- Summary
- Official Resources
- Gallery
- Events
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
Bougainvillea twining across red-tiled rooftops, birdsong mingling with the ocean breeze, islands and whale spouts on the horizon—Santa Barbara’s charms tempt at every turn. Perfect getaways don’t get much more perfect.
Take it from the movie stars who sneak away to Santa Barbara all the time—or just straight up move here. Oprah, Brad, Ellen, and other first-name’s-enough A-listers have estates here, many tucked away in the coastal enclave of Montecito. Why not? There’s that legendary Old World beauty that befits the city’s nickname, “The American Riviera.”
Beaches and Parks in Santa Barbara
The charmingly small city, 90 miles north of Los Angeles, hugs both the beaches and Highway 101. If you’re traveling without a vehicle, though, worry not: the city is proud of its car-free navigability, and also offers easy access by train. Don’t miss sandy stretches within easy reach—Gaviota State Park, about a half-hour’s drive up the coast, offers camping, and Rincon Beach Park, about 20 miles south of the city, boasts world-class surfing at Rincon Point. In between, from west to east, are such spots as Refugio State Beach; Campus Point Beach, a favorite of college students thanks to being part of the famously gorgeous campus of UC Santa Barbara; and the dog-friendly Hendry’s Beach (where the Boathouse Restaurant has great seaside dining).
In Santa Barbara itself is East Beach, which is the perfect place to spend a lazy family afternoon, and just east of the city is Montecito’s Butterfly Beach. Lookout Park, another three miles down the road, has picnic areas and hiking trails, as well as cliff-top views of Channel Islands National Park. If you’re looking for beach activity rentals (kayaks, bikes, stand-up paddleboards), surfing lessons, or a cycling tour in Santa Barbara/Goleta/Montecito, local outfitters Cal Coastal Adventures are the go-to.
For an immersive, Zen experience, The Sacred Space in Summerland is a must-visit. This former pioneer’s cottage has been transformed into a serene sanctuary filled with lush gardens, statuary, flowers, crystals, and ponds. A variety of programs and workshops are offered, as well as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices.
Whale Watching in Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Channel—the body of water between the California mainland and the northern Channel Islands—was designated as the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Site in 2023. It’s only the second location in the U.S. to be recognized as such, Dana Point having been the first in 2021. From late November through April, thousands of Pacific grey whales pass through the channel while migrating south to Mexico, and again in the spring on their way back to the Bering Strait off Alaska, where they spend their summers. During these periods of migration, whale-watching excursions leave from Santa Barbara daily.
Things to Do in Downtown Santa Barbara
Step across the 101 and the city is comprised of Spanish-style architecture (prime examples: the Old Mission Santa Barbara and the Lobero Theatre, which earned a spot on Architectural Digest’s list of “The 11 Most Beautiful Theaters in the World”). Beyond that, rolling hills that stretch east into the Santa Ynez Mountains and wine country, while to the west you’ll find the under-the-radar, quiet appeal of Goleta.
But Santa Barbara has a contemporary energy, too—the Funk Zone neighborhood boasts hip restaurants and bars, and the MOXI (Museum of Exploration + Innovation) dazzles with its reimagination of what a museum can be—kids especially love the interactivity. On the first Sunday of every month, El Presidio de Santa Barbara hosts more than 50 women-of-color-owned businesses as they set up shop to sell their wares at the community-based pop-up Mujeres Makers Market. Main thoroughfare State Street and leafy streets alike are lined with designer boutiques, buzz-worthy restaurants, and wine tasting rooms; It’s all so centrally located that there’s really no need to get around in your car—just hop on one of the electric bike rentals offered by the Santa Barbara BCycle bikeshare program, and zip to your next destination. If you have an itch for a longer ride, take the 10-mile Obern Trail that leads to Goleta Beach County Park before intersecting with the trail system of UC Santa Barbara.
Another very Santa Barbara way to spend an afternoon is at La Puma Farms, a regenerative organic working farm hidden inside the city. As a farm, it cultivates rare produce that it sells to top restaurants, but another purpose is to foster personal wellness for guests. Take a guided tour or explore 14 different grow rooms for crops including rare citrus and Hass avocado groves, plus interactive oak trails, olive and cider apple orchards, a gamay noir vineyard and medicinal and culinary herb gardens.
Restaurants in Santa Barbara
For seafood, a visit to Santa Barbara’s most visited landmark, Stearns Wharf, is in order. Eat inside or out, in the fresh air and sunshine on the wooden pier. The many offerings along the town’s main pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, State Street, include The Drunken Crab for Cajun and Creole seafood, Opal Restaurant & Bar for California fare with a global twist, and Jane Restaurant, a cozy bistro known particularly for their desserts. One could explore restaurants for days along State, but venturing a little off the beaten path can be rewarding too; check out these recommendations. if you’re looking for the makings of the perfect Central Coast picnic, the city’s farmers' markets and the Santa Barbara Public Market offer endless ingredients and locally-produced treats. Add to it all a waterfront teeming with sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboarders.
- So You Think You Know Santa Barbara?
- Dining in Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Bowl
- Funk Zone
- MOXI Museum
- Santa Barbara Mission
- 5 Amazing Things to Do in Santa Barbara
- Unique Santa Barbara Tasting Rooms
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Spas
- Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Find More Things To Do
June 2024 Events in California
Embrace summer with beer festivals, classic fairs, and live musicCalifornia Questionnaire: Tu David Phu
The Orange County-based chef marries tradition with innovation in his Vietnamese-American cookingWhat’s New in California in 2024
From new hotels to hotly anticipated restaurants to colorful theme park attractions, here’s a look at the top debuts in CaliforniaSpring 2024 Deals in California
Get free nights at luxury resorts, easy access to big parks, and discounts on spring skiingApril 2024 Events in California
Party in the desert, play in the snow, and enjoy fields of spring flowers12 Earth Day Events in California in 2024
Eco-friendly adventures await—here’s a guide to some of the top ways you can help protect the planet while exploring the Golden StateCalifornia Questionnaire: Shirley Chung
The Beijing native and Top Chef finalist brings passion and sophistication to every dish she creates58 Reasons Why California Is the Ultimate Playground
Cultivating a sense of play is serious business in the Golden State. Here’s an opinionated guide to help you find all the fun you can handle.March 2024 Events in California
Kick off your spring with whale watching, theme park festivals, and special beer and wine releasesWinter 2024 Deals in California
Beat the chill by enjoying discounts on hotels, lift tickets, and theme park fun
Luxury Minute
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California Dream Eater
3 Fabulously Fancy Meals in California
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits Backyard Bowls in Santa Barbara
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar in Santa Barbara
California 101
Santa Barbara: 5 Amazing Things
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s 3 Dreamiest Eats in 60 Seconds
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Simply Delicious Street Tacos
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Stunning Kaiseki-Style Sushi
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Vivid Red Velvet Pancakes
California Dreamers
Vera Mulyani, Marschitect. As in, Mars architect.
Ways to Play in California
52min
Essential Tips for California Road Trips
52min
Travel Tips from California Locals
49min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
Curtis Stone’s Culinary Tour, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley
34min
3 Award-Winning California Authors
47min
Emma Gannon, Gold Country, Haunted Sites
38min
Stargazing, Best Bike Routes, Mid-Century Modernism
33min
Culinary Greatest Hits
34min
Family Travel, Idyllwild, Wild North Coast
42min
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get weekly travel inspiration, offers, contests, and more!
Thank you for signing up
Get ready to explore The Ultimate Playground!