Among SoCal beach towns, Santa Barbara is royalty, a seaside beauty known as the American Riviera. This enchanting beach destination draws surfers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders from all over California. After you hit the beach and check out the waterfront, turn inland for more things to do in Santa Barbara. Tour the Old Mission and El Presidio, visit the Danish heritage town of Solvang, and taste prized wines in the Santa Ynez Valley. Back in town, explore downtown, with its Spanish Colonial architecture, art galleries, small museums, and stylish food and wine scene.
The weather in Santa Barbara is temperate year-round, but for quintessential sunny California weather, visit in summer. The city’s beaches are abuzz with surfers and beach-goers, and the town is bustling with outdoor events and al fresco dining. For those who prefer a quieter charm, visit in fall when high season tapers off, and the vineyards and orchards are bursting with ripe fruit. Temperatures stay around 70°F (21°C) in fall, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
The best way to explore the Spanish colonial architecture and art galleries in the city center is by walking. Bicycle paths allow you to explore faster and further—especially the trail from Stearns Wharf to Old Mission Santa Barbara. There are several bike rental spots around town. If you don’t have a car, there’s a bus network. MTD Santa Barbara operates 25 routes that run all over the city with one-way tickets less than US$2.
Exploring the surrounding wine country by car—hopping from one vineyard to the next—is easy to do. But if you prefer to stay close to downtown, follow the Urban Wine Trail, which stretches across two neighborhoods with more than 20 tasting rooms, so you can still get an insight into the famous wine region but within the city limits. Try Au Bon Climat, Whitcraft Winery, and The Valley Project, each with tasting rooms downtown.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 19 | Tours 114 | Reviews 4,426 |
Andrea is a Ventura County local who loves to visit neighboring cities along the California coast. A big fan of Santa Barbara, she appreciates its quaint, Spanish-style appeal.
go on a hot springs hike. The approximately 3-mile Hot Springs Canyon Trail hike takes you to seven rock-walled hot springs that vary in temperature and are perfect for a soak.
starts at Handlebar Coffee, includes a pottery workshop at Clay Studio, a visit to metaphysical store Paradise Found, shopping on State Street, pizza at Bettina, and sunset at Butterfly Beach. It ends with a game of pool at Dargan's.
exploring the shops and restaurants on State Street. Try Sandbar if you’re in the mood for Mexican or Arigato Sushi for authentic Japanese tastes.
explore the Funk Zone, the place for arts and culture. Here, you can rent a bike and cruise, browse local art, visit the nearby Santa Barbara Zoo, or rent a stand-up paddle board and hit the beach — right across the street.
hike Inspiration Point — the name says it all — for a panoramic view of the cityscape or walk Lizard’s Mouth for a scenic ocean view.
is thinking of Santa Barbara as mundane. Santa Barbara entertains both nature lovers and those looking for a night out, thanks to more than 500 restaurants, plus hiking trails galore, and plenty of outdoor shopping centers.
Yes, Santa Barbara is an incredible destination for visitors. Located on the Southern California coast, Santa Barbara offers a lush landscape of mountains, valleys, and beaches. This idyllic, chic beach town showcases an array of culture, shopping, nightlife, and outdoor activities.
...MoreSanta Barbara is an upscale beach town situated on prime California coastline. Known for its pristine landscapes, abundant year-round sunshine, mild temperatures, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it is no wonder why this postcard-perfect town calls itself the American Riviera.
...MoreLocals in Santa Barbara enjoy the city’s picturesque views of the ocean and nearby mountains, as well as its numerous outdoor activities. Nature lovers frequent Santa Barbara’s wildlife sanctuaries to observe rare species in their natural habitats. Foodies flock to its many restaurants, wineries, breweries, and cocktail bars.
...MoreStart your day at one of its sunny beaches. Then visit some historic buildings, including Old Mission Santa Barbara, and stroll the old town and coastline on foot or by bike. Then, nibble your way through its top-notch restaurants. And finish things off by taking in a colorful sunset.
...MoreSanta Barbara is a beautiful city, and where you stop depends on your interests. Outdoors lovers might stop at Elings Park, one of the city’s beaches, or Stearns Wharf for a peek at the harbor. Others might beeline to the Funk Zone, a collection of arts, culture, restaurants, and nightlife.
...MoreStart things off with a stroll through the historic Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara, built by the Spanish in 1782. Then, grab breakfast at a seaside cafe and relax on the beach (or try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding). Then, eat your way through its restaurants, wineries, breweries, and cocktail bars.
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