Situated along the southern coastline of California between the Santa Ynez Mountains lies the bustling city of Santa Barbara. There are plenty of things to do, see, and visit here. The city takes pride in its rich Spanish culture and influence, which is one of the top reasons for its booming tourism. The ambiance of the place very much resembles a Mediterranean city and it’s even being promoted as the “American Riviera”. Because of the warm and friendly atmosphere, Santa Barbara has been a favorite destination for family holidays. There are zoos, museums, and beach activities fit for your kids to enjoy. So to help you further plan out your vacation, here’s a list of the best family resorts in Santa Barbara, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (from USD 204)
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is one of the best places to stay if you’re vacationing with your family. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a plethora of excellent amenities and a great location. It features an outdoor swimming pool where you can have refreshing dips and soak up some rays on the sun terrace. You can also spend the evening with your loved ones in comfortable outdoor seating around a fire pit.
Playing board games together or going on outdoor adventures like biking, horseback riding, and fishing are all great options for families looking to spend quality time together here. Do note that charges may apply.
The property is only a 5-minute bike ride away from Goleta Beach Park, a 10-minute drive away from Sandpiper Golf Club, and a 3.2-km (1.9-mi) drive from Twin Lakes Golf Course.
The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Address: 5650 Calle Real
130.78 km (81.3 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
2. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort (from USD 279)
Located on the East Beach in Santa Barbara, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is only a short distance from the Santa Barbara Zoo, which your kids will surely enjoy. The Paseo Nuevo Mall is also within the vicinity and it’s a great place for your shopping needs. The Hilton offers activities for the whole family like swimming in their vast outdoor pool, playing a game of shuffleboard, or practice a round of mini-golf on their putting green. The standout factor of the Hilton is surely its location with choices of the mountain, garden or ocean view. Oh, and this is a pet-friendly hotel, so your furry family members can come along too!
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Address: 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard
117.39 km (73.0 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
3. Rosewood Miramar Beach (from USD 745)
Rosewood Miramar Beach is a great choice for both relaxation and recreation for the entire family. Located in Montecito, the hotel and resort feature a vast number of family-friendly activities to do within its premises. It has everything from all sorts of massages at the spa, a fitness center complete with training instructors and yoga classes, bikes for rent to go cycling in the area, board games and DVDs to help your kids out of boredom, and two pools, one for children and another regular pool complete with the use of water toys. The hotel is also-pet friendly, and they even provide pet bowls for free!
Rosewood Miramar Beach
Address: 1759 South Jameson Lane
113.48 km (70.6 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Nearby family resorts
4. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel (from USD 420)
Though not mainly located in the city of Santa Barbara, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel still lies within the county of Santa Barbara. Conveniently located 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) from Los Angeles, it’s a perfect spot for families who wish to explore the area of Los Angeles and visit the famous Santa Monica Pier nearby. Aside from these popular landmarks, the hotel itself provides a family-friendly atmosphere with amenities fit for everyone. This includes the pool that comes with an ice cream stand! The other outdoor activities are offered with play equipment. Babysitting is also available upon request at an additional charge.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Address: 1700 Ocean Avenue
547 meters (0.4 ft) from Santa Monica Pier
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5. The Peninsula Beverly Hills (from USD 895)
Located in the very heart of Hollywood, the Peninsula Beverly Hills is the perfect accommodation for families who wish to see the best of California. Bring your family to iconic destinations like the Dolby Theater, Universal Studios Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier and the famed Hollywood sign that are only a few blocks away from this hotel. Then while you relax back at the hotel, you can send your kids to the library with their selection of children’s books, movies, and music, along with a babysitter that is available upon request and with a charge.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Address: 9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard
10.36 km (6.5 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
6. Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel (from USD 211)
Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel is found on the famous Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. Aside from the stellar interiors and spacious family rooms, there are fun activities to do at the hotel such as table tennis and billiards. The pool also has a fence around it, perfect for you to feel safe about your kids should they play around the poolside. Pets are also allowed on the property so your children may be able to play with their furry friends while on vacation.
Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel
Address: 11461 Sunset Boulevard
7.67 km (4.8 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
7. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena (from USD 399)
This kid-friendly resort near Santa Barbara is a great option for your folks should you be in the California area. The property has a 23-acre (9-hectare) garden that’s perfect for kids to spend their playtime. They also have tennis courts that come with equipment and additional charges. Nevertheless, it’s a good option for you to bond with your kids. They also have a kid’s meal upon request with additional charges. Guests have also noted that the pool is child-friendly.
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Address: 1401 South Oak Knoll
35.92 km (22.4 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
8. Great Wolf Lodge Southern California (from USD 199)
Fair pricing for kids' breakfast; valet parking was great but additional parking fees; some extra activities are a bit pricey.
Kid-friendly with a large water park, indoor pool, arcade, mini-golf, and laser tag; spacious rooms with clean facilities; some areas need maintenance and updates.
Centrally located with easy access to freeways; close to local attractions and family-friendly activities; convenient but limited dining options on-site.
Great dining options with a variety of restaurants; breakfast buffet was excellent but overpriced; limited vegan and gluten-free offerings.
Perhaps the most suitable hotel and resort option in the area if you have kids is Great Wolf Lodge Southern California. An indoor water park with 16 rides and water slides, a kid’s spa, a bowling alley, an XD theater, and a playground! Your kids will not run out of things to do at the hotel alone. They’ll even be welcomed by character mascots in the lobby! If somehow these activities are still not enough to entertain your child, Disneyland is just a short distance away. What’s not to love?
Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
Address: 12681 Harbor Blvd
59.55 km (37.1 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
9. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa (from USD 298)
Slightly expensive but reasonable for the quality and location.
Two pools, one for families and one for adults, shops, restaurants, and a store on site. Pet-friendly with beach gear provided.
Direct access to the beach, walking distance to shops, and close to Huntington State Beach.
Delicious dining options on-site, though some found the pricing a bit high.
This stellar resort is conveniently located in Huntington Beach and it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Aside from its scenery, the amenities are worth mentioning as well. These include an award-winning spa for mom, outstanding restaurants for dad, and lovely outdoor pools which include a water slide that’s perfect for the kids. Other activities for the kids include a games room and a playground. There’s something for everyone in the family.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
Address: 21500 Pacfic Coast Highway
61.48 km (38.2 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
10. The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel (from USD 364)
Pricey at $450+ per night, extra resort fees, and $48 per night parking.
Beautiful decor, spacious rooms, lovely pools, and rooftop bar with great views.
Perfect location across from the beach, walking distance to downtown shops and dining.
Good dining options, excellent breakfast buffet, but some restaurants had slow service and overpriced food.
The Waterfront Beach Resort is a coastal hotel and resort in Huntington Beach. It takes pride in its Mediterranean-Italian style interiors. This family-friendly hotel boasts rooms fit for the whole gang and two water slides that your kids will surely enjoy. There are loads of beach activities available to do as well. And parents need not worry should they stay out late; babysitters are available upon request and at an extra charge.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Address: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway
61.08 km (38.0 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Fun for the whole family
California is known to have a reputation for being a fun and lively state. It has lots of beaches, plus the biggest film industry in the world and the happiest place on earth are all found here. It’s the perfect destination for any family holiday. And whether you prefer to stay in Santa Barbara or nearby, there will always be accommodation options that are perfect for your family.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a place to stay that feels like home and welcomes pets, consider booking a stay at one of the top pet-friendly Airbnbs in the area.
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