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!

Friends, I love my home. I have lived here my whole life and want to share with you the beauty that I get to experience each and every day. If you want to escape during your holiday, I ask that you consider coming to this little slice of heaven! We are here and waiting to show you everything we have to offer! Have questions, or are you ready to schedule your vacation session? Click the button above, and let’s chat!

Family plays together in front of ivy-covered wall during golden hour photoshoot.
Parents share tender moment with child against rustic wall with climbing vines.
Family embraces and laughs together during outdoor autumn photoshoot.
Two young children in casual clothes play and hug on stone patio.
Father and child share joyful moment during outdoor family photoshoot.
Parent tosses laughing child in air during sunset photo session.
Family enjoying playful moments together in a lush garden setting during golden hour.
Candid family portrait with warm embraces against natural greenery backdrop.
Joyful family moment captured among blooming red flowers in a garden setting.
Playful interactions between family members on a sunlit garden path.
Sweet family moments captured in white and brown outfits against garden foliage.
Tender family interactions photographed against flowering bushes at sunset.
Family walking together on a scenic bridge path during golden hour.
Candid family playtime captured on a wooden bridge during sunset.
Family strolling along a stone-walled pathway in warm evening light.