Santa Barbara CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Santa Barbara, California.
1. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
HISTORIC SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL
Santa Barbara County Courthouse showcases stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with self-guided and docent tours available. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the iconic clocktower. The courthouse is surrounded by serene gardens, making it both a functional government building and a popular tourist attraction.
2. Old Mission Santa Barbara
HISTORIC MISSION WITH GARDENS
Old Mission Santa Barbara is a historic site featuring an active church, serene gardens, and a museum dedicated to local history. The mission provides visitors with both a spiritual experience and a picturesque setting for exploration. No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without visiting this iconic landmark and smelling the roses in its gardens.
3. Santa Barbara Zoo
ZOO WITH OCEAN VIEWS
Santa Barbara Zoo occupies what was once a posh estate owned by a coffee and tea merchant, now transformed into a lush domain for animals. The zoo houses approximately 160 different species in a beautiful setting. The pink stucco mansion that once presided over the property adds a unique historical element to this family-friendly attraction.
4. Stearns Wharf
HISTORIC WORKING PIER
Stearns Wharf is the oldest working pier in the area and serves as a central landmark in Santa Barbara. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views over the water while exploring shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Sea Center. The wharf is conveniently located near State Street, making it easy to combine with shopping and dining experiences.
5. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
NATIVE PLANT WONDERLAND
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases over 1,000 native plants, trees, and flowers in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can explore various themed sections while learning about California's diverse plant life. The garden offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE DISCOVERY
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has been featuring fascinating displays on the region's natural history for more than a century. A highlight of the Mission Canyon campus is the impressive life-size 72-foot blue whale skeleton greeting visitors at the entrance. Other popular exhibits include displays on Chumash Indians, the mammal hall, and the Gladwin Planetarium with interactive exhibits on space exploration.
7. Sea Center on Stearns Wharf
INTERACTIVE MARINE EXPERIENCE
The Sea Center offers visitors a window into the underwater world of the Santa Barbara Channel with hands-on marine exhibits. Families can touch baby sharks, feel sea anemone tentacles, hold hermit crabs, and observe jellyfish in their natural habitats. Other interactive experiences include hauling up catches in crab pots, studying animal behavior, and examining microscopic marine life.
8. Cold Spring Tavern
HISTORIC STAGECOACH STOP
Cold Spring Tavern is a historic stagecoach stop that has been transformed into a rustic dining establishment with a rich history. Visitors can enjoy traditional American cuisine in a unique atmosphere that dates back to the stagecoach era. The tavern's location in the mountains provides a charming retreat from the coastal areas of Santa Barbara.
9. Shoreline Park
SCENIC COASTAL VIEWS
Shoreline Park offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the coastline, Channel Islands, and Santa Barbara Mountains. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground for families to enjoy. Visitors can often spot marine wildlife from the bluffs, including dolphins and whales during migration seasons.
10. State Street
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
State Street is Santa Barbara's main thoroughfare for shopping and dining experiences in the heart of downtown. Visitors can explore a variety of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions along this pedestrian-friendly street. The Spanish Colonial architecture provides a beautiful backdrop for this lively commercial district.
11. Lotusland
EXOTIC BOTANICAL WONDERLAND
Lotusland is a world-renowned garden featuring exotic plant collections arranged in themed gardens throughout the estate. Visitors can explore the unique vision of opera singer Madame Ganna Walska, who created this botanical masterpiece over four decades. The garden's rare plant specimens, unusual landscape designs, and artistic elements make it a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts.
12. Casa Del Herrero
HISTORIC SPANISH COLONIAL ESTATE
Casa Del Herrero is a beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial Revival estate where visitors can step back in time. The flourishing landscape and gardens complement the historic architecture and interior design of this National Historic Landmark. Tours of the estate offer insights into the lifestyle and artistic tastes of wealthy residents during the early 20th century.
13. East Beach
POPULAR BEACHFRONT RECREATION
East Beach is a favorite beach located east of State Street and Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. The palm-lined waterfront provides a picturesque setting for swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. Visitors appreciate the clean sand, gentle waves, and convenient access to nearby restaurants and facilities.
14. Cold Springs Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIKING
Cold Springs Trail offers hikers a beautiful route through the Santa Barbara foothills with stunning views of the city and coastline. The trail features shaded sections along a creek, making it enjoyable even on warmer days. Visitors can choose different loop options depending on their fitness level and time constraints.
15. Santa Barbara Wine Tasting
LOCAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCES
Santa Barbara wine tasting experiences showcase the region's diverse and acclaimed wine production. Visitors can sample wines from local vineyards in tasting rooms throughout the city and nearby Santa Ynez Valley. The Mediterranean-like climate produces exceptional wines, particularly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah varieties that have earned international recognition.