Things to do in Santa Barbara

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A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a central archway.
A coastal landscape with cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distant mountains.
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A rocky beach with a white boat docked near a pier, cliffs in the background, and calm water.

Things to do

Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

￥11,215
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

￥6,014
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

￥6,177
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

￥4,064
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

￥10,565
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)

￥14,466
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

￥7,314
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
9.0 out of 10 with 31 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,226 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 46 activities
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,831 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 29 activities
Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥32,770 per adult
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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
9.8 out of 10 with 80 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥9,667 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

See all 4 activities
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,735 per adult
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What to do in Santa Barbara

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

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Stearns Wharf

9.0/10 (4,143 reviews)
California's oldest working wharf since 1872, Stearns Wharf combines history with panoramic ocean views. Savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while watching the sunset paint the Santa Ynez 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
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Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

Waterfront

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

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.

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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 Santa Barbara Harbor.

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.