Santa Barbara is located approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles, making it easily accessible for a day trip. However, we recommend starting early as numerous activities are available in this stunning coastal city. To fully experience all that Santa Barbara has to offer, it may be worth considering spending at least one night there.
Things To Do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo, rated as the best mid-size zoo on the west coast, is a must-visit destination that should be added to your itinerary. It is perfectly sized for children and features a fantastic train that circles the zoo. The zoo is at 500 Ninos Drive, just 2 miles south of Stearns Wharf.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Mission is a breathtaking and widely captured destination in California that provides self-guided and docent-led tours. It is accessible all days of the week and located at 2201 Laguna Street in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
If you’re in Mission Canyon and want to explore beautiful gardens, head 1.5 miles inland from the Old Mission Santa Barbara to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. This 78-acre garden is divided into sections based on themes like mountains and the California Channel Islands. You’ll also see a creek that used to be the primary water source for Mission Santa Barbara. The address is 1212 Mission Canyon Rd.
Stearns Wharf
If you’re visiting Santa Barbara for the first time, Stearns Wharf is a great place to start. This historic pier offers a variety of options, including restaurants, museums, and charter boats. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and the surrounding mountains. Consider renting a beach cruiser from a rental shop near the pier for a fun activity. There are many bike paths to explore, with many visitors following the trail from Stearns Wharf to Shoreline Park and back.
Santa Barbara State Street
State Street has various shops, including boutiques, art galleries, and trendy outlets. Many dining options are also available, ranging from fast food to gourmet cuisine. Lower State Street, located downtown, is a popular destination for visitors, spanning approximately 15 blocks from Highway 101. Known for its pedestrian-friendly layout, this area is considered one of the most accessible downtowns in America.
Reagan Ranch Center
Reagan Ranch Center is located adjacent to the Amtrak station on State Street. The center features original Reagan Ranch artifacts displayed in interactive exhibits highlighting the history of Ronald Reagan’s quarter-century at Rancho del Cielo, along with select pieces from his presidency. 217 State Street. Admission is free.
Ganna Walska Lotusland
If you’re in Santa Barbara, you must visit Lotusland, an incredible garden that boasts over 3,000 plants from different parts of the world. This garden is located on the historic Montecito estate of Madame Walska. The garden’s centerpiece is a stunning swimming pool transformed into a beautiful display of lotus flowers during the summer. You can find Lotusland by taking Cold Springs Road or Sycamore Canyon Road.
Shoreline Cafe Leadbetter Beach
Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Shoreline Cafe in Santa Barbara, where you can indulge in breakfast, lunch, and dinner while enjoying the stunning beach views. You can dine on their glass-enclosed deck or directly on the beach with your feet on the sand. The menu at Shoreline Cafe is casual and offers a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and fresh fish. You can also quench your thirst with beer, wine, and cocktails. The cafe is located at 801 Shoreline Drive.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
For a higher-end dining experience by the beach, we suggest checking out the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is a favored spot for many in Santa Barbara. While the location influences prices, they are not excessively high. Fresh seafood is the main attraction, but chicken and steak dishes are also available. At sunset, the wait can be 45 mins or longer. 2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara. Website.
Douglas Family Preserve
Located just south of Hendry’s Beach, the Douglas Family Preserve is a 70-acre coastal open space within the city limits. Visitors can enjoy three miles of dog-friendly walking trails, breathtaking views of the Santa Barbara coastline, and even a spot for a hang glider launch. The property, which used to be a nursery, was named after actor Michael Douglas, who significantly contributed to preserving public land. Website.
Cold Spring Tavern
The Cold Spring Tavern has remained unchanged since its construction. Situated in a canyon filled with oak trees, its buildings resemble those in old Western movies. Among them are the original tavern, the 1873 Ojai jailhouse, Treasures and Trash Gift shop, a cabin for road workers, and the Log Cabin Bar only open on weekends.
Lake Cachuma
Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, you’ll find the stunning Lake Cachuma. This serene location offers a range of activities including fishing, camping, and hiking. For those seeking a camping experience that blends comfort with adventure, a Lake Cachuma Yurt may be just what you’re looking for. All you need to bring are your sleeping bags and supplies, as everything else is provided.
Goleta Santa Barbara’s Easterly Neighbor
When looking for a peaceful family day trip or a romantic weekend getaway, Goleta beaches are the perfect destination. With fewer crowds, visitors can enjoy the 1,500-foot-long fishing pier and a 29-acre outdoor playground that’s popular for bicyclists and families out for a stroll.
Santa Barbara Wine Country
The Santa Ynez Valley is renowned for its top-notch wineries and tasting rooms and is accessible via a simple drive. In addition to wine tasting, tourists can indulge in perusing art galleries, clothing boutiques, and antique stores. The dining scene ranges from delectable gourmet cuisine to traditional Danish fare.
Solvang Danish Village
Visitors from Santa Barbara can take Highway 154 to the charming Danish village of Solvang, a popular tourist destination in California, attracting over a million visitors annually. You can admire Danish windmills and half-timbered houses, indulge in freshly baked pastries from local bakeries, or sample wines at the downtown tasting rooms. The travel time to Solvang is approximately 40 minutes.
Santa Barbara By Train
During summer weekends, Highway 101 experiences heavy traffic going to and from Santa Barbara. To avoid the rush, it’s best to start your trip early. One fun way to get to Santa Barbara is by taking the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which has four scheduled stops every day of the week. Plus, there are several hotels within walking distance of the station.
Leave a Reply