Family-Friendly Local’s Guide to Santa Barbara

Things to do in Santa Barbara with kids:

• Beaches: There’s nothing better than a beach day, and Santa Barbara has many beautiful beaches to explore. Some of our favorites include:
  1. Butterfly
  2. Hammonds
  3. Refugio State Beach

• Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens: Explore the beautiful SB Botanic Garden grounds. Pro tip: download one of their online scavenger hunts beforehand and let the kids hunt for flowers and bugs along the way!

• Santa Barbara Natural History Museum: Great outdoor space and backyard area with lots for the kids to do. Check out the Butterflies Alive Exhibit.

• The Santa Barbara Rose Garden: Pick up lunch or dinner, throw down a blanket on the rose garden lawn and let the kids run while you watch the sunset or enjoy views of the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission.

• Santa Barbara Zoo: As far as zoos go, this one is pretty sweet. Pro tip: make sure to save time for a train ride around the zoo. It’s worth it.

• The Moxi Science Museum: Super fun kids science museum on lower State in the Funk Zone. Hop over to Helena Bakery before or after for a cobb salad or sammie (see below).

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art: This museum has an impressive collection of Asian, European and American art. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, especially on a rare rainy day. It’s also right next to the beautiful SB Public Library with a newly remodeled children’s area.

• Skater’s Point Skatepark: If you or your kid travels with a skateboard like mine does, Skater’s Point is one of a few skate parks we have in town. Pro tip: Go early, grab a coffee on the way and beat the crowds. It is located on the beach looking out at the Santa Barbara Wharf, not a bad place to spend a morning.

Day trips and excursions:

• Santa Ynez Valley: Just a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, you’ll find the Santa Barbara Wine Country. Visit charming towns like Los Olivos (known for its abundance of tasting rooms) and Solvang (famous for its Danish architecture and bakeries), and enjoy wine tasting at some of the region’s best vineyards. For lunch, head to Santa Ynez and grab a salad and sandwich at Baker’s Table, a local favorite. For dinner, check out SY Kitchen for authentic Italian food in a vibey old farm-house setting.

• Channel Islands National Park: For an adventurous day, take a boat trip to the Channel Islands. You can hike, kayak or simply enjoy the unspoiled beauty of these unique islands.

Our favorite places to eat and drink in Santa Barbara:

• The Daisy Restaurant: Casual yet cool vibes with fresh organic, local ingredients and friendly service, lunch or dinner. Great location in the Arts District. Enjoy a delicious fresh-baked cookie for the road or walk over to the Public Market for some Rori’s Organic Ice Cream afterwards.

• Helena Bakery: Sunny outdoor patio, lots of seating and the best Cobb Salad in town.

• Panino: Our favorite sandwich spot in town. Delicious gourmet sandwiches, try a #22 on focaccia or my son’s favorite the Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich (#18). Their downtown location is across from Santa Barbara’s historic El Presidio. Grab lunch then walk The Presidio for a little Santa Barbara history lesson and some iconic photos.

• The Eddy: Just down the street from Panino is our favorite little corner market. Stop in for a midday snack, cold beverage or picnic essentials.

• Juice Ranch: Fresh, cold-pressed organic juices and smoothies, not to mention one of our favorite turkey sandwiches in town. They run out of turkey daily, so if you’re craving one, go early or call ahead. Grab and go sit on the beach. Take-out only.

• Backyard Bowls: Açaí bowls and smoothies. Open for breakfast and lunch. Kids' favorite. The Power Bowl is a hit in our family.

• Bettina: Best woodfired, sourdough crust pizza around! This Michelin-rated restaurant is worth the hype and a perfect spot for the whole family. Make sure to call ahead and reserve a table on the patio.

• Revolver Pizza: Honorable mention for best pizza. Local vibe. This small hole-in-the-wall pizza place on the Westside of town has delicious wood-fired pizza that rivals that of Bettina but with a very different, low-key atmosphere. Great for take-out (grab-and-go picnic at the Rose Garden) or eat on their very small patio. Check it out on a Wednesday for live music.

• Sama Sama: Michelin-rated Southeast Asian food, it’s so good. Go!

• Breeosh Bakery: A family-owned French Bakery with delicious baked goods and a yummy breakfast menu, try the quiche or my kids’ favorite, the french toast. You won’t regret it. This is a great local spot to relax and people-watch.

• Handlebar Coffee Roasters: Kick off your morning with a locally roasted coffee at Handlebar, a favorite among locals for its strong espresso and relaxed atmosphere. They have two locations, but the one on De La Vina Street has a great neighborhood feel. The other location is just across the street from The Presidio.

• La Paloma: Local and regional favorites and BBQ.

• Oat Bakery: Just go! Three locations - Santa Barbara, Montecito and Goleta.

• Corazon Comedor: Mexican

The Public Market:

Anytime! It’s always good. Lots of options. Public Market standouts include:

• Corazon Cocina: Michelin-rated Mexican street tacos.

• Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar: Thai food

• Rori’s: Organic ice cream