Traveling to Santa Barbara from outside of California is probably the worst part of the vacation. Flights directly into Santa Barbara are expensive for a family of four. That leaves you with flying into Los Angeles and driving the rest. Under normal conditions that would take less than two hours, however, on the day of our arrival the infamous “California... more

This was our second year at the FVC. We went with our extended family and our group had children in many of the different kid's groups. The location on the Pacific Ocean is beautiful. The kid's groups counselors are college students that really like their jobs. You can tell that they really enjoy the kids and are sincerely interested in... more

The Family Vacation Center at the University of California Santa Barbara is the best possible place for families to go for a week of exciting activities, delicious food, and spaciously clean accommodations in a spectacular location with surprisingly reasonable rates! The staff immediately becomes best friends with all the attendees and does an uncanny job of remembering names. My group... more

I don't know about your Family Vacations, but ours were never really "vacations" (for us parents) until we went to the UC Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center. Before FVC there was planning, and packing, and traveling to a hotel or campsite, unpacking, cooking all the while keeping our two sons occupied so they don't fight the whole time. Successes were... more

We have been to the Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center twice and loved it! It was the best week of our year. We highly recommend this vacation for families with parents who want to spend time some on their own and be free of household duties (no cooking, no cleaning, childcare included). This is the only place in California that... more

Our family has vacationed at the Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center ("FVC") each summer for seven of the past nine years. (The FVC was closed for renovations during the only two summers that we missed.) I do not think that it is possible to devise a family vacation that is so relaxing and enjoyable for both adults and kids of... more

UCSB's Family Vacation Center is a great choice for family vacations. Essentially what we've called a "poor man's" Club Med, but with even better location and kids' programs plus a wide range of adult activities. The accommodations are private dorm suites on UCSB campus so no frills but very clean and plenty of space for families and gear. Each family... more

I was on a strict budget, but wanted to find a place with lots of activities for my 7 year old daughter and a combination of activities and relaxation for me. This was perfect- my daughter had a blast (wants to become a counselor) and I felt like I was in camp as well, albeit one with wine tasting and... more

The Family Vacation Center in Santa Barbara is the best most economical vacation around. My wife and I love it because we have our meals with our kids and then they go on numerous activities and excursions with their age groups. We then can choose from several activities or choose do nothing. The counselors are so friendly and courteous. We... more