The Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center is located on the beachside campus of UC Santa Barbara. The extensive list of activities can make packing for your vacation particularly tricky. But with this list as a guide, we are confident that you will have everything you need to have a comfortable and memorable vacation.

Family Suites

Each suite comes complete with a living room and mini refrigerator, bathroom, and two to four bedrooms each containing two extra long twin beds. One of the rooms has a king size modified bed. Bed linens and bath towels are provided, with daily housekeeping service however other toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryers are not included. There are no TVs, or coffee pots in the suites, coffee is available at the front desk from 7:00am until 10:00pm, as well as an ice machine.

A laundry room is available 24 hours a day to our guests. Laundry detergent is available at no cost at the front desk. 

Kids Group

Please bring a small backpack, sweatshirt, sunscreen, hat, and a beach towel. Sandals are okay for daily wear, but we recommend shoes for Field Trip Tuesday. For the little ones, pack and play cribs can be rented at an additional fee of $25.

Adult Exclusive Events

Adults are invited to participate in our adult exclusive events most nights, which include our mixer and Piano sing along show, pub trivia, night on the town, karaoke, wine tour and more. Most guests choose dressy casual for these events but no dress code is required, just be comfortable! 

Family Photo Session

During Thursday’s campfire the FVC photographer will be taking family portraits. Many families choose to coordinate clothing for a great beachside photo. 

Shopping

Target, Costco and Albertsons are all within 3 miles of the Family Vacation Center.

What to Bring 

  • bikes, helmets, and locks 
  • golf clubs, tennis rackets, and softball gear 
  • sunscreen, sunglasses, hats 
  • books and musical instruments
  • backpacks 
  • reusable water bottles 
  • car seats 
  • baby food, diapers, and blankets 
  • plastic tub for bathing infants 
  • athletic clothing 
  •  phone charger 
  • refreshments and snacks for your room 
  • bottle opener and cork screw 
  • bathing suits, wet suits, goggles & beach towels
  • hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, and other personal items 
  • toys, coloring books, games, or cards for your room 
  • walking shoes and hiking boots 
  • casual dress clothes for adults