3 DAYS OF FAMILY FUN IN SANTA BARBARA
If you’re looking for a weekend that’s equal parts relaxing and kid-approved, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to press pause and play. Families can slow down and soak up every moment, from building sandcastles, browsing the local shops, or catching a sunset at the pier. With walkable neighborhoods, a laid-back coastal atmosphere, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions, it’s an ideal escape for guests of all ages.
To make planning easy, we’ve put together a simple itinerary to help you make the most of a weekend of family fun in Santa Barbara.
DAY 1
Cruise & Explore
Begin your weekend in Santa Barbara with a breakfast along the Waterfront, at places like Chad’s Cafe, Jeannine’s Bakery, On The Alley, Goat Tree, or Moby Dick Restaurant. From here, walk onto the Santa Barbara Wharf to explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center, an interactive aquarium that lets you get up close experiences with creatures from the region.
After discovering all the Sea Center has to offer, hop on Lil Toot, Santa Barbara’s only water taxi that takes you on a 25-minute narrated ride to the Harbor. Upon arrival, grab lunch at Brophy Bros., a local staple for fresh seafood.
The Harbor is a great starting point for more exploration – either discover the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, or hop aboard the Condor Express for an afternoon of whale watching. Wrap up the day with a casual dinner from Lucky Penny pizza on their outdoor patio.
Once the kids are in bed for the night, enjoy a night in the hot tub with your partner at one of these properties:
DAY 2
Grill & Chill
Fuel up for a fun day at the beach with breakfast at Boathouse at Hendry’s before spending the day at Arroyo Burro Beach. Perched right on the sand, Boathouse offers classic breakfast staples with unbeatable ocean views. Arroyo Burro is the perfect family-friendly beach, as it’s perfect for those who want to swim, surf, stroll, or lay out under the sun. There are restrooms on site, and bbq grills and picnic tables perfect for an al fresco meal.
If you’re in Montecito, grab breakfast in Lower Village before taking to Butterfly Beach or Miramar Beach. We recommend trying Renaud’s Bakery and Bistro, Bree’osh Bakery Cafe, Lilac Patisserie, or Merci Montecito. Then, for those looking for an activity, rent paddles boards at Butterfly Beach with Cal Coast Adventures. Or, boogie board at Miramar Beach and swim up to the Rosewood’s swim platform.
After an afternoon of family fun under the sun, head back to your rental to rinse off and relax before an ocean front dinner. Some of our favorite spots include Oku for sushi, Flor De Maiz for Mexican, Toma for Italian, Bluewater Grill for seafood, Reunion Kitchen for American, and Caruso’s for upscale dining. If your little ones still have energy to burn, take a sunset stroll along Santa Barbara’s Waterfront.
If you prefer a private pool at the comfort of your rental, check out these properties:
DAY 3
Shopping & Sweets
Begin your last day in town with a slow morning at home. Get breakfast and coffee to-go from a local coffee shop like Dart Coffee Co., Dune Coffee Roasters, Handlebar Coffee, or Cajé. Then, spend time strolling and shopping for souvenirs along State Street or Coast Village Road, the two main streets of Santa Barbara and Montecito respectively. While downtown, explore the famous Santa Barbara Courthouse and its bell tower and gardens. Enjoy free admission and 360 degree views of the city.
For lunch enjoy sandwiches at Panino, a local staple you can find in Santa Barbara or Montecito. Or, stock up on picnic supplies from a local shop like Cheese Shop Santa Barbara and take your set up to East Beach where you’ll find space to set up lunch and courts for sand volleyball.
End your trip on a sweet note at the legendary McConnell’s Ice Cream, an iconic taste of Santa Barbara.
Find a vacation rental for your stay here.
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Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals (805) 617-0438
27 W. Anapamu St. #228 Santa Barbara, CA 93101
