1 / 2Sugarplum zoo
📍 Temecula, CA
Intimate mountaintop petting zoo featuring rescued goats, alpacas, pigs, chickens, and more. On-site chocolate shop and gelato bar; free parking available. Located in Temecula's wine country with mountain views.
LOVED this place. It was where I chose to go for my 62nd birthday. The animals were so beautiful. So many to pet and feed. Others just to look at & admire (the ones with horns!). I got to meet and pet Star the welcome chicken, saw Augustus the pig hanging out around the side and he was just as lovely as could be. I petted his belly while he grunted happily. Zeus the camel was funny and majestic. The alpacas, goats, highland cow, zebras, the zonkey! What?!?! So many others. I took so many pictures. All so cool to see and interact with. The owner is a doll and chatted with me a bit. Everyone working here was so warm and welcoming and obviously all loved the animals. If that wasn't enough...there was chocolate! They make their own chocolates. They give you a free sample, but we also bought several others. They were SO yummy. They also have wine tasting & gelato, although we didn't do that this trip. Don't miss the amazing B & W pics of the animals inside the chocolate shop. Best birthday ever. My kind of place. Go support this lovely place!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families who want an intimate, story-driven animal encounter rather than a large zoo format. Kids can touch and engage with most animals directly. The chocolate and gelato add a treat layer that makes the stop feel celebratory. Groups of four to six are ideal — the space becomes crowded with larger parties.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →622 Google reviews
Julia H
2 months ago
“LOVED this place. It was where I chose to go for my 62nd birthday. The animals were so beautiful. So many to pet and feed. Others just to look at & admire (the ones with horns!). I got to meet and pet Star the welcome chicken, saw Augustus the pig hanging out around the side and he was just as lovely as could be. I petted his belly while he grunted happily. Zeus the camel was funny and majestic. The alpacas, goats, highland cow, zebras, the zonkey! What?!?! So many others. I took so many pictures. All so cool to see and interact with. The owner is a doll and chatted with me a bit. Everyone working here was so warm and welcoming and obviously all loved the animals. If that wasn't enough...there was chocolate! They make their own chocolates. They give you a free sample, but we also bought several others. They were SO yummy. They also have wine tasting & gelato, although we didn't do that this trip. Don't miss the amazing B & W pics of the animals inside the chocolate shop. Best birthday ever. My kind of place. Go support this lovely place!”
Alex Licona
4 months ago
“I was driving through the area during my lunch break and spotted a gelato sign that caught my eye. We decided to step inside and were greeted by one of the most friendly and warm people I’ve ever met. We enjoyed our gelato while listening to fascinating stories about the rescued zoo animals. The owner arrived and greeted us, and even gave us a free pass to see the animals. The place was spotless and had breathtaking views. If you’re looking for a fun and enjoyable family outing, where you can savor gelato and sip on wine, I highly recommend this place.”
Kathleen Geraud
4 months ago
“All the animals were super friendly and well loved. They were really happy to be pet and such love in their eyes, it was very sweet. The workers all seemed very passionate about their jobs and the animals. The chocolates were fantastic and really well made.”
Neenah Sar
a month ago
“Awesome! Place! So Cute! Love All The Animals. Very Welcoming And Friendly Staff. :) Great To Bring Your Kids And Families. And For A Quick Date”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Sugarplum Zoo combines close-contact rescued animal encounters with an artisan chocolate shop and gelato bar. Visitors pet and interact with goats, alpacas, pigs, and a resident chicken named Star. The owner shares stories about each animal's rescue background. Space is sparse, so the experience feels personal rather than crowded. Chocolate samples are offered; the house-made chocolates are frequently praised. Located on a mountain property within Temecula's wine country.
