In this ultimate kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara, you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect family getaway, from where to eat and play to the best places to stay.
As a Santa Barbara native and family photographer, I can tell you it is the perfect destination for families seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. With its beautiful beaches, engaging museums, delicious restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone.
Exploring Santa Barbara’s Kid-Friendly Restaurants
When traveling with kids, finding the right restaurant can be key to a successful experience. Fortunately, Santa Barbara offers plenty of family-friendly dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. In this section of our kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara, I’ll highlight some of the best spots to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
Located on upper State Street, Brass Bear is a great option for families with its relaxed vibe and outdoor seating. It offers delicious food, and adults can enjoy local brews while the kids have space to move around.
Another casual spot, Third Window Brewing is perfect for family gatherings. Located in a charming setting, they offer smash burgers along with wood-fired pizzas that kids will love, and of course locally crafted brews for the adults. As part of our kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara, Third Window Brewing is a must-visit for a hearty start to your day.
For a wide range of food options that everyone will love, head to The Public Market. This vibrant space offers different vendors, from sushi to burgers, and has ample seating, making it ideal for families with varied tastes.
For a special and delicious meal, La Paloma Café is a great choice. With locally sourced ingredients, they offer a variety of options that will satisfy both kids and adults. It’s the perfect place to enjoy brunch on their patio.
Kid-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is known for its stunning coastline, and there are plenty of beaches that are perfect for families. Whether you’re looking for a place to build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or simply relax, these kid-friendly beaches in Santa Barbara have you covered. In this part of our kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara, I'll show you the best spots to enjoy the sun and sand.
Best Beaches for Kids in Santa Barbara
Miramar Beach offers stunning views and gentle waves, making it a perfect spot for young kids. The nearby Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel adds a touch of luxury, and it’s a great place for a family beach day.
2. East Beach
East Beach is a great spot for families, with its wide sandy shores and calm waters. The beach is equipped with volleyball courts, picnic tables, and a playground, making it an ideal place to spend the day. There are also restrooms and showers available, so you can easily clean up after a day of fun in the sun. This makes East Beach a top recommendation in my kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara.
3. Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach)
Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry’s Beach, is a local gem. This beach offers tide pools for exploring, plenty of space for running and playing, and a dog-friendly area if you’re traveling with a furry friend. The Boathouse Restaurant on the beach is a great spot to grab a bite to eat, and there’s a rinse station to clean off sandy feet before heading home. Be sure to include Arroyo Burro Beach in your kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara.
Playgrounds and Parks: Where to Let the Kids Run Wild
Santa Barbara is home to several wonderful parks and playgrounds where kids can burn off some energy. These spaces are perfect for a quick break between sightseeing or as a destination in their own right. As part of this kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara, let’s explore the top spots for outdoor play.
Top Kid-Friendly Playgrounds in Santa Barbara
1. Alameda Park AKA Kid's Wold
Alameda Park is one of Santa Barbara’s largest and oldest parks, and it’s home to the famous Kid’s World playground. This playground is a kid’s dream come true, with plenty of slides, swings, and climbing structures. The park also has picnic areas and open spaces where families can relax and enjoy a day outdoors. No kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara would be complete without a visit to Alameda Park.
Chase Palm Park is located along the waterfront and offers a beautiful setting for families. The Shipwreck Playground, designed to look like a shipwrecked vessel, is a hit with kids. There’s also a carousel nearby, as well as walking paths and picnic areas that make this park a great spot for an afternoon adventure. Include Chase Palm Park in your kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara for a fun-filled day.
Shoreline Park offers stunning views of the ocean and plenty of space for kids to play. The park has a playground, picnic tables, and walking trails. There’s also a staircase leading down to a small beach area, making it a great spot to explore both land and sea. Shoreline Park is a must-see in any kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara.
Engaging Kid-Friendly Museums in Santa Barbara
If you’re looking to add some educational fun to your trip, Santa Barbara has a variety of museums that cater to young minds. These kid-friendly museums in Santa Barbara offer interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that will keep kids engaged and entertained. Let’s explore these museums as part of our kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara.
Best Museums for Kids in Santa Barbara
1. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
MOXI is a must-visit for families with kids. This interactive museum is filled with exhibits that encourage kids to explore science, technology, engineering, and art. From building cars to creating music, MOXI offers endless opportunities for hands-on learning and fun. Be sure to add MOXI to your kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara.
2. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural world. Kids will love the life-sized blue whale skeleton outside the museum and the interactive exhibits inside. The museum’s Backyard area is a great place for kids to explore nature up close, with opportunities to observe birds, insects, and plants. The Natural History Museum is a key stop in any kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara.
Located on Stearns Wharf, The Sea Center is a smaller museum but offers plenty of interactive exhibits about marine life. It’s a fun and educational stop that’s perfect for kids.
Top Kid-Friendly Bookstores in Santa Barbara
For families who love to read, Santa Barbara has several charming bookstores that are perfect for finding new adventures in the pages of a book. These kid-friendly bookstores in Santa Barbara offer a wide selection of children’s books, as well as cozy spaces for reading and exploring.
Chaucer’s Books is a beloved independent bookstore in Santa Barbara with an extensive children’s section. The store offers a wide range of books for kids of all ages, from board books for toddlers to young adult novels. The friendly staff is always happy to help with recommendations, and there are often author events and readings that kids will enjoy. Chaucer’s Books is a must-visit.
Where to Stay: Kid-Friendly Hotels in Santa Barbara
Finding the right place to stay is key to a successful family vacation. Santa Barbara offers a range of kid-friendly hotels that cater to families, providing amenities and accommodations that make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. As part of my kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara, I’ll recommend the best places to rest your head.
Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Santa Barbara
Located on the beach, the Rosewood Miramar offers luxurious family accommodations. The resort’s beach access, pools, and family-friendly dining make it a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
Another fantastic option, the Santa Barbara Inn offers spacious rooms and a great location right by the beach. It’s ideal for families who want to stay close to the water while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere.
Situated in the heart of the Funk Zone, Hotel Californian provides easy access to Santa Barbara’s best shops, restaurants, and beaches. Its family-friendly amenities and luxurious accommodations make it a top choice for visitors.
The Kimpton Canary Hotel offers a mix of luxury and family-friendly amenities. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, the hotel provides easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Families will appreciate the spacious rooms, rooftop pool, and complimentary bikes for exploring the city. This hotel is a great option to include in any kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara.
5. Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
For a budget-friendly option, the Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn is a great choice. The hotel is located close to shops and restaurants and offers amenities like a pool, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped for families, making it a great base for your Santa Barbara adventure.
Bonus: El Capitan Canyon – For Families Seeking Adventure
For families looking for a unique and adventurous stay, El Capitan Canyon offers a glamping experience surrounded by nature. Just 20 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, this resort allows families to stay in safari tents or cabins while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and campfire nights. It’s the perfect place for kids to explore the wilderness while still having modern comforts nearby.
Conclusion
Santa Barbara is a fantastic destination for families, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxing moments.
With this kid-friendly guide to Santa Barbara, you’ll be well-equipped to plan a memorable trip that everyone will enjoy. From dining at family-friendly restaurants to exploring beaches, parks, museums, and bookstores, there’s no shortage of fun activities for kids in this beautiful coastal city.
