California Family Road Trip with Kids and Dog: Santa Barbara Staycation (Part 3)
Santa Barbara (1 night)
Los Angeles deserves a full week, but for a quick stop en route, explore West L.A. neighborhoods off the 405 freeway. Enjoy a drive down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, shopping in Santa Monica, or lunch in Westwood near UCLA. We paused in Brentwood for frozen yogurt and a leg stretch.
Transitioning from the 405 to Highway 101, the urban grit fades as the 90-mile drive to Santa Barbara winds past mountains with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Charming towns like Westlake Village, Ventura, and Carpinteria dot the route. We stopped at Butterfly Beach in upscale Montecito—a serene, leashed dog-friendly beach with a private vibe.
As Santa Barbara locals, this leg was a delightful staycation—perfect for breaking routines and rediscovering your hometown. It's budget-friendly and hassle-free travel.
- Tip: Experience Santa Barbara's wine scene in the urban Funk Zone with tasting rooms and wineries, or drive 45 minutes north over the Santa Ynez Mountains to the vineyards.
The Goodland, a stylish Kimpton hotel with surfer-chic vibes, sits in Goleta near UCSB. Downtown Santa Barbara is just 15 minutes south, but the property stands alone with palm-fringed resort pools, lawn games, a retro Airstream, and a classic Woody out front. The Outpost restaurant earns rave reviews for craft cocktails and farm-fresh cuisine. The lobby channels California cool with a VNYL record shop stocking vinyl from Led Zeppelin to N.W.A., plus self-serve sangria on arrival.
Our room was sleek and comfortable, complete with a record player—watching the kids' awe at vinyl spinning rock 'n' roll was priceless.
- Tip: Family favorites include the oceanfront Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and interactive MOXI Museum.
Our visit coincided with the first night of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, celebrating Santa Barbara's heritage with concerts, parades, and markets. We strolled De la Guerra Plaza before dinner at Fork & Finch in The Canary (another Kimpton gem). Standouts: fresh kanpachi crudo with avocado-cilantro cream and salmon with summer squash, roasted corn, and pancetta. Enjoy themed nights like Wine Down Wednesday with half-off premium bottles.
Morning brought house-made doughnuts at the Outpost and a spin on complimentary cruiser bikes before continuing north.
Next: Our final leg on Highway 101 through California's small-town treasures to San Francisco!
See more from our trip on #saglieadventures. Follow for travel tips on Instagram and Twitter. Join Travelzoo for deals to simplify your next adventure!
