Often referred to as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a quaint seaside city renowned for its gorgeous beaches, dynamic culture, and Mediterranean-style architecture. There are many fun things to do in Santa Barbara, whether you’re there for a quick break, a family vacation, or a romance retreat. Santa Barbara offers something for everyone, you can explore the ancient Santa Barbara Mission or stroll around the verdant Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for a couple of hours. A must-visit if you’re traveling with children is the Santa Barbara Zoo. The close proximity of Santa Barbara to the vineyard-dotted Santa Ynez Valley, take a tour of the Funk Zone, which is home to hip restaurants, art galleries, and wine tasting facilities, for a sense of the local way of life, etc. Check out these best things to do in Santa Barbara with us.
12 Things to do in Santa Barbara
1. Explore Stearns Wharf
When looking for things to do in Santa Barbara, start your day with a stroll along Stearns Wharf for stunning ocean views is a good choice. Stearns Wharf is located in the harbor in Santa Barbara, California, United States. There are a variety of bike trails around Santa Barbara that fit for a range of fitness levels. One of the most popular is the trail that goes from Stearns Wharf to Old Mission Santa Barbara, which passes some of the city’s top attractions, including State Street and El Presidio.
What to Do: Visitors can watch fishing boats unload the day’s catch, enjoy spectacular sunsets, and sample fare from fast food to fine dining at California’s oldest working wharf. You can also eat ice cream while enjoy the salty breezes and stunning views of the impossibly blue Pacific.
Highlights: Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, which features interactive marine exhibits.
Tip: Go at sunset for breathtaking views of the coastline. Stearns Wharf is also a pet-firendly place.
2. Relax at Santa Barbara Beaches
East Beach: Perfect for sunbathing, volleyball, and picnics. It’s family-friendly and close to amenities. Santa Barbara beach is a superb long sweeping stretch of sand. East Beach seems to be calmer and quieter than West Beach, it is well maintained and a peaceful place where locals and tourists clearly like to spend time whether that be during the day or, catching the sunset. Lifeguard stations are dotted along the beach as a precaution for any unplanned incidents.
Butterfly Beach: Butterfly Beach is a quieter spot ideal for sunset views and romantic strolls. The beach gets its name from the butterflies that flutter around the area, particularly in the warmer months. A relaxing day at Butterfly Beach is one of the most peaceful things to do in Santa Barbara.
Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach): Great beach for sunset strolls. One of the most romantic things to do in Santa Barbara is take a sunset sail along the coastline. Arroyo Burro Beach is great for dog lovers and those looking for a more local vibe. There’s a dog wash station in the parking lot.
3. Tour the Old Mission Santa Barbara
One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is to visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission and its beautiful gardens. Old Mission Santa Barbara is a must see if you’re going to be in Santa Barbara. The historical site is situated on 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Mission grounds include the beautiful Mission Church, historic cemetery and mausoleum, a nine-room museum of historical artwork and artifacts, and multiple lush gardens.
What to Do: Tour the “Queen of the Missions,” a historic Spanish mission founded in 1786. Explore the beautiful gardens, church, and museum.
Tip: Don’t miss the panoramic views of the city and ocean from the mission grounds.
Open 9:30 am – 5:00 pm daily
Individual Rates
Adults (18-64): $17.00
Youth (5-17): $12.00
Seniors (65+): $15.00
Active Military (w/ID): $15.00
Children (4 & UNDER): FREE
4. Stroll State Street
One of the most family-friendly things to do in Santa Barbara is spend a day at the State Street. State Street Santa is Barbara’s most famous avenue, cuts through downtown for 10 blocks and leads right onto Stearns Wharf. It’s nearly impossible to miss with its shops, art galleries, theaters and attractions, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. You can explore, browse, shop, sip, and dine while enjoying the architectural beauty, sights and sounds of State Street. The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market in the street displays of local goods features approximately 50 regional farmers and artisanal purveyors. Exploring the unique shops and restaurants on State Street is one of the most popular things to do and see in Santa Barbara, CA.
What to Do: Shop at boutique stores, dine at world-class restaurants, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this pedestrian-friendly street.
Highlights: Check out the Arlington Theatre, a historic movie palace, and grab a coffee at one of the many cafes.
5. Discover the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is one of the most rewarding things to do in Santa Barbara. Discover California’s diverse natural landscapes at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a 78-acre living museum designed entirely with native plants. Miles of walking trails crisscross the gardens, so you can venture from a towering coastal redwood forest to an inland cacti-filled desert in just one hike. Take in sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Santa Barbara’s Channel Islands, and wander among more than 1,000 unique plants, trees, and flowers that exemplify the unique natural beauty of the region. A visit to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is one of the most serene things to do in Santa Barbara.
What to Do: Wander through 78 acres of native California plants, including redwoods, wildflowers, and a meadow.
- Highlights: Meadow Pond, the historic Mission Dam and Aqueduct, and a Ceremonial Teahouse, the Pritzlaff Conservation Center
Tip: Visit in spring to see the gardens in full bloom. The peak season of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden starts from April to July.
- Genearl hour: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General Admission Pricing：
Adults: $20.00
Youth (3 to 12): $12
Seniors (60+) and Military: $16
Students (with valid ID): $14
Children under 3: Free
6. Wine Tasting in the Funk Zone
Exploring the murals and galleries in the Funk Zone is one of the most artistic things to do in Santa Barbara. If you love wine, one of the top things to do in Santa Barbara is explore the tasting rooms in the Funk Zone. Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone has become a favorite in recent years. Over the past few decades, this district, which spans the area between the ocean and Highway 101 and is adjacent to the Amtrak station, has enjoyed an upswell of boutique tasting rooms, cafes, galleries, and shops that cater to Santa Barbara’s contemporary side. Whether you’re new to Santa Barbara or returning for the hundredth time, Funk Zone is one spot to visit again and again.
What to Do: Explore this trendy neighborhood filled with wine-tasting rooms, art galleries, and hip eateries.
Highlights: Try local Santa Barbara County wines, known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Tip: Pair your wine with small plates or charcuterie at one of the many tasting rooms.
7. Hike the Santa Ynez Mountains
The Santa Ynez Valley has never been an ordinary wine country destination, and its abundance of outdoor recreation and amenities are a key reason why. An abundance of sun-drenched days and mild temps all year make it a breeze to enjoy outdoor things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, find hiking trails, bike rides, horseback riding and have fun.
What to Do: Take a scenic hike in the nearby mountains. Enjoy views of Cachuma Lake, 80-foot waterfall at Nojoqui Falls Park or the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from Gaviota Peak or Figueroa Mountain.
Tip: Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.
8. Explore the Santa Barbara Zoo
One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is visiting Santa Barbara zoo, which is a must-see attraction in the city, especially for families with kids. Located just two miles from State Street, this 30-acre Santa Barbara zoo is home to more than 146 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Some of the Zoo’s most famous residents include penguins, giraffes, anteaters, gorillas, and a flock of native California condors. The Zoo can be toured in about two hours, but you’ll likely be tempted to linger longer.
What to Do: Meet over 500 animals, including giraffes, elephants, and penguins. Santa Barbara zoo is small but well-maintained and perfect for families.
Highlights: Fun things to do in Santa Barbara includes feed the giraffes, ride the Zoo train, etc.
- Open hour: every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by online reservation only.
- Tickets:
Adults(13+): $35
Youth (2 to 12): $25
Children under 2: Free
9. Take a Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park
One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is take a guided tour of the Channel Islands National Park. Covers 249,561 acres, this place is commonly referred regarded as the “North American Galapagos” for good cause. The park, made up of five tectonically produced islands and ringed by a vast marine sanctuary, is teeming with animals found nowhere else on Earth. The islands are home to endemic fox, skunk, and lizard species, as well as millions of shorebirds. Humpback and gray whales frequent the nearby waters, while tens of thousands of elephant seals and sea lions rest on sandy beaches. In short, one of the most unique things to do in Santa Barbara is explore the Channel Islands National Park on a day trip, and on the ferry voyage out—you never know what you’ll see.
What to Do: Hop on a boat tour to explore the pristine Channel Islands, known for their rugged beauty, wildlife, and hiking trails.
Tip: Book your tour in advance, and bring layers as it can get windy on the water.
10. Enjoy Water Activities
For a hands-on experience, trying various water activties is one of the most fun things to do in Santa Barbara. Waterfront activities in Santa Barbara are endless and offer visitors much more than lounging along the coast. In Santa Barbara, there’s a lot of activity along the waterfront for beginners to experts. Visitors and locals alike can easily spend an entire day here enjoying several water sports, learning about the local natural history and enjoying a fine selection of restaurants on the wharf and inside the harbor.
- Kayaking: Paddle along the coastline or to the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Try SUP at Leadbetter Beach or the harbor.
Whale Watching: Take a boat tour to spot whales, dolphins, and sea lions (best in winter and spring).
11. Visit Santa Barbara Museum of Art
For art lovers, visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) celebrates 5,000 years of human history and innovation. The Museum is located in the heart of downtown in a beautiful edifice that was previously the Santa Barbara Post Office. SBMA’s renowned 25,000-piece permanent collection spans decades and continents, featuring works ranging from classical antiquities to contemporary installations. Discover a rich collection of 19th-century French, British, and American art; 20th- and contemporary European, North American, and Latin American art and Asian art. Immerse in local culture is one of the fun things to do in Santa Barbara, California.
Open hour: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: Non-member admission costs $15 for adults, $6 for children under the age of six, and $10 for seniors 65 and older
12.Indulge in Local Cuisine
One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is taste delicious food around the city. It’s no secret that Santa Barbara is one of the most coveted foodie destinations with Michelin stars and Bib Gourmands galore. From the best coffee shops to happy hour digs to formal dining, we put together a list of our current favorites that we frequently visit. For foodies, trying fresh seafood is the tastiest things to do in Santa Barbara.
- Seafood: Try fresh catches at places like Brophy Bros. or The Lark.
Coffee Shops: DART COFFEE SHOP. Old Town Coffee. Good Seed
Breakfast: Helena Avenue Bakery. Jeannine’s Bakery. Corazon Comedor.
Farm-to-Table: Santa Barbara is known for its fresh, local ingredients. Check out restaurants like Loquita or The Black Sheep.
Tacos: Don’t miss the authentic Mexican food at La Super-Rica Taqueria.
Drinks: The Good Lion. Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop. The Pickle Room
How to get around Santa Barbara
To get to Santa Barbara, there are a few options. The closest major airport is Los Angeles International (LAX), about 90 miles southeast of the city. The best way to get around Santa Barbara is on foot. Most of the main attractions, shops and restaurants are all located within a 3-mile radius in the downtown area. Except for walk, visitors could choose to rent a car or rent a bike, biking along the Cabrillo Bike Path is one of the most scenic things to do in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is known for its green attitude toward transportation, the small city has multiple public transportation options. The MTD Santa Barbara operates 25 routes. In addtion, MTD also offers a Downtown-Waterfront electric shuttle that takes passengers from State Street to the waterfront attractions like the zoo and Santa Barbara Harbor. Standard fare for bus routes is $1.75 one-way while the shuttle routes are only 50 cents one-way. Schedules vary depending on line, check out MTD’s website for more information. Trolley tours are also available to see the sights from the Old Mission Santa Barbara to East Beach.
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
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Conclusion of Santa Barbara Things to do
If you’re planning a trip to the lively city, these things to do in Santa Barbara can help you create an itinerary tailored to your interests. Santa Barbara is a place that seamlessly combines relaxation, adventure, and culture. Whether you’re sipping local wines in the Funk Zone, watching the sunset at Shoreline Park, or indulging in farm-to-table cuisine at The Lark, this coastal jewel offers an amazing experience. Santa Barbara, with its Mediterranean charm, breathtaking views, and numerous activities, invites you to slow down, explore, and fall in love with its unique vibe.🌴🍷
FAQ
March to May or September to November are the ideal times of year to visit Santa Barbara. Year-round temperatures in the 60s and 70s are generally pleasant, but visiting in the early spring or fall guarantees that you won’t have to deal with crowds and that prices will be lower. However, if you want the warmest beach weather, July and August are also good options, though they will be more crowded and expensive.
There are many things to do in Santa Barbara, California, including visiting historic sites, exploring beaches and parks, and enjoying the outdoors.
Historic sites: Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Beaches and parks: Rincon Beach Park, East Beach, Butterfly Beach
Outdoor activities: Hiking, Kayaking, visit the zoo, browse the boutiques and mallsin downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California is known for its seafood, Spanish food, Pan Asian cuisine, and other top restaurants. Top restaurants in Santa Barbara includes Cold Spring Tavern, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, Opal Restaurant and Bar, The Lark, ect.
