Santa Barbara is located on California’s central coast with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop. It is known for its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs that reflect its Spanish colonial heritage. Downtown, you’ll find upscale boutiques, restaurants offering local wines, and seasonal fare along State Street. The nearby Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, houses Franciscan friars and a museum.
Santa Barbara has many attractions from art and culture to outdoor recreation and a world-class food and wine scene with hundreds of restaurants and vibrant events. Whether relaxing on the beach, kayaking through the Channel Islands, exploring underground salt caves, or browsing art galleries, museums, and boutiques, there’s plenty to do.
Most visitors come to relax on the beach but also enjoy shopping on State Street, admiring art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and exploring nature at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Families may picnic at the Santa Barbara Zoo or go on a whale-watching cruise. After a day of relaxation, retire to luxury resorts like San Ysidro Ranch or the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. For a day trip, consider a wine tour in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Looking for more fun Check out the things to do in Santa Barbara:
- Beaches & Parks
- Arts and Culture
- Food & Drink
- Outdoor Recreation
- Shopping
1. Beaches & Parks
Santa Barbara boasts expansive, pristine beaches that stretch along the Pacific, with an equal amount of space inland dedicated to green parks and gardens, reflecting the city’s love for fresh air and outdoor activities. Starting at the coast, Santa Barbara offers miles of public beaches perfect for making a splash.
You can surf world-renowned breaks or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in the protected waters of Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Cabrillo Boulevard links East and West Beach, popular spots for pick-up volleyball games, picnics, or a quiet afternoon with a book. Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show every Sunday along the coastline.
Just steps inland, Santa Barbara transforms into a haven of green spaces with over 50 parks, gardens, and hidden sanctuaries. Chase Palm Park, located across from East Beach, offers an easy transition from sand to grass and hosts free family-friendly concerts during the summer.
Stow Grove Park in Goleta features redwoods, eucalyptus trees, volleyball courts, a baseball diamond, and horseshoe pits, making it ideal for family outings. Other favorites include Alameda Park, with its impressive 8,000-square-foot playground, and Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, known for its turtle-filled pond and beautifully manicured gardens, a popular wedding venue.
2. Arts and Culture
You couldn’t ask for a more inspiring setting. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara has always drawn creative spirits—artists, writers, celebrities, philosophers, and anyone passionate about arts, culture, and the good life.
This attraction, combined with the influence of settlers on The American Riviera®, has designed a rich cultural heritage that improves life for citizens and tourists alike. Santa Barbara has art galleries, museums, historic landmarks, and theaters that can keep one entertained for days or even a lifetime.
The region’s history is extremely rooted, dating around to the Chumash tribes, whose reality and way of life are reflected in the area’s heritage. The architecture, hospitality, and continuing celebration customs all show major Spanish influences. Spanish lands awarded to California families in the 19th century provided shape to Santa Barbara’s vibrant culture by providing horsemanship, music, and dance to the locals. The cultural environment we have today has been influenced throughout time by visitors who introduced their enthusiasm for philanthropy, art, education, and gardening.
This creative energy is continually growing. It keeps growing because of the encouragement of renowned college and university programs and the love of the local population, who recognize the importance of the arts and culture in their life.
3. Food & Drink
Dig in & discover new places to dine & drink every time you come to Santa Barbara. Every meal is a reason to celebrate. Experience the best of the Central Coast’s culinary delights in The American Riviera®. From the Santa Ynez Valley to downtown Santa Barbara, you’ll savor the freshest, locally sourced ingredients in every bite and sip at our restaurants.
Farm-to-table meals, craft brews, and critically acclaimed wines are all part of the dining scene. Choosing where to dine is your toughest decision, with options ranging from fresh-off-the-boat seafood and Santa Maria-style barbecue to authentic Mexican cuisine and coastal-inspired dishes, all perfectly paired with local wines and beers.
For a new culinary adventure, plan a foodie feast through town and indulge in unique and creative dishes. Chain restaurants are rare here, so you’re sure to find something special every time. For a hands-on experience, consider a cooking class, or book a food or wine tour to go behind the scenes, meet the makers, and discover what makes Santa Barbara’s dining and tasting rooms so exceptional. Don’t miss the food and drink festivals in October, celebrating the abundance of harvest with a variety of events.
Santa Barbara offers a culinary journey that makes every meal a reason to celebrate, with new places to explore and flavors to savor on every visit.
4. Outdoor Recreation
Getting outside is important in Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez Mountains had unlimited hiking and biking options, offering breathtaking scenic views. The beautiful California coastline is a background for a selection of water-related activities, including stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, kayaking, and more, as these golden ridgelines run into the Pacific. You can also paddleboard across the lake, kayak from Stearns Wharf to the Harbor, enjoy beach volleyball or go whale watching on any given day.
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Santa Barbara is a year-round destination for outdoor adventure. Start your day with a hike, try rock climbing, take a surf lesson, or explore the area on an ATV. There are countless options for outdoor fun, including guided tours and lessons that allow you to learn new skills in a beautiful setting.
Santa Barbara offers a diverse array of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, golf, kayaking, surfing, SUP, fishing, horseback riding, whale watching, sailing, adventure sports, and even polo.
Just across the Santa Barbara Channel lies the Channel Islands Marine Preserve, home to one of the world’s most unique national parks. Here, you can hike, sea kayak, snorkel, or scuba dive, experiencing up-close encounters with local marine life. Keep an eye out for migrating whales and playful dolphins during the short ferry ride to the islands.
Starting your outdoor adventure in Santa Barbara is as easy as stepping outside.
5. Shopping
No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without indulging in some shopping, which here has its unique flair. Shopping in Santa Barbara is more than just a retail experience—it’s a blend of exercise, sightseeing, and exploration. Stroll through the charming adobes of State Street, the eclectic Funk Zone, or the open-air Paseo Nuevo, all set against stunning backdrops of mountains, ocean, and red-tiled roofs.
State Street is the heart of Santa Barbara’s shopping scene, lined with surf shops, popular brands, boutiques, and plenty of spots to grab a bite. Explore La Arcada for unique, locally-owned shops and the iconic turtle fountain, or venture into Sevilla Square and Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center for even more retail therapy.
Beyond downtown, Arlington Plaza and De La Guerra Plaza offer additional shopping gems, with consignment stores, galleries, and souvenir shops scattered throughout the city. The Funk Zone, known for its vibrant energy and wine tasting rooms, is also home to eclectic shops that add to the area’s appeal.
For a waterfront shopping experience, head to Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor, where you’ll find charming souvenir shops perfect for picking up a memento. If you’re exploring further afield, Uptown Santa Barbara’s La Cumbre Plaza offers a navigable open-air shopping option, while Montecito’s Coast Village Road and Upper Village boast a selection of exclusive boutiques and specialty stores.
Shopping in Santa Barbara is as much about the experience as it is about the finds, making it a must-do on your visit.
Also Read – Top 5 Best Things to do in San Jose
Bottom Line:
Santa Barbara has an amazing combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and more activities that relate to every interest. If you want to explore its scenic outdoors, savoring local cuisine, diving into its vibrant arts scene, or indulging in unique shopping experiences, this coastal gem has something for everyone. Every visit to Santa Barbara promises amazing memories and new experiences.