Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful beach towns on the western seaboard. Located about two hours north of Los Angeles, its history, mild climate and scenic beauty has deservedly earned its nickname of the “American Riviera“. Understandably, it’s got a reputation for catering to rich people. No worries, though. There are still plenty of free things to do in Santa Barbara with kids.
1. Explore Old Mission Santa Barbara
A visit to the Queen of the Missions is a must when visiting Santa Barbara. The 21 California Spanish missions were an integral part in the state’s history. Founded by the Franciscan priests, they were built as centers of religious and cultural activities but are now parishes and living museums.
California’s fourth graders usually have to choose a mission for a project and my daughter picked this mission for her report last year. The expansive lawn in front of the mission is popular with families and sunbathers or kids who need wide open spaces to play tag.
Going inside the mission for a self-guided tour requires a minimal fee of $5 but it is definitely worth it. There are still some free attractions to see on the mission’s grounds.
Explore the rose garden, a small garden of plants the Spaniards and Indians used, the beautiful fountain and the lavanderia (used for clothes washing). Considered the prettiest of the missions, it is easy to see why with its architecture and surrounding area.
2. Alameda Park and Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
Santa Barbara’s oldest park, Alameda Park, occupies two blocks of facilities, picnic areas and wide open spaces making this a popular gathering for families and for city celebrations.
We’ve visited our fair share of playgrounds all over the world. But, the Alameda Park’s Kid’s World area was an impressive one.
The 8,000 square foot playground that looked like a wooden fortress contained every imaginable activity to keep kids of all ages busy from castles, swings, slides to large sculpture animals to climb on.
There were quite a few parties going on here during our visit. Don’t miss the 120- year old Moreton Bay Fig Tree here.
Walk across the street to the Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden for the kids to feed the koi and turtles in residence at the pond. This was a wonderful place to walk around and see the well-maintained gardens with California native plants. It contains 75 different tree and plant species along winding paths.
3. Visit the Historic Santa Barbara Courthouse
A courthouse may not sound very appealing for a visit but this public building is considered one of the most beautiful Spanish-Moorish buildings out there. It occupies one whole block in the downtown area and its building and grounds are open to the public. Docent tours are free everyday at 2PM except Sundays.
Climb the stairs or take the elevator to the 85-foot “El Mirador” clock tower for amazing views of the city, ocean and mountains. The views up here are amazing!
Don’t miss the mural room for beautiful intricate painted walls and ceiling. Don’t miss walking around and exploring the courthouse interior. The architectural details and tile work are intricately beautiful.
The courthouse is surrounded with a wonderful collection of plants and palms. The well maintained lawn is a great place to relax and a wide enough space for kids to play at.
4. Hang out at Beaches
Visiting one of Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches needs to be on everyone’s itinerary. East Beach tends to be the most popular due to its close proximity to hotels.
It has good facilities, children’s play areas and plenty of bike and rollerblading paths. This is also the hub of some shows and street entertainers. The West Beach area has much more boating activity.
5. Stroll Stearns Wharf and State Street
California’s wooden piers have always been wonderful tourist attractions. Stearns Wharf is no exception as California’s oldest working pier. This important landmark has many specialty shops and restaurants including candy and ice cream shops for the kids and a wine tasting room for mom and dad.
It is a great place for a leisurely stroll, people watch, inhale the ocean breeze and enjoy the mountain and ocean views. Kids can see the locals fishing at the end of the pier and a glimpse at their catch. They may even get lucky and spot seals or dolphins too.
State Street is the entertainment, dining and retail hub of Santa Barbara. This 10-block pedestrian walk offers a beautiful stroll among shops and restaurants.
During our last visit, there were several working decorated pianos for visitors to play. We love walking through State Street and there’s always something exciting happening here. There is a Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market every Tuesday on the 600 and 700 blocks. There is a local artisan market every Thursday from 3-8 PM. It’s a great way to meet local artists and buy local products.
Bonus Freebie
Chromatic Gate
Catch a rainbow in Santa Barbara. Standing at 21 feet high, the “rainbow arch or gateway” has been a popular staple on social media channels over the years. It is a wonderful backdrop for Instagram. Find this structure in Cabrillo Ball Park along the beach and promenade area.
*Have you visited any of these free Santa Barbara attractions?
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Book these tours around Santa Barbara!
This is a part of a series called Five Free Family Friday. I hope this will grow into a collective guide of free family-friendly attractions of places all over the world. If you’d like to contribute with the free attractions in your home city, I would love your guest posts.
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With a beach, a park and ice cream shops at the wharf, I’m sure kids can easily be pursuaded to visit that – from a grown-up point of view – fascinating mission. Great tips.
Thanks Mette! Santa Barbara is a great year-round destination for the whole family. The mission is one of our favorites.
Santa Barbara is in my backyard, so to speak. Have spent many weekends up there and absolutely love it. I haven’t been in a few years, but I would also add State Street to your list. Not far from the coast, there’s a stretch of shops, restaurants, a theater, and a used bookstore, I believe. It’s fun to window-shop. Probably best with older kids!
Thanks for adding State Street, Karene. We actually like strolling the street and I debated whether to put it in and swapped it with the courthouse. I love the variety of restaurants they offer and yes, window shop.
I’ve visited the Stearns Wharf and enjoyed the whole waterfront area. I love Santa Barbara and am overdue for a visit. A friend used to bring me avocados she grew in her backyard which I find so amazing. But I digress away from kids. Great post & excellent suggestions.
Thanks Leigh! Great to hear that Santa Barbara is a favorite in your world travel list. One can’t go wrong with fresh avocados.
Great suggestions! I thought that I was going to make it to Santa Barbara this spring but it wasn’t meant to be. When I do, this list will come in handy!
Thanks Lisa! I remember you were planning your California trip. I hope you get to do that trip one of these days soon. You had a great planned itinerary.
I’ve always claimed that if I ran away from home, I’d would head for Santa Barbara. It’s one of my favorite towns. My grandparents lived there, and my uncle and his family still does, so we end up in SB every few years. Yet, I somehow never knew about that great kids playground. It’s on my list for next time! Stearns Wharf and the beach never gets old. We go there every time.
I’m glad to hear Santa Barbara is a special place for you, Michele! We found the playground on our way to the SB Mission. Be warned…you will lose track of time and your kids will not want to leave :)
Santa Barbara was always a favorite destination when we lived in LA. We often visited the waterfowl sanctuary (next to the zoo). I *believe* its part of the above mentioned park. That’s a great place to stroll with active kids.
We didn’t get a chance to visit the zoo but that waterfowl sanctuary sounds like someplace my kids would love. Adding it for our return visit soon.
The mission must be pretty huge and the 120 year old Fig Tree looks stunning. The playground must also be so much fun. Overall there is just so much to do and see without spending anything and still have a wonderful time with your family. Have a beautiful day Mary :)
Thanks Arti! The playground and mission were huge. We love Santa Barbara not only for its beauty but also for all the free attractions.
What some great ideas and things to do with kids, mine would have so enjoyed them when they were smaller.
Thanks Johanna! I hope my kids enjoy these a little bit longer.
Santa Barbara looks like a fantastic place to visit. I particularly liked the tall
palm trees, big mountain in the background and the way the blue of the water and sky
is nearly identical.
Both Jack and I used to go to school there. It’s a wonder that either of us got any work done since our campus is right on the beach :)
How lucky for you guys to have gone to school in the beatiful part of California. I would have had a hard time concentrating. :-)