Here's Travel for Kids list of best family hotels for Santa Barbara, all styles and price ranges, and close to the beach.

Hotels are selected for their amenities for families, such as outdoor swimming pools, proximity to the beach, rooms with mini-fridge or kitchenettes, breakfast included in room rate. Hotel policies can change, however, so be sure to check with the hotel at the time you make your reservation to be sure your desired family amenities are still available.

• Beachside Inn – Outdoor swimming pool; rooms with two queen beds or suites with king bed plus sofa bed (sleep 4); mini-fridge in rooms; breakfast included in room rate; air conditioning; restaurants in the neighborhood; hotel is across from the beach; free parking.
• Harbor View Inn – Swimming pool, jacuzzi and kids pool; rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4); mini-fridge in rooms; air conditioning; bike rentals; fee car parking; restaurants in the neighborhood; hotel is across from the beach.
• Inn at East Beach – Outdoor swimming pool; suites or rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4); mini-fridge in rooms, suites have fully-equipped kitchens; outdoor picnic area; bike rentas; fee car parking; hotel is located right across from the beach, near to the zoo and playground.
• Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds or one bedroom suites with king bed plus sofa bed (sleep 4); mini-fridge in rooms; extra bed or crib available upon request; on-site restaurant with children's menu, room service; bikes and surreys for rent; air conditioning; fee car parking; hotel is right across from the beach.
• Inn by the Harbor – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4), full kitchen and dining area; mini-fridge in rooms; breakfast included in room rate; crib available upon request; air conditioning; bikes to borrow; restaurants in the neighborhood; free parking.
• Hotel Milo – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; family suites with king bed and bunk beds (sleep 5), rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4); bikes, sand toys, beach chairs and towels to borrow; fire pit and smore's kits; babysitting services; air conditioning; restaurants in the neighborhood; convenience store on-site; fee parking; hotel is across from the beach.
• Lavender Inn by the Sea – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4); breakfast included in the room rate; mini-fridge in rooms; air conditioning; picnic areas; hotel is walking distance to the beach; free parking.
• Brisas del Mar – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds or suites with king bed plus sofa bed (sleep 4); suites have full kitchens or kitchenettes; breakfast included in room rate; bikes to borrow; air conditioning; free parking; hotel is walking distance to the beach.
• Mar Monte Hotel by Hyatt – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4); mini-fridge in rooms; on-site restaurant, children's menu, room service; crib available upon request; air conditioning; hotel is located across from the beach; free parking.
Mid Town
• Palihouse Santa Barbara – Outdoor swimming pool; rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4), rooms with king bed (sleep 2); extra bed or crib available upon request; mini-fridge in rooms; air conditioning; free parking; hotel is located close to Alameda Park with a large playground.
Upper State St.
• Sandpiper Lodge – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds (sleep 4), two bedroom suites with king bed in one bedroom, two double beds in second bedroom (sleep 6), apartments have kitchenettes; mini-fridge in rooms; breakfast included in room rate; supermarket, bakery and restaurants in the neighborhood; free parking.
• Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds or king bed plus sofa bed (sleep 4); mini-fridge and microwave in rooms; air conditioning; restaurants, bakery, and supermarket in the neighborhood; free parking.
Carpinteria

Tip: Carpinteria, just a short distance from central Santa Barbara, has miles of sandy beach and a relaxed downtown with restaurants and supermarkets.

• Best Western Carpinteria Inn – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds or suites with king bed plus sofa bed (sleep 4), mini-fridge in rooms, suites have fully equipped kitchen; extra bed or crib available upon request; on-site restaurant, children's menu, room service; air conditioning; free parking; restaurants, bakery and markets near by.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Carpinteria – Outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi; rooms with two queen beds and sofa bed (sleep 5), rooms with two queen beds or suites with king bed and sofa bed (sleep 4); mini-fridge and microwave in rooms; breakfast included in room rate; air conditioning; coin-operated laundry; free parking.
• Motel 6 Carpinteria – Outdoor swimming pool; rooms with two double beds (sleep 4); mini-fridge and microwave in rooms; convenience store on-site; air conditioning; coin-operated laundry; free parking.