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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Waterfront's best

Kid-friendly scenic views

You want to enjoy the scenery without worrying that your children are being a disruption.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 1
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 2
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Spacious museum with interactive exhibits and a wet deck where children engage directly with ocean specimens. Quiet atmosphere reflects a seaside English vibe combined with spectacular harbor views from the top floor. Activities appeal to both children and adults, offering hands-on learning about maritime history.

The 4th floor offers spectacular views of the harbor and marina. A periscope adds an awesome perspective to the already beautiful lookout.

Interactive exhibits like the sportfishing game, periscope viewing, and boat driving simulation keep kids engaged. The wet deck offers many ocean specimens for hands-on learning that appeals to children.

People are saying

"You'll learn so much about local maritime history here."

"It's really Kid Friendly with lots of fun interactive exhibits."

"The views from the 4th floor are spectacular."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 per adult, with discounts for military and first responders.

2

Free parking is available for 90 minutes at the museum.

3

Interactive exhibits include a sportfishing game and a boat driving simulation.

02
Pier Santa Barbara image 1
Tourist attraction

Long wooden pier offers stunning ocean and mountain views with a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Activities include fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, alongside fresh seafood dining and art displays. The place draws a steady flow of people enjoying both peaceful scenery and active waterfront recreation.

Spectacular views include mountains, sea, and boats from the pier. Walking to the end offers postcard views of the town and calming ocean breeze.

Many cool shops keep kids engaged, including an ice cream and candy shop. Kids enjoy fishing off the pier in a kid-friendly environment.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great view; it was amazing."

"The oceanfront views here are amazing and perfect for strolling."

"It's a fun, kid-friendly spot with ice cream and a candy shop."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Pier Santa Barbara.

2

Live music events occur regularly at the pier, especially on weekends.

3

Happy hour specials are available at various restaurants on the pier.

03
Leadbetter Beach image 1
Public beach

Sandy beach with incredible ocean views and a glassy surface that reflects the surroundings. The atmosphere is relaxing and lively, with many people enjoying picnics, grilling, and yoga on grassy areas shaded by palms. It welcomes families and dogs, offering easy parking and nearby dining options.

Breathtaking ocean views surround the beach, offering a stunning backdrop for long walks along the nearby park. The spot provides a picturesque setting perfect for sitting and soaking in the scenery.

Wide sandy beach offers plenty of space for kids to play and splash in the water. Seal pups often swim near the shore, adding a fun wildlife touch. Large areas for picnics and relaxing make it very kid and dog friendly.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful and offers breathtaking views."

"The ocean views here are absolutely stunning."

"It's really nice and kid friendly here."

Good to know

1

Avoid swimming within 50 yards of drains or runoff at Leadbetter Beach.

2

Parking is easily accessible and close to the beach.

3

Leadbetter Beach is a great spot for picnics and gatherings without needing a reservation.

04
Moby Dick Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers gorgeous marina views and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, with outdoor areas shaded and comfortable. Music and a small TV add to the casual vibe, making it suitable for both casual meals and romantic dates.

Meals come with spectacular sea views that include the coast and ocean. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy the sunset while dining, making the experience memorable.

Kids enjoy lightly breaded seafood and meals sized well for them. The menu offers a kid-friendly option like fish with fries at a fair price.

People are saying

"The sunset view from the restaurant was amazing."

"The sunset views from the restaurant were amazing."

"The Kid Friendly seafood here is lightly breaded and the portions are fair."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from 3 pm to 5 pm with affordable appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers 90 minutes of free parking for diners.

3

Outdoor seating is not accessible during lunch hours.

05
Longboard's Grill image 1

Rooftop bar and grill offers stunning ocean views and a serene waterfront setting. Outdoor patio and terrace seating create a cozy atmosphere with lively moments caused by local wildlife. Background music features classic tunes like the Beach Boys enhancing the relaxed vibe.

Ocean and harbor views dominate the scene, with sights overlooking the sea and beach from the second deck. The setting includes heaters that keep the area warm while enjoying the stunning views.

Kids spot sea lions through the window while enjoying their meals. The menu offers fried fish instead of chicken tenders for kids, and dishes like fish tacos and fish and chips come fresh.

People are saying

"The seafood here has a great view of the water."

"The scenic views overlooking the sea and beach were great."

"The kids loved their dishes and seeing sea lions out the window."

Good to know

1

Parking at Longboard's Grill can be difficult, especially on weekends.

2

A 20% gratuity fee is automatically added to all bills for small parties.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

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