So what if the Santa Barbara Zoo, at 30 acres, is only a fraction of the size of the L.A. Zoo (80 acres) and San Diego Zoo (100 acres)?  The Santa Barbara Zoo is a great place to visit.  The landscaping is beautiful.  The park is very low key and clean.  The Pacific Ocean is just steps away and the cool breezes make this a nice part of a day trip to Santa Barbara.

There are over 500 animals at this zoo and my family's favorites include the giraffes and the penguins.  You've gotta go up and feed the giraffes, where you are situated face to face with these friendly looking characters.  You practically feel like you're at Toys r Us at this exhibit.  We sat mesmerized at the penguin exhibit, where you are treated to happy go lucky penguins frolicking and up to their shenanigans in the water.

There are plenty of other animals, exhibits and places in the park to just hang out and have a picnic lunch.  And our young fellers certainly enjoyed the train ride around the park.

So drive the 45 miles up the coast, take the kids to the zoo, grab a bite, feel the sand, do some shopping and you've got yourself a nice day out.  Better yet, buy a tax-deductible zoo membership and visit the zoo several times per year with the kids.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is located at 500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara.  For more information, visit www.sbzoo.org or call 805.962.5339 or 805.962.6310.