Family Hotels & Resorts in Santa Barbara from AU$199

Family friendly things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California, is bursting with family-friendly activities that will delight both kids and adults alike. Start your adventure at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where you can stroll through lush gardens and observe over 500 animals in a beautifully designed, intimate setting. Just a short drive away, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers engaging exhibits that explore the region's unique ecology, including a planetarium that will spark the curiosity of young explorers. For a splash of fun, head to East Beach, where you can build sandcastles, paddleboard, or simply relax under the sun while the kids enjoy the playground. Don't miss the chance to take a family bike ride along the scenic beachfront promenade, which offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains. Lastly, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden features a native plant garden that provides a peaceful escape and an opportunity to teach children about local flora. For a convenient and enjoyable stay, consider lodging in the waterfront area, where family-friendly hotels like the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort offer spacious rooms and easy access to the beach and local attractions. This area not only provides a relaxing atmosphere, but also places you in close nearby dining options and activities, ensuring your family can create lasting memories without the hassle of long commutes.

Find the best family friendly hotels in Santa Barbara

For families seeking a fun-filled vacation in Santa Barbara, these top hotels offer a range of amenities tailored to ensure both comfort and enjoyment for travelers of all ages.

Marina Beach Motel

• Why it's great for a family-friendly adventure: Marina Beach Motel is a fantastic option for families, with a remarkable review rating of 9.8. Featuring amenities like a kitchenette and free rollaway beds, the motel ensures families have plenty of space and flexibility during their stay. Daily housekeeping keeps the environment tidy, while the garden area provides a lovely spot for families to relax together.
• Other amenities: Additional benefits include free breakfast, a mini-refrigerator in the rooms, and easy access to the beach for fun-filled days in the sun. Guests can also enjoy convenient parking options and nearby activities such as winery tours and kayaking, making it a well-rounded choice for family adventures.
• Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
• Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.7 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.2 km, Stearns Wharf - 0.9 km

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

• Why it's great for a family-friendly adventure: Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach excels in family-friendly hotels, reflected in its stellar review rating of 9.6. The hotel features a fully equipped kitchen and free cribs, allowing families to prepare meals and settle younger travelers comfortably. The outdoor pool is gated for safety, providing a secure environment for children to enjoy themselves while parents relax.
• Other amenities: Guests can also benefit from amenities such as complimentary breakfast, a hot tub for relaxation, and easy access to nearby beaches for a day of adventure. The inn offers additional conveniences like electric car charging stations, off-street parking, and a variety of water activities, including kayaking and sailing, ensuring an action-packed getaway for everyone.
• Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
• Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.9 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1.1 km

Lavender Inn by the Sea

• Why it's great for a family-friendly adventure: Lavender Inn by the Sea is a charming retreat for families, rated highly with a score of 9.4. The inn features essential family amenities such as free cribs and a garden area where children can play safely. The outdoor pool, complete with a gated entrance, allows for enjoyable splashes under the sun while parents supervise with ease.
• Other amenities: Additional amenities include complimentary breakfast, off-street parking, and access to beautiful beaches just a short walk away. Guests can also take advantage of nearby kayaking, winery tours, and fitness facilities, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy during their stay.
• Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
• Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.9 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1.1 km

Inn By The Harbor

• Why it's great for a family-friendly adventure: Families will find a welcoming atmosphere at Inn By The Harbor, which boasts an impressive review rating of 9.2. The hotel provides family-friendly amenities including kitchens and rollaway beds to accommodate the needs of larger families. The outdoor pool area, complete with sun loungers, offers a perfect spot for kids to play while adults unwind.
• Other amenities: In addition to its family-friendly amenities, the inn includes free daily breakfast, complimentary cribs, and easy access to beautiful nearby beaches. Guests can enjoy the convenience of self-parking, as well as nearby attractions like wineries and boardwalks for family outings. The hotel also offers thoughtful touches such as bathrobes and toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
• Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
• Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.9 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1.4 km

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

• Why it's great for a family-friendly adventure: Avania Inn of Santa Barbara is an ideal choice for family travelers, with an excellent review rating of 9.2. Families will appreciate the accessible outdoor pool, perfect for splashing around, along with the availability of travel cribs for the little ones, ensuring a convenient stay for all ages. Plus, children can enjoy the complimentary breakfast, making mornings straightforward for parents.
• Other amenities: Additional amenities include a relaxing hot tub for some downtime, a terrace for family gatherings, and nearby beach access for sandcastle building and fun in the sun. Other features such as free parking, air conditioning, and designer toiletries enhance the comfort of the stay, while the nearby boardwalk and golf options provide entertainment for the entire family.
• Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
• Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 1 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 1.1 km