The holidays are just around the corner, and I suggest hopping on the recent trend of gifting an experience rather than things! Gifting an experience is an excellent gift for the entire family. These experiences can be as simple as a family trip to the movies once a month for a year or as big as an actual vacation! If you’re looking to plan a holiday experience, I suggest coming to the wonderful Santa Barbara! Not quite sure this is the place for you? Here are some of my favorite things to do during your stay!
Visit Our Local Museums
This area is full of history, and visiting our local museums is a great way to get to know our little corner of the world! You can start at the Santa Barbara Mission. Not only is this mission one of our oldest landmarks, but the architecture is stunning, and several exhibits are inside! You can also stop by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Both stops have a variety of exhibits, and some are even interactive!
Santa Barbara Zoo
Come for the animals, and stay for the beautiful green spaces! The Santa Barbara Zoo focuses on conservation efforts for many of its animals. After feeding the giraffes, take a moment to learn about how you can help conserve our environment too!
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is one of our most frequented attractions! The wharf has so many attractions for every member of your family! Beautiful views, fishing, The Sea Center, or dining, there is something for everyone! If you even want to just sit for a moment, the views here are stunning! This stop is a must for your vacation to Santa Barbara!
Take a Tour
There’s no better way to see the area than by taking a tour! You can tour the area using Wheel Fun Rentals! Grab a bike and make your way down Cabrillo Boulevard! Or, make a reservation with Land Shark Rentals! These amphibious vehicles can drive you around town and then make their way to the water to cruise around the harbor! Or event better, taste your way through Santa Barbara on Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours! So many great options!
Family Photos are a must
Most importantly, I want you to remember this vacation for years and years to come! Scheduling a family session during your family vacation is a great way to capture all those memories from your trip! As an added bonus, you can use these photos for your holiday cards and to freshen up the prints you have in your home!