Things to Do in Santa Barbara: The Best Activities & Places to Visit

Today we’re going to explore what to do in Santa Barbara – one of California’s most iconic travel destinations!

Beautiful Santa Barbara is a great place to visit any time of the year. The city boasts 283 sun-filled days each year, guaranteeing plenty of outdoor entertainment.

Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is home to some of California’s most beautiful beaches.

The city lies nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Ynez. It’s a stunning laid-back location with plenty of entertainment.

So, you’re planning a trip and are wondering what to do in Santa Barbara? We’ll show you some of the best activities for any season.

The Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara

1. Enjoy Sea, Sand and Salty Water

Santa Barbara has earned the name the American Riviera for good reason. Here the cool, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean lap the soft golden sands of the endless beaches.

Blessed with more than 280 days of sun, the beaches accommodate throngs of people enjoying the wind and the waves.

The palm lined Cabrillo Boulevard Bike Path meanders along 4.5 miles of the beach. All day people jog, walk and cycle along the path, enjoying the sea breeze and sights and sounds.

The path starts at Leadbetter Beach and ends at Butterfly Beach, one of the most beautiful of Santa Barbara’s Beaches.

Tip: rent an electric bicycle to cycle the full length of the bike path.

If you prefer watersports, rent a kayak or stand up paddle board, or book a guided kayak tour to see some of the most beautiful places from the water.

Better still, grab a surfboard and enjoy some of the best surfing the world has to offer. There are several surfing schools in Santa Barbara if you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of gliding through a tunnel of salty water.

Also Read: 10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Learning to Surf

If you enjoy a picnic, Shoreline Park has a lovely picnic area and it’s equipped with all the facilities you need. The views from the park are spectacular. If you’d like a little privacy, take the wooden steps down to the tidal pool and beach below.

2. Savor the Seafood at Stearns Wharf

Built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is the oldest wooden wharf in California. It was initially used for cargo and passenger ships.

Today, cruises and water taxis ply their trade from the wharf, ensuring that it is colorful, busy and always interesting. I can sit there all day, just watching the hustle and bustle.

Dolphins and whales pass the area year-round as they migrate across the ocean. If you’d like to see these beautiful creatures at play, I’d recommend going on a whale-watching cruise.

While you’re on the wharf pay a visit to the shellfish market and browse through the shops that line it. Look out for the fishing boats where the fishermen sell their catch fresh from the sea.

Stearns Wharf is famous for its glorious seafood restaurants. Book a table and watch the sun set over the ocean as you tuck into a clam chowder, washed down with a glass of chilled wine from a local vineyard.

3. Spend a Day in the Winelands

A trip to Santa Barbara just wouldn’t be complete without a lazy day spent wandering through the Santa Barbara winelands. There are more than 200 vineyards sprinkled among the foothills and in the valleys of Mount Ynez.

Some of the best Merlots, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays come from this part of the world. Pick your destination well and you could enjoy a classic wine with your picnic lunch.

Book a wine country tour to visit several vineyards.

Don’t have the time to take in the glorious views and fresh air of the winelands? You could still taste some of the best wines on the Urban Wine Trail, in downtown Santa Barbara.

4. Spend a Night at the Theater

Wondering what to do in Santa Barbara in the evening? Well, you’re spoiled for choice with several theaters to choose from.

The Lobero Theatre is the oldest continuously run theater in California. Founded in 1873, the theater hosts the State Street Ballet and the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra.

The nearby Granada Theatre has regular local and traveling shows on offer. As does the Arlington Theatre.

5. Boat Out to Channel Island National Park

the Painted Cave at Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands

The Channel Islands, a chain of volcanic islands, are nicknamed the “Galapagos of North America” because of their biodiversity. The islands provide a habitat for 145 species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

If you’re up to it, these islands make a great place to explore by kayak. Anacapa Island is edged by more than 100 sea caves to explore.

The biggest breeding colony of endangered California Brown Pelicans call this island home. It also has the world’s largest breeding colony of western gulls.

Climb the steps up the 300-foot slope and catch a view from the top of the cliff. Bring your camping gear and all your provisions and pitch a tent for the night.

Make some time to get to the biggest of the island, Santa Cruz. Follow the hiking trails and discover the more than 60 species of animals and plants, some of them endemic to the islands. While you’re there, take to the sparkling blue waters and enjoy a swim through the magnificent kelp forests.

6. Spend an Afternoon at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is not to be missed. Though there are several art galleries in the city, this is by far the biggest. It has 27,000 works of art, most from America, Asia, and Europe.

Opened in 1941, the building that hosts the interactive art exhibitions was once a Post Office.

Entrance to the museum is free between 5pm and 8pm on Thursdays. At any other time, you’ll pay a small fee.

7. Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Santa Barbara is famous for its splendid Spanish colonial architecture.

There are beautiful buildings throughout the city but there are two landmarks that you must experience: the Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Courthouse.

The Old Mission Santa Barbara

Franciscan monks built the Old Mission in 1786. Set against the backdrop of Mount Ynez, the mission features stunning architecture complete with columns, arches and bell towers.

Inside, you’ll find a museum filled with artworks and historical pieces. Take a walk through the gardens. They overlook the ocean and they contain a mausoleum and cemetery.

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is considered the most beautiful government building in the United States. Its Spanish Colonial architecture has enchanted the public since it opened in 1929.

Surrounded by magnificent grounds and sunken gardens the building sports elegant arches and a four-faced clock tower. Step into the working courthouse. It doesn’t disappoint. It is adorned with colorful murals and carved wood trim.

The mural room, showcasing the work of Daniel Sayr Groesbeck, is absolutely breathtaking. Six thousand square feet of murals show the history of Santa Barbara.

8. Take Time Out at the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens

The magnificent Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens span 78 acres of land. The gardens contain more than a thousand indigenous plants. Paths meander through the tranquil grounds in the shadow of Mount Ynez.

Look out for the Mission Dam and Aqueduct built in 1807 as you wander through the grounds. The gardens include shady redwood forests and sunny fields filled with flowers.

At the end of your walk, take a break at the Japanese teahouse and garden and enjoy a revitalizing cup of green tea.

9. Take a Tour of Lotusland

Lotusland is known all over the world as one of the best gardens of its sort. It once belonged to the famous opera singer, Ganna Walska who spent 43 years creating it.

The 37-acre property consists of 25 different gardens each composed of different plants. These include lotuses, ferns, succulents, orchids, aloes, and a water garden. The garden also contains more than 100 fruit trees.

If you’d like to visit Lotusland, plan ahead. This popular venue is often fully booked.

10. Get To Know the Local Cuisine and Culture

Get to know the Santa Barbara culture and cuisine with a tour. There are plenty of options which take you on a delicious journey of aromas and flavors.

During the tour, you’ll visit some of the cheeseries, chocolatiers and sandwich shops that line State Street.

You’ll also stop at a winery to savor the chilly white and warm red wines for which the state is famed. Your tour guide will point out places of historical interest and the best tourist attractions in the area.

This could be a great start to your holiday, setting you up with what to do in Santa Barbara.

11. Enjoy All Day Entertainment

State Street is also the place to be after the sun sets. Great for shopping by day, at night the street becomes a bustling light filled area teeming with people.

Pubs, restaurants, and cocktail bars invite you in with live music and warm hospitality.

One of the best places to discover the Santa Barbara culture is to spend an afternoon in the Funk Zone. Famous for its street art and bohemian atmosphere, the area has several wineries, trendy cafes, and elegant boutiques. Here you can get delicious street food or enjoy fine dining throughout the day and late into the night.

The Bottom Line – There Are a Lot of Things to Do in Santa Barbara!

Whether you are planning a day trip to Santa Barbara or are looking to spend several days here, Santa Barbara is a great place to visit. It offers a wide range of entertainment no matter your interests.

If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Barbara you’ll find your entertainment on the beaches, and in the restaurants, parks and gardens. Santa Barbara has something for everyone.

And, it’s an easy day trip from Los Angeles. Or combine a visit to Santa Barbara with a day trip to Catalina Island, a few days in Big Bear Lake, or a visit to Santa Cruz.

If you’re looking for a campground, there are several around Santa Barbara and KOA’s website shows a great overview.

I’ve also written a separate article about some of the coolest hotels in Southern California.

For more information about places to visit in California, check out these articles:

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Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California: The Best Activities for Any Season