Surrounded by scenic coastline and endless adventure, Santa Barbara is a must-visit destination for families. Known for its stunning beaches, piers with breathtaking sunsets, hotels and resorts perfect for families and numerous kid-friendly activities, the city also offers a variety of culinary delights. For travelers with children, these restaurants in Santa Barbara cater to all ages, serving everything from fresh seafood to comforting classics.
For more inspiration during your next family vacation, heed this five-day guide.
Corn dogs, golden-brown fish and chips and other simple pleasures take center stage at Benchmark Eatery. With its laid-back vibe and patio seating, this neighborhood kitchen and bar is a favorite for comfortable meals. Steps away, the Granada Theatre hosts an array of live performances, from musicals to captivating shows, making this the perfect way to round out your day.
If you’re seeking a fine-dining ambiance for the whole family, Toma Restaurant & Bar offers classic pasta dishes like tangy marinara or savory meatballs, along with others like braised short ribs. Kids are even treated to complimentary chocolate sundaes! Previous guests have praised this restaurant for its friendly staff, saying they make everyone feel special and included.
Saint Remy serves up seasonal fruit bowls bursting with freshness, French toast drizzled with syrup, scrambled eggs and pancakes crowned with vibrant berries. These kid-friendly options are perfect for starting the day on a bright and flavorful note. Just a short drive away, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History invites young explorers to dive into hands-on exhibits and engaging displays.
Photo courtesy of The Coast Creative, Courtyard Santa Barbara Downtown
Burgers bursting with flavor, hand-battered chicken strips and tender macaroni dinners make The Creekside Restaurant & Bar a hit with kids. Little ones can pair their meals with juice boxes or milk and cool off with popsicles for dessert. The inviting atmosphere and roomy patio make it a go-to for easygoing family meals.
The sights and flavors of the harbor come alive at Brophy Bros. Kids are served plates of cheese-covered pasta or flaky fish and chips, while cheeseburgers with fries satisfy bigger appetites. Sit outside for front-row views of boats gliding in the marina, with sunsets painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Known to have a lively setting, this spot may be better suited for families with older kids. Post-meal, dive into Santa Barbara’s maritime history at the interactive Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
Sliders and aromatic pepperoni pizzas make this an ideal choice for families craving familiar dishes. Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen combines its approachable menu with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere. Steps away, your family can explore Chase Palm Park’s lush greenery or bask on East Beach’s sun-warmed sand. This restaurant also has locations in Goleta and downtown.
Reunion Kitchen + Drink offers a variety of kid-approved dishes, including tender teriyaki chicken bowls and Alaskan cod and chips. Paired with scenic views of East Beach, it’s an ideal spot to unwind during a day at the shore. After dining, spike some fun on the volleyball courts, find shade beneath the swaying palm trees or let the kids explore the playground at the beach’s eastern end.
The Santa Barbara Public Market brings together several kid-friendly dining options under one roof. At Corazón Cocina, little ones can savor traditional Mexican flavors with options like warm and crispy quesadillas served with rice or cheesy bean burritos. Little Bird Kitchen is another option specializing in familiar favorites such as mini burgers and saucy macaroni and cheese for kids. For a sweet finish, stop by Rori’s Artisanal Creamery for a scoop of honey-lavender or salted-caramel ice cream. With open seating throughout the market, your family can enjoy a relaxed meal wherever you choose.
Think fluffy scrambled eggs, golden pancakes and mini waffles, alongside grilled cheese and burgers — classic American comfort food that hits the spot for breakfast or lunch. Farmer Boyadds to the experience with an inviting energy and attentive service. Just minutes away, Alameda Park has picnic tables and a playground, while the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardenfeatures a backcountry play area where kids can explore nature and learn about local plants.
Ranked as one of Santa Barbara’s top spots for quick bites, East Beach Tacos greets families with the aroma of freshly cooked comfort food and the rhythmic crack of bats from nearby batting cages. While indoor seating is available, picnic-style tables outside create a casual space for kids to dig into golden fish and chips, griddled-to-perfection quesadillas and more. With the added fun of the batting cages, this spot delivers more than just a meal — it’s a lively environment where great flavors meet playful energy.
A staple in Goleta since 1958, Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant serves authentic cuisine with a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Kids will love the hearty burritos, expertly rolled taquitos and freshly made quesadillas, all cooked with care. After your meal, walk through the Coronado Butterfly Preserve, where scenic trails and free admission invite discovery, or stop by the South Coast Railroad Museum to enjoy interactive exhibits and local history.
Let your kids sink their teeth into pillowy Belgian waffles or golden French-toast bites at Chad’s Cafe. This chill spot features patio seating with coastline views, where the salty breeze from West Beach sets the scene. Nearby, Stearns Wharf offers a chance for seaside exploration, while a quick drive leads to Chase Palm Park, where kids can climb and play on a shipwreck-themed playground, complete with slides and ocean-inspired designs.
Nestled between Leadbetter Beach and the Santa Barbara Harbor Walk, On The Alley dishes out kid-approved staples like juicy hamburgers, melty grilled cheeses and lightly breaded chicken fingers. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this casual eatery is ideal for a post-beach meal before a sunset stroll along the harbor. On The Alley also has a location in Goleta.
After a morning of sunshine and swimming at Leadbetter Beach, Shoreline Cafe offers the perfect spot to refuel, with tables right on the sand. Little ones can dig into zesty, orange-infused pancakes or soft scrambled eggs with buttery toast to start the morning. In the evening, the kids’ menu delights with options like hot dogs and classic PB&Js. After your meal, meander through Shoreline Park’s gently curving paths, where coastal views set the scene.
Kyle’s Kitchen whips up crunchy chicken strips and flavor-packed handhelds layered with fresh toppings that hit the spot. A chalk wall inside invites children to unleash their creativity while families wait for their meals. Nearby, step back in time at Rancho La Patera & Stow House, where vibrant gardens and exploration stations bring California’s agricultural history to life for curious young minds. Kids will especially love Sundays at the Ranch, a free weekly event featuring barn animals, tractor rides and more outdoor fun.
Wood-fired flavors and family-style plates await at Lucky Penny, a cozy haven for pizza lovers. The menu ranges from classic margherita and cheese pizzas to shareables like warm garlic bread and savory pork meatballs. With its unique exterior — adorned with over 150,000 copper pennies — and inviting picnic patio, this restaurant offers a relaxed setting. Once you’ve finished dining, take a short stroll to MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, where interactive exhibits captivate visitors of all ages.
Backyard Bowls brings fresh and vibrant nutrient-packed acai bowls and superfood smoothies to downtown Santa Barbara. In addition to its colorful creations and refreshing drinks, the menu features traditional toasts topped with avocado and egg or almond butter. A few blocks from MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, it’s also near State Street, where kid-friendly stops include McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams for a sweet treat or Game Seeker for family game night.
In Santa Barbara, hotel dining isn’t an afterthought — it’s the main event, where world-class chefs, oceanfront views and inspired menus turn every meal into an unforgettable experience.
Find the best places in Santa Barbara to watch sports all year, including the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, Summer Olympics and more alongside good food and drinks.
