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Santa Barbara

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35 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓
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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    The Queen of the Missions, founded in 1786

    3 tips
    • Self-guided tours
    • Visit the gardens
    • Great views from the lawn
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  2. 2

    Historic wooden pier with restaurants and sea views

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Paid parking on the wharf
    • Try fresh seafood
    • Pretty at sunset
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  3. 3

    Spanish Colonial Revival courthouse with a clock tower

    3 tips
    • Take the elevator to the Tower
    • Free to enter
    • Beautiful murals inside
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  4. 4

    Downtown pedestrian-friendly main street of shops and restaurants

    3 tips
    • Walk from the beach upward
    • Lots of cafes
    • Free shuttle runs along it
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  5. 5

    Wide sandy beach with volleyball and palm-lined paths

    3 tips
    • Rent bikes on the waterfront
    • Good for families
    • Parking fills on weekends
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  6. 6

    Native California plant garden in Mission Canyon

    3 tips
    • Spring has best blooms
    • Hiking trails inside
    • Bring a hat
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  7. 7

    Arts district of tasting rooms, galleries and street art

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Wine tasting on foot
    • Look for murals
    • Busy weekend evenings
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  8. 8

    Reconstructed Spanish fort at the city's birthplace

    3 tips
    • Small entry fee
    • Includes Historic adobes
    • Start your downtown walk here
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  9. 9

    Compact zoo with ocean views

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Giraffe feeding
    • Allow 3 hours
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  10. 10

    Exotic garden estate in Montecito

    • Must know: Book ahead
    2 tips
    • Guided tours only
    • Closed in winter
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Before you go: Santa Barbara tips

Transportation

  • Ride the Downtown-Waterfront shuttle: MTD runs a low-cost electric shuttle linking State Street with the waterfront and Stearns Wharf.
  • Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: The coastal train stops near the beach and connects Santa Barbara with Los Angeles and San Diego.
  • Bike the waterfront: The flat Cabrillo Boulevard bike path is ideal for cycling between East Beach and the harbor.

Security

  • Know fire season: Wildfires can occur in late summer and autumn; check alerts and follow evacuation instructions.
  • Watch the surf: Swim at beaches with lifeguards and be careful of rip currents and rocks.
  • Lock your car: Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars at trailheads and beaches.

Saving

  • Use free downtown parking: City lots downtown typically offer a free first period; check signs on arrival.
  • Hike for free: Trails like Inspiration Point and Rattlesnake Canyon offer great views at no cost.
  • Taste wine smartly: Share tasting flights on the Urban Wine Trail in the Funk Zone to try more for less.

Weather/Clothing

  • Mild Mediterranean climate: Warm days and cool nights year-round; pack layers.
  • Morning marine layer: Early summer mornings are often foggy; bring a light jacket that you can shed later.
  • Winter rain: Most rain falls in winter; bring a waterproof layer from December to March.

Cultural

  • See the Spanish Revival style: Red-tile roofs and white walls define the city; visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
  • Visit the Old Mission: Mission Santa Barbara, known as the Queen of the Missions, is a key historic site.
  • Join Fiesta: Old Spanish Days in early August celebrates local heritage with parades, music and dance.

Local Hacks

  • Climb the courthouse clock tower: The El Mirador viewpoint is free and offers panoramic views over the city.
  • Shop the farmers market: The Saturday morning farmers market downtown is great for local produce.
  • Day trip to Channel Islands: Boats from Ventura reach Channel Islands National Park for hiking and kayaking.

1-day itineraries in Santa Barbara

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 3

State Street and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

  1. 1Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
  2. 2State Street
  3. 3Funk Zone
  4. 4Stearns Wharf
  5. 5East Beach
See the day →

Day 2 of 3

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park and around

🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops

  1. 1Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
  2. 2El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
  3. 3Santa Barbara Museum of Art
  4. 4Santa Barbara County Courthouse
  5. 5Arlington Theatre
See the day →

Day 3 of 3

Santa Barbara Mission and around

🕘 9:30–13:45📍 3 stops

  1. 1Santa Barbara Mission
  2. 2Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
  3. 3Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
See the day →

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