17 Unforgettable Things To Do In Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara captivates visitors with its Spanish Colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and year-round sunshine. This coastal California gem offers everything from historic missions to world-class wine tasting, making it an ideal destination for luxury travelers seeking authentic experiences. Here are the unmissable things to do in Santa Barbara.

1. Relax on Santa Barbara’s Best Beaches

East Beach is the city’s most popular stretch of sand, perfect for swimming, volleyball, and people-watching. The adjacent Cabrillo Bike Path makes it easily accessible.

West Beach sits conveniently across from downtown hotels and offers calm waters ideal for families. Its proximity to Stearns Wharf means plenty of dining options nearby.

Leadbetter Beach attracts surfers and locals seeking a more relaxed vibe. The grassy park area is perfect for picnics, and it’s an excellent spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Butterfly Beach in Montecito epitomizes understated luxury. This locals’ favorite offers mountain views and a more secluded atmosphere, though celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon.

For sunset views, head to Leadbetter Beach or walk along the Douglas Family Preserve, a bluff-top park saved from development by actor Michael Douglas’s family. The elevated vantage point provides stunning panoramas of the coastline as the sun dips into the ocean.

2. Tour Casa del Herrero

Step back in time at Casa del Herrero, a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival estate in Montecito. The 11-acre property showcases exceptional architecture by George Washington Smith and features Moorish-inspired gardens.

The home preserves an impressive collection of 15th and 16th-century Spanish art and decorative objects, earning it National Historic Landmark status. We highly recommend a docent-led tour to fully appreciate what locals call a “small Hearst Castle.”

3. Climb the County Courthouse Clock Tower

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse rivals Old Mission Santa Barbara as the city’s most iconic landmark. This Spanish-Moorish masterpiece completed in 1929 resembles a castle with its distinctive clock tower and sweeping red-tile roof.

Inside, the Mural Room offers a visual lesson in Santa Barbara’s early history through stunning artwork. The elegant space with its hand-painted tiles and wrought-iron chandeliers proves so popular for weddings that you may need to wait briefly while ceremonies take place.

Free docent tours run weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and daily at 2 p.m.

4. Experience State Street Promenade

This mile-long pedestrian corridor has transformed downtown Santa Barbara into a European-style destination. The nine-block stretch from Sola to Haley streets closed to car traffic now features expanded outdoor dining and a festive atmosphere.

Browse boutiques, sip wine at tasting rooms, and enjoy al fresco meals along this revitalized thoroughfare.

5. Explore the Funk Zone

Once an industrial waterfront area, this 13-block neighborhood has evolved into Santa Barbara’s hippest district. Converted warehouses now house eclectic wine-tasting rooms, craft breweries, art studios featuring striking murals, and acclaimed restaurants. The proximity to the train station makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring on foot.

During the festive season, don’t miss Miracle at Pearl Social – an over-the-top Christmas-themed pop-up running from mid-November through early January. Complete with extravagant holiday decor and creative seasonal cocktails, each booking includes a light-up beanie.

6. Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara

Known as the “Queen of the Missions” for its exceptional beauty, this 1786 landmark sits on 15 acres featuring stunning architecture, lush gardens, and a historic cemetery. The nine-room museum displays historical artwork and artifacts from the Spanish Franciscan era.

Self-guided tours of Old Mission Santa Barbara allow you to explore at your own pace, while docent-led options provide deeper historical context.

7. Relax in the Himalayan Salt Cave

In Downtown Santa Barbara, Salt Cave SB features North America’s largest Himalayan salt cave, crafted from 45 tons of 250 million-year-old crystal salt. Recline in zero-gravity chairs during 45-minute halotherapy sessions, where you’ll breathe air infused with therapeutic micro-salt particles.

The serene environment provides the perfect escape from busy sightseeing days. It’s also the ideal thing to do on a rainy day in Santa Barbara.

8. Cycle the Cabrillo Bike Path

Rent a beach cruiser and pedal along this scenic 3-mile waterfront path connecting major attractions. The route passes East Beach, West Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Santa Barbara Harbor.

For electric bike options, Santa Barbara BCycle stations throughout downtown offer convenient rentals via a smartphone app.

As you explore, don’t miss the rainbow-colored “Chromatic Gate” at 721 E Cabrillo Blvd. Designed by the late Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer, this is one of Santa Barbara’s most striking public art installations.

9. Shop the Saturday Farmers Market

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, downtown transforms into a vibrant marketplace featuring local farmers and artisans. This was cooking legend Julia Child’s regular haunt when she lived in nearby Montecito.

Pick up fresh seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and regional specialties while soaking up the lively community atmosphere.

10. Discover Montecito’s Luxury Scene

This exclusive enclave epitomizes California coastal elegance with its celebrity residents and upscale boutiques along Coast Village Road. Stop for coffee at Little King in The Post Montecito shopping complex before browsing luxury retailers.

RH Montecito The Gallery at The Old Firehouse is another good point of call for home decor and tasty food in their cafe. The sophisticated menu and elegant ambiance make it a favorite for special occasions and refined lunches in Montecito.

Finally, don’t miss Butterfly Beach, a local favorite for peaceful strolls with mountain views.

11. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Santa Barbara’s architectural heritage comes alive through two exceptional self-guided walking tours that showcase the city’s distinctive character.

The Red Tile Walking Tour highlights Spanish Colonial Revival landmarks dating back to the 1700s. The path includes Old Mission Santa Barbara (the “Queen of the Missions”), El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, and the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse. This Andalusian-style route tells the story of how the 1925 earthquake transformed the city’s design aesthetic, ushering in the red-tile roofs and white stucco walls that define Santa Barbara today.

The Jeff Shelton Architecture Walking Tour showcases the imaginative work of local architect Jeff Shelton. His playful, fantastical buildings feature unexpected curves, vibrant tiles, and sculptural elements that seem straight out of a storybook. Scattered throughout downtown and nearby neighborhoods, these architectural wonders include residential buildings and commercial spaces that challenge conventional design.

Both tours are free and can be completed at your own pace, making them perfect for photographers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

12. Wander around Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Established in 1926 as America’s first botanic garden dedicated exclusively to native plants, this 78-acre hillside sanctuary displays over a thousand California plant species. Five and a half miles of scenic trails wind through desert, island, chaparral, and redwood forest habitats in Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Visit during Spring and early Summer when wildflower meadows bloom against the Santa Ynez Mountain backdrop.

13. Explore Stearns Wharf and the Harbor

Walk the West Coast’s oldest working wooden wharf for quintessential photo opportunities of the coastline and mountains. Check out the quirky shops, enjoy fresh oysters, or visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.

Across the water, Santa Barbara Harbor offers waterfront dining, whale watching excursions in the Santa Barbara Channel (a designated Whale Heritage Area), and kayak rentals.

14. Experience the ARTS District

This historic neighborhood between State Street’s 1100-1300 blocks centers around two Golden Age of Hollywood theaters – the Arlington Theatre and The Granada Theatre, which celebrated its centennial in 2024. The area also features the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, design boutiques, and the Santa Barbara Public Market food hall.

Join First Thursday art walks to see galleries and museums with special receptions. The city boasts over 100 murals and public artworks, from Disney artist Samuel Armstrong’s 1931 “Spanish Dancers” mural at Arlington Theatre to 1970s-era murals celebrating Chicano culture at Ortega Park.

15. Browse the Sunday Arts & Crafts Show

Running year-round every Sunday and also on Saturdays of major holidays, this beloved oceanfront market lines Cabrillo Boulevard between Stearns Wharf and Calle Cesar Chavez. Around 200 Santa Barbara County artists display original drawings, paintings, sculptures, pottery, and photography.

It’s an excellent opportunity to find unique souvenirs while supporting local creatives.

16. Discover Summerland’s Design Scene

This charming seaside town has become a haven for interior design enthusiasts. Browse home boutiques like Field + Fort (which also houses Feast café), The Sacred Space with its exotic landscaping and Asian artifacts, and various antique shops.

Godmothers is an independent bookstore opened in a renovated 1920s barn in September 2024. Co-founded by former WME literary head Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, Godmothers features over 12,000 handpicked titles and hosts renowned authors for public discussions.

17. Take a Scenic Hike

Douglas Family Preserve offers an easy, scenic walk along oceanfront bluffs in the Mesa neighborhood. The flower-strewn trails provide sweeping coastal views without strenuous elevation gain.

Ellwood Mesa features serene bluff-top paths perfect for “forest bathing” and whale watching during migration season. The accessible terrain suits all fitness levels.

Inspiration Point via Tunnel Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands, and the coastline. This moderate front country trail begins just minutes from downtown in the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Seven Falls Trail in Mission Canyon leads to a series of cascading waterfalls, particularly impressive after winter rains. The moderate hike through lush canyon terrain offers a refreshing escape.

For more challenging adventures, head up Highway 154 to access higher elevation trails in the Santa Ynez Mountains, where spectacular vistas await experienced hikers.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

The Milo offers an ideal base for exploring Santa Barbara’s waterfront attractions. This gracious 122-room property sits directly across from West Beach with sweeping views of Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor. The hotel recently unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation completed in summer 2025, refreshing all guestrooms and outdoor communal spaces.

Named after Milo Potter, whose magnificent Potter Hotel put Santa Barbara on the map in 1903, The Milo honors the city’s most prolific hotelier with elegant Spanish charm throughout the property. Guests enjoy two heated pools, a jacuzzi, sun decks, and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with fragrant jasmine, giant honeysuckle, and bougainvillea. The iconic California palm trees framing the lawn once served as the grand entrance to the original Potter Hotel.

Amenities include complimentary beach cruiser bikes for exploring the 3-mile Cabrillo Bike Path, a 24/7 fitness center overlooking the ocean, complimentary Wi-Fi, and parking. The prime location on West Cabrillo Boulevard means you’re steps from the beach and within easy reach of downtown’s restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

Where to Eat and Drink in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s culinary scene has earned serious recognition, with 15 South Coast restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide California and the region named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Opal Restaurant & Bar has become a local favorite for its eclectic California cuisine infused with creative global influences, particularly Asian flavors. Located in the ARTS District on State Street, chefs use the freshest ingredients to craft dishes inspired by America’s multicultural heritage.

The vibrant atmosphere attracts the theater crowd before performances at the nearby Arlington and Granada theaters.

La Paloma Café celebrates the cuisine of the Californios – early California settlers who blended Spanish and Mexican influences with indigenous ingredients cooked over fire. After a 37-year absence, La Paloma reopened in November 2020 in the historic Presidio Neighborhood.

Executive Chef John Parker, a master of wood-fired cooking, creates bold California barbecue reflecting Santa Maria traditions and Baja influences using ingredients from local farmers markets.

Toma Restaurant & Bar ranks among Santa Barbara’s most romantic waterfront dining destinations. Executive Chef Gregorio Bonilla creates Mediterranean and Italian-inspired cuisine using ingredients from local fishermen, farmers, and foragers.

The wine list focuses on regional vintners and hidden Italian gems, making it beloved by locals and visitors seeking an elegant beachfront experience.

For wine enthusiasts, explore the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail with over 300 wineries throughout the county. The region’s unique east-west mountain orientation creates diverse microclimates supporting more than 75 grape varietals across seven American Viticultural Areas.

How to Get to Santa Barbara

By Air: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) sits conveniently in nearby Goleta, just 12 miles from downtown. The airport offers direct flights from major U.S. cities and provides easy access to rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 90 miles south, offering more flight options but requiring a longer drive or shuttle service.

By Car: Santa Barbara sits along scenic Highway 101, making it an easy drive from Los Angeles (90 miles south, roughly 90 minutes) or San Francisco (330 miles north, about 5.5 hours). The coastal route offers stunning Pacific Ocean views.

By Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner runs daily between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, stopping at Santa Barbara’s downtown station. The convenient location in the Funk Zone puts you within walking distance of many attractions, making train travel an excellent car-free option.

By Bus: Greyhound provides regular service to Santa Barbara from major California cities, with the station located downtown near the transit center.

How to Get Around Santa Barbara

Walking: Downtown Santa Barbara’s compact layout and pedestrian-friendly State Street Promenade make walking the easiest way to explore the city center, ARTS District, and Funk Zone. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within comfortable walking distance of each other.

Biking: Santa Barbara is exceptionally bike-friendly with dedicated paths and lanes. Santa Barbara BCycle offers electric bike rentals through a smartphone app, with docking stations throughout downtown, the waterfront, Mesa, and Montecito. Many hotels, including The Milo, provide complimentary beach cruisers for guests.

Public Transit: Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) operates extensive bus routes throughout the city and neighboring communities. The Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle provides free service along the waterfront corridor, connecting major attractions.

Ride-Sharing and Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Santa Barbara, providing convenient transportation to areas beyond the downtown core, such as Old Mission Santa Barbara, Montecito, and trailheads in the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Car Rental: While not essential for exploring downtown, having a car proves useful for visiting wine country, Summerland, more remote beaches, and hiking trails. The train station area offers good parking options for those who drive.

Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara

Spring (March-May) is an ideal season for visiting Santa Barbara. Wildflowers bloom spectacularly in the meadows and hillsides, particularly at the Botanic Garden. Temperatures hover comfortably in the 60s and 70s, perfect for hiking and beach activities. The city sees fewer crowds than summer months, making restaurant reservations easier to secure.

Summer (June-August) brings peak tourism season with warm, sunny days ideal for beach lounging and water activities. Expect higher hotel rates and busier attractions, but the lively atmosphere and numerous festivals make it worthwhile. Morning fog occasionally blankets the coast before burning off by afternoon.

Fall (September-November) offers some of the year’s best weather with warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and reduced crowds after Labor Day. Wine harvest season makes this an excellent time for vineyard tours. The Goleta Lemon Festival and Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival highlight autumn events.

Winter (December-February) remains mild compared to most of the country, with temperatures in the 60s. While this is the rainy season, storms are typically brief, and you’ll find the best hotel deals. Whale watching peaks during gray whale migration (December-April), and the festive Miracle at Pearl Social pop-up adds holiday cheer.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination. Many properties participate in Visit Santa Barbara’s Third Night Free promotion, offering excellent value for extended stays.

The city’s walkable downtown, pedestrian-friendly State Street Promenade, and abundance of outdoor activities make it easy to explore without a car, though having one opens up day trips to nearby wine country and Montecito’s exclusive enclaves. Find more travel tips on the fantastic Visit Santa Barbara website.

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