Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Santa Paula with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Santa Paula on the map
📍 Where Santa Paula is
Santa Paula sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~41 mi / 67 km). It's roughly 51 mi (82 km) from Downtown LA and 157 mi (253 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Santa Paula
California Oil Museum
Housed in the 1890 Union Oil Company headquarters building, with interactive exhibits, working models, vintage gas-station memorabilia and a real cable-tool drilling rig. Check the museum's site for current hours, price and first-Sunday family activities before you go.
Admission not confirmed — see oilmuseum.net
Santa Paula Art Museum
Exhibition space in the historic Limoneira building at 117 N. 10th St, plus the Cole Creativity Center next door. Kids and students are free, and Free Family Day on the first Sunday includes art activities with all materials provided. It also takes Museums for All (EBT) admission.
$4 adults, $3 seniors, children and students free; free for everyone on first SundaysAviation Museum of Santa Paula (First Sundays)
A chain of hangars at the historic Santa Paula Airport (founded 1930) holds vintage and experimental aircraft, race cars, motorcycles and antique electronics. It only opens the first Sunday of the month and is weather-dependent, so check the calendar; the airport is active, so kids can watch planes take off and land.
Free (donations welcome)Local restaurants in Santa Paula
Cocina 1912
Mexican restaurant at 1069 E Main St serving chile relleno, mole, birria tacos, caldo de res, menudo and chilaquiles, with weekend breakfast and a kids menu. Open Wed–Sun.
Rabalais' Coffee, Bakery & Bistro
New Orleans-style bistro and bakery at 861 E Main St in historic downtown serving gumbo, po'boys, biscuits and gravy, house-baked breads and pastries, with beignets and coffee. Open daily from 7am.
Parque 1055
California-cuisine restaurant at 1055 E Main St in a restored historic building with a large patio, full bar and weekend brunch (Sat 11–2, Sun 9–2). A seasonal menu features local seafood and produce; best for an upscale family meal.
Hozy's Grill
Racing-themed grill at 1760 E Lemonwood Dr serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner Wed–Sat) with seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a weekly chef's menu, and a popular local breakfast.
Enzo's Italian Restaurant
Scratch-made Italian and California dishes at 134 N Mill St inside the historic Glen Tavern Inn, including arancini, chicken piccata and wood-fired pizza, with live music on weekends. Open evenings only; closed Tuesdays.
Local shops in Santa Paula
Santa Paula Trading Co.
Curated thrift store at 848 E. Main St. with resale items and gifts for the whole family, plus 30+ locally made products from regional artisans. Open daily.
Lily Fields Vintage
Owner-run vintage shop at 838 E. Main St. selling vintage finds and Miss Mustard Seed paint, and offering workshops and classes.
Seasonal & outdoors near Santa Paula
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Santa Paula.
More Los Angeles family guides
Santa Paula family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Santa Paula with kids?
Family favorites in and around Santa Paula include California Oil Museum, Santa Paula Art Museum and Aviation Museum of Santa Paula (First Sundays). Our guide lists 3 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Santa Paula?
Yes — free family spots near Santa Paula include Aviation Museum of Santa Paula (First Sundays). Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Santa Paula?
Local, family-friendly spots in Santa Paula include Cocina 1912, Rabalais' Coffee, Bakery & Bistro, Parque 1055 and Hozy's Grill, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Santa Paula guide cover?
Our Santa Paula family guide includes 3 things to do, 5 local eats and 2 local shops — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Santa Paula
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Santa Paula on one map — then book on your favorite site.