I was eagerly anticipating this past weekend. Santa Barbara has always been a special place for me over the years… from when I was just a toddler myself to weekend getaways with TJ… so I was excited to head back for the first time in over a year as a family of four. In years past, it’s only been TJ + I, so our focus has been mainly in adult activities… wine tasting, hiking, and really just lounging poolside. Yet this time around, with an active toddler + a little one who loves being outdoors, we had quite a few toddler activities on the agenda and in all honesty, we were both pretty excited for them.

Of course, like any getaway with kiddos, it wasn’t without its frustrating moments… those times when TJ + I look at each other and say “Whyyyyy did we do this again??” But we’ve come to realize that every hour is a new hour… each day is a new day… and with that comes new opportunities for special memories.

I thought I’d share some of our recent “family friendly” spots with you today in case you’re planning a trip to this beautiful region of the California coast….

Favorite Hotels

The Canary: A Kimpton Property, and one of our all time favorites for their rooftop pool + central downtown location.

Belmond El Encanto: Perched in the hills of Santa Barbara, the rooms are cottage style…  it’s an overall serene property + great for a couple’s getaway. Although, would be child friendly as well.

Hilton Waterfront: Great family friendly spot right at the waterfront.

Four Seasons Santa Barbara: In the small little town of Montecito, this property is located right on Butterfly Beach. The grounds are spectacular and it’s a very family friendly property.

Miramar Rosewood: Stunning grounds with beautiful oceanfront dining + cocktails. Worth visiting for happy hour or brunch. We haven’t stayed at this property, but hoping to be able to someday.

The Bacara: One of our favorite hotels… excellent pool for kiddos + families with spectacular views. It is a more secluded property, but still one of our go-to spots.

The Goodland: Another Kimpton Property… more for a girls’ getaway as opposed to a family hotel, but still nicely appointed. It isn’t in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the town, but easily accessible with an über ride.

The Hilton Santa Barbara: I stayed here when I was little (as well as with TJ more recently) and have such fond memories of the pool, it’s accessibility to the water, and the beautiful grounds. I haven’t stayed here with the girls, but both TJ + I agree that we would look into it the next time.

Family Activities

The Zoo: One of the most beautiful zoos I’ve ever visited, with the main attraction, for us, being the giraffe feeding (starts at 11:30am). So many great exhibits for all ages. We spent some time in the petting zoo, which Harper was particularly fond of.

Stearns Wharf Sea Center: A cute little marine center located on Stern’s Warf. About 20 minutes worth of activities, but still very cute and worth a visit if you have little ones.

Surrey Bike Rides: I highly recommend renting these bikes and taking a ride along the boardwalk with your kiddos. Seriously such a fun little activity for everyone.

Moxi Museum Of Exploration + Innovation: A great hands-on museum… and fun for everyone.

Adult Activities

The Funk Zone: A fun area with hip restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

Restaurants

D’Angelo’s: This is always a go-to spot for TJ + me, but Harper loved it as well. The bakery items are amazing… especially the butter croissant.

Breakfast Culture Club: A new spot for us this visit… we stumbled upon it on our walk to the zoo. Very family friendly with great toast options. Good coffee + tea as well.

Lucky Penny: One of our go-to spots, always. Great outdoor seating, delicious salads, pizzas, and sandwiches…

Carlitos: Our favorite spot for Mexican… try their halibut ceviche + the pozole. Those are our two favorite dishes.

I have another, more adult centered guide here.
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Hope you all have a wonderful week!

(Kept it casual and comfortable for the drive… jumpsuit, Harper’s jumpsuit, shoes)

(Eggs Rose at one of our favorite breakfast spots….)

(Headed out onto the pier to check out the marine center… shorts, tee, Harper’s dress)

(Happy hour on the rooftop… jeans, crop, necklace, hat)

(Fuel for a morning at the zoo….)

(Bougainvillea everywhere… so beautiful)

(One of our favorite kid friendly spots in Santa Barbara… the zoo… tee, shorts, shoes)

(Stopped at our favorite little lunch spot, Lucky Penny, post zoo activities)

(Headed to Miramar Rosewood Beach for a little happy hour… beautiful everywhere you look…. jeans, crop, Harper’s jumpsuit)

(Last stop at Breakfast Social Club before heading home….)

(An overcast morning called for a comfy cardigan for the drive home… shorts, tee)
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Lots of indulging this past weekend, looking forward to getting back on track today. I have a long run planned for Monday morning… a couple peloton workouts on the schedule… and then I think I might try an outdoor peloton run. TJ has been doing them and he said they’re great for interval training….

I.AM.GIA made one of my favorite coats from last year… loving this teddy jacket for this season…

I recently purchased this long sleeve bodysuit and the fit is amazing. Under $40 + perfect for fall.

A few cute, under $80, cardigans include this blush dolman sleeve cardigan, lightweight longline cardigan, + this fringe cable-stitch cardigan.

SPANX has some of my favorite off duty bottoms… hug in all the right places… and for fall I have my eye on this quilted faux leather leggings + these leopard print leggings.

Loving the look of a little crop with a great fitting pair of high waisted jeans… a few that I think would be “warmer” for fall include this long sleeve, scoop neck top, cropped cable cardigan, ribbed button front top (love the button details), and this front knotted long sleeve top (you’d have to wear it backwards for the cropped fit…).

A few classic items, all under $60, that are great for fall include this classic trench, rib knit henley, beautiful funnel neck coat, relaxed sweatshirt (I like the oatmeal color), + this super long open front cardigan.

We are officially moving into our master bedroom at the end of the week… I’m looking at new accessories for the bathroom + our bedroom… loving these black + white bath towels + this linen duvet cover. Still looking for a large mirror + some other cute accessories.