Santa Barbara is a well-known vacation destination for Southern Californians looking for access to delicious eateries, impressive wine country, and stunning architecture. That’s just skimming the surface of all the fun things to do in Santa Barbara, California, though.
We’ve been to Santa Barbara a few times now, once passing through on a coastal California road trip and then again on a long weekend for all the wine, and I still haven’t had enough.
If I had the cash, it’s one of those places I could certainly settle down in. You hear me, benefactors?
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What is the city of Santa Barbara known for?
The city of Santa Barbara is known for its beaches, Spanish architecture, dining, and proximity to excellent wine. If you’re into boutique shopping, there’s no shortage of that, either.
How do people spend one day in Santa Barbara?
People can spend one day in Santa Barbara like this:
- Learn about the city’s roots at Old Mission Santa Barbara.
- Visit Stearns Wharf for shopping or wine tasting.
- Walk the gardens at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
- Have a meal or drink on State Street.
- See the boats docked at the old Santa Barbara Harbor.
- Pick your favorite museum on the Museum Mile.
- Finish off your day in the Funk Zone.
Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara, CA
As always, much of my exploration of Santa Barbara involved eating my way through town, so you’ll see quite a bit of that here. Let’s dive into all of the best things to do in Santa Barbara.
Interested in a map of all of these fun spots I’ll mention here? Click on the link below:
GIMME THAT SANTA BARBARA MAP!
1. Rumble down Stearns Wharf.
Stearns Wharf is a quintessential Santa Barbara stop and one of the most popular Santa Barbara attractions, but it’s definitely not of the overrated variety.
What’s overrated mean anyway?
If you’re driving, you’ll rumble past the dolphin sculpture at the front entrance to 90 minutes of free parking down at the other end. When I say rumble, I mean you’ll wonder whether those wooden slats can handle your car as you make your way down the wharf.
They will.
Note: It’s only a few dollarsfor every hour after that, a price point you won’t see in many of the bigger cities throughout California.
Once there, choose to do some browsing of the boutiques sprinkled throughout the wharf, get yourself a bowl of chowder at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, or head straight to Conway Family Wines.
Beautiful views and reasonably-priced bottles of wine await you there, so swirl that glass like you know what you’re doing and watch the boats coming into the wharf.
2. Get funky in The Funk Zone.
By “get funky” I mean eat some of the best food in Santa Barbara and have yourself a cocktail or two in The Funk Zone. This is the city’s primo entertainment district and one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara at night for an adult evening.
We had dinner at The Lark, a modern eatery best experienced in sharing mode.
The plates are small and made to allow guests to try a bunch of different things, like their super moist fried chicken, Brussels sprouts upgraded with chopped dates, and grilled prawns drizzled in dreams. By dreams I mean tahini yogurt.
Reservations are recommended and available online.
There are all kinds of additional options for getting into some fun and indulging in a nightcap or two nearby. Choose from over 20 different tasting rooms for a glass of wine or head to a cocktail bar like the Test Pilot.
The bar serves up drinks with a side of kitsch, as evidenced by their tiki mugs.
3. Learn about the city’s Spanish roots at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.
The historical bits of Santa Barbara activities are scenic as heck.
Get an overview of Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. Tour the church, gardens, and historic mausoleum and cemetery in a self-guided fashion.
The hilltop placement of the Santa Barbara mission offers wonderful views of Santa Barbara below. Check with the mission’s website for potential closures and special events ahead of your visit.
4. Tour El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.
If the history bits are feeling up your alley, you’ll want to also want to visit the El Presidio Real de Santa Bárbara, or the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara.
The military installation and state park was founded in 1782. Two of the adobe buildings from that period are open to the public today on self-guided tours.
While a number of the features here are reconstructions, the site is under constant excavation. Each visit you pay the presidio may be a little bit different than the last.
5. Finish your history tour with a house museum.
Complete your historical tour with a visit to Casa del Herrero, or the House of the Blacksmith, in nearby Montecito.
The 1920s-era house and museum is a historical landmark and an excellent example of Spanish revival architecture. Tours inside allow for a closer look at the craftsmanship and design of the place, but the real goods are outside.
Wander through the landscaped gardens, terraces, and fountains, and imagine yourself a little bit richer.
No one else does this?
Docent-led tours are by reservation only. They’re pricey but do sell out, so book those online if you’re interested as soon as you know dates of travel.
6. Admire the architecture of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Architecture buffs will be all about the Spanish colonial revival vibes in Santa Barbara.
The Santa Barbara Courthouse, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city for those not in trouble with the law, is a prime example of that.
Take the elevator — or the stairs if you’re able — up to the top of the Clock Tower for expansive views of not only Santa Barbara but the Santa Ynez Mountains. The mural room on the second floor is also worth a visit.
7. Tap into your inner beach bum.
Santa Barbara is a jewel of the Central Coast, in part because of its stunning beaches.
East Beach is popular with locals for its proximity to downtown. Lined with grassy park space, it’s a great place for some people-watching, too. Volleyball players, musicians, and artists all flock here for the sun.
Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, also known as Hendry’s Beach, is a bit more rugged. Popular with surfers, this one is a great place for some wildlife spotting.
Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds, whales, and furry friends looking to steal your picnic fixings. This one is popular with dogs and their owners, which makes it one of the big things to do in Santa Barbara with dogs.
8. Smell the flowers in Santa Barbara’s gardens.
If you haven’t been up to the Northern California coast for the redwoods yet, you can see them here at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
If you’re into even more flower action, Lotusland is a privately run option in Montecito. The gardens are brought to you by a Polish opera singer named Ganna Walska, which makes me a proud Pole.
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate is an orchid lover’s wonderland full of rare plants you could even take home with you if you drove.
Orchids are delicate, guys. You don’t want to be taking these on the plane.
For a more unique Santa Barbara experience, don’t miss the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, widely believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. That’s pretty impressive considering they’re native to Australia, not the United States.
9. Stroll State Street.
If you’re not a co-ed you may feel your age a bit as you stroll down State Street, the main hub of downtown Santa Barbara. When the sun sets, it can get rowdy down here. You’re in it for the real Santa Barbara experience, so you really can’t miss State Street.
Take a walking tour of your own making, hitting any eateries that look mighty fine or shops that promise some excellent spending.
If you’re into shopping, by the way, the outdoor mall of Paseo Nuevo may be of interest to you, as well.
If you find yourself on State Street come mealtime, you’ve got lots of options. Patxi’s Pizza serves up thin crust and deep dish styles with yummy wings, as well.
Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen is a great option for elevated pub food. They must’ve heard I like gouda on my turkey burgers before I arrived. Reservations aren’t necessary but available online.
10. Golf at Sandpiper.
Brian lists golf as one of his most favorite things, so there’s no way we were going to Santa Barbara without a tee time at the Sandpiper Golf Club in Goleta.
The views rival those of Pebble Beach I’m told.
You don’t want to just show up at this one. Book a tee time up to two weeks ahead of your visit online.
11. Embrace the maritime vibes.
As with any coastal California community, you’ll find a vibrant fish scene here in Santa Barbara, whether that means eating all of that deliciously fresh seafood or exploring the city’s maritime roots.
To kick things off with some education, head over to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. You’ll get a primer on the history of the Santa Barbara Channel and the town’s fishing background.
The museum is conveniently located on the Santa Barbara Harbor, a working harbor where you can catch vessels that’ll take you out to sea for fishing or whale-watching adventures. The harbor is also home to some of Santa Barbara’s most popular fish joints.
Brophy Bros. has been on our list of places to visit since our first visit to Santa Barbara, but we just haven’t been able to get the timing right.
Head out there well before the dinner rush for your best chance at dining in, as there are no reservations available here.
12. Go wild at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Barbara with kids, the Santa Barbara Zoo is always a hit with the littles.
The zoo is small but mighty, with opportunities to get to know over 140 different animal species…and feed giraffes!
Don’t miss out on the Chilean flamingoes. The flock here has been getting busy, with frequent chick-spotting opportunities in their exhibit.
13. Explore the museums of Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is all about balance, with museums covering every niche to give your visit some depth. In fact, 12 museums stretch from State Street to the waterfront and make up the Museum Mile.
Here are the highlights:
- Rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of Impressionist art and works inspired by Southern California are the focus of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
- The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is a little more niche, with one of the world’s largest collections of original documents.
- For some local history, visit one of Santa Barbara’s oldest original homes, Casa de la Guerra. Admission to pop in is cheap but call ahead for guided tours.
- The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a butterfly garden.
- The Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library is exactly as it sounds, a collection of teddy bears and dolls. Susan Quinlan also has an eye for rare books, so you’ll see some of those here, too.
14. Visit the city’s best water features.
The harbor and beaches aside, Santa Barbara is spoiled with choice if you love a good water feature.
Let’s start with Tangerine Falls. Just a short drive north of Santa Barbara’s downtown sits a 100-foot cascade, reached at just over two miles roundtrip and noted by many as one of the best hikes in Santa Barbara.
Unlike many waterfall hikes in and around Southern California, Tangerine Falls is mostly shaded, so you don’t need to worry too much about timing as far as heat is concerned.
There is about 900 feet of elevation gain on this one, so the hike is considered challenging because you’re doing that over a relatively short distance.
If you don’t mind driving a bit further, Nojoqui Falls is another popular waterfall hike about an hour west of the city. This one is even easier at just a mile roundtrip, so it’s a fun option for families with kids who like to hike.
15. Take a hike to Inspiration Point.
Santa Barbara can become very indulgent very quickly, so if you’re looking to get a move on a bit with some of the best treks in and around Santa Barbara County, you’re in luck.
If you’re on another, less awesome blog telling you to visit Knapp’s Castle, by the way, don’t. It’s closed and on private property.
Inspiration Point, just north of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, is one of the most popular hikes in Santa Barbara, in part thanks to a relatively short distance with an excellent payoff. That makes it a must-see in Santa Barbara if you love scenic views.
The trek is about 3.5 miles roundtrip to beautiful 180-degree views of the surrounding islands and Santa Ynez Mountains. The trail starts on a paved path but gets more rugged in the back portion.
Watch out for snakes, as they’re reported frequently in the area.
16. Walk The Douglas Family Preserve.
The 70 acres of the Douglas Family Preserve offer three miles of trails to views of eucalyptus trees and Arroyo Burro Beach below.
If you’ve timed things right, you may even be able to do some whale watching from here. Early spring is best for California’s gray whales, whereas the summer months are the opportune time for humpbacks and blue whales.
Fun fact: This spot is named after Michael Douglas, a major donor of this open space.
17. Satiate your sweet tooth.
I’m a fan of all the savory things, but I know there are sweet tooths out there. One lives with me!
If you love a good French pastry, the macarons at Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro will have you exclaiming “Oui!”
Fun fact: Renaud’s promises a pastry experience that resembles the kind you’d get Paris without the trip to France. Be your own judge!
Ice cream lovers won’t want to miss a Santa Barbara staple: McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. They’ve been churning craft flavors of ice cream like peanut butter and jelly for over 70 years now.
There are two locations, one on State Street and another in The Funk Zone. You’ll find both on the Google map I put together for you.
For a Santa Barbara classic, head to the Boathouse at Henry’s Beach. Yes, they have an impressive raw bar, but the real star here is the macadamia nut mud pie.
Yowza.
18. Take a guided tour.
Santa Barbara is easy to explore on your own, but I know there are folks out there who love a good guided tour. (I personally love a walking tour and anything involving eating my way through a new place.)
Here are a few highly-rated options for guided excursions in the area, including some with the aforementioned eating:
19. Drink wine in the Santa Ynez Valley.
It was so cliche, but while the men golfed, my gal pal and I took it upon ourselves to book some reservations of our own: wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley.
While there are a number of tasting rooms within Santa Barbara itself, we were looking for those rolling landscapes, so we traveled to the source.
Our two picks were Sunstone Winery, modeled after a luxe French villa, and Roblar Winery & Vineyards, a more whimsical option with its own horse parking.
I’d highly recommend both, as they both boasted friendly staff, a wonderful outdoor patio, and delicious wines comparable to the big boys up in Napa and Sonoma.
If you’re able to handle more wineries and have landed yourself a designated driver, you’ve got options:
- Blackjack Ranch Vineyards: These guys have been perfecting their wine game for over 30 years now. If you like a bold red, head to Blackjack for their Bordeaux.
- Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyards: The “farm” in their name isn’t just for kicks. Buttonwood is a working farm on top of a winery, growing all kinds of delicious and seasonal produce for you to sample on your visit.
- Rusack Vineyards: Rusack is known for being one of the most scenic wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, and a perfect place for that packed picnic.
20. Cowboy it up at Cold Spring Tavern.
You may not sense Santa Barbara’s Western vibes upon arrival, but they’re out there.
More specifically, they’re about 25 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara at the Cold Spring Tavern, one of the more unique things to do in Santa Barbara.
This place is a saloon through and through, and well worth the drive if you’re interested in some of the best tri-tip in these parts.
21. Take a day trip to Solvang.
California’s Little Denmark is just a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, topping many lists of day trips from Santa Barbara if you’re into all things Danish.
By all things Danish I mean Danish pastries, replicas of tourist spots you’d find in Copenhagen, and also Danish pastries. In any case, it’s one of my favorite San Diego getaways.
I put together a guide to Solvang if you’d like to add this gem to your itinerary.
How to Visit Santa Barbara
Most visitors to Santa Barbara get there on a weekend trip. If you start in Los Angeles, your drive time will be about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. For us, it was about 3 hours and 30 minutes from San Diego.
If you’re flying in, look at one of those cities to fly into. The airport in Los Angeles will allow for your best chance at budget-friendly deals due to the volume of flights coming in daily.
Note: There is a regional airport in Santa Barbara, as well, but you’re less likely to find deals from there. If you’re looking for efficiency, though, do check it out!
As with most of California, Santa Barbara is explored most efficiently with a car. Parking is fairly easy to find even downtown, with reasonably priced public parking throughout town. I typically use sites like Hotwire or Priceline to find the best deals on car rentals.
If you don’t like the idea of driving around Santa Barbara or know some wine will be involved, you have some other options:
- Bicycles: Santa Barbara is fairly bike-friendly, particularly around the harbor. Wheel Fun Rentals is a popular option in town, and they have all sorts of more unique transportation options.
- Surreys: You’ll surely spot groups traveling via surrey, essentially a pedal-powdered carriage, as one of the preferred activities in Santa Barbara. There’s always that one traveler who gets the bulk of the pedaling, though.
- Rideshare: You won’t have any trouble finding an Uber or Lyft in Santa Barbara. Keep in mind the surge is real around town. Getting back to your accommodations in the evening after you’ve done your thing in The Funk Zone will cost you.
- Public Transit: The Santa Barbara MTD runs bus lines in and around the city. As lines are being dropped for low ridership numbers, hit up the network’s website for up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
- Trolley Tours: If you’re looking to do even less work, the Santa Barbara Trolley Company runs regular tours for visitors with narration. You won’t have as much control over your itinerary, but if that sounds right up your alley, have at it.
Where to Go in Santa Barbara: FAQs
What are things to do in Santa Barbara for couples?
Things to do in Santa Barbara for couples include sunset sailing cruises, eating at the best Santa Barbara restaurants on State Street, and tasting wines in the Santa Ynez Valley.
What is cool about Santa Barbara?
There is so much that is cool about Santa Barbara. It’s the ideal blend of cultural richness, coastal vibes, and natural beauty. While it’s certainly a bit more luxe than some of California’s most laidback towns, it still feels relaxed. Its proximity to wine country helps, too.
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has a variety of accommodation options for you to choose from during your perfect visit to this coastal city, from fancy hotels to budget-friendly lodging options.
We’ve stayed at the Coast Village Inn on trips there and I’d recommend it for being close to the water. You’ll either have to drive or snag one of their free beach cruisers to get downtown, though.
Check out the map below for more options in Santa Barbara:
Is Santa Barbara worth visiting?
Santa Barbara is worth visiting for its food and wine scene, beautiful beaches, and historical offerings.
I mean, now that you know it’s the American Riviera, why wouldn’t you want to visit?
Santa Barbara is well worth your time, if only for a Santa Barbara day trip or if only to see what drew Meghan and Harry for a temporary address over this way.
I’m mostly kidding. There are Santa Barbara things to do that aren’t about all that glitz. It’s a great base for other trips in the region, too, including the Channel Islands.
Ready for Some Santa Barbara Sightseeing?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book your travel during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.
It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
For the top things to do in Santa Barbara, you’ll want to fly into either the city’s regional airport or Los Angeles if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options. San Diego is also an option if you find a good deal and have time for a longer road trip.
I also subscribe to Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get regular deals straight to your inbox on a regular basis, especially to bigger hubs.
Your Accommodations: Scroll up for my tips on where to stay in Santa Barbara from Booking.com and Vrbo, my preferred booking sites. If you want more choices, Hotels.com is a great comparison tool for hotels. Hostelworld is a good option for budget travelers.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.
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Planning more travel this way? Check out these guides:
- Where to Stay on a Trip to Yosemite
- A Guide to Visiting San Diego’s Balboa Park
- Best Hikes at All Levels for Death Valley
- Visit San Diego’s Underrated Golden Hill
- San Diego’s Waterfalls: A Detailed Guide
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