This SoCal hot spot is a beach getaway for young families looking to “chillax” like Californians.
You’ll immediately fall in love with Santa Barbara, a sleepy Southern Californian beach destination. The picturesque walking path along the ocean, the cute downtown, and the gorgeous beaches will win your heart. It’s an ideal destination to “chillax,” as Californians say. With that being said, there’s plenty to do for families who’d like a little more action, as well.
What to do in Santa Barbara?
You know those four-seater bicycles? Well, they’re very popular along the Santa Barbara boardwalk! Taga bikes (part bike-part stroller) are also available for rent at just about every corner, and they’re really quite affordable, ranging from $15 to $30. My husband and I took our boys (both under 2) on a long cruise. They loved it!
Go to Butterfly Beach; it’s a local gem! This gorgeous, hidden beach is located across the street from the Biltmore Hotel in Montecito. Keep your eyes peeled, as you’ll often spy dolphins! Or head to the Santa Barbara Zoo (500 Ninos Drive) It’s quaint and perfect for little ones.
Drive to Mission Santa Barbara (2201 Laguna Street). It’s very pretty and a fabulous spot for a photo op.
Here’s one for the big kids: venture about 10 miles north to Goleta, home of the University of California Santa Barbara. There you’ll find the college neighborhood of Isla Vista; it’s a fun place for teens to explore.
Walk downtown Santa Barbara. There are so many wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s even a movie theatre, if you need some downtime.
KidTripster Tip: Book your stay around Santa Barbara’s vibrant street festivals. There are tons year-round, and they really attract the community.
Where to eat in Santa Barbara?
Take a stroll down Stearns Wharf. The view is magnificent, and there are also plenty of restaurants, like Longboards Grill, to keep tummies full.
One of my favorite eateries in downtown Santa Barbara is Pascucci Restaurant (729 State Street). It’s a local favorite, serving delicious Italian food in huge portions, so plan to split if you have little ones.
Indulge at The Biltmore Santa Barbara (1260 Channel Drive). This lavish Four Seasons property offers a fantastic Sunday brunch that will fill you up for the entire day and your teenaged sons for at least a couple of hours!
And don’t forget about ice cream at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (728 State Street), a local must-eat since 1949. There are no calories on vacation!
Where to stay in Santa Barbara?
To me, location is uber important. I prefer walkability; I don’t like to deal with driving too much and paying for parking. So when exploring Santa Barbara properties, I sought a hotel that was convenient.
Welcome to the Franciscan Inn (109 Bath Street).
The Franciscan Inn began as a Spanish-style house on a beachside ranch in the 1920s. Today’s gracious 53-room inn boasts all the comforts and up-to-date amenities of contemporary life like a pool and whirlpool, while still retaining its old-world charm.
This quaint inn is extremely homey. Don’t mistake it for an over-the-top resort; however, it does have everything that you’ll need for a comfortable stay. The suites come equipped with a kitchenette, which is extremely convenient for families preferring to pack money-saving picnic lunches or eat in.
The inviting suites have a nice-sized living space, TV, and a patio for fresh air. The separate room is cozy and well-equipped with a big bed. The bathrooms are clean, and there’s even on-site laundry, if need be. All in all, there’s plenty of space for a family of four.
The property’s lobby offers complimentary breakfast (fruit, toast, oatmeal) and coffee daily. And don’t miss out on the freshly-baked cookies every day from 3 to 5 p.m. And the best part? You’re only a few blocks from the beach and walking path, and it’s a nice stroll to downtown, as well. Starts at $135/night; rates rise in the summer months, especially on weekends.
KidTripster Tip: Shop specials! The Franciscan Inn offers plenty of online deals and discounts, including 20% off standard suites on Sundays through Thursdays.
KidTripster Tip: Book early, because Santa Barbara rooms sell out!
Getting to Santa Barbara
Depending on traffic, it can take anywhere between 90 minutes and three hours to drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Avoid peak commuting hours. It’s a beautiful ride once you hit Ventura.
The drive to and from the Bay Area can range from five to eight hours. I highly recommend taking the scenic route along Highway 1. This exquisite drive will take you through California’s acclaimed Central Coast from San Luis Obispo through Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey.
KidTripster TIp: Stop at Hearst Castle along the way, but be sure to book a tour in advance.
Alternatively, you can take Highway 101 to cutdown your drive time substantially.
Nadine Bubeck is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based mom of two young boys. She’s a former television news anchor turned all things mama. Read her blog, buy her book, or shop her apparel line, Mama B. Designs. Use the coupon code KIDTRIPSTER for discount!
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