1 / 2Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary
📍 Summerland, CA
Nonprofit rescue sanctuary housing 50+ companion parrots in tropical gardens 3.5 miles south of Santa Barbara. Docent-led tours and behind-the-scenes experiences available. Interactive birds that dance and engage with visitors.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Animal-loving families with children of any age will find this sanctuary genuinely engaging - the birds' personalities are distinct and their interactivity is immediate. The intimate scale means kids aren't overwhelmed, and the rescue angle gives parents a natural way to introduce empathy for animals.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →58 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Kelli Butler
7 months ago
“If you love birds, especially parrots, you have to check out this place! Beautiful amazing birds in cages with stories telling you about each one. So wonderful there is a place to take care of these birds, some of which had previous traumatic experiences. The birds are very interactive especially when we turned on some dance music, hilarious! Only $15, and even a Groupon for cheaper, although definitely worth it to donate more.”
Ilse McClary
10 months ago
“Charming, cozy bird sanctuary, nestled in Summerland was very well-kept. The birds were playful and personable, competing for out attention and putting on a show! Well worth the trip, and can't wait to visit again. 🤗”
Matt Archer
3 years ago
“The Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Summerland approx 3.5 miles South of Santa Barbara. Amazing atmosphere for the more than 50 resident birds. We loved the time spent with many of the beautiful birds, some as old as Sweety a Citron Cockatoo hatched in 1965! Honorable mention to Bobby Houdini, Darby, and Jerry as well! We will definitely make this a must visit place when traveling in and around Santa Barbara!”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary houses over 50 rescued parrots in lush gardens near the Pacific Ocean. Docent-led tours introduce visitors to individual birds and their rescue histories, with some birds - including Sweety the Citron Cockatoo, hatched in 1965 - having decades of story. The birds are highly interactive: they dance, talk, and actively compete for visitor attention. Behind-the-scenes experiences available. The sanctuary also boards birds and sells bird food and toys.
