USA & Canada · Best Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
Santa Barbara and Montecito packing list for families
Santa Barbara rarely gets very hot or very cold, but one day can hold a foggy morning, a warm afternoon, and a cool evening. Pack in layers, and this easy stretch of coast is a dream with kids.
Photo by Erick Morales Oyola on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Santa Barbara & Montecito
- This is a layers place. Mornings can be gray and cool, especially in May and June, and afternoons warm up fast. I pack a hoodie for every child, every season.
- Natural oil seeps off the coast leave small tar spots on the sand. Pack baby oil or a tar remover wipe for feet, and keep an old towel in the car.
- The Pacific is cold here most of the year. Kids will play much longer in the water with a thin wetsuit.
Best timeApr–Jun, Sep–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Santa Barbara & Montecito
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Light hoodie or zip jacketMarine layer mornings and evenings are cool.
Shoes3
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool15
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' shorty wetsuitKristina's pickOcean temperatures stay cool even in summer.
Beach tar remover wipesNatural tar on the sand sticks to feet.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion-sickness bandsWhale watches and Channel Islands crossings can be bumpy.
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Riviera blues
White, Riviera blue, cream, lemon
For photos
- Blue, white, and one lemon accent
- Early morning, before the crowds
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Santa Barbara & Montecito weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F 18°C | Mild days, cool nights, and most of the year's rain. | Monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa in Goleta. Gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel on their migration. |
| February | 66°F 19°C | Mild days, cool nights, and most of the year's rain. | Monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa in Goleta. Gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel on their migration. |
| March | 67°F 19°C | Mild days, cool nights, and most of the year's rain. | Gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel on their migration. |
| April | 70°F 21°C | Mild and green, with sunny afternoons. | Gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel on their migration. |
| May | 71°F 22°C | Morning marine layer and fog, often clearing by the afternoon. | |
| June | 73°F 23°C | Morning marine layer and fog, often clearing by the afternoon. | Humpback and blue whales feed in the channel, a great time for a whale watch. |
| July | 76°F 24°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with September and October often the clearest days of the year. | Humpback and blue whales feed in the channel, a great time for a whale watch. |
| August | 78°F 26°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with September and October often the clearest days of the year. | Humpback and blue whales feed in the channel, a great time for a whale watch. Old Spanish Days Fiesta fills downtown with music, dancing, and parades. |
| September | 77°F 25°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with September and October often the clearest days of the year. | Humpback and blue whales feed in the channel, a great time for a whale watch. Warm, clear days and the warmest ocean water of the year. |
| October | 75°F 24°C | Warm, dry, and sunny, with September and October often the clearest days of the year. | Warm, clear days and the warmest ocean water of the year. |
| November | 70°F 21°C | Pleasant and sunny, with cooler evenings and the first chance of rain. | Monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa in Goleta. |
| December | 65°F 18°C | Mild days, cool nights, and most of the year's rain. | Monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa in Goleta. Gray whales pass through the Santa Barbara Channel on their migration. |
Questions families ask
Santa Barbara & Montecito with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara & Montecito with kids?
The best time is Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Warm, dry, and sunny, with September and October often the clearest days of the year.
What's the weather like in Santa Barbara & Montecito?
Typical daytime highs range from about 65°F (18°C) in January to about 78°F (26°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Santa Barbara & Montecito?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Santa Barbara & Montecito?
None. Santa Barbara & Montecito uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Santa Barbara & Montecito with kids?
This is a layers place. Mornings can be gray and cool, especially in May and June, and afternoons warm up fast. I pack a hoodie for every child, every season.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.