Itineraries for Your Trip to Santa Barbara
3 Days in Santa Barbara for First Timers
It’s hard to pick a favorite activity in Santa Barbara—there are just so many great options! I could start with watching the perfect sunsets from a warm, sandy beach or touring the rolling vineyards that produce some of the best wine in the country. Or I could recommend touring the historic mission and browsing through the shops and restaurants in the city’s quaint downtown area. No matter what you pick, there’s no shortage of fun and inspiration in this gorgeous, laid-back city—where you can kayak in the morning and enjoy a sumptuous meal at night. Here are some of my suggestions for getting to know this dreamy California spot.
It’s usually sunny but pack an umbrella and light layers to cover all bases.
If you only do one thing, make it Old Mission Santa Barbara.
Day one is for exploring. Start at East Beach, where a long stretch of sand overlooks the Pacific Ocean, then hit famous sights like El Presidio and Old Mission Santa Barbara. The city’s mild climate is particularly good for enjoying walking tours.
Later, get out on the water. On a sunset kayak tour, you get the best views of the harbor, the city, and the foothills; you might even see a dolphin or two.
Alternatively, get to know a different side of Santa Barbara’s history on a ghost-themed walking tour.
On day two, do as the locals do and stop at Hendry’s Beach for a morning walk along the water. Then take a trip to the Santa Ynez Valley to indulge in a wine tasting. Wineries are a 40- to 50-minute drive from town, but there are great tours that will handle transportation for you.
Alternatively, enjoy the rolling vineyard hills and postcard-worthy scenery on an e-bike. Admire the landscape, sample local olive oil, and stop for a wine tasting.
Before heading back, enjoy some novelty with a trip to nearby Solvang, an old Danish enclave with unique architecture and delicious treats.
On your final day, why not take a scavenger hunt to see how well you now know the city?
Get one last glimpse of charming State Street on a leisurely stroll or a fun trolley ride; the local open-air trolleys offer narrated tours and will show you local spots you might otherwise miss, like beautiful Butterfly Beach.
Before leaving town, grab a bite at the Santa Barbara Public Market, a trendy indoor dining hall, where all cravings are catered for—whether you’re looking for a burger, a sashimi bowl, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch ice cream.
