Photo Credit: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Vacations are all about letting loose and sharing good times with friends, family and partners. So, consider infusing some structured yet playful fun into your next Santa Barbara experience. Our community’s go-to gaming destinations run the gamut from traditional bowling lanes and arcades to futuristic virtual reality centers and creatively curated digital scavenger hunts. The common thread? The potential for bonding, making memories and bringing out the competitive spirit in all ages.
Additional Experiences
5-Day Family Vacation
Families traveling to Santa Barbara will find plenty to do together—from relaxing on the beach to kid-friendly offerings both inside and out.
With so much to see and do in Santa Barbara, your instinct may be to hop in your car each morning without even thinking about it. But luckily for you, the city boasts a number of care-free ways to get around and explore; each of which offers their own unique brand of fun, and none of which involve parking meters. Check 'em out! Photo Credit: J. Sinclair
It’s known as a sport for the soul, and when you paddle out in Santa Barbara, you’ll quickly see why. The surfing in Santa Barbara allows for some of the best in California, with something for every skill level. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
Savor the coastal views, The Urban Wine trail, or the morning’s farm-to-table brunch. Explore shops tucked below unmistakable red tile roofs, then revitalize with energizing, local music or a handcrafted cocktail. Get lost in the unexpected, inviting culture of The American Riviera®. Lift spirits. Savor moments. Miss nothing.
Conquer the day on foot, bicycle or boat, then revitalize beneath distinctive red tile roofs with a handcrafted cocktail. The American Riviera® unfolds where the distinctive Santa Ynez mountain range reaches east-to-west, cascading into a south-facing Pacific coastline with Channel Islands National Park just beyond. Get lost in the unexpected, inviting culture of The American Riviera®. Lift spirits. Savor moments. Miss nothing.
The American Riviera® invites you to settle in and stay a while. Savor distinctive wines while enjoying a personal tour of the vineyards. Embrace an escape where a storied Spanish colonial heritage mixes with modern art and dances under unmistakable
red tile roofs. Soak up coastal views at the nearby polo fields, shaking hands with the local players. Take it all in. Relax longer. Miss nothing.
Gorgeous ocean views, diverse terrain, and a delightfully mild climate make Santa Barbara an ideal place for a bike ride. Photo Credit: Instagram fan @jesslitras
Discover a majestic California landscape, where the distinctive Santa Ynez mountain range reaches east-to-west, cascading into a
south-facing Pacific coastline. Mingle with elegant wine and rich culture beneath distinctive red tile roofs. The American Riviera®
welcomes you with the unexpected and leaves you feeling revived. Explore more. Miss nothing. Plan your escape.
Part global import showcase, part spiritual oasis, Sacred Space is the kind of place you could spend hours admiring the “treasures from heaven available on Earth,” as their motto says. Photo Credit: Instagram fan @mahgey
For your next Santa Barbara getaway, Pacific Crest Hotel offers guests warm hospitality, a great location, and a safe and enjoyable stay. Photo Credit: Instagram fan @jesslitras
Meet new friends at the Santa Barbara Zoo and explore hands-on exhibits at the MOXI museum. Plan an afternoon escape along
a majestic California coastline where mountains meet the sea, with Channel Islands National Park just beyond. After a leisurely
bike tour, elevate your evening beneath distinctive red tile roofs, where acclaimed restaurants prepare family-style feasts paired
with bold wines. The American Riviera® welcomes you with the unexpected and leaves you feeling revived. Create memories.
Spark smiles.
Elevate your afternoon with family-style feasts prepared by renowned chefs beneath distinctive red-tile roofs. Meet new friends
at the Santa Barbara Zoo and explore hands-on exhibits at the MOXI museum. Plan an afternoon bike tour along a majestic California coastline where mountains meet the sea, with Channel Islands National Park just beyond. The American Riviera®
welcomes you with the unexpected and leaves you feeling revived. Create memories. Spark smiles.
Hike up to Lizard's Mouth, where breathtaking views are just the start. Pack a picnic or go rock climbing, and simply let the beauty surround you. Photo Credit: Instagram @drastik805
This oceanfront golf course features beautiful rolling fairways, challenging greens, and a cooling ocean breeze. Photo Credit: Image by Instagram Fan @j_mallmann
From the electric blue skies to the deep purple of a Pinot Noir, a visit to Santa Ynez Valley is a journey for your visual senses. Photo Credit: Ali Stone
Spend some time at the Santa Barbara Harbor, where you can watch fishermen bring in fresh catch, and then grab some for yourself. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is covered in vibrant orange as California Poppies are in full bloom during the spring season. Photo Credit: Cecilia Rosell
With 6 different markets to choose from each week, take your pick on which day and location to visit. No matter where you choose, you’re always guaranteed the freshest produce around. Photo Credit: Instagram @yummymummykitchen
Locals and visitors alike flock to Mesa Lane for long walks on the beach and breathtaking views of the Pacific. Photo Credit: Instagram @thomasgrahamvisuals
Spend some time in Solvang, the Danish village nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley that looks and smells like Christmas year-round, with twinkling lights at night and baked goods served fresh every morning. Photo Credit: Instagram @nelly1809
With its Spanish tiles, sunken garden, and observation tower, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is considered by many to be the country's most beautiful government building. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
There's nothing better than a gorgeous afternoon tasting your favorite wines and basking in the golden sun of the majestic Santa Ynez Valley. Photo Credit: Instagram @santabarbarawinecountry
Explore a day’s worth of shopping tucked below unmistakable red tile roofs, then enjoy every pour along The Urban Wine trail. Savor coastal views after the morning’s farm-to-table brunch. Revitalize with energizing, local music or a handcrafted cocktail. Get lost in the unexpected, inviting culture of The American Riviera®. Lift spirits. Savor moments. Miss nothing.
Southern California inspired cuisine, Outpost is designed to offer guests an incredible Santa Barbara dining experience. Photo Credit: Instagram @irenecheneats
Loquita’s cocktail list showcases Spanish vermouths, farmers’ market Sangria, handcrafted cocktails and a rotating selection of Spain’s king of cocktails, the Gin-and-Tonic. Photo Credit: Instagram @loquitasb
Park yourself for the afternoon at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @mannyraya
A lunch spread that dreams are made of. Bring the family to Santa Barbara Public Market for a little something for everyone. Photo Credit: Instagram @TheDefinedDish
When it comes to combining the mountains and the sea, it’s tough to think of a better place in the country for hiking than Santa Barbara. Photo Credit: Instagram @britt_rojo
Next time you're wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley, make a stop at this quaint cafe with bountiful brunch fare. Photo Credit: Instagram @losangelesfoodiegirl
The American Riviera® invites you to settle in and stay a while. Soak up coastal views at the nearby polo fields, shaking hands with the local players. Embrace an escape where a storied Spanish colonial heritage mixes with modern art and dances under unmistakable red tile roofs. Savor distinctive wines while enjoying a personal tour of the vineyards. Take it all in. Relax longer. Miss nothing.
Taste a delicious spin on the quintessential breakfast burrito with an order of Milpas flatbread, a Mexican-style pizza covered in salsa verde, potatoes, chorizo and fried egg. Photo Credit: Cecilia Rosell
Solvang, a quick 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, is a truly unique village rife with activities, seasonal festivals, wine-tasting rooms and delectable dining. Photo Credit: Instagram @vivoxplorando
A secluded spot for two. Enjoy a glass of premium wine within the comfort of Sunstone Vineyard's wide-open spaces. Photo Credit: heidi1002 via Instagram
Morning recommendation: Wake up to a gorgeous sunrise followed with a bagel sandwich and a giant latte at Helena Avenue Bakery. Photo Credit: Instagram @TheDefinedDish
Outside is the best place to be. Happy Canyon Vineyard has updated the El Paseo courtyard with new tables and plenty of shade. Photo Credit: downtownsantabarbara via Instagram
Will pose for ice cream ? Kids & adults alike can't resist the sweet taste of Rori's Creamery inside Santa Barbara Public Market.
Photo Credit: Instagram @TheDefinedDish
Big Eye Raw Bar taking lunch goals to a whole new level with poke bowls at the Santa Barbara Public Market. Photo Credit: Instagram @santabarbarapublicmarket
Explore 5 miles of easy trails in this 78-acre wild crafted garden designed completely with California native plants. Photo Credit: Instagram @jennifersyltie
When visiting Santa Barbara, a day trip to Los Olivos is an absolute must. And so are these oysters for The Bear and Star. Photo Credit: Instagram @losangelesfoodiegirl
Daydream turned reality. A beautiful lane of mature sycamore trees adorned with magical crystal chandeliers at Whispering Rose Ranch. Photo Credit: Instagram @johnandcolettephoto
Dine in at The Lark for marinated & grilled hanger steak with charred broccoli, calabrian chile, crispy shallots, and mint. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @TheLarkSB
Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara is weekend must when in Santa Barbara. Photo Credit: Image by Instagram Fan @_thomasdawson
For your next weekend on the water, Hotel Milo is conveniently located in Santa Barbara's Waterfront neighborhood. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @k_holly
Watch the sun rising over the pool at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, while admiring iconic Butterfly Beach just past the deck. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @fssantabarbara
Rock climbers are treated to a scenic resting spot with this swing at Potter's Point. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @andrew.townsend of @thesaltybrunette
For the most incredible shrimp tacos and breakfast burritos, head to the harbor for a stop at On the Alley. Photo Credit: Image by Instagram Fan @_thomasdawson
Lunches are fun and easy at opal - excellent food, outstanding service and reasonable prices make this a local favorite. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @opal_sb
First stop, helicopter tour with Nanco Helicopters. Second, a round of ocean-front golf at Sandpiper Golf Club. Photo Credit: Image by Instagram Fan @nancohelicopters
Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate in this hands-on workshop with SBMA Teaching Artists on the Museum’s front steps. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @sbmuseart
Beautiful marine life, pristine kelp forests, and hidden sea caves along The Channel Island's rugged coastline make it hard to stay away. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @sbadvemture
Celebrate your romance with Santa Barbara's red-tiled roofs atop the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Clock Tower. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @aborayan777
A good way to spend a quiet afternoon along the Santa Barbara Harbor, site seeing and enjoying the local catch. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @chell__seaa
Wine tasting done right. Arrive at Sanford Winery for your private tasting in style. Let Nanco Helicopters be your designated pilot. Photo Credit: Instagram @nancohelicopters
Located just beyond the Old Mission, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers visitors of all ages a chance to discover and reconnect with nature. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @amazingdaysevents
Delectable food and cocktails over lunch are the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. S.Y. Kitchen does it right. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @wanderandwine
Surrounding yourself with sunshine, beach breezes and palm tree views at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is always a great way to spend a day on the coast. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @fssantabarbara
In every visit to Brophy Bros., visitors and locals alike enjoy views of the harbor, fishermen and fresh seafood from the Santa Barbara Channel. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @lizhubbard16
Treat yourself to a gorgeous table right on the patio overlooking the ocean and eat our way through the menu at Bella Vista at Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Photo Credit: Instagram @_thomasdawson
Don’t let the number of steps scare you! This path to Mesa Lane will lead you straight to a beachfront paradise. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @kylec_photo
Enjoy a taste of Italy at Olio Pizzeria Enoteca & Bar. More in the mood for pasta? Don't fear! The formal Italian dining is just around the corner at Olio Limone. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @oliosantabarbara
Kayak through the kelp forests of the Channel Islands National Park. This unique location is home to both warm water currents from the South and cold water currents from the North. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @SBAdventure
It's the little details that make Santa Barbara unique, such as the red-tiled roofs that are peppered throughout the city. Photo Credit: Brianne Limani
Cheers to a sun-filled vacation in Santa Barbara spent atop the Canary Hotel's rooftop with bubbles and Bloody Mary's. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @canaryhotel
A vacation that’s actually fun for the whole family is a rare thing indeed. Santa Barbara has loads of attractions and outdoor opportunities that will satisfy kids big and small. Photo Credit: Gabriela Herman
This mouth watering dish comes with a melange of wild mushrooms, toasted almonds, red peppers, carrots, zucchini, red and green cabbage, surrounded by fresh capri tomatoes, avocados and crispy wontons. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @opal_sb
When you're driving along Cabrillo Boulevard make sure to look both ways. Otherwise, you'll miss backdrops like this. Photo Credit: Instagram Fan @noahds
Here, palm trees bend in the breeze and hundreds of boats bob in the harbor. Uncover all of the possibilities of activities along the waterfront. Photo Credit: Mark Weber
Admire the iconic Spanish-style buildings and red-tiled roofs during your stay at one of Santa Barbara's inns or bed and breakfasts. Photo Credit: Mark Weber
The fantastic Spanish-Moorish style mural room in the Santa Barbara Courthouse delights the eye with exuberant displays of brilliant colored tiles and cinematic murals in some of its historic rooms. Photo Credit: Mark Weber
