Santa Barbara has always been one of my favorite California getaways—it’s got the perfect blend of beachy charm, stunning Spanish architecture, and an easy, laid-back vibe. We did our babymoon there, and I was so excited to return with Roman!
From interactive museums to beach picnics and mini boat rides, Santa Barbara is such a fun destination for traveling with kids. Before we get into all the top things to do with kids, I thought I’d share a few options for places to stay and dine.
Family-Friendly Hotel Options in SB
There are plenty of kid-friendly places to stay in Santa Barbara, from the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront that’s right across the street from the beach, to a luxury experience at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
For this trip, we opted for the Residence Inn in Goleta as an affordable, practical option just 15-minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. We appreciated the spacious room and kitchen, and Roman could not get enough of the outdoor areas and huge chessboard.
Family-Friendly Restaurant Picks in SB
There are plenty of great options for dining out with kids—our favorites include Lucky Penny for casual but delicious pizza, the Santa Barbara Public Market for a variety of quick bites, Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio for a relaxed outdoor vibe, and Reunion Kitchen + Drink for a slightly elevated yet kid-friendly beachside option.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer family vacation, here are some of the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids.
1. Spend the Day at the Beach
You really can’t go wrong with a beach day in Santa Barbara. Our favorite family-friendly spots are East Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach). East Beach has calm waves and plenty of space to spread out, or you can rent cute chairs and an umbrella at The Barbara Beach Club. Butterfly Beach is a bit quieter and perfect for sunset. Hendry’s is extra convenient with restrooms, easy parking, and The Boathouse restaurant right on the sand—ideal for grabbing lunch or a glass of wine while your kiddo plays nearby.
2. Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo
If you’re traveling with little ones, the Santa Barbara Zoo is a must. It’s small enough to do in a few hours but still packed with fun experiences. Our toddler loved the giraffe feeding, and the little Zoo Train that loops around the grounds was such a hit. Plus, the zoo sits on a hill with gorgeous ocean views—so even the parents get something out of it.
Pro tip: go early in the morning before it gets too hot (and before nap time kicks in!).
3. Discover MOXI: The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
This was hands-down one of the coolest kid-friendly spots we visited. MOXI is a science and creativity museum that’s all about hands-on fun—think water tables, sound labs, light experiments, and a giant marble run wall. Roman did not want to leave!
It’s three floors of interactive exhibits, capped off by a rooftop with ocean views and fun wind and motion experiments. You’ll find yourself just as entertained as your kids here.
4. Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History & Sea Center
There are actually two spots to check out here: the main Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center down on Stearns Wharf. The main museum is full of fascinating natural exhibits—think dinosaur fossils, local wildlife, and even a small planetarium. The Sea Center is smaller but super engaging for little ones, with touch tanks, jellyfish displays, and lots of opportunities to get hands-on with ocean science. Both are great options for a morning outing or a midday break from the sun.
5. Take a Stroll Down Stearns Wharf
You can’t visit Santa Barbara without walking Stearns Wharf—it’s such a classic. Grab a cone from The Great Pacific Ice Cream Co., peek into the Sea Center, spot sea lions lounging, or just enjoy the views of the coastline. It’s also one of the best sunset spots in town, and a fun place to snap a few family photos.
6. Ride the Lil’ Toot Water Taxi
The Lil’ Toot Water Taxi takes you between Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor in about 15 minutes. It’s short enough for little attention spans, but still gives you that fun “we’re on a boat!” moment. Kids can wave at other boats, spot pelicans, and enjoy the sea breeze. Highly recommend as a little adventure between other activities.
7. Picnic and Play at Chase Palm Park
Right across from East Beach, Chase Palm Park is perfect for a family picnic. There’s tons of grassy space, palm trees, and a super fun shipwreck-themed playground that kids go crazy for. We grabbed lunch to-go, spread out a blanket, and let our little one run around while we relaxed and took in the ocean views. Simple but such a fun afternoon.
8. Stop by Godmothers Bookstore
Godmothers is cozy, charming, and has a wonderful children’s section filled with picture books, puzzles, and gifts. It’s the perfect quiet stop after a busy morning—grab a coffee, browse some books, and maybe pick out a new bedtime story for the trip.
9. Explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
If you’re craving some nature beyond the beach, head to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. It’s such a peaceful, beautiful spot, with trails winding through native California plants, redwood trees, and stunning mountain and ocean views. There are easy stroller-friendly paths, bridges to explore, and lots of space for kids to roam. Bring snacks and enjoy a calm hour or two surrounded by nature.
10. Go For a Family Bike Ride
One of my favorite ways to take in Santa Barbara’s beautiful coastline is by bike. There are several rental spots along Cabrillo Boulevard where you can pick up beach cruisers, e-bikes, or surreys (those fun four-wheeled bikes the whole family can pedal together). The Cabrillo Bike Path runs right along the waterfront and is super easy and scenic—perfect for riders of all ages. Older kids can ride their own bikes, while little ones can ride in trailers or baby seats. It’s such a relaxing way to explore the city, get some fresh air, and stop along the way for beach views or ice cream breaks.
Santa Barbara really is such an easy, family-friendly getaway—it has all the beauty and relaxation of a luxe coastal escape, but with tons of activities that keep kids happy and entertained. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, exploring interactive museums, or just enjoying the sunshine, it’s the kind of destination that works for every age and stage. If you’re planning your next California family trip, definitely add Santa Barbara to your list—you’ll leave refreshed, sandy, and full of good memories.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
