Laguna or Santa Barbara with kids?
 

We're going on a CA coast trip with my family (4 adults and 4 kids) and would like to stop in either SB or Laguna for a few nights. Which one would be better for kids? Any hotel suggestions? Thanks!

We spent two nights last week at The Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna. We had an ocean front room with a spectacular view. The beach is three stories down with easy access.
You don't say where you are beginning your trip, but if it's LAX then Laguna is much closer.
I love Santa Barbara but I don't think it is known for its beaches.
As far as shopping, dining and scenic beauty it's a toss-up.

Laguna definitely has a more kid-friendly be achy atmosphere and more to do for families. Santa Barbara beaches are next to a lot of oil rigs and your kids will be covered with sticky oil patches that are near impossible to wash off after one day at the beach. Other than that there isn't much to do is SB for kids. It's main attractions are shopping and wine tasting-which is perfect for adults...not so fun with kids.

I'm now thinking we might just do a day in SB and add two days to Monterey!

Never been to Laguna but my grandkids liked the Santa Barbara Zoo. There are some good restaurants out on the pier in SB.
I was on the beach in Goleta but I didn't see anyone swimming. I saw a couple of guys trying to surf with wetsuits on.
The Amtrak stop in Santa Barbara is within walking distance of the pier and the Fess Parker.

You didn't see anyone swimming because the Pacific is icy both in SB and in Laguna. Then again, kids don't care how cold the water is so ...

If you are driving between the two, stop in San Luis Obispo...it's a lovely little town. Their downtown is beautiful.

Whoa, don't dump on Santa Barbara! We live about an hour away and visit regularly with our grandchildren and children, and never run out of things to do. It's easy to get around and park (unlike Laguna), and I think offers more, too.

The zoo is small and intimate, and you can take a picnic for an ocean view lunch. The Natural History museum near the Mission is amazing for all ages - our 40 year olds were as fascinated as the five year old. Alameda Park has a cool climbing playground, and it's across the street from the relaxing Alice Keck park. We've taken walks through the wildflowers and down into the ravine at the Botanical garden. There's a brand new science museum down by the wharf which we are visiting on the Easter weekend, called Moxi.

That's just the beginning of the list. If you want to have an inexpensive meal, try La Super Rica on Milpas (get a table while one person orders). For a little more money, we always have lunch at Olio Pizzaria, up near Victoria and State.

Wherever you decide, have fun! And allow lots of time for traffic...sorry!