The Best things to do in Santa Barbara: top 10 attractions and places to visit

Santa Barbara is one of the most interesting destinations to visit on the California coast. It is a typical seaside resort with beautiful beaches, palm trees, and its characteristic marina, but the charm of this town goes far beyond the classic seaside attractions.

Here you’ll also find a lot of history and architecture, with many historic Spanish Colonial buildings emerging on the rolling hills of the Pacific coast. Let’s go find out what to do in Santa Barbara and what are the places to visit.

The History of Santa Barbara and the Origin of the Name

Before the arrival of Europeans, it is estimated that more than 20,000 Native Americans belonging to the Chumash tribe lived in the region. The rock paintings that can still be visited today at the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park (which we will discuss in the section dedicated to excursions outside the city) are indeed evidence of this presence.

The first Europeans to set foot in the area were those belonging to the expedition led by the Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542.

The origin of the city’s name dates back a few decades later when, in 1602, another Spanish explorer named Sebastián Vizcaíno managed to survive a violent storm on December 3, which coincided with the feast day of Saint Barbara. As a token of gratitude, the channel and an island of the Channel Islands were named after this event, and later the settlement on the mainland would also be given this name.

It was only thanks to the Portolà expedition of 1769 that a significant increase in European presence in the area began to develop, initially encouraged by the need for military control of the area by the Spanish government, which feared competition from the Russian and English empires. In 1792, the Santa Barbara Presidio was built for this purpose, which remains one of the city’s most important attractions to visit today.

In 1812, one of the most severe earthquakes in California’s history occurred, completely destroying the first mission that had been completed just a few years earlier, as well as most of the houses. Not only natural events endangered the existence of Santa Barbara, but a few years later, the pirate raids of Hippolyte Bouchard looted and destroyed Spanish properties in the area.

In 1822, with the conclusion of the Mexican War of Independence, the entire area came under the administration of the newly formed nation until 1848 when, following the Mexican-American War, the United States permanently acquired possession of the entire area.

During the early years of U.S. administration, the population of the city doubled. In 1887, the railroad was built in Santa Barbara, making it easily accessible by both land and sea, thus promoting the urban and demographic development of the entire area.

Between 1920 and 1922, Santa Barbara became the capital of silent cinema thanks to the American Film Manufacturing Company, also known as the Flying “A” Studios due to its logo, which was the largest film studio in the world at the time. During this period, over 1,200 films were produced in Santa Barbara.

In 1925, unfortunately, a new earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 destroyed a considerable part of the city, especially in downtown. The reconstruction efforts were carried out with particular care and attention to architecture. It was during this period that the construction of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse took place, which has been described as one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States (which we will discuss further later on).

After the years of World War II, the population of the city grew significantly, thanks in part to the influx of U.S. military personnel who, after completing their service at the Marine Corps Air Station in Santa Barbara, decided to settle here. To facilitate the city’s growth and transportation, it was during this period that the decision was made to have Highway 101 pass through Santa Barbara.

According to the 2020 census, the city has over 88,000 inhabitants.

Where it is located and how to get there

Santa Barbara is located approximately 93 miles north of Los Angeles along the coast of California. The most charming way to reach Santa Barbara is by car and driving along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

Here are the travel times to reach Santa Barbara from major California destinations:

• From Los Angeles: about 1 hour and 40 minutes
• From San Francisco: just over 5 hours
• From Monterey: about 4 and a half hours, taking the Pacific Coast Highway route

For those who prefer to reach Santa Barbara by train or bus, you will need to carefully check the schedules of the various services to ensure they coincide with your travel needs. Both the Amtrak train station and the Greyhound bus station are nearby and within a 20-minute walk from the Downtown area.

Here are the addresses if you’re interested:

• Santa Barbara Amtrak Train Station (209 State St):
• Greyhound Bus Station (224 Chapala St)

Climate of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has a Mediterranean climate characterized by cool summers, thanks in part to the influence of ocean winds, and mild winters. It is therefore one of the most ideal climates you can find in the United States.

During the winter months, temperatures rarely drop below 45 degrees, and highs reach around 66 degrees. Snowfall is virtually nonexistent in the city, although it can occasionally be seen on the higher peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains. During summer, the hottest month is August, with daily averages consistently above 77 degrees.

Things to See in Santa Barbara: The Main Attractions

Santa Barbara is a small city, but as is the case when you visit any tourist destination, you need to plan well and know exactly what you want to see and visit. Here is our list:

1. The pier on the waterfront in Santa Barbara

On the beautiful palm-lined waterfront of Santa Barbara (ideal for a nice afternoon walk), you will find Stearns Wharf, the oldest wooden pier in the entire state of California (dating back to 1872). But the curiosity doesn’t end there; did you know that this is one of the few piers where you can actually drive your car? There are also plenty of parking spaces available, so why not try this unique experience?

Here, in addition to a beautiful ocean view, you will find various restaurants and shops. A recommendation is to stop and eat at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. Don’t be discouraged by the long lines that form at the entrance; the giant crabs you will eat will make up for the wait!

If you haven’t indulged too much, you can also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, where you can admire authentic whale skeletons!

2. State Street

If you’re looking for a bit of nightlife, you may be disappointed that the oceanfront becomes almost deserted at nightfall. The reason is that young people and anyone who wants to have fun flock to State Street, the city’s main artery, where bars, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs abound.

State Street is a charming and well-kept street and it’s a nice place to take a walk even during the day.

Would you like a suggestion for a place to eat in Santa Barbara? Tupelo Junction serves excellent local cuisine that you can enjoy as you sit at sidewalk tables. Update: The bar has closed and reopened in Newport Beach.

3. County Courthouse

This is a beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival style building, still in operation (even if it was built in 1929) and defined by Charles Moore as “the most magnificent Spanish Colonial Revival structure ever built”. Inside you will find many things to see, including murals, tiles, elegant furniture, and several references to the style of the ancient missions with bright and vibrant colors.

Take a nice guided tour (it’s free! Here you can find operating hours) and don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the clock tower (El Mirador) to admire one of the most beautiful views of Santa Barbara.

4. El Presidio de Santa Barbara

Like many other cities on the California coast, Santa Barbara was originally a mission, the remains of which are still preserved in El Presidio de Santa Barbara, where you can also visit the halls of El Cuartel, a fortress that is also one of the oldest buildings in California.

The garrison is part of a complex of fortresses built by the Spanish on California’s coast in 1782. Visiting El Presidio can be an interesting experience especially because of its historical significance.

5. Santa Barbara Mission: The queen of all missions

The historic Santa Barbara Mission is part of the Camino Real and is one of the most beautiful sacred buildings on the California coast. The mission dates back to 1786, but the Catholic Church, with its majestic double-bell facade, was built in 1820 and is still the most visited mission in California.

The church always holds religious services and in the adjoining building, there is a very interesting museum where you can learn more about the history of the relationship between the Franciscan friars and the Native Americans through historical artifacts and sacred and secular objects from that time period.

6. Museums of Santa Barbara

Two museums are particularly interesting: the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History. The first is a must-visit for art history lovers, with ancient Greek and Egyptian sculptures and two remarkable collections (one dedicated to Impressionists, the other to American painters). The second museum houses Native American artifacts, reconstructions dedicated to various animal species, as well as skeletons of rare or extinct animals, and for the younger visitors, moving dinosaur statues.

At the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, although not very large, you can explore some curiosities related to the city’s history, including the original Santa Barbara lighthouse lamp, numerous boat models, and many interactive activities mainly aimed at children. Don’t miss a visit to the panoramic terrace on the fourth floor, where you’ll find the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Visitor Center, offering a great observation point overlooking the pier.

If you are traveling with children, consider a visit to the MOXI Museum of Innovation, full of interactive attractions designed to entertain and educate the little ones. Additionally, just like the previous museum, there is an observation tower on the top floor with binoculars, providing a view of the city’s downtown area.

7. Take a stroll along the waterfront to Point Castillo

If visiting the Santa Barbara pier hasn’t satisfied your craving for the sea, you can consider taking a walk along the picturesque harbor waterfront until you reach Point Castillo.

In addition to observing unique shops and various types of boats, once you reach the end of the Harbor Walk, you can enjoy a beautiful view of both the ocean and the city’s coastline.

8. Moreton Bay Fig

It is estimated to be the largest Ficus Magnolioides tree in the entire United States. It was officially designated as a historic landmark in 1970, and the tree is protected by a fence, so you cannot get too close to it. However, it is still worth a quick stop to photograph this unique attraction.

9. A meal or a drink in the Funk Zone

Once an anonymous industrial part of the city, over time the various warehouses in the area have been converted into restaurants and shops.

It has become the perfect area in Santa Barbara for young people and those who enjoy trying different venues, tasting the best wines produced in the region, discovering curiosities, visiting art galleries showcasing emerging artists, and photographing extravagant murals.

If you’re interested in taking a food tour to experience the best the area has to offer, you can take a look at the link below.

10. Shoreline Park

Located on the coastline of the East Mesa area, you can admire beautiful sunsets over the ocean from here and, on clear days, catch a glimpse of the islands that are part of the Channel Islands National Park in the distance.

In the same area, you can also access the shoreline of 1000 Steps Beach by descending the characteristic steps that give the beach its name. However, be cautious not to descend during high tide as it can be dangerous.

Nearby Excursions

If you still have some time to spend in Santa Barbara and want to discover something interesting nearby, here are two excursions to consider:

• Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park: Perhaps the most fascinating archaeological site for those who want to explore the remnants of the past left by the native Chumash people who inhabited the area before the arrival of Europeans. It consists of several caves, protected by grates, where you can observe well-preserved rock paintings. There is no entrance fee to visit. To reach the caves, you need to take the narrow Painted Caves Road, and the caves are just off the road. There is limited parking space, only a couple of cars can pull over. Keep in mind that visiting the caves is a quick experience.
• Inspiration Point: This is a trail of about 3,3 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 935 feet, that will take you to admire the city of Santa Barbara and its coastline from above. The name of the viewpoint was not chosen by chance, as it is one of the best spots to enjoy the region’s landscape. There is no dedicated parking lot at the beginning of the trail, but you can park your car along the edge of Tunnel Road, beyond the white line that marks the roadway, paying attention to the signage. Plan for at least two hours to complete the hike, excluding any stops along the way.

Santa Barbara City Tours

If you don’t want to limit yourself to exploring the city on your own, here are some interesting experiences that can enhance your stay in Santa Barbara.

• Electric bike city tour: Ideal for those who want to discover the city’s secrets without exerting too much effort, thanks to the assistance of an electric bike and an English-speaking guide.
• Catamaran cruise: Why not take advantage of the opportunity for a cruise aboard such a unique vessel?
• Sunset catamaran cruise: It’s the same tour as mentioned earlier but with a different timing. Highly recommended for enjoying the incredible California sunsets directly on the ocean.

All available tours in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara in Popular Culture

The city of Santa Barbara is famous in popular culture for being the setting of the eponymous soap opera broadcasted from 1984 to 1993, spanning 9 seasons and 2137 episodes.

Other notable films shot in, or featuring Santa Barbara in certain scenes, include:

– The Graduate (1967)
– Demolition Man (1993)
– Cruel Intentions 3 (2004)

Additionally, a portion of the popular video game The Last of Us Part II is set among the streets of the city.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

I would recommend Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, for the excellent service I have experienced, as well as great value and amenities. It is not centrally located, but still in a good area. It only takes a 5-minute drive to reach the center of town or the waterfront.

If you prefer something closer to the Downtown area that won’t require you to take the car for a stroll in the center, you might consider The Presidio, which offers good value for money.

Alternatively, the link below has a complete list of hotels in the city:

Find a hotel in Santa Barbara

If you are looking for an itinerary…

Are you looking for something more? Are you seeking a nice itinerary for a trip on the coast that includes Santa Barbara? Then take a look at this itinerary from San Francisco to Santa Barbara.