If you haven’t been to Santa Barbara, you must go!
When my son was three months old, we were looking for a quick getaway trip and decided to go to Santa Barbara. Best decision ever! We loved it, and now we visit one to two times a year.
On our first two trips, we took the train from San Diego. We didn’t have a car, just our luggage, an infant, and a stroller. Eek! Luckily, Santa Barbara is very walkable.
We could walk to the hotel from the train station and then to many restaurants, breweries, wineries, the beach, and Stearns Wharf from our hotel. Of course, I did some research about this before taking the train, but it all worked out magnificently!
So, here’s all I know on how to do Santa Barbara. I hope it helps you have the best visit!
Where to stay
Santa Barbara is fantastic, but hotels are expensive!
Casa Del Mar Inn
The first time we visited, I discovered Casa Del Mar Inn. The inn was reasonably priced and a half block from the beach and Stearns Wharf. It’s also within walking distance of State Street and the Funk Zone, which offers plenty of dining options, breweries, and wineries.
Wine time!
Who likes happy hour? 🍷🙋♀️One of the cool things about this hotel is that they have a complimentary wine and cheese hour every night from 5-7 pm. After pouring yourself a glass, you can relax in their cute dining area or head out to their firepit in the courtyard.
What’s for breakfast?
They serve breakfast every morning with various options such as coffee, juice, pastries, bagels, yogurt, cereal, and fruit. We rarely dine out for breakfast during our visits because we like the food at the hotel.
Room options
This hotel has a few different room types, and I think we’ve stayed in almost all of them. They were all spacious and had at least a fridge and sink (other than the bathroom sink). Some of the rooms are larger and have kitchens.
Our favorite room type is the two-bedroom, two-bath suite. It’s technically a one-bedroom and has a king bed in the main living room, but the living room is really long. A desk separates the living room area from the bed area. Our son stays in the bedroom with a queen bed. This room also has a full kitchen with a small dining table.
What noise?
My kid runs around hotel rooms like a WWE wrestler, so I always feel bad for people under us, but not here! A big bonus of the two-bedroom suite is that there’s no one under you (just parking spots) and no connecting walls on each side! It’s a relief not having to tell my son to tiptoe every five minutes!
Parking
Parking is easy at this hotel. The hotel has some covered spots in the alley, and there’s plenty of street parking if all of the alley spots are taken.
Bring Fido
Lots of guests bring their dogs, and the fee is very reasonable.
We love it!
We always look forward to our Casa Del Mar Inn stays and haven’t wanted to stay elsewhere. It’s a unique hotel with a lot of old charm and character. Their staff is friendly, and they always provide the best service.
Things to do
West Beach
Location ✔ Calm water ✔ Bathrooms ✔ Water sport rentals ✔
West Beach is a half block from our hotel, which is why we always end up at this beach. We haven’t really ventured out to other beaches around Santa Barbara since it’s very convenient for us to walk to this beach.
Aside from the short walk, clean bathrooms and outdoor showers are nearby. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis for a reasonable price.
When our son was four, he pestered us non-stop to rent a kayak, so my husband finally did. They were out in the water for three minutes when my son freaked out about sharks and would not go back out on the kayak that we had rented for an hour. 🤦♀️😂
The water is calm, so it has been the perfect place for my son since he was little. It’s nice not having to worry about waves taking him out. He can handle waves now, but we still end up at this beach, and my son loves it.
I’m not too fond of crowds, so this beach is nice because it’s usually quiet. My son can also run around with his kite, and I don’t have to worry so much about him taking someone out.
Stearns Wharf
Take a walk around the Stearns Wharf pier. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and gorgeous views.
It’s a very popular place, so it’s a good idea to go early if you want to avoid crowds.
Museum of Natural History
Coolest. Place. Ever.
Dinosaurs, minerals, birds, bugs, mammals, sea life, activities, a planetarium and more!
This has been one of my favorite places to go in Santa Barbara with my son. We visited the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History on our last trip and will definitely be going again. It provides hours of entertainment and is enjoyable for kids and adults.
There are ongoing exhibitions, and they also bring in special ones that are available for short periods of time. Check the website to see their current exhibitions.
Dinosaurs
Our son loves dinosaurs, so we started off in the Prehistoric Forest. It had large animatronic dinosaurs that were fun to see. What made it even better was the beautiful scenery around all of the dinosaurs.
After walking through the forest and playing in the excavation site, we headed to the Butterfly Pavillion exhibit. Unfortunately, we visited a few days before the grand opening, but we could still see all of the butterflies from the outside.
Gladwin Planetarium
The shows at the planetarium are a must-see. We made it to the Exploring the Solar System show, and it was out of this world! We loved it. There were a bunch of little kids, and they all seemed entertained.
The show was on the ceiling of a dome-shaped room, and the presenter would zoom into planets, stars, and galaxies. He did a great job explaining the solar system to a young audience.
Minerals
Another hit with my son was the minerals exhibit. He has a little collection of gems at home and appreciated seeing their large collection.
Activities
Building a teepee is surprisingly hard! We spent some time trying to put one together and then headed over to their boat racing activity, which was perfect for my water lover.
We spent about three hours here and could’ve stayed longer, but we were hungry for lunch. Next time, I might pack a picnic lunch since there were places to eat around the museum.
If you’re looking for a nearby restaurant afterward, head to La Playa Azul Cafe for some delicious Mexican food and margaritas.
Children’s Museum
More entertainment for kids! Yes, please!
Moxi is a wonderful place to visit for both children and adults, with a bunch of fun interactive exhibits.
It’s within walking distance of our hotel, so we decided to check it out when our son was still a toddler. We weren’t sure if he’d be old enough to enjoy it, but he had a blast! There were also older kids there, and they all seemed to be having a good time.
This place is gigantic, so allow yourself some time to explore. Once you’re done, there are many places to eat and drink outside the museum.
Zoo
Santa Barbara has an awesome zoo! I think my son disagreed at the time, but we’ll go with my opinion on this one!
My son had been to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park numerous times before we visited, so I don’t think he was impressed since he was ready to leave shortly after we arrived. Good times. 🙄 We still made our way through (quickly with a moody toddler), and I was impressed.
There’s a wide variety of animals at this zoo, including elephants, giraffes, and gorillas that you can see up close. Visitors also have the opportunity to feed the giraffes.
It looks like the zoo now requires reservations to visit, so check their website before going.
State Street
Shopping, restaurants, spas, children’s museum, axe throwing, and much more!
If you’re unsure about what to do, just head to State Street and walk around.
On our last stroll, we stumbled across an axe-throwing club, and my son was mesmerized. I don’t trust my kid with an axe, let alone throw one, but they do allow kids 10 and older to participate.
Funk Zone
Time to get funky! The Funk Zone is so much fun to explore.
This walkable area is packed full of wineries, breweries, restaurants, galleries, and shopping. It’s a very artsy district with interesting buildings.
Cold Spring Tavern
My husband saw Cold Spring Tavern pop up in one of his feeds, and we decided to try it out. It was a really cool experience!
It’s historic, has beautiful scenery all around it, and the restaurant has tasty food and drinks.
If you’re staying near Stearns Wharf, it’s about a 25-minute drive inland, but the drive is very scenic, with mountain and ocean views.
When you arrive, most of the parking is along the road. We drove past those cars and found a spot right next to the tavern in a small parking lot just past the sign in the picture below.
There are plenty of places to sit inside and outside at the restaurant. We ended up sitting inside, and I highly recommend doing that if it’s your first time. The walls are covered in old pictures, tools, saddles, and more.
After enjoying a delicious lunch and some cocktails, we walked outside and checked out the historic buildings.
Even though it’s a little bit of a drive, we’ll definitely be visiting Cold Spring Tavern again. It was a fun outing, and I still crave their bar-b-que!
Check out their website for information about the history, food, drinks, and events.
Parks and playgrounds
Pershing Park
Soccer, baseball, or just running around to get some energy out! Pershing Park is a short block away from where we stay.
We usually have the park to ourselves, and it was a lifesaver when our son was a toddler. He could run around, and we didn’t have to worry about him getting hurt.
The fields are also lined with fences, so he couldn’t run out into the street.
Dwight Murphy Field
Play Ball! The last time we visited Santa Barbara, Pershing Park was closed, so we went to Dwight Murphy Field to play some baseball.
This park has more activity, such as little league games, so we had to leave once those started. Nonetheless, it was a great place to play, and it’s located right outside the zoo.
Shipwreck Playground
Shipwreck Playground is near the pier, located in Chase Palm Park.
There’s a small playground for kids under 5 and a larger playground for kids 5 and older.
Alameda Park
Kid’s World playground and a botanical garden with ponds are all located within Alameda Park. This place looks amazing!
My friend recommended it, and we still haven’t visited, but it’s high on my list of places to check out.
Places to eat and drink
Topa Topa
Our first stop every time we visit Santa Barbara is Topa Topa.
We like the beers, and the food from The Nook in the adjoining building is so good. There’s seating inside, and they have a large patio outside. If you’re not a fan of beer, you can head over to Fox Wine Co., located in the same building.
Our son loves coming here because they have games to play. I like it because he is not asking me if he can play on my phone.
Brass Bear Brewing
Free daycare! Yes, you read that right! Eat and drink in peace!
We ate at Brass Bear Brewing during our first visit to Santa Barbara when our son was three months old and discovered that they provide free childcare. Their Cub Club is for parents who want a little break while grabbing a drink or bite to eat at their brewery.
Since our son was so young, we didn’t try it out that visit, but we sure did the following year when he was fifteen months old. He loved it!
The Cub Club staff was excellent, and the daycare is located right next door to the brewery. You can also order food for your children to enjoy there.
Check the Cub Club hours on their website before visiting.
Santa Barbara Pizza House
We’re fans of deep-dish pizza, and Santa Barbara Pizza House definitely knows how to make it right. If you like meat-lover pizzas, I recommend The La Cumbre. It was delicious.
They also offer Neapolitan-style pizza with one of the best-tasting crusts I’ve ever tried, as well as appetizers, salads, sandwiches, soups, and desserts.
This location was previously occupied by Patxi’s Pizza, but Santa Barbara Pizza House took over in October 2023.
The restaurant has a fresh, new look, with comfy, spacious seating inside and a large covered patio with heaters. Since the windows stay open, sitting under the heaters outside might be warmer since it can be chilly inside. Although I enjoyed sitting in a large booth inside, I kept my jacket on the whole time.
We visited in May 2024 and found out that they’re still waiting for their liquor license to be granted. However, once they get it, they have a lovely bar that opens up to the outside, and it will be the perfect spot to grab a drink.
Cold Spring Tavern
Amazing burgers, tri-tip, BBQ, drinks, and much more!
Cold Spring Tavern is a beautiful, historic place, and it’s about a 25-minute scenic drive from the Santa Barbara Pier.
For more information and pictures, jump to the section on things to do.
La Playa Azul Cafe
I bet you can’t have just one margarita at the La Playa Azul Cafe! They’re delicious, and the food is amazing, too.
After visiting the Museum of Natural History, we tried this restaurant, and it was an awesome find. The patio is really cute, and we had it all to ourselves since we arrived at the end of the lunch rush.
After eating, you can walk around the area and do some shopping.
Rudy’s
More Mexican food, please!
Rudy’s is a great fast-food spot with a dine-in-like atmosphere.
The Montecito Street location is down the street from where we stay, so we’ve walked here numerous times. It’s perfect when we want something quick and casual.
As you can tell from the picture, the burritos are massive. I was wearing a maternity dress, which was probably best after taking that down. 😂
The Brewhouse
The Brewhouse is also down the street from where we stay, and after walking by it many times, we finally tried it.
We were impressed with the beer they brewed and with their interesting food options. Although they didn’t have a kid’s menu, they made our son an off-menu grilled cheese that he devoured!
Palace Grill
A taste of Louisiana in Santa Barbara!
Palace Grill is a delicious, authentic Cajun-Ceole restaurant located just off State Street.
We stumbled upon this hidden gem while walking up and down State Street with our son in a stroller. The restaurant has unique decor, and we enjoyed trying their traditional dishes.
Take the train
All aboard! If you live in Southern California, you should definitely look into taking the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara.
Skip the car seat
We decided to take the train when our son was three months old because we didn’t want to keep him in his car seat for 3-4 hours. Taking the train was also nice because we didn’t have to pull over when it was time for me to feed him, and my husband could get some work done.
Is Santa Barbara walkable?
Before buying tickets, I did some research to make sure we could walk everywhere, and we could! The train station was a ten-minute walk to our hotel, and we could easily stroll to the beach, Stearns Wharf, State Street, and the Funk Zone.
We didn’t bring our son’s car seat base, but you could easily Uber too. Another option is to rent a car if you want to venture out. There are few rental places you can walk to in this area.
How’s the view?
I would say that 75 percent of the trip is beautiful, with ocean views from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Going through parts of LA isn’t the prettiest, but that is over quickly enough.
Let’s talk business
Business class is the best! It’s less crowded, and they provide a small snack box with your choice of a mini bottle of wine or a beer. If you want more, a bar cart on the train also sells beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks.
Checking luggage
If you check your luggage, be sure to call the station before you book to confirm.
We departed from the Solana Beach station once and didn’t know they don’t check luggage. Trying to get our stroller, luggage, and baby gear on and off the train was a mess. If you live in North San Diego, leave from Oceanside if you want to check your luggage.
Back to the drive
Our son was fifteen months old the second time we took the train, and it wasn’t the same relaxing trip we had the year before! My wild child ran around non-stop, up and down stairs and aisles. 🤪
We tried to find a train car to isolate ourselves inside. Basically, I tried to cage us in! No luck. Finally, after four and a half hours of toddler aerobics, he went down for the last hour of the trip. After that, we started driving.
These days, we still drive because we bring beach and sports gear, and we’ve also been going to places that aren’t within walking distance, like Cold Spring Tavern and the Museum of Natural History. But I do love taking the train, and it beats sitting in traffic on the 5, 405, and 101!
Plan it
Whether you drive, take the train, or fly, Santa Barbara is a wonderful place to visit.
I have shared all my favorites with you, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy my recommendations and find a few favorites of your own.
Check out my Santa Barbara Recommendations Quick Guide for a summarized list of my recommendations.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me or email holly@howtoholly.com.
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