10 Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara with Kids
From posh resorts and gourmet restaurants to stunning beaches and an awesome zoo, there’s a seemingly endless list of things to love about this California coastal town that calls itself the “American Riviera.” Nestled between the ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, Santa Barbara basks in a Mediterranean-like climate and offers loads of attractions and outdoor opportunities that will satisfy kids big and small, as well as kids at heart.
When to Go
The local tourist season peaks in summer, when everything gets more crowded and more expensive. June still brings a higher chance of fog (known locally as “June gloom”) but July through September are ideal for swimming in the Pacific. Temperatures remain warm through early fall, and the drop in prices make this a great time for savvy families to visit. Prices drop even further in winter and early spring, though this is also the period when you can expect more rain and the coolest temperatures of the year.
The best way to explore the waterfront is by pedaling along the coastal bike path that runs along East Beach. Wheel Fun Rentals Santa Barbara offers the widest selection of pedal-craft, from surreys and deuce coupes to mountain bikes, beach cruisers, and tandems.