Santa Barbara · With kids
WITH KIDS
A small zoo, touch tanks on a pier and whale boats from the harbour — all within a mile.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Thirty compact acres above East Beach with giraffe feeding and a miniature train. Ages one to eight, and finishable before a toddler runs out of patience.
Sea Center on Stearns Wharf
A tiny aquarium built over the water, with touch tanks and a floor hatch onto the sea below. Ages three to nine, about an hour.
MOXI science museum
Hands-on science across three floors, from a wind tunnel to a sound track, with a rooftop sky garden. Ages four to twelve, next to the station.
Whale watching and the islands
Boats leave the harbour for grey whales February to April and blue and humpback whales May to September. Ages six upwards, and a calm stomach helps.
East Beach and afternoon wind
East Beach has calm water, a playground and a flat promenade that suits strollers. The wind picks up after two, so swim in the morning.