Saint Raphael Church, Goleta

While on vacation, it's always nice to stop at open churches to light a candle with your child and say a prayer of thanks. It adds magic to their lives. I do this myself while traveling alone as well! In Europe there are open churches everywhere in the city and tourist areas, but in America this is harder to find. I found this at Saint Raphael Catholic Church, a sweet neighborhood church in Goleta! Here, people walk over from nearby Old Town Goleta to spend some time in prayer, all through the day. You can sit and look at the colorful sculptures of Mary and Jesus, and the stained glass windows, and take a peaceful moment of reflection during your stay. Bring some dollars to put in the donation slot when you light your candle.

After, you can walk three minutes west along Hollister Ave to Crushcakes, in a cute craftsman house with big windows and a back patio with flowers. Or if you want to drive, you could drive three minutes west to Old Town Coffee which has outdoor seating with strung lights, or Dean A Coffee Shop which has large windows, outdoor seating under umbrellas, and good egg sandwiches.  Java Station, a dive coffee shop at 4447 Hollister Avenue, a five minutes drive east, has a fireplace and you can look out the big windows at the tall trees that line the creek across the road. There are many coffee shops around here!
For a toy store nearby, check out Bennett's Toys & Educational Materials. They have a train set your kids can play with while you look at their toy and book selection.
After, bring your child to run around at Rhoad's Park. Or buy local produce at a little vegetable stand such as at Lane Farms- this is also magical for kids!

Directions

Saint Raphael Church is located at 5444 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. There is plenty of parking in front of the church.

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