While you are slipping into your winter boots and wrapping a thick scarf around your neck, residents in Santa Barbara are enjoying an afternoon stroll with mild temperatures and sunny days–warm enough for a light sweater. This is all to say that one sunny day in Santa Barbara can make for a splendid destination for any family vacation. The best part is that there are still so many things to do in Santa Barbara even after the holidays end. 

Plan a winter getaway to beautiful Santa Barbara with your family, and do it with Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals, too. We have the best vacation rentals in Santa Barbara for families, with excellent amenities, and you’ll be near some of the city’s most fun, family-friendly activities. 

Where Can You Find Family-Friendly Things To Do In Santa Barbara During Winter?

During winter, you can find plenty of outdoor and ocean activities that create memorable adventures for your family. Whether outdoors, indoors, or on the sea, Santa Barbara offers exciting options for a fun winter vacation.

• Monarch Butterfly Grove: Witnessing the monarch butterfly migration from November through February sparks awe and wonder, making Santa Barbara a magical winter destination for families seeking unique experiences.
• Lil’ Toot Santa Barbara: Get out on the open sea this winter without the freezing temperatures. Jumping on board the Lil’ Toot is a popular and fun activity for children and an opportunity to see the city from the sea. The tugboat takes passengers from Stearns Wharf to Santa Barbara Harbor. You can also book a private ride. If you have young children, then read Madeline Gabor’s children’s book about Lil’ Toot, called How Lil’ Toot Got His Smile, before you arrive.
• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation: The MOXI is one of the best ways to have fun indoors while visiting Santa Barbara. It’s a science museum with lots of hands-on, creative, and scientific exhibits, such as the Giant Guitar or launching an air rocket into the sky. Don’t leave without visiting the rooftop Sky Garden, which has one of the best views of the city.
• Condor Express Whale Watching: Winter is also peak time for whale watching. Condor Express is one of the best tour services in the city. It offers one of the largest fleets for tours. Typically, in February, gray whales will migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel, giving you a unique opportunity to see some of the biggest mammals in the world.
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center: The Sea Center is a great place that sparks intrigue and excitement for young and old alike. Take a moment to appreciate the sea and learn a thing or two about it when you visit the Sea Center on the Wharf. It’s one more way to see local sea life up close, and there are a variety of wonderful interactive exhibits, too.

Even Though It’s Winter, Families Love Santa Barbara

While it might be winter where you are, the mild temperatures and sunny skies in Santa Barbara make it an ideal time for a family getaway. So bring your folks on a winter weekend escape with Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities. 

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals offers cozy, well-equipped homes that make families feel welcomed and relaxed, with each property close to the city’s top attractions and activities.
Post-holidays, vacation rentals in Santa Barbara tend to fill quickly, especially as California stays are popular for holiday gifts and romantic getaways. To secure your ideal property, book early by visiting our website or calling 805-617-0438 and speaking with our friendly team before properties are gone.