Things to do in Santa Barbara

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A vineyard with rows of grapevines and a hilly landscape with trees and mountains in the background.
A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a central archway.
A coastal landscape with cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distant mountains.
A large white building with arched windows and a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
A rocky beach with a white boat docked near a pier, cliffs in the background, and calm water.

Things to do

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

￥4,479
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

￥11,037
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

￥6,078
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy

￥3,999
per adult
Visit the Rescued Cats of Cat Therapy
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar

Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar

￥10,397
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor

Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

￥14,236
per adult
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

￥7,198
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
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Most popular activities in Santa Barbara

Tours & day trips

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Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.2 out of 10 with 18 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,179 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 50 activities
Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥22,601 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 29 activities
Private Harbor Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Private Harbor Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.8 out of 10 with 28 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥30,731 per traveler*
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Water activities

See all 10 activities
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 45 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,593 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 5 activities
Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥8,943 per adult
Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Santa Barbara

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a central archway.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

9.2/10 (1,499 reviews)
This 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece enchants with hand-painted murals and a four-faced clock tower. Climb to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of Santa Barbara's coastline and mountains.
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Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Find the best Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara
Learn more about Santa Barbara
A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

Waterfront

While visiting Waterfront, you might make a stop by sights like West Beach and Santa Barbara Harbor.

A coastal house on stilts with a pier extending into calm waters, surrounded by boats and mountains in the background.

The Funk Zone

Travelers come to The Funk Zone for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Art Foundry while you're in town.

A sandy beach with large rocks in the foreground and a cliff with trees in the background.

The Mesa

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

A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

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

Popular day trips from Santa Barbara

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Carpinteria

A coastal landscape with a cliff overlooking the ocean, waves crashing against the shore, and a clear sky.

Goleta

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and rolling hills in the background.

Santa Ynez

A forested mountain ridge with a clear sky above.

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.