan your route accordingly. This helps you avoid disappointment and make the most of your time at this smaller venue.
Best time
Attend special events like Ice Cream Zoofari (June 6) or Brew at the Zoo (September 12) for enhanced experiences and value beyond standard admission, especially if visiting during vacation time.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Location
- Atascadero, California
- Accreditation
- AZA accredited — only zoo on Central Coast
- Highlights
- 100+ animal species, paddleboats, play equipment, conservation programs
What visitors say
Love this Zoo! We have been going as locals for years now and really love all the new improvements and animals being added. Great for families 💕
We came to this zoo while we were on vacation in Pismo. We expected to see an abundante of animals. We were wrong. The entrance fee was $15 person. Which is pretty steep. Compared to other much larger zoos. Then when We entered it was…
My grandkids loved it (12 & 2). It is a small zoo but so clean and the animals very well taken care of. Loved the aviaries, lots of birds. There is a tiger, anteater I addition to the flamingos, of which 3 were nesting!
From 256 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Central Coast Zoo features about 100 animal species from around the world, including animals enrolled in globally managed conservation programs such as burrowing owls
- The zoo is located within a scenic wooded Lake Park setting in Atascadero, California, featuring paddleboat rentals on the lake as part of its interactive attractions
- The zoo hosts specialty events including Ice Cream Zoofari (June) and Brew at the Zoo (September), providing unique seasonal visitor experiences
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