The Best Family-Friendly Hotels & Resorts in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, also known as the “American Riviera,” is a picturesque coastal city with beautiful beaches, scenic mountain views, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families. Whether you’re visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo, taking a stroll down Stearns Wharf, or exploring tide pools at Butterfly Beach, there’s plenty to do for kids and parents alike.

To ensure a comfortable and fun-filled stay, we’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly hotels and resorts in Santa Barbara.

For families looking for luxury and relaxation, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers an oceanfront escape with kid-friendly activities, pools, and beautiful nature trails.

Why Families Love It:
✔ Two beachfront pools & a splash pad for kids
✔ Tennis courts & kids’ sports programs
✔ Tide pool exploring & nature walks nearby
✔ Spacious family suites with private patios

🏨 Where: 8301 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA

📍 Nearby Attractions: Goleta Beach, Santa Barbara Zoo, Butterfly Beach

Located right across from the beach, this resort is perfect for families who love outdoor fun. With bike rentals, fire pits, and kid-friendly pools, it’s a great option for a coastal getaway.

Why Families Love It:
✔ Direct beach access & bike rentals for the whole family
✔ Spacious family-friendly rooms & suites
✔ Outdoor pool with a kids’ section
✔ Close to Stearns Wharf & Santa Barbara Zoo

🏨 Where: 633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA

📍 Nearby Attractions: Stearns Wharf, East Beach, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

For families looking for boutique-style luxury, Hotel Californian offers modern amenities, ocean views, and easy access to Santa Barbara’s best attractions.

Why Families Love It:
✔ Family-friendly pool with private cabanas
✔ Walking distance to the Funk Zone & Stearns Wharf
✔ Spacious suites with ocean views
✔ Pet-friendly options for families traveling with pets

🏨 Where: 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA

📍 Nearby Attractions: Santa Barbara Harbor, Cabrillo Boulevard, MOXI – The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Built by Charlie Chaplin, this historic hotel offers a charming and cozy retreat for families, located in the heart of Montecito.

Why Families Love It:
✔ Outdoor heated pool & hot tub
✔ Complimentary bikes for family rides along the coast
✔ Walking distance to Butterfly Beach
✔ Family suites with connecting rooms available

🏨 Where: 1295 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA

📍 Nearby Attractions: Butterfly Beach, Santa Barbara Zoo, Lotusland

While these resorts offer extensive family-oriented amenities, there may be times when parents seek personal time to enjoy adult-focused activities. Destination Sitters provides professional, fully screened babysitting services directly to your hotel room, ensuring your children are cared for in a safe and engaging environment. Their rigorous screening process includes background and reference checks, CPR and First Aid certifications, and drug testing, offering peace of mind for parents.

Choosing the right accommodation is pivotal for a memorable family vacation. These Santa Barbara resorts, complemented by services like Destination Sitters, ensure that both parents and children have an unforgettable experience.

📍 Book a hotel babysitter today at Destination Sitters Santa Barbara.

Destination Sitters: Trusted Babysitting Services in Santa Barbara

👶 Why Choose Destination Sitters?
✔ CPR-certified, background-checked, and reference-verified babysitters
✔ Sitters bring books, toys, and games to keep kids entertained
✔ Available at hotels, vacation rentals, theme parks & special events
✔ Multilingual sitters available upon request

📍 Also Available in Nearby Cities:
✔ Los Angeles
✔ San Diego
✔ Palm Springs
✔ San Francisco