We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center

San Rafael Residence Hall, Ucsb, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Hotel amenities
Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center
Which Santa Barbara hotels are on sale?
See hotels
Write a Review

91 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    75
    13
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Concord, California
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2013

Summer of 2012 was our first Summer.. We did not know what to expect. So we decided to go half of a week instead of the full week and give it a try and see if we liked it. Big mistake, not going the full week. We had the best time and had so much fun that half a week... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Carlsbad, CA
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2013

We have been to the Family Vacation Center (FVC) five times over 9 years. My kids and my husband and I all love it. Everyone is happy because all the activites are specific to that age. When my kids were in grade school, there were trips to the UCSB Marine Science building and on the walk back, they would stop... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Pasadena, California
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2013 via mobile

We had a great time at FVC last summer. My husband and I were both very concerned about leaving our 1 year old at Small World, but he had a terrific time, LOVED his care giver (Christian), and was well taken care of. My husband and I were able to relax and enjoy some activities we would never have had... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
San Jose
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 hotel reviews
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 January 2013

We have been coming here for four years and each year gets better. Our kids are still singing their camp songs 6 months later!! Where else can you go on a family vacation, go wine tasting and know that your kids are having just as much fun as you are. The Urban Wine Trail was a great hit this past... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by blonde00 for Santa Barbara
emeryville
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 January 2013

We went to the FVC for the first time and I can guarantee we will be back year after year. If you are a new parent, you will love this vacation because you can choose how much couple time and how much family time you want. We are first time parents and our little girl was only 10 months old,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
San Francisco, California
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 December 2012

This was our first time at FVC and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Whether is was the adults only activities, camp for the kids, or the joint activities, the family of all ages (kids 3 and 5) had a great time. The accommodations were what you would expect from a college dorm and the food was very good.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Los Angeles, California
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 November 2012

had never been to the FVC before and was not sure what to expect. Overall it was a great trip although you should have a clear expectation of what you are signing up for. I was pleasantly surprised with the organization, the impressive staff (college students), the shows, the breadth of activites and the quality of the tennis and water... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Los Angeles, California, United States
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 November 2012

our family of five have been enjoying this vacation for 9 years! we have an elementary aged child and two teenagers and they all say this is their favorite vacation! the family vacation center is located on the beautiful campus of ucsb in santa barbara california, you sleep in the dorms and enjoy delicious meals in the dining commons. there... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Los Angeles, California
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 November 2012

This was our first trip to the FVC and we went with another family. We reserved our 2013 spot before we left! My two kids had a great time and particularly enjoyed their counselors, the Rec Cen pools and high dives, the craft studio and the talent and end of session shows. My wife and I liked the tennis program,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Santa Barbara,CA
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 November 2012 via mobile

It is like a cruiseship on land. it also feels like Disneyland, everyone is so positive! All inclusive and right on the beach. The fun counselors really care and are great role models for our kids! Our kids look forward to going each summer ! A perfect place for a family reunion !

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Spanish Garden Inn
Great value on a similar hotel
Santa Barbara, CA
4.5 of 5 stars 537 Reviews
Check Rates
Still looking for a hotel?
Travellers also viewed these Santa Barbara hotels
Spanish Garden Inn 4.5 of 5 stars 537 reviews Brisas Del Mar, Inn At The Beach 4.5 of 5 stars 264 reviews Pacifica Suites Santa Barbara 4.5 of 5 stars 332 reviews El Capitan Canyon 3.5 of 5 stars 168 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d225519?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81869?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d119682?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d239816?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 61 hotels in Santa Barbara, ranked by popularity

Been to Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center

Also Known As:
Santa Barbara Family Vacation Hotel
Santa Barbara Family Vacation Hotel Santa Barbara
Address: San Rafael Residence Hall, Ucsb, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Region: United States > California > Santa Barbara
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Fitness Centre Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Children Activities Kitchenette Restaurant Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 12 Speciality lodging in Santa Barbara
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Summer Camp for the whole family! The Family Vacation Center offers week-long Family Camp experiences on the beachside campus of the University of California Santa Barbara. This all-inclusive experience includes daily child care (kids camp), family activities like Smores on the Beach, Pool Parties and Family Carnivals as well as nightly adult only activities that include a hosted bar.This hassle free family vacation is perfect for the family who loves spending time together, and also enjoys the option of kids camp and "parents night out" time! ... more   less 

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Santa Barbara Family Vacation Center, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing