Arriving in Santa Barbara
The drive up the coast was part of the fun. Rolling hills gave way to ocean views, and by the time we pulled into Santa Barbara, everyone was ready for some fresh air. At the hotel, check-in was quick and easy, and the customer service was great, which is exactly what you want when you’ve been in the car with kids all day. The room was bright and comfortable, with enough space for all of us to spread out, and we could feel the beach vibes as we settled in. The kids immediately noticed the pool through the window and were already begging to jump in.
One of the first things I noticed as a mom? The hotel has beach and pool toys available as well as chairs and umbrellas. That meant we didn’t have to pack the usual mountain of buckets, balls, floaties, and beach chairs. Knowing we could travel a little lighter was such a relief, and the kids had a blast.
East Beach: A Perfect Family Spot
The biggest highlight for us was how close we were to East Beach. It’s literally just across the street, which meant no piling into the car, no searching for parking, and no dragging kids and gear half a mile in the sun. We could simply walk over, set up, and enjoy the day.
East Beach itself is perfect for families. It has plenty of room to spread out, lifeguards on duty, and a mellow vibe that made me feel comfortable letting the kids play. They spent hours running in and out of the water, building sandcastles, and playing catch with one of the beach balls from the hotel. There are showers and bathrooms nearby too, which made cleanup simple before heading back for lunch. Pacific Crest Hotel also has an outdoor shower right next to the pool, which made cleanup even easier and more convenient, less sand all over our room!
Shipwreck Playground: A Big Hit
Right near East Beach and the hotel is Shipwreck Playground and it quickly became a favorite spot for the kids. It’s built with a nautical theme, think climbing structures that look like ship masts, slides shaped like waves, and plenty of space to burn off energy. While the kids climbed and ran, my husband and I sat on a nearby bench and soaked up the sun and actually had a few minutes to sit and chat while keeping an eye on them. For parents, that’s gold. The playground also features bathrooms nearby, and plenty of open grassy areas where you could lay out, enjoy a picnic, or bring a pet along.
Santa Barbara Zoo Adventure
If you’re looking for a break from the beaches and playgrounds, the Santa Barbara Zoo is just a few minutes from Pacific Crest Hotel and makes for a perfect family outing. It’s not overwhelming in size, easy to explore in a half-day with kids, but it’s packed with fun exhibits and interactive experiences, including a walking path through a field of kangaroos! The little train ride around the property was a huge hit with our crew, and the giraffe feeding gave us one of those “wow” moments you don’t forget. With wide paths, plenty of shade, and ocean views peeking through, the zoo felt as relaxed as it was entertaining, making it an ideal stop during our stay. Plus with a gift shop and Dippin’ Dots stand, we were able to keep both the kids and ourselves happy.
Stearns Wharf & State Street
Of course, no trip to Santa Barbara with kids is complete without a visit to Stearns Wharf. Just a short drive (or a walk if you’re feeling ambitious), it’s one of those classic spots where the whole family finds something to enjoy. We walked the pier, checked out the sea center with its touch tanks (the kids loved the starfish and small sharks), and ended the visit with ice cream cones overlooking the ocean. It’s touristy, yes, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
We also made a stop along State Street, which is full of shops and restaurants. The vibe is lively but still manageable with kids in tow. We ducked into a bookstore, let the kids pick out a small toy, and then headed to dinner nearby. It felt like the perfect balance of family-friendly and still getting to experience a bit of Santa Barbara’s charm.
Family-Friendly Dining in Santa Barbara
One of the nice things about staying at Pacific Crest is that you don’t have to go far to find great food. Here are a few spots that worked really well for us as a family:
- East Beach Grill: Right by the water, casual, and the kind of place where sandy feet don’t matter. Burgers and fries for the kids, fresh fish for us.
- Sambo’s on the Beach: A Santa Barbara classic. Breakfast here is hearty and easy, which was exactly what we needed before a big beach day.
- Los Agaves: A short drive away, but totally worth it. Great Mexican food, quick service, and big portions to share.
- McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams: Not technically dinner, but it was the sweetest stop we made. Locally made ice cream with flavors the kids (and I) couldn’t resist.
Pool Time & Relaxing at the Hotel
After a busy morning or afternoon out, it was nice to have the pool as an easy fallback. The kids could splash around while we lounged in the sun, and because the hotel provided pool toys, we didn’t have to worry about keeping them entertained. It became our little reset button between outings.
At night, the hotel was quiet, and the beds were comfy enough that the kids actually slept through the night (parents, you know that’s not always guaranteed when traveling, especially with a toddler!). Having that sense of calm made the whole trip feel more restful.
Final Morning & Reflections
On our last morning, we grabbed breakfast and took one more walk along East Beach. The kids collected seashells and hunted for sand crabs, and we all just enjoyed the ocean air before heading back to reality. Packing up was easy, and check-out was quick, which helped ease the sting of the vacation being over.
Looking back, what stood out most was how simple everything felt. Usually when traveling with kids, I spend half the trip stressed out about logistics, and vacations start to feel more like a chore. But with all the fun things to do nearby, and the conveniences of the hotel, I didn’t feel like I was constantly juggling. We got to just be together, and that made all the difference.
I hope this helps you on your family trip to Santa Barbara! 🙂
-Makenna L.