Things to do in Santa Barbara

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Santa Barbara Travel Guide

United States of America which includes farmland

Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park featuring a church or cathedral

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What to do in Santa Barbara

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Barbara

I love the stillness of this marina, especially sunrise and sunset

Santa Barbara Harbor

4.5/5(529 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara Bowl

4.5/5(144 reviews)

Enjoy a show at Santa Barbara Bowl, a storied theater in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

4.5/5(417 reviews)

See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.

Santa Barbara Zoo

4.5/5(307 reviews)

Why not visit the native and exotic animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your trip to Santa Barbara? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Upper State Street

4.5/5(1,004 reviews)

During your visit to Santa Barbara, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Upper State Street. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its charming coffeehouses.

Butterfly Beach

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Butterfly Beach during your travels in Santa Barbara? Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

The longest deep water pier between San Francisco and Los Angeles in Santa Barbara.

Stearns Wharf

4.5/5(925 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as biking in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Mission Santa Barbara

4.5/5(771 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Santa Barbara with a stop at Mission Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara City College

4.5/5(169 reviews)

Walk around the campus at Santa Barbara City College during your stay in Santa Barbara. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Santa Barbara

Montecito

4.5/5(179 area reviews)

Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

Santa Barbara Aerial Panorama. Scenic shot of Pier and beach

Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

West Beach

While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum.

A marshland next to a public beach. Situated about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, is being promoted as the "American Riviera" due to her Mediterranean-like climate.

East Beach

4.5/5(529 area reviews)

East Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Walk on the beach celebrating my parents vow renewal

The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

Popular day trips from Santa Barbara

Carpinteria

Goleta

Santa Ynez

Distant view of layered green hills and Mount Toro near Soberanes Canyon Trailhead in California, with Highway 1 nearby and coastal fog hovering below the mountains.

Toro Canyon

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Barbara worth visiting?

Santa Barbara has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there are many things you'll find here.

How do I spend a day in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf are two great places to begin your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Santa Barbara while you're there too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara?

The top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Zoo, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.

Is three days enough to stay in Santa Barbara?

Three days in Santa Barbara is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf and Butterfly Beach are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Ventura.

Is Santa Barbara a walkable city?

Some top sights in Santa Barbara, such as Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometers from central Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach is 2 kilometers away.

What are some activities to do in Santa Barbara with kids?

Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Santa Barbara with kids.

What to do in Santa Barbara for adults?

UC SB Events Center and Santa Barbara County Courthouse are just two of the things to do in Santa Barbara. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Santa Barbara?

From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Santa Barbara. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Stearns Wharf is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.