GET ON THE WATER 

Spring is when that “Endless Summer” spirit really starts to come alive along our stunning shores. From surfing and sailing to kayaking and whale watching, time spent off the coast of Santa Barbara is unbeatable. An array of adventure outfitters can teach you to ride waves and stand-up paddleboard at these local surf breaks. Some also offer guided kayaking excursions for all levels, whether you want to explore the marine life around the Santa Barbara Harbor or out around the Channel Islands National Park. These Santa Barbara surf shops are equipped with just the right wetsuits, swimsuits, rash guards—you name it!—to gear you up for these adventures. (No need to bring your own equipment if you’ve booked a tour or a lesson, the outfitters provide that for you!)

Santa Barbara Parasail Co. runs invigorating flights that will get you soaring up to 1,000 feet above the sea, granting absolutely epic views. The family-friendly experience is open to ages five and over, and even folks who are afraid of heights walk away feeling safe and happy they faced their fears. 

Spring also happens to be prime whale watching season in Santa Barbara. Gray whales can be spotted migrating through the nutrient-rich Santa Barbara Channel, many with their newborn calves in tow. Whale watching cruises promise to surprise and delight all ages with nature’s majesty. And if you’re short on time but really want to get out on the water, hop aboard Lil ‘Toot, a charming water taxi that runs between Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor. (The captain even lets kids take the helm for a spell!) Back on shore, you can take advantage of the sightseeing telescopes on Stearns Wharf to scout for whales or watch the fishermen bring in their hauls at the harbor.

EXPLORE MUSEUMS & CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Santa Barbara’s distinguished museums and cultural institutions can open your eyes to diverse worlds and interests, ranging from nature and art to history and technology. Start with a visit to Santa Barbara Museum of Art, where you’ll find breathtaking installments that will have the whole family in awe.

Thanks to its interactive nature and unique blend of science, creativity and technology, MOXI: The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation delights kids of all ages. Down at the harbor, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is another local treasure appealing to curious minds and ocean lovers. Or, make your way over to Stearns Wharf to sea live marine life exhibits at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is another must-see for families visiting the area. The 30-acre park with priceless ocean views is home to more than 140 species, including giraffes, Channel Island foxes, flamingos and more. Don’t miss the Australian Walkabout habitat to see resident kangaroos, emus and wallabies. And be sure to stop by the Masai giraffe enclosure to welcome the newest kid on the block, born in November 2023.

Get your fresh air fix at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a glorious living museum with 78 acres dedicated to showcasing California’s diversity of native plants with 5.5-miles of paths to explore. Nearby, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is another community treasure set on 17 acres of oak woodland with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Be sure to check out the popular dinosaur exhibit, Prehistoric Forest. As you head back towards downtown, stop by the Old Mission Santa Barbara for an exterior photo op of the “queen” of California’s 21 historic missions. If you’re curious to learn more, pay the small admission fee to enter the museum and get access to the picturesque courtyard, cemetery and chapel.

In Goleta, the charming South Coast Railroad Museum will help your little ones channel their favorite characters from “Thomas the Train” as they get up close and personal with vintage rail cars. The heart of the museum is the Goleta Depot, a 1901 landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

PACK A PICNIC  

Picnics were trending in Santa Barbara long before social distancing made them de rigueur. That’s because we’re spoiled with so much scenic outdoor territory and delicious eats—not to mention companies dedicated to the art of the picnic-like Santa Barbara Picnic Co. and Bliss Beach, who style and cater to Instagram-worthy picnic spreads. 

Some of our favorite picnic locales include the Mission Rose Gardens, which are particularly fragrant and all abloom come spring. Down the road is low-key Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, where you can feed the ducks and kids can play at Kid’s World playground across the street. Another dreamy, under-the-radar spot is Lake Los Carneros adjacent to the historic Stow House in Goleta. When you’re finished with your picnic, take the one-mile walk around the lake where you can put your birdwatching app to good use. Located between downtown Santa Barbara and the Mesa and Hope Ranch neighborhoods, sprawling Elings Park offers tons of social distancing space and places to play. Keep an eye out for the roaming flock of “resident” sheep while savoring your lunch.  

DINE AROUND 

Santa Barbara’s outdoor dining scene is better than ever thanks to expanded patios, parklets and the bustling State Street Promenade. We’ve also made some additions to this must-try Santa Barbara restaurants list, which includes both indoor and outdoor dining.

For the purposes of this guide, we are focusing on family-friendly outdoor dining options that will please even the pickiest of young palates. Overlooking Leadbetter Beach, Shoreline Café is quintessential Santa Barbara. Here, kids can play in the sand while the grown-ups enjoy a libation or two paired with elevated comfort food classics. Similarly, Boathouse is all about the seaside setting and views. Perched right above Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach) and serving three meals a day, you can dine-in on the patio or order food to-go for a picnic at the beach. 

In the heart of downtown right off State Street is the Santa Barbara Public Market, where the sheer variety of options is key. The whole family can get entrées from a different vendor—tacos, noodles, burgers, pizza, sushi—you name it! And everyone can end with a scoop of ice cream at Rori’s. Speaking of icy treats, the kids’ meals at Creekside Bar & Grill in “Noleta” include a popsicle dessert.  

Sometimes familiarity is what kids seek and for that, we steer you towards Eureka! in Paseo Nuevo, where you’ll find the reliable craft American classics the chain is known for—as well as its stellar beer selection. Last but not least, Lucky Penny‘s wood-fired pizzas are so delicious, the kids won’t even know they are digging into gourmet-level fare.