The travel season is here, and it’s time to create some new lifetime memories with your loved ones in beautiful Santa Barbara. Home to stunning beaches and an abundance of activities, Santa Barbara offers the perfect destination for families seeking a vacation filled with fun and excitement. Jump into a world of adventure, exploration, and relaxation as we share some of the best activities and experiences to enjoy with your kids in Santa Barbara, CA.
Enjoy the Beaches
First on the list, of course, is Santa Barbara’s many amazing beaches. The kids are sure to create some wonderful new memories as they build sandcastles, splash in the gentle waves, and fly kites against the clear blue sky. For a more serene experience, you can visit Butterfly Beach, and relax under the shade of palm trees while you enjoy the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. East Beach is another popular favorite, and offers picnic facilities, a playground, volleyball courts, and some amazing views!
The Santa Barbara Zoo
Embark on a wild journey to the Santa Barbara Zoo, a paradise for animal lovers of all ages. You’ll encounter fascinating creatures from around the globe on your visit. From playful monkeys to majestic lions, you’ll experience a diverse range of wildlife exhibits and engaging activities, including giraffe feeding and train rides. It’s the perfect opportunity for your kids to see a multitude of animals up close, learn about conservation, and have a blast while doing it.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Dive into the wonders of the ocean at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Located on Stearns Wharf, this interactive museum provides an immersive experience that introduces your family to the amazing marine life of the Santa Barbara Channel. They’ll love the touch tanks filled with starfish and sea urchins, they can discover local species in the many aquariums, and participate in educational activities to learn more about the ocean’s delicate ecosystems.
Santa Barbara Harbor and Maritime Museum
For an exciting nautical adventure, head to the Santa Barbara Harbor. You can take a stroll along the waterfront, marvel at the array of sailboats, and watch the fishermen unloading their daily catch. You’ll also be nearby several shops, restaurants, boat rides, kayak rentals, and various other fun activities for the whole family.
Little Toot Narrated Water Taxi Rides
The Little Toot Water Taxi is a unique way for families to explore the harbor and coastline of Santa Barbara. Kids will love cruising along in these adorable little boats that look just like tugboats. With captains that are knowledgeable about the area, kids can learn about the local marine life and sights along the shore as they putter along. The Little Toot can hold groups of up to 19 people and runs 7 days a week, so it’s perfect for a family outing. Gliding across the water on these mini taxis is sure to delight children and provide lasting memories.
The Moxi Museum
The Moxi Museum is an interactive art and science museum specifically designed for kids. The Moxi encourages creativity and curiosity through unique hands-on exhibits. The Innovation Workshop provides kids with all kinds of tools, from the high-tech to the no-tech and allows them to experience a wide variety of things to build and create. With ever-changing exhibits and programs, the Moxi Museum will spark the imagination and provide a day of discovery for kids in the Santa Barbara area. And with three full floors of open-ended, adaptable exhibit experiences, it offers amazing opportunities for kids to explore and discover..
Santa Barbara truly is a perfect spot for families seeking new summer adventures. Whether you’re building sandcastles on the beach, exploring the wonders of nature, or discovering the rich cultural heritage and history of the city, Santa Barbara offers plenty of activities that will forge memories for years to come. So pack up your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an incredible vacation filled with laughter, joy, and exploration in the paradise of Santa Barbara, California! And when it comes to planning, don’t forget to reserve the perfect home base for your family. Haller Coastal Homes has a great roster of vacation rentals that will provide exceptional luxury, tons of amenities, and ideal locations for all of your family adventures. Haller Coastal Homes offers more than just a place to stay. It’s a place to create exceptional vacations…..and lifetime memories.
