Located at the central California coast, this lovely city with the Mediterranean vibe is quite a place to be! With the backdrop of the Ynez Mountains, in here, you are up to get a dose of the Spanish heritage. Go ahead and indulge in the scrumptious food. Bring your adventurous spirit and go for a nature walk (Santa Barbara has a lot of natural wonders to offer!). Shop at their upscale boutiques. Visit the parks and museums. There is so much to see and do! Bringing the family here will be an awesome idea. So, where are the kid-friendly hotels in Santa Barbara, California? Read on to find out!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to kid-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 03, 2024.
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1. Hotel Milo Santa Barbara (from USD 358)
Do you want a family retreat near the beach? Hotel Milo is that trendy, lovely place to stay in. Besides the beach, just with eight minutes of walking, you can already arrive at the Museum of Natural History Sea Center. The tropical style of the hotel makes it so beautiful a place. A spacious, open area with towering palm trees will greet you. For sure, the kids will love it here! Enjoy the views as you make use of the amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness area, pool, and Mediterranean-styled rooms. For that relaxing and enjoyable vacation, this is the type of hotel to opt for.
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 202 W Cabrillo Blvd
2.54 km (1.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
2. Lavender Inn by the Sea (from USD 352)
Enjoyable breakfast with quality food, happy hour with wine and snacks, and a complimentary bottle of champagne.
Good value compared to other properties in the area.
Conveniently close to the center, beachfront, marina, and pier.
Free parking, complimentary breakfast, wine hour, and access to sister hotel's jacuzzi and bikes.
The Lavender Inn did not acquire its name just because. It is actually surrounded by rejuvenating lavender gardens! You and your family are up to a unique experience in this hotel. With lots of rooms, spacious parking area, and elegant interior design, you will surely enjoy staying at the Lavender Inn as the combination of lavender and the ocean breeze freshen the air. The rooms are inclusive of Wi-Fi, fireplace, and a flat-screen TV. While the kids enjoy, the lovely couple may also spend a relaxing time drinking wine under the lovely Santa Barbara skies.
Lavender Inn by the Sea This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 206 Castillo Street
2.94 km (1.9 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
3. Blue Sands Inn (from USD 335)
Located just one block away from the East Beach, the Blue Sands Inn is a cool and casual retreat surrounded by palm trees with a large, blue pool for a contrast! Kids always get excited when they see a spacious pool they can playfully wade in. The kid-friendly motel also offers quirky designs (just look at the creative stairs!) combined with that tropical feel. Perfect for the family, they have rooms with two beds, air conditioning, kitchenette, and high-speed internet. While the kids can play in the pool, the adults may have fun too with the golf course!
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 421 South Milpas Street
626 meters (0.4 ft) from Santa Barbara Zoo
4. Bacara Resort & Spa (from USD 1478)
Mixed dining experiences, with some overpriced and slow service, but delicious fresh food choices.
High-end pricing, with some room discrepancies and overpriced amenities.
Scenic oceanfront setting, though some noise and distance issues.
Beautiful location, spa services, pools, beach access, and free bike rentals.
One of the best attributes of an ideal accommodation is the view. Well, if that is what you are looking for, then the Bacara Resort & Spa won’t disappoint. From here, you may see the beautiful Pacific Ocean, plus the look of the resort is simply stunning. Enjoy this spacious, luxurious, Spanish-styled place with the family. Staying here will definitely be a one-of-a-kind experience. You won’t run out of things to try here! Get excited as there are two oceanfront saltwater pools available plus cabanas for rent. There is even a seasonal kids’ club! Check out the fine restaurants and play in the tennis courts. Feel renewed as you end the day with the view of the ocean at sunset.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Address: 8301 Holllister Avenue
23.29 km (14.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
5. Inn By The Harbor (from USD 329)
Good breakfast options, complimentary wine, and cheese, and a kitchenette in rooms
Reasonable pricing with complimentary happy hour and breakfast
Central location, walking distance to the beach, wharf, and downtown attractions
Free rental bikes, pool, kitchenette, laundry facilities, and complimentary wine and cheese
Are you looking for that posh, Mediterranean, traditional and cozy place to stay? Inn By The Harbor offers just that, with a good location near certain landmarks like the Santa Barbara Harbor and the Stearns Wharf. What’s great about this is that a family can surely enjoy their time here as there are various amenities to try—biking, swimming, and just chilling on the spacious areas. Spend leisure time with the family and try out the complimentary continental breakfast. The look of this place is just fantastic, you would not tire out appreciating the surroundings.
Inn by the Harbor This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 433 West Montecito Street
3.1 km (2.0 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
6. Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara (from USD 155)
Just beside the road at the East Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara just might be the perfect family fun getaway! Stunning and spacious, this elegant, Spanish-styled hotel is a wonderful option you have to consider. The first amenity that will catch your eye upon arrival is the large pool! There are many things you can enjoy here with the family such as the hot tubs and fire pit. Just upgrade the room to have a private balcony or patio for an amazing view of the coastline. Get a taste of the Spanish cuisine with the restaurant there.
Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara
Address: 1111 East Cabrillo Boulevard
445 meters (0.3 ft) from Santa Barbara Zoo
7. Belmond El Encanto (from USD 1170)
Varied dining experiences, with some slow service but exceptional food quality.
Luxurious and worth the cost, with some pricey add-ons.
Tucked into the Santa Barbara hills, offering stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
Beautiful infinity pool, e-bikes, and pet-friendly with thoughtful amenities.
Be surrounded by a staggering seven-acre (2.8 hectares) lush garden as you check in Belmond El Encanto! If you and your family are used to the city life or you just want to get a breath of fresh air, everything about this place would be pure perfection. Take a break and swim in the outdoor infinity pool, work out in the fitness center, and relax in the spa—there is so much to do! As for the food, you can enjoy a California Coastal cuisine. This is the kind of family vacation that will make everyone feeling refreshed.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 800 Alvarado Place
3.99 km (2.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
8. Kimpton Goodland (from USD 144)
Kimpton Goodland is a spacious, cozy, upscale hotel that is great for the family as the contemporary style and fabulous pool will greet you! It is a good idea to bring a car as the place is near the highway, plus the city center will take a few minutes of driving. Parking is free! Experience the cozy weather in Santa Barbara as the kids wade in the pool while you relax on a sunbathing chair. You may also check out the bar/lounge or the fancy restaurant.
Kimpton Goodland
Address: 5650 Calle Real
14.33 km (9.0 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
9. Franciscan Inn & Suites (from USD 397)
For a cozy feel of a Santa Barbara getaway, Franciscan Inn & Suites offers you a convenient and comfortable stay that will make your visit here worthwhile. The place is located near the beach (it will take just three minutes of walking) plus the Santa Barbara Harbor, and the Steans Wharf. Make use of the high-speed internet, flat-screen televisions, spacious living rooms, and kitchenettes. The kids will enjoy swimming in the heated outdoor pool while you may lounge on the sunbathing chairs. Make use of the strategic location to go around the city—you’ll have a comfortable place to stay after a day filled with fun!
The Franciscan Hotel
Address: 109 Bath Street
2.76 km (1.8 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
10. Spanish Garden Inn (from USD 559)
Fresh and Mediterranean indeed! The Santa Barbara Spanish Garden Inn won’t disappoint for that comfortable and luxurious stay. You will be pleased as the amenities here are pleasant and varied. It includes a heated swimming pool where the kids can enjoy, fitness gym, free parking, private balconies/patios, lots of lovely lounging areas inside and outside, plus the places is laden with gorgeous trees and grass! Top that with the friendly and accommodating staff. In addition, this elegant hotel is near the city center. For sure, the family will find this place lovely.
Spanish Garden Inn
Address: 915 Garden Street
2.85 km (1.8 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Viva Santa Barbara!
Santa Barbara is truly a charming place, so it is just right to choose that perfect retreat for the family! What is important is that there is quality time spent and that everyone enjoyed. Experience the place and get around! After a long day, the lovely kid-friendly place you will choose here will keep you and your family comfortable.
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