Visiting Santa Barbara
See also: Driving to Santa Barbara from the Bay Area ... Moving to Santa Barbara ... Family Vacation Center at UCSB ... UC Santa Barbara
Parent Q&A
Santa Barbara is about five hours away and may meet your criteria. The ocean is noticeably warmer and there are opportunities to try surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. I'm not sure if you'll find a three bdrm rental within walking distance to the beach, but it's worth checking out your usual sites.
I'd recommend Santa Barbara. There's a unique, wooden sprawling playground at Alameda Park. Adjacent is the lovely Alice Keck Garden with winding pathways, turtles and ducks. On the pier is a small aquarium with neat exhibits and across from the beach is a carousel. We enjoyed the gem and mineral exhibit and a hands-on discovery room at the Museum of Natural History. There's a variety of shopping and dining options and an easygoing vibe in general. Since you have a whole week, you could explore beaches and towns up the coast like Pismo Beach or visit quaint Solvang.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Getaway to Santa Barbara for 50th birthday
Jan 2015
My best friend and I are both turning 50 in the spring and are planning a quick getaway to Santa Barbara for a few days. We've been friends since our teens and live in different cities.
I have only been to Santa Barbara once, to go camping 4 years ago so need advice on fun, funky things to do and also a good but affordable place to stay.
Any advice? Road-tripper
We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Goleta over the recent holidays. This is adjacent to SB and close to Univ of CA. The prices in Goleta are much cheaper than in SB, so if you find SB pricey, look at Goleta. Going to the state beach in SB and pedicabbing is fun. A sort of odd little tourist trap is Solvang, a Danish town sort of nearby. Have fun! anon
This webpage has a ton of info about activities in Santa Barbara: http://www.santabarbaracarfree.org/default.htm
There is so much to do in that area: beaches, walking around the wharf or the pier, restaurants and shops on State Street, wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, wine tasting in downtown Santa Barbara and the 'funk zone,' visiting the Santa Barbara Mission... etc. Hope you have a great trip! former SB resident
Santa Barbara has a lot to offer depending on what you like.
I don't know what you call affordable hotels. There is a lovely, quaint hotel with great service and a nice restaurant, not too far from downtown, the Upham on De La Vina, that runs about $275/night or so. There are cheaper hotels that are also okay, even have pools, but you need to book early. If you want to stay close to downtown, you may want to look into all the hotels along the ocean front close to State Street.
For activities I have a few things I would like to do, but I don't know your preferences. Sight seeing/exploring: Mission, Butterfly garden, Lotus Park, Boat tour (from SB or Ventura) I have never booked one, only gone with friends. Hiking: Rattlesnake trail (not dangerous, I promise), Channel Islands, San Marcos Pass: Painted caves/Knapp's castle and lots of other options. There are small cheap books on SB hikes if this is interesting to you.
Walking on beaches is also lovely. Beaches: preferably not the one at the head of State street exposed to the street. East beach (near the zoo) is for the young and beautiful (volleyball players). My favorites beaches for walks: Hendry's beach, Shoreline, Butterfly. Padaro is good for swimming and close to a small cute shopping area on Santa Claus lane with quaint cafe or outside Padaro grill. There are rentals for Kayaking, Paddle boards on State street close to wharf.
Going out on State Street is easy, but for local low key flair I would suggest Dargan's Pub, a Friday concert at the SoHo, a mean pool game at a decidedly local joint Elsies. Food: Endless options. Do not go to the stints on the wharf with one exception: Brophy Brothers at the harbor - preferably on Thursday evneing, starting your weekend early.
Try to find restaurants in side streets and a little up on State street. Trattoria Vittoria on Victoria Street is my favorite Italian. Sushi is better in the more expensive places. There are a number of decent Vietnamese restaurants, also in malls. There is a nice Greek restaurant across Arlington theater.
Spas: Again, lots of options. All pretty expensive, but it feels good since you can exhaust yourself sightseeing or hiking, have a small lunch, go to the spa, change for the evening, have dinner and go to a bar all within a square of 2 miles. You can actually walk up or down State street and hop on the bus to get back. No matter what you do, you will have a great time. Happy 50th.
Toddler activities in Santa Barbara
Nov 2012
We will be in Santa Barbara for New Year's Eve (four days) with three boys - ages 2,3 and 4. I know about the SB zoo and that great big park near downtown but are there other, recent recommendation of kid stuff and kid-friendly place to eat a meal out. Also, will the beach be too cold? Thanks. CSH
Los Arroyos is great casual Mexican restaurant in Santa Barbara. Shoreline cafe is a great place for a breakfast or lunch. You can eat at the tables right on the beach and sometimes catch a glimpse of some dolphins. The kids might have a fun time renting the large bikes, I think the kids would be old enough to sit in the back. The water will be pretty cold, but the kids could dip there toes in at anyone of the beach in Santa Barbara or montecito or build sand castles. Browsing the shops and restaurants on state street. Heather
Just wanted to pipe in since you only got one response. I am from the SB area, and the last time we visited my son was three. We took him to the zoo which is lovely. There is a small aquarium on the wharf that is also nice. It is quite small but there are some hands-on activities (e.g., touching starfish). On nice days there is apparently a little boat that will take kids out on the water from the wharf. There is also a nice playground near the wharf on the main street that runs along the water. We didn't make it this time, but I remember going to the Natural History Museum there as a kid. There's quite a bit to do and many casual, tasty restaurants. Enjoy! beach girl
The marine center (Warner Center?) is a nice little place to spend a few hours on a rainy morning. It's on Stearns Wharf. The museum of Natural History is also fun, depending on the exhibits. They do have some nice resident exhibits on central coast , and Chumash (Native American) life. Over the summer they had a butterfly exhibit, and dinosaurs, but I'm guessing they are over. If the weather's nice, take a walk down the outdoor path, for lean-to/shelter building, and they have a little creek area that kids can play, buckets, water pump.
Not sure about restaurants, specific for kids. If the weather's nice, and you don't mind a little drive South, Padaro Grill, in Summerland is great. They usually have some fish dish (you can get it not fried), and other standard burger,etc. They have a great outdoor picnic, enclosed area with sandbox, and kids can run around. The train rumbles by every once in awhile, which is a great event in our family.
Natural cafe is also good food, casual place, salads/soups/sandwiches. There are a few locations. Have fun! Former SBer with tots
Kids world (Alameda park) in the downtown area is also really cool for kids. And across the street from that park is Alice Keck park - perfect place to bring a picnic and watch the koi fish and turtles play. Have fun! SB is the BEST! former SB'er
Inexpensive hotel in Santa Barbara for 2 nights?
April 2008
Anyone have a recommendation for a hotel in Santa Barbara for a couple-night stay on our drive down to L.A.? We want to just play on the beach and go to the zoo with our 2 kids (1 and 4) to break up the road trip, but don't want to spend a fortune on accomodations.... kht
Nothing fancy, but there is a Motel 6 that is one (or two?) blocks from the beach in Santa Barbara that I stayed at once. Clean and decent, no frills. More expensive than the usual Motel 6 room, but it was close to the beach in Santa Barbara and cheaper than other hotels. And you won't have to worry about your little ones destroying the rooms because there is not much to destroy. I think it's this one: http://www.motel6.com/ Andi
We just stayed at the Best Western Encina Lodge, which was very nice, in a residential neighborhood close to downtown. It's next to the hospital but it wasn't loud. I got a government rate, but I think it was reasonable for Santa Barbara. It's hard to find something inexpensive there. Annie
The Motel 6 in Santa Barbara is right near the beach. I believe this is THE original Motel 6... UCSB grad
You didn't mention what you considered a reasonable rate. I just spent a few days looking at B and hotels for July this year. I didn't look at the 2-star ones like Motel 6. The 3-stars and up ones started at around $150 plus 12% tax. I was not willing to spend more than $200 for a queen.
In any case, I ended up choosing Casa Del Mar because they had either kitchenettes or full kitchen, depending on the size of the room you wanted. Be sure you ask for them. This was great as I have an infant. The rooms also looked big enough to fit a playpen. It's right next to the beach and a few blocks from State street, the main tourist attraction.
I think there were also a few regular hotels like Holiday Inn that were very close to State street.
Try tripadvisor.com for reviews. You kind of get a sense of what people complain about for particular hotels. anon
Baby friendly Santa Barbara hotel
Sept 2007
My husband and I will be traveling to Santa Barbara in December with our 18 month old. I'm looking for some recommendations of a decent but not over the top place to stay that's baby friendly. I've looked at the older postings, and didn't find too much. Any suggestions appreciated. Thx!
It's not specifically *baby*-friendly, but we found the Franciscan Inn in Santa Barbara to be family-friendly, a good value, and a great location (a block from the beach). It has a pool and hot tub. Enjoy your trip! Santa Barbara vacationer
Re: February vacation resort for baby and toddler? (Jan 2006)
We recently visited Santa Barbara with the toddler and baby and had a fabulous time. We felt that we did not have to go far for beautiful beaches, great weather, lodging, dining, and activity. We stayed at the Fess Parker Double Tree Resort, but they also have a Four Seasons Biltmore and Bacara Resort on the higher end. We had friends that rented a home instead at www.vrbo.com
If I could recommend one thing, it is to rent baby and toddler equipment. We went to www.SBBabyCo.com and the service was just what we needed to help us feel pampered. There are other companies that do the same thing around the US at www.baby- equipment-rental.com - also use www.newparentsguide.com for travel tips.
Most of all, focus on relaxation more than destination! Melissa
Santa Barbara with a toddler - hotel?
Aug 2006
We are heading down to Santa Barbara late in Sept. for a baby shower. We are traveling with our son who is almost two and will be there from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. My husband and I have never been there and so are very unfamiliar with it (although we do know there is a great zoo). I have checked the archives and there are only two hotels recommended. Does anyone have any other kid friendly/ economical recommendations for a place to stay in Santa Barbara? Thanks! Brenda
editor note: tripadvisor.com is the best place to get reviews of lodgings
I recently stayed in Santa Barbara with my teenage son, and I agree with the editor that tripadvisor.com is a good resource. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on Haley Street. I recommend it, as long as you aren't on the first floor. With a toddler, The Best Western Pepper Tree Inn may be a good option as it is across the street from the La Cumbre shopping center. I have no first hand experience at the Best Western. I'm reasonably familar with Santa Barbara, but am not aware of any well known zoo as the original poster indicated Santa Barbara Visitor
Santa Barbara romantic weekend
Feb 2006
We are considering a romantic weekend getaway to Santa Barbara and are looking for a recommendation of a place to stay. Does anyone know of a great place to stay while exploring Santa Barbara? Doesn't need to be fancy, but cozy and romantic would be perfect! Lori
For a romantic getaway in SB, you can't do better than to stay at the Hotel Andalucia downtown. It's a boutique hotel, fairly new, but close to everything and absolutely stunning down to the smallest detail. More Spain than Spain. Make sure you check out their roof deck - best view in all of SB. Have a drink and some tapas at Intermezzo near the Lobero Theater and you've got a weekend to remember. Have a lovely time! Julie T.
Try the Hotel Oceana in Santa Barbara. Great beds, right on the beach, pool, hip and fun and romantic. Have fun! sbwinchester
For a romantic getaway in Santa Barbara I recommend the Upham hotel. It is in upper downtown. Check out their website.
May 2005
Re: 10th Anniversary romantic getaway
Before we had kids we used to spend our anniversaries at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara (actually in Montecito, a suburb of Santa Barbara, as I recall). It is a very special place--individual cabins nestled in the beautiful landscaping, each with its own decor. Fireplaces, sitting rooms, beautiful furnishings, many antiques, etc. There is a wonderful restaurant on the premises, and Santa Barbara is nearby for sightseeing, shopping, etc. There are tennis courts, a pool, etc. I've never been there in the winter, but in the summer it is wonderful. It was quite pricey, but since we haven't been there in 20 years, I have no idea what that translates to in today's economy. Judy
Cottage or condo in Santa Barbara
March 2004
We are considering a trip to Santa Barbara with our 20 month old and 5 year old for 5-6 days in early April. Ideally, we'd like to rent a cottage or condo. Does anyone have any recommendations for rental units or rental agencies you've used? I've seen prior posts on activities but no mention of child friendly accommodations.
We stayed at the Eagle Inn for about 1 month when our daughter was a newborn. They have large rooms and full kitchens. Our unit had a wonderful rocking chair which was a big plus with a newborn. We stayed on the first floor for convenience. The Inn is near the beach and State Street shopping. We went for walks everyday and had a lovely stay. - RK
Vacation in Santa Barbara with kids 4 1/2 and 1 1/2
June 2003
We're thinking of vacationing in Santa Barbara this summer with our two kids who are 4 1/2 and 1 1/2. We've never been there, so would like recommendations on everything from where to stay, where to eat and kid-friendly places to go. ellen
Fun things for little kids in Santa Barbara include:
The zoo, called ''Child's Estate'', and riding on the little train that runs through the zoo.
The Natural History Museum. My 4 year old nephew absolutely loves this place, and goes there every time he's in SB visiting his grandparents.
Any of the many beaches in town. Near East or West Beach, which are the main beaches along Cabrillo Blvd in downtown SB, you can rent one of those family bicycle things, that hold about 6 people, including small seats for little kids, and ride along the bike path parallel to the beach. You can also rent bikes or skates. Walking out on the pier is also fun.
Sunday mornings, theres a great arts and crafts show along Cabrillo Blvd. Its free, and very scenic just to walk along.
Visiting the Santa Barbara Courthouse, which has a beautiful fountain in front, neat murals, beautiful tiled stairwells and hallways for running up and down, and a tower where you can look out on all the rooftops in town.
Near Santa Barbara, to the North are a few other options, including Nojouqui Park, which is a small county park, off of highway 101 about 30 miles North of town. It has a walking trail (1/4 mile or so) that leads to a nice little waterfall. Also in that area are Lake Cachuma, and the touristy but kind-of fun little pseudo-Danish village called Solvang. Mara (a Santa Barbara native)
I grew up in Santa Barbara, my mother still lives there and I have a two year old son. Here are a few of the thoughts that come to mind:
- The Santa Barbara Zoo is great, beautiful
- Spend time at the beach. Our favorite is South of Santa Barbara at Santa Claus Lane.
- Also at Santa Claus Lane is the Padaro Grill -- freshly grilled food (sandwiches and salads), beer, wine and outdoor tables with a big sand pit where the kids can play while you enjoy the beautiful SB outdoors. (Really, why aren't there more truly kid friendly restaurants everywhere?) This place is GREAT.
- If either of your children are train fans, check out the South Coast Railroad Museum in Goleta -- http://www.goletadepot.org/
- Chase Palm Park on Cabrillo Blvd near Stearns Wharf is a great park with a carousel. On weekend nights they often have live outdoor concerts at the park.
- Walking along the breakwater is a great place to look at boats, pelicans, seals and maybe get splashed by a wave. Stearns Wharf is touristy, but also fun. Also, I have never done it, but renting a pedal car along the Cabrillo Blvd. waterfront looks like fun.
- SB has lots of festivals and parades -- Fiesta is the first weekend in August, food festivals in Oak Park, Big Dog Parade is sometime.....
I Love Santa Barbara
Hi there, Santa Barbara is a beautiful town with lots of child friendly activities. There is a managable sized zoo there, wonderful beaches to walk along.........amazing parks. One in particular is called kids world i think, it is the corner of santa Barbara st and Arrellaga. There is also a park called Alice keck there too with some ponds and turtles!There is chase Palm park, right on Cabrillo st, across from the ocean, there is a carosel and great play area there too.
Paoli's returant is the first resturant i think of for kid friendly and good, its a family run italian place down town, close to the water, its on state st and yanonali, right across from the train station. Have fun cris
Santa Barbara is a great place to visit, with kids or without. There are a lot of places to stay on (or within a block or two of) the beach. Be sure to get a place with a pool. The main street is State St. and it runs from downtown, under the freeway to the beach, ending at a Pier with lots of restaurants and shops. You can rent bikes, skates, and pedi-cabs (that seat 4) to ride along the path that goes along the beach. There is also an electric shuttle that you can ride for 25 cents that takes you up State St. through downtown and another that goes along the beach. There is a very nice, small zoo at the far east end of the beach (it will feel like the south end, but the coastline there actually goes east-west). Downtown there are a lot of nice restaurants with courtyards off the street. I would also recommend going to the Courthouse, a beautiful old Mission-era building with sunken gardens and a tower you can go up and get a great 360 degree view.
For excursions out of the downtown/beach area, you can take a boat to the channel islands. You may also get a chance to see ''dolphin city'', an area between the coast and the islands where there are literally 100's if not 1,000's of dolphins. There is also great hiking and picnic-ing in the hills above the city: Los Padres National Forest and Lake Cachuma area. (If you can, find someone to tell you how to get to Red Rock and/or the Painted Caves too.) Have fun! Frances
Hi - The Best Western Plus on Bath Street includes the adjacent apartment building, which they list as suites on their website. We had 2 bedrooms & a kitchen. Not fancy, but spacious and very clean. Kids loved the pool and hot tub … even in November! Walkable to downtown, and McConnell’s ice cream is only 2 blocks away!
We faced the same issue and ended up with two "family suites" at Hotel Milo. Each suite has one main room with a king bed and then an adjoining room with bunk beds. The hotel is nothing fancy, but is right across from the beach and walking distance to a lot in downtown. The family suites we had were next to each other, and we were comfortable being in the courtyard with fire pit directly outside the suite doors after the kids went to bed (with the baby monitors we brought). It's worth looking into!
The Best Western Plus on Bath Street in Santa Barbara has some apartments with one and two bedrooms -- literally apartments, since they expanded to include an apartment building behind the main motel property. We often stayed there to visit family when our 3 kids were young. It's been a long time (the kids are in their 30's now), but the reviews still look good. You won't find charm or local character, but we chose it because it was a good space for a young family and the apartments were clean and quiet. It's not quite walking to downtown and not close to the beach, but there is coffee, ice cream, and some informal dining nearby. Also a major hospital across the street, which explains the extended-stay type of options, but the emergency room entrance is a couple of blocks away and the apartments are in a quiet spot off the street, so hospital noise was not a problem.
Regular Santa Barbara visitor here... I can relate to how hard it is to find good places to stay there! Have stayed in the apartments/suites at the Best Western. They are a little shabby and very small, in my experience. There are some beautiful, spacious apartments at the West Beach Inn - large and comfy and right on the beach. And there are a few new ones at the Villa Rosa (cheaper, smaller, a little more personality). We've also stayed in suites at the Hotel Milo, which is very nice and has two pools and welcomes pets but is much more pricey.
I have had success in the past by searching on booking.com, which is a hotel site; there are a lot of hotels in SB that have large apartments/suites affiliated with them, and they show up on booking.com if you search by group size. As you probably know, it's not legal to rent a vacation rental in SB for less than 30 days, so lots of hotels have gotten into the business that would otherwise be occupied by airbnb, vrbo, etc. Good luck!