Santa Barbara is on the coast of California and is famous for being home to the Santa Ynez Mountains. The town is rich in history dating back to the Spanish colonial era, evident from the red-tiled roofs on the Mediterranean-style buildings. Moreover, the city has several shopping malls, beaches, parks and museums to explore while on your trip. In Santa Barbara, you will experience magical festivals held throughout the year. The Summer Solstice Parade held in June and Fiesta in August are some of the locals’ favorite festivals. You can plan your trip during these months for the best experience in Santa Barbara.
Most of the attractions in Santa Barbara are close to each other, but since there isn’t much public transit here you will need a rental car. Rent an SUV that fits your family and add extras like child seats before embarking on a memorable family vacation in Santa Barbara. Or choose a premium convertible to enjoy the ocean air.
- 1. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- 2. Old Mission Santa Barbara
- 3. East Beach
- 4. Santa Barbara Zoo
- 5. Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
- 6. Stearns Wharf
- 7. Salt Cave Santa Barbara
- 8. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
- 9. Lotusland
- 10. El Presidio de Santa Barbara Historic Site
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Santa Barbara
Must-see attractions in Santa Barbara
1. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a Spanish Colonial Revival architectural masterpiece to admire while in Santa Barbara. It is a national historic landmark built in 1929. History enthusiasts can tour the lavish mural room and learn about the history of the courthouse. Around the courthouse is a stunning sunken garden with plants from 25 countries. The courthouse also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Barbara.
Address: 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1.5 hours
2. Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara is the most iconic landmark in the city. The mission was founded in 1786 and rebuilt in 1925 in a Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style following an earthquake in Santa Barbara. The church has attractions like twin towers, colonial-era sculptures and art and a Roman temple facade. La Huerta Historical Garden is also worth the tour since it houses mission-era plants like prickly pears and pomegranates.
Address: 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
3. East Beach
Beach lovers can enjoy some of the best beaches in California in Santa Barbara. East Beach is one of the must-visit beaches because it is usually not crowded and has the best sand for sunbathing. Moreover, it is a long stretch of beach, so you’ll capture an outstanding view of the California coast. Several volleyball courts are available, and you can also sample fresh seafood from the popular East Beach Grill.
Address: 1400 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: At least 2 hours
4. Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo stands on a hilltop, giving you breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It has various animals, including meerkats, snow leopards and California condors. The zoo is a great attraction to see with your kids since they will enjoy interactive sessions hand-feeding the giraffes and animals in the barnyard. It also hosts family events like Sleepover Safaris and Boo at the Zoo.
Address: 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
5. Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum preserves Santa Barbara’s rich history. It does this through hosting events and exhibits and housing artifacts. Some of the exhibits at the museum are on channel island ranches, model ships, surfing and Chumash Indians. It also houses artifacts like cannons and seaplanes. The museum is fun for children due to interactive exhibits and scavenger hunts.
Address: 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1-2 hours
6. Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is the oldest wharf in California. It is home to the exclusive Santa Barbara shellfish market, an educational center and many local businesses. You can stroll along this long wooden pier and take in the fresh ocean breeze and breathtaking views of the harbor and shoreline.
Address: On West Cabrillo Boulevard at State Street
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: At least 1.5 hours
Salt Cave Santa Barbara
The Salt Cave is a unique attraction made of Himalayan pink salt crystals and is warmly lit for a subtle and relaxing atmosphere. Some of the crystals are as old as 200 years. You can rent a cave and take a relaxing meditation or nap. Spa treatments and relaxing massages are also available here.
Address: 740 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 45 minutes
8. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has amazing displays on the natural history of the city. The museum has two key sections of interest: Sea Center and Mission Canyon. The former offers a glimpse of the sea world of the Santa Barbara channel, while the latter has a great blue whale exhibit before the whale watching tour.
Address: 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 3-4 hours
9. Lotusland
One of the most stunning gardens in the world is Lotusland in downtown Santa Barbara. It took over 40 years to transform this botanical collection to its current spectacular display. The gardens are made up of spiky cycads and slender euphorbia, with the Japanese Garden, Palm Garden and Blue Garden as highlights.
Address: 695 Ashley Road, Montecito, CA 93108
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
10. El Presidio de Santa Barbara Historic Site
This historic site was founded in 1782 by Spaniards and is of great historical significance in Santa Barbara. The Canedo Adobe and El Cuartel forts still stand to date, where you can see exhibitions of the presidio’s history and take tours. Other areas within the presidio that you can tour include the Comandancia, Padre’s Quarters and the reconstructed chapel.
Address: 124 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 30 minutes
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s dining scene is one to look forward to during your time in the city. Whether you crave Italian, French, Southern or Asian cuisines, all are within reach. You’ll have several fine dining options and the Santa Barbara public market for casual dining.
Toma Restaurant and Bar: This is the best restaurant to satisfy your Italian food craving. It is one of the most famous restaurants in Santa Barbara due to its popular flatbreads, artful pasta, and grilled meat and fish. Its waterfront location creates a relaxing atmosphere for the best dining experience.
Bouchon: Bouchon offers a fine and intimate dining experience with an inviting ambiance. It is a restaurant known for the best local wines and French and other European-inspired dishes.
Barbareño: Barbareño is the restaurant for you if you’re a sucker for outdoor dining. It offers outdoor dining and serves delectable contemporary and American cuisines. Moreover, the restaurant can help you organize a private event for a special occasion like a birthday during your time in Santa Barbara.
