Looking for nice actions and sights within the American Riviera? Our information to the most effective issues to do in Santa Barbara is all it is advisable plan the proper journey!
Liked for its contemporary seafood, wealthy historical past, and pristine seashores, Santa Barbara, California, is the most effective place to satiate many appetites and pursuits.
The tenth Mission based by Spanish Franciscans, Santa Barbara has a wealthy historic background. Impactful historic structure exudes an plain enchantment to the town that has turn into well-known as a favourite trip spot.
The Mediterranean local weather attracts guests from world wide to soak within the solar on the seashores or hit the water to catch some waves. As Santa Barbara is true off the water, contemporary seafood isn’t exhausting to return by, and the native cooks exhibit their world-class expertise!
Plus, with greater than 50 parks and gardens, it’s not exhausting to stay energetic on land or water with scenic views of the coast all through.
So give this text a learn for the most effective issues to do in Santa Barbara. You don’t need to miss out on all of the wondrous sights Santa Barbara provides!
The Greatest Issues to Do in Santa Barbara, California
No must search for what to do in Santa Barbara: our listing of the realm’s prime actions shouldn’t be one you need to skimp out studying.
From seeing the hand-painted murals on the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to searching for whales and dolphins at Shoreline Park, this listing is assured to take you on the journey of your life!
Don’t overlook to take a look at our final listing of the 25 greatest issues to do in California for extra concepts on the west coast!
1) Quench Your Curiosity At The Santa Barbara Museum Of Pure Historical past
Based in 1916, the Santa Barbara Museum Of Pure Historical past preserves greater than 3.5 million specimens. The specimens collected on the museum cowl a broad spectrum of pure historical past, together with paleontology, astronomy, anthropology, geology, and animals.
The highest-class interactive displays welcome all ages to be taught extra concerning the influence of pure historical past and the way it impacts our world at present.
Stroll by the museum’s planetarium, the one one on the Central Coast. Be taught concerning the area’s native folks on the Chumash Life exhibit.
Then, take the youngsters to the hands-on Curiosity Lab to quench their thirst for information with intriguing info on the area’s animals and land options.
- Handle: 2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Tuesdays)
- Price: $19
2) Peer At Hand-Painted Murals At The Santa Barbara County Courthouse
A Spanish Colonial Revival fashion constructing in downtown Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse was established in 1929.
Designed by William Mooser III, the interesting construction is likely one of the most gorgeous public buildings within the nation and among the finest issues to do in Santa Barbara. The long-lasting landmark in Santa Barbara options red-tiled roofs, iron-clad chandeliers, and sunken gardens.
Guests can climb to the highest of the clock tower to indulge in spectacular panoramic views of Santa Barbara.
Free excursions take friends by the historic constructing, the accompanying gardens, and the mural room, that includes hand-painted items highlighting the wealthy tradition and historical past of Santa Barbara.
Whether or not you’re keen on artwork, historical past, or scenic views, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse shouldn’t be an attraction to overlook!
- Handle: 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday, Closed weekends
- Price: Free
3) Bask In Tranquility In The Santa Barbara Botanic Backyard
Rising greater than 1,000 species of uncommon and indigenous crops, the Santa Barbara Botanic Backyard is established in Mission Canyon.
A residing museum, the backyard is designed completely with California-native crops. Trails wind by imposing coastal redwood forests, previous an genuine Japanese teahouse and tea backyard, and cacti-filled desserts within the Santa Barbara Botanic Backyard.
Inside the backyard’s acreage is the historic landmark, Mission Dam, which was constructed by Chumash Indian labor in 1806.
A stroll by the Santa Barbara Botanic Backyard is assured to supply peace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of life. Go on a romantic date or take the household to see this spectacular backyard for the final word recharge.
- Handle: 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
- Price: $20
4) Have fun Artwork & Historical past At The Santa Barbara Museum Of Artwork
Situated in downtown Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Museum Of Artwork options greater than 25,000 items of artwork that span over 5,000 years of human historical past and creativity.
Based in 1911, the museum has turn into famend for its world-class exhibitions, together with masterpieces of French Impressionism.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Artwork is likely one of the main artwork museums on the West Coast, preserving worldwide antiquities from throughout the globe and historical past.
Peer at impactful items like “Portrait of Mexico Right this moment, 1932”, the one remaining preserved mural by David Alfaro Siqueriors discovered within the nation.
- Handle: 1130 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 5 pm (Closes at 8pm on Thursdays, Closed Mondays)
- Price: $10
Take a look at our listing of the Greatest Issues To Do In Los Angeles for extra concepts!
5) Go Jet Snowboarding At The Santa Barbara Harbor
Inbuilt 1929, the Santa Barbara Harbor is a picturesque boating spot the place yachts and industrial fishing boats launch. Locals and vacationers alike come to the harbor to discover their choices.
Tour the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, a family-friendly attraction on the harbor. The museum makes use of interactive displays to inform the story of early settlers and the harbor’s historical past.
Then, launch off the Santa Barbara Harbor on an tour of the ocean. Schedule an awe-inspiring sundown cruise, catch a thrill jet snowboarding, or get activating paddle boarding by the waters. Lastly, go whale looking forward to orcas, grey whales, humpbacks, and blue whales.
Santa Barbara Harbor is the place you’ll discover the most effective seafood eating places, from fish tacos to the catch of the day. And don’t overlook to take a look at the native retailers sprinkled alongside the harbor for enjoyable souvenirs and finds!
When you’re extra inclined to remain energetic in your journey, think about a guided kayak tour!
The tour launches off on the Santa Barbara Harbor and paddles by the Santa Barbara Channel, the historic wharf, beneath the pier, and down the seaside for spectacular viewpoints of the most effective of Santa Barbara.
6) Look For Dolphins At Shoreline Park
Gazing on the encompassing view of the Pacific Ocean, Shoreline Park is likely one of the most visited parks in Santa Barbara.
An extended strip by the ocean, the park is favored for its refreshing ambiance and surroundings, the mountains, islands, and harbor inside view of Shoreline Park.
Picnicking on the park is a well-liked exercise because of its rejuvenating atmosphere. As well as, folks typically come to play frisbee, stroll, skate, and whale watch right here.
Take the picket stairs, following them all the way down to the seaside under. Right here you’ll discover a beachy space with a tidal pool and up shut viewpoints of the ocean. The binoculars by the bronze whale story are excellent for wanting past the beachy shore.
When you’re fortunate, you’ll see dolphins leaping by the ocean’s waters as they play or hunt for meals!
- Handle: Shoreline Dr & Santa Rosa Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
- Hours: 7 am – 7 pm
- Price: Free
7) Peer At Mesmerizing Flowers At The Santa Barbara Orchid Property
With flourishing grounds filled with natural world, the Santa Barbara Orchid Property options one of many world’s largest collections of orchids.
The property stretches throughout 5 acres of vibrantly thriving nature on a coastal panorama close to the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Barbara Orchid Property yearly hosts the biggest and oldest-running orchid showcase within the nation, the Worldwide Orchid Present.
Folks journey from throughout the globe to witness the splendor of orchid shows, vendor choices, and orchid-related artwork.
The Orchid Property is located subsequent to a well-liked inner-city climbing spot, Extra Mesa if you wish to exude extra vitality whereas adventuring extra of Santa Barbara!
- Handle: 1250 Orchid Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, United States
- Hours: 10am – 2pm Friday, 9am – 3:30pm Saturday
- Price: $14
8) Discover the Santa Ynez Valley
Naturally fashioned by the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Ynez Valley is famend for its high-class wineries.
Solely a brief 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley is filled with eye-catching landscapes, thrilling adventures, and entertaining actions. The valley is house to the native Chumash tribe, sprawling fields of wildflowers and vineyards, and prosperous artistic inspiration.
Be a part of this wine nation tour of Santa Ynez with stops at Santa Barbara’s greatest small-production and family-owned wineries. Schedule an exciting hot-air balloon journey with encompassing views of the valley.
Outdoorsy vacationers can head to the Santa Ynez Mountains, most of that are a part of the Los Padres Nationwide Forest. Tackle some rewarding hikes with inspiring viewpoints of the town and the ocean. Think about taking the path that results in Lizard’s Mouth, an iconic mountaintop rock formation.
9) Take The Household To Santa Barbara Zoo
Constantly ranked as among the finest small zoos within the nation, the Santa Barbara Zoo is house to intriguing species just like the Large Anteater and the Australian Walkabout.
Greater than 146 species are protected on the zoo throughout 30 acres peering over the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Another Santa Barbara Zoo favorites that appeal to guests are the gorillas, native California condors, and penguins.
Hurry over the feeding time for the giraffes to fulfill the tallest creature on earth. Then, trip the Zoo Prepare for a behind-the-scenes take a look at your favourite animals.
And don’t move up on the Ridley-Tree Animal Kitchen, the place zoo guests can see how 500+ animals are meals prepped for.
One of many prime Santa Barbara sights for teenagers and households, the Santa Barbara Zoo is stuffed with enjoyable issues to see and do!
- Handle: 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States
- Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm
- Price: Costs vary from $15 – $25 (Examine the web site for more information)
10) Catch A Wave At Arroyo Burro Seaside Park
Arroyo Burro Seaside Park, or Hendry’s Seaside for locals, is barely ten minutes from downtown Santa Barbara.
Surrounded by shoreline and towering cliffs, the park is a family-friendly seaside and a favourite energetic hangout spot.
Locals and vacationers come to Arroyo Burro Seaside Park to fish, swim, surf, suntan, and paddleboard for an inexplicable day of enjoyable!
The park accesses different widespread trails, parks, and sights, just like the Douglas Household Protect. On the protect, whale watching, wildlife viewing, climbing, biking, hold gliding, and paragliding are all widespread actions to partake in 70 acres of untainted coastal land.
In search of extra enjoyable seaside locations in CA? Right here is our information to the most effective actions in San Diego!
11) Journey By Downtown Santa Barbara
The vigorous downtown space is the place yow will discover lots of the greatest issues to do in Santa Barbara.
Purchase tickets for a efficiency on the Granada Theatre, house to the State Road Ballet, the Santa Barbara Symphony, the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, the UCSB Arts & Lectures, the Opera Santa Barbara, and the Theatre League’s Broadway Collection.
Store to your coronary heart’s content material within the many name-brand and locally-owned boutique shops and artwork galleries adorning Santa Barbara’s downtown.
Discover the well-known Santa Barbara Public Market or be part of a craft beer strolling tour with a go to to the most effective distinctive craft breweries in Santa Barbara whereas studying concerning the metropolis’s historical past!
12) Seize Native Treats At The Santa Barbara Public Market
One of many favourite issues to do in Santa Barbara by locals and vacationers alike, the Santa Barbara Public Market is a thriving social hub promoting domestically sourced produce, meals, and merchandise.
The premier meals corridor to seek out the most effective drinks and meals, friends can expertise meals made by a number of the greatest cooks in Santa Barbara.
Folks watch on West Victoria road with shaded desk seating. Pair with native alternatives of drinks and meals. If the climate isn’t agreeable, air-conditioned indoor seating can also be accessible!
From wine and beer to decadent dishes and savory cuisines, the Santa Barbara Public Market has it ready for you!
- Handle: 38 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours: 11 am – 9 pm (Closes at 10pm on weekends)
13) Be taught About The Influential Chief At The Casa de la Guerra
The previous residence of the fifth commandment of the Presidio de Santa Barbara, José de la Guerra, the Casa de la Guerra, is an outstandingly preserved historic constructing.
Steps away from State Road, the Casa de la Guerra was the house of an influential man who acted as a frontrunner of the folks of Santa Barbara.
Jose de la Guerra was a protector and outstanding determine that served as a ranchero, army officer, and founding father of the distinguished Guerra household.
Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, guests can tour this historic landmark to be taught extra concerning the influence of Jose de la Guerra on Santa Barbara’s historical past.
- Handle: 15 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, California 93101, United States
- Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm, Thursday – Sunday
- Price: $5
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14) Solar Tan & Discover Stearns Wharf On West Seaside
Ideally positioned proper between the Harbor and Stearn’s Wharf, West Seaside is a scorching spot for public occasions, like Santa Barbara’s huge July 4 celebration.
The picturesque seaside is nice for picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and taking part in seaside volleyball. Round West Seaside are paths for walkers and bikers to discover the native space, like public artwork, plazas, and a cease at Los Banos Pool.
This historic beachside pool is listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, having as soon as been a bathhouse web site and bathing resort destroyed by an earthquake and fireplace.
West Seaside’s scenic beachfront path stretches three miles, excellent for exploring different Santa Barbara sights like East Seaside, the Marine, and Shoreline Park. When you get hungry, seize a meal at Stearns Wharf.
Stearns Wharf options quite a lot of intriguing sights like memento retailers, ice cream retailers, informal eating eating places just like the Santa Barbara Shellfish Firm, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Pure Historical past Sea Heart, a small aquarium filled with marine life.
As well as, the bait and deal with store on Stearns Wharf is ideal for snagging some bait for casting out on the wharf’s edge.
15) Be taught About Early Historical past At The Previous Mission Santa Barbara
A Spanish mission, the Previous Mission Santa Barbara was based in 1786. It was steadily termed the “Queen of the Missions.” Within the current day, it acts as a nationwide historic landmark for folks to be taught, pray, and commune collectively.
The Previous Mission Santa Barbara properties a mausoleum, historic gardens, a cemetery, a present store, a museum, and homes the neighborhood of Franciscan Friars. The nine-room museum is teeming with intriguing artifacts, together with colonial items and early pictures, recounting the historical past of the mission.
The grounds are house to the backyard La Huerta, designed with Spain’s agricultural touches and crops that date again to Mission Santa Barbara’s founding.
Go to the official web site for the Santa Barbara Mission for extra details about excursions and occasions!
- Handle: 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm
- Price: $15
16) Hear Legends Of The Sea At The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Devoted to preserving native maritime historical past, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum holds 13,000 years of impactful tales and information.
The museum educates on varied matters and is likely one of the greatest venues for studying concerning the Channel Islands Nationwide Park, the Santa Barbara Channel, and maritime historical past. From environmental preservation to the Chumash folks, the museum welcomes all ages to be taught one thing new.
Tackle the interactive displays and peer at awe-inspiring views from the rooftop deck on the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, the place land meets the ocean!
- Handle: 113 Harbor Approach STE 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Wednesdays)
- Price: $8
17) Ignite Your Curiosity At MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Dedicated to educating all ages on the influence of science, artwork, and know-how, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, will ignite your curiosity!
Utilizing interactive experiences, the family-friendly museum engages curious minds to expertise new worlds, ask questions, and discover options. Examine your favourite riffs on the Large Guitar. Conduct take a look at flights on the Wind Column Workshop.
Create 3D instruments within the Innovation Workshop. Then, finish your journey with a brave stroll throughout the Sky Deck to indulge in spectacular viewpoints of Santa Barbara and past!
- Handle: 125 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
- Price: $18
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18) Sink Into The Underwater World Of The Santa Barbara Museum of Pure Historical past Sea Heart
Discovered on Stearns Wharf, the Santa Barbara Museum of Pure Historical past Sea Heart is an interactive aquarium the place guests can rise up shut and private with marine animals.
The middle’s upgraded exhibit, Dive In: Our Altering Channel, is the place guests can peer in awe over the underwater world within the Santa Barbara Channel. See Large Pacific Seahorses and Moon Jellies whereas studying concerning the varied habitats of marine life, together with kelp forests and reefs.
Discover out the historical past of the endangered White Abalone and the significance of the Channel Islands inside this exhibit.
There’s loads to discover, info to be taught, and marine animals to see over on the Santa Barbara Museum of Pure Historical past Sea Heart!
- Handle: 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Closed Thursdays)
- Price: $14
19) Be taught How To Surf At Leadbetter Seaside
The well-known Leadbetter Seaside is a shocking spot on the Santa Barbara coast, offering quick access to different enjoyable actions after hitting the waves!
This seaside is commonly frequented by catamaran sailors, windsurfers, picnickers, paddleboarders, and people seeking to hit the seaside for a tan and a few leisure.
The waves are usually beginner-friendly, excellent for these new to browsing, paddle boarding, and so forth., seeking to acquire expertise. Guide a surf lesson if you need some further assist from an knowledgeable!
Throughout low tide at Leadbetter Seaside, entry to an remoted seaside strip is open for adventuring. Nonetheless, privateness at this hopping seaside is tough to seek out, so don’t count on an excessive amount of alone time right here!
20) Tour The Impactful El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
A fortress that was established by the Spanish army in 1782, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park options the fort’s authentic adobe buildings, Cañedo Adobe and El Cuartel.
Constructed to guard the Second Navy District in California throughout the American Revolutionary Conflict, the fortress acted because the regional governmental middle and headquarters. Chumash Indians helped assemble the buildings of the presidio utilizing sun-dried adobe bricks.
A tour the Santa Barbara Presidio takes guests by the park’s instructional displays. Self-guided excursions can be found in particular elements of the park, such because the Padre’s Quarters, the Chapel, the Comandancia, and the Nineteen Forties Whittaker orchards.
There’s additionally the commentary tower and the heritage gardens to take a look at throughout your go to for a step again in time!
- Handle: 123 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, California 93101, United States
- Hours: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm day by day
- Price: Free
Mentioned to be the biggest within the nation, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree is greater than 140 years outdated, making it one of many oldest residing issues in California.
The tree is planted on Chapala Road at Freeway 101 and is a Nationwide Historic Landmark. The rumors of the tree’s beginnings begin with a younger lady and an Australian sailor.
Tales inform that the sailor gifted a seed to the lady who planted the seed, which was rooted on July 4, 1876. It was relocated in 1877 to its present location on Chapala Road.
The Moreton Bay Fig Tree’s crown spreads 176 ft, its top stretching 80 ft tall. And the identical web site the place the Moreton Bay Fig Tree resides is the place explorer El Capitan Gaspar de Portola and his crew settled down in 1769, the crew happening to play an impactful position in colonizing California.
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The place to Keep in Santa Barbara, California
Now that you realize the most effective issues to do in Santa Barbara, California, let’s take a look at the most effective locations to remain throughout your journey!
Greatest Low cost Resort in Santa Barbara, California
Solely ten minutes from downtown, the Oasis Inn and Suites provides an incredible location close to the Santa Barbara Harbor and close by eating places to mix in with the locals.
As well as, friends have entry to an out of doors pool, free Wi-Fi, and free parking for a easy and inexpensive keep whenever you go to Santa Barbara, California.
Greatest Mid-Vary Resort in Santa Barbara, California
The High quality Inn Santa Barbara is an award-winning resort close to prime Santa Barbara actions, together with the historic State Road, the Santa Barbara waterfront, and the Chumash On line casino.
A keep at this resort options complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast buffet, and occasional, with entry to the outside heated pool to unwind.
Greatest Luxurious Resort in Santa Barbara, California
A five-star resort, El Encanto, A Belmond Resort, Santa Barbara, exudes luxurious and refinement with its Spanish Colonial Revival buildings and 7 acres of lush gardens.
One of the vital beloved resorts on the West Coast, friends will settle in seamlessly with a visit to the resort’s boutique spa and outside pool. Then, seize a drink on the bar and socialize within the resort’s lounge and restaurant between cave diving and wine tastings in Santa Barbara, California.
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