Less than 100 miles from Los Angeles lies one of the most popular California vacation destinations, Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara has a special place in my husband’s heart as he spent 4 glorious years in college at this beautiful beach town. This gorgeous coastal town features several interesting attractions that you and your children can enjoy. If you’re planning a Santa Barbara vacation with the little ones, make sure to check out these 15 to-dos for your itinerary.
Things to Do in Santa Barbara on Your Next Visit
Hit the Beach
Santa Barbara has two main beaches that are located right at the end of State St. East Beach and West Beach are beautiful beaches to spend your day at. There is a huge amount of coast line so you will not feel crowded even in the busiest of seasons with the exception of 4th of July.
Shop & Dine Along State St.
Why You Should Go
State St. is the downtown area of Santa Barbara and it is a ton of fun. There are a wide variety of stores and dining venues. What I love about this street is you don’t find too many chain stores or restaurants. These are more local stores that are one of a kind. From Thursday through Saturday night the bars are alive with people so be prepared for a festive crowd.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Why You Should Go
What child doesn’t enjoy a trip to the zoo? The Santa Barbara Zoo is home to more than 500 animals and has plenty of fun attractions, such as the Zoo Train, for you and your family to enjoy! You can sign up for several unique programs, such as a Behind-the-Scenes Tour or the Giraffe Feeding.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Why You Should Go
If you and your children love art, a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is a must. The museum hosts a variety of holiday workshops and weekend art camps that you can find information about on their website. Plus, the museum entrance is completely free for children under six!
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Why You Should Go
If you want to introduce your little ones to nature and learn about plants, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is the place to go. There are plenty of cool trails to walk about, all of which provide unique plants from California’s diverse habitats and regions. Explore at your own pace or join one of the many tours offered Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
MOXI Museum
Why You Should Go
MOXI, otherwise known as the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation, is a unique museum with interactive attractions and fascinating exhibits that explore science, technology, and engineering. Your children will definitely enjoy the Fantastic Forces Courtyard, the Speed Track, and the Tech Track exhibits. Make sure to check their website before heading out to find out if any special events are going on.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Why You Should Go
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History features a range of exhibits that are sure to delight the little ones, including Mammal Hall, Bird Hall, and the massive Blue Whale Skeleton. Take your kids to the Create Zone or Fossil Excavation areas for educational play. The museum even offers year-round classes and educational camps if you’re interested.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Why You Should Go
The Old Mission in Santa Barbara has been around since 1786. Today, families have the opportunity to explore its twelve acres, where you can find a cemetery, a museum, 12 acres of gorgeous gardens, and, of course, a gift shop. Join one of the docent-led tours or take a tour on your own!
Convivo Restaurant
Why You Should Go
After a long day of running around, make sure to grab a family-style meal at Convivo Restaurant. Convivo is a highly-acclaimed, upscale Italian restaurant with locally sourced ingredients and global influences. They also have an extensive wine, beer, and apertivi list for adults as well!
Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum and Library
Why You Should Go
This unique museum, known as the Susan Quinlan Doll and Teddy Bear Museum and Library, holds one of the largest collections of Teddy Bears in the United States. The wide range of displays with popular storybook characters will enchant your little ones. Parents might even enjoy the trip down memory lane!
Santa Barbara Trolley Company
Why You Should Go
The Santa Barbara Trolley Company offers a unique way to see all of the sights Santa Barbara has to offer. You can hop on and off whenever you please, perfect for families with small children who can’t walk long distances. Enjoy some of the most popular highlights of the tour, including East Beach, Stearns Wharf, the Old Santa Barbara Mission, and the Harbor.
Stearns Wharf
Why You Should Go
Stearns Wharf is probably one of the most popular attractions for tourists in Santa Barbara. The Wharf provides family fun for both children and adults. Learn about the ocean at the Sea Center, rent some tackle and bait for fishing, grab an ice cream, or enjoy a seaside dinner and one of the many restaurants.
Lil’ Toot Water Taxi
Why You Should Go
One of the most popular yet unusual Santa Barbara attractions is the Lil’ Toot Water Taxi. The Taxi operates out of Stearns Wharf, offering families 15-minute narrated boat rides or Sunset boat rides. You may even consider hosting a nautical-themed birthday for your little one!
Crushcakes and Cafe
Why You Should Go
What’s dinner without dessert, right?
Cruchscakes is a Santa Barbara family favorite, serving up some of the best most incredible cupcakes you’ve ever had. Even if you’re not a fan of cupcakes, you can stop by in the morning or afternoon for their all-day breakfast menu, which includes red velvet pancakes, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches.
Santa Barbara Children’s Theatre
Why You Should Go
The Santa Barbara Children’s Theatre was established back in 2010 and has become a go-to place for family-friendly productions. You can enroll your child in an acting class or host a professional, themed birthday party. Even if you don’t want to get involved, make sure to check the calendar on their website to see if they have any upcoming performances!
Paddle Sports Center
Why You Should Go
Santa Barbara is a beach town after all, and water sports are incredibly popular. The Paddle Sports Center offers a wide selection of equipment, including SUPs, kayaks, boogie boards, and surfboards for rent. We highly recommend taking one of the kayak tours, which are excellent for the entire family!
Santa Barbara Public Market
Why You Should Go
In the heart of Santa Barbara lies the Santa Barbara Public Market, where you and your family can enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks. Parents can head on over to The Garden and enjoy a selection of more than 40 craft beers while the little ones run to Rori’s Creamery for organic ice cream.
Map of Things to Do in Santa Barbara
What can you do in Santa Barbara with kids?
Visit East Beach
Dine along State St.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara Natural History Museum
Ride horses on the beach
Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards
Santa Barbara Trolley Company
Fishermen’s Market
Take a cruise on the water
Quinlan Museum
Alameda Park and Kids’ World playground
What are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara?
Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio
State & Fig
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Brophy Bros
Little Kitchen
Finch & Fork
Finney’s Crafthouse
Buena Onda
If you enjoyed our list of things to do in Santa Barbara with kids, you might also like:
TOP THINGS TO DO IN CARLSBAD – ONE OF MY FAVORITE CITIES IN THE WORLD
15 WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN OXNARD [THE HIDDEN GEM BEACH CITY!]
TAKING A WEST COAST ROAD TRIP – HERE ARE [9 AMAZING MUST DO STOPS]!
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