Itineraries for Your Trip to Santa Barbara
3 Days in Santa Barbara for Families
The beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara—set between wide, sandy beaches and the majestic backdrop of the Santa Ynez mountains—is an ideal spot to unwind with the whole family. I lived in this beautiful, family-friendly city for years, and I’ve gathered some recommendations for things to do in and around this unique city. Take your pick from plenty of attractions the kids are sure to delight in and be sure to check out the city’s natural gems, from botanical gardens to tide pools. In the evening, you can watch a beautiful sunset at the pier or enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. Here’s what to do on a 3-day trip.
The city is warm and temperate; bring light layers and maybe rain gear in the winter.
If you only do one thing, make it the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Start day one on the water with a sea lion kayak tour. You can learn about the region's history and wildlife while seeing the majestic local seals and admiring the city from the ocean. You may also catch dolphins, pelicans, and egrets.
Afterwards, a hearty lunch at the Santa Barbara Public Market is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The market’s vendors include tacos, noodles, and sweet treats. In the afternoon, head to MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, for some hands-on activities or see more of the beach and get acquainted with the downtown area on an electric bike tour.
Immerse yourself in Cali culture and the wild splendor of the coast with a morning surf lesson. A veteran surfer takes you out on the waves for a thorough lesson, so you’ll learn to paddle out and pop up.
Afterwards, head to the Santa Barbara Zoo, which is widely acknowledged as one of the best in the U.S. See more than 500 animals, including kangaroos, giraffes, gorillas, and endangered California condors.
End the day with a ride on the Santa Barbara Trolley, which passes by the zoo to learn about the town’s history and culture from a local guide.
On your last day in Santa Barbara, kick the day off with a family-friendly beachside breakfast. We recommend Shoreline Beach Cafe or Santa Barbara FisHouse. Afterwards, make a visit to the legendary Museum of Natural History.
Alternatively, if your kids are older (and adventurous!), go parasailing and enjoy aerial views of the wharf.
If your kids don't scare easily, end your trip with a ghost tour and hear spooky stories of Santa Barbara's past while exploring less-visited parts of town.
