Charles Paddock Zoo

With acres of nature preserves, parks, beaches, and hills teeming with animal life, a vacation to San Luis Obispo is always an adventure. Within a short drive from San Luis Obispo, your family can visit the elephant seals at San Simeon, the zebras and other private zoo animals roaming freely at Hearst Castle, the butterflies at Monarch Grove in Pismo Beach, and the sea otters in Morro Bay.

If you want to visit with different species all at one time, be sure to head to the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero. Established in 1955, this animal preserve is now a fully accredited zoo, exhibiting hundreds of animal species both locally and from around the world on 5 wooded acres. Situated in beautiful Atascadero Lake Park, Charles Paddock Zoo remains true to its commitment for wild animal conservation, propagation, and management. Catch a glimpse of local and exotic animals like sloths, porcupines, pythons, tigers, monkeys, foxes, turtles, flamingoes and many other wildlife attractions at the zoo. Kids can learn about rare species and wildlife conservation while enjoying family fun at affordable prices.

From Ice Cream Zoofaris to the Animal Olympics, there is a fun event planned for everyone to enjoy. The zoo even offers “Party Animal” packages for kids to host their birthday parties on site. Unique gifts, as well as refreshments and strollers,  are available at the newly opened gift shop.

Spend a day with your loved ones up close with some of the rarest animals in the world at the Charles Paddock Zoo, it will be an experience enjoyed by all.