Top 17 things to do in Santa Barbara from my visit!

Santa Barbara is one of those places that just seems to have it all – beautiful beaches, rich historical and cultural landmarks, the prettiest downtown, outdoor adventures, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat.

I’ve traveled up and down the California coast several times, but Santa Barbara stands out as one of the most elegant places I’ve ever stayed. The city’s Spanish architecture, lush gardens, and friendly locals create a welcoming atmosphere that’s hard to forget.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or looking to stop for a few days on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Santa Barbara has plenty of unique and fun things to do and see.

After spending two days exploring this beautiful coastal city, I’ve rounded up the top things to do that will give you the best taste of what Santa Barbara has to offer. So let’s get to it!

1. Stroll Along Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf, built in 1872, is one of the oldest wooden piers in California. This iconic wharf offers stunning views of the ocean, the city, and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Take a leisurely stroll, grab a bite at one of the restaurants, or enjoy the sea breeze and look at the surfers from the pier.

We stayed at Hotel Milo right across the wharf, and I took an early morning walk on the wharf. It was mostly empty at that time and I enjoyed some solitude with just the sounds of the waves. I walked all the way to the end, where a few folks were fishing. The views from there, with the city framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, were absolutely spectacular.

If you’re up for seeing some marine life, check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center right on the wharf with several sea animal exhibits, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

2. Visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Before I visited this landmark, I wondered how a courthouse could be a tourist attraction. But after experiencing its grandeur, I can say that the Santa Barbara County Courthouse isn’t just a place for legal proceedings; it’s an architectural masterpiece.

With its Spanish-Moorish style, lush gardens, and panoramic views from the clock tower, this courthouse is a must-see. The details inside, from the painted ceilings to the intricate tiles, are simply breathtaking.

Make sure to wander around the gardens and go up the clock tower. There is an elevator, or you can take the stairs, which have beautiful ‘Tunisian tile’ artwork. Glance up to admire the beautiful ‘Mujedar’ ceiling at the staircase.

From the clock tower, we enjoyed 360-degree views of Santa Barbara, from the ocean to the mountains.

It’s free to visit the courthouse and to go up the clock tower.

3. Relax at the beach

East Beach is one of the best beaches in Santa Barbara, located right across State St on the east side of Stearn’s Wharf. It is a perfect beach for both relaxation and beachside activities. The beach on the west side of the wharf is called West Beach, which is nice too.

Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or playing volleyball on the courts, there’s plenty to do here. The wide, sandy beach offers ample space to spread out, and the calm waves are perfect for a refreshing dip. You can also take advantage of the bike path that runs along the beach for a leisurely ride.

We borrowed beach chairs and a volleyball from our hotel concierge and had a great time at the beach. Plus, the views of Steran’s Wharf are great from here.

If you’re in the mood for a bit more solitude, Butterfly Beach in Montecito offers a peaceful alternative with beautiful views and fewer crowds.

As the Santa Barbara Coast is a bit more south-facing than the west, you cannot witness the classic sun setting over the ocean from here, but the sunset hues are still beautiful!

4. Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara

No visit to Santa Barbara is complete without a trip to the Santa Barbara Mission founded in 1786. Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” this historic landmark offers a glimpse into California’s Spanish past and is really beautiful to look at. Wander through the beautiful rose gardens and take in the stunning architecture.

You can take a self-guided tour of the church and museum with an entrance fee. No prior reservations are needed to visit. There is free parking next to the mission. If visiting during the weekends, keep in mind that the church is sometimes unavailable as part of the tour if there is a weekend mass or wedding taking place.

5. Take a Walk Along State Street

State Street is the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Lined with shops, restaurants, and buildings with beautiful Spanish-style architecture, it’s the perfect place to stroll. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, dining, or just people-watching, State Street has something for everyone.

I just loved how clean and pretty this street is, with its red brick-lined sidewalks, beautiful planter arrangements, and white buildings with red roofs. Unlike other downtowns I have been to, this one felt very upscale. Enjoy ice cream at Mc Connells and check out the various cafes on the street.

➡️ Check out this small group Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour to try out several different restaurants while learning about the place.

Don’t forget to explore the Paseo Nuevo shopping mall, an outdoor shopping center with a mix of well-known brands and local boutiques. My teen kids spent quite some time here.

Come back at night time to see the street brightly lit and inviting for an after-dinner walk.

6. Discover the Funk Zone

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is a vibrant neighborhood right near State St, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and wine-tasting rooms. It’s a perfect spot to explore if you love unique local art and culture.

If you are a wine enthusiast, check out the Urban Wine Trail, where you can sample some of the region’s best wines. Several of the wineries in Funk Zone are part of the urban wine trail and you can get free wine tastings.

7. Explore MOXI, The Wolf Museum

If you’re traveling with kids (or are a kid at heart), MOXI The Wolf Museum of Innovation + Exploration is a fun spot to visit. This interactive museum is all about science and creativity, with hands-on exhibits that are both educational and fun.

From building your own race car to exploring sound and light, MOXI offers a wide range of activities that will keep everyone entertained. Make sure to check out the Sky Garden on the rooftop for some outdoor exhibits while enjoying the views of the city, ocean, and the surrounding mountains.

8. Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo

For a family-friendly activity, the Santa Barbara Zoo is another fun stop. It’s not a huge zoo, but it’s beautifully landscaped and has a great variety of animals, plus it’s near the beach.

From giraffes and lions to penguins and reptiles, there are plenty of unique animals to see. This compact zoo also has picnic areas, a play area, and even a small kiddie train. Enjoy some family time exploring the animal exhibits in this cute zoo while admiring the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

9. Ride a Bike Along the Coast

One of the best ways to soak in Santa Barbara’s coastal beauty is by bike. There’s a nice wide bike path that runs along the shoreline, offering stunning views of the ocean and the city’s iconic palm trees.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, biking in Santa Barbara is a must-do. We had complimentary bikes at Hotel Milo, so we just rode those.

You can also rent an electric bike for epic views with minimal effort, or better yet, take an electric bike tour with a professional guide.

➡️I recommend this 2.5-hour Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Don’t miss the chance to ride along Cabrillo Boulevard and stop at some of the scenic lookouts along the way, like the dolphin statue at Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Chromatic Gate in front of the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

10. Try Kayaking in the Harbor

If you’re up for some water-based fun, kayaking in Santa Barbara Harbor is an awesome experience. Paddle around the calm waters, get up close to the boats in the harbor, and enjoy unique views of the Santa Barbara coastline and Santa Ynez mountains.

It’s a great way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon, and you might even spot some marine life along the way, like seals and even dolphins!

➡️I recommend this 1.5 hour guided kayak tour with an experienced guide

11. Go on a Whale Watching Adventure

Santa Barbara is one of the best places in California (other than Monterey) for whale watching year-round. Hop on a whale-watching tour for a chance to see these majestic creatures up close.

The experience is a bucket list item for sure, with the possibility of spotting gray whales in winter, humpback whales in summer and fall, and dolphins year-round. Condor Express is a whale-watching tour company in Santa Barbara offering year-round tours.

12. Wander Through Lotusland

Lotusland is one of Santa Barbara’s hidden gems and a must-visit if you love unique botanical gardens. Advance reservations are required and there are docent-led tours available.

Created by the eccentric opera singer and socialite Ganna Walska, this botanical garden is a reflection of her unique vision and passion for horticulture.

As you explore, you’ll encounter a variety of themed gardens, from the striking cactus garden to the peaceful Japanese garden. Each meticulously crafted garden showcases the beauty of rare and unusual plants. The garden is also dotted with whimsical sculptures and tranquil water features.

My favorite was the lotus pond filled with pink, tall-stemmed lotus flowers. The rose garden and cactus garden were impressive as well.

For our visit dates, reservation availability was only for docent-led tours, so we signed up for that one. It was a bit expensive, I felt, as we paid $75 per adult. Overall, it is a great place to spend a couple of hours admiring the gardens here.

13. Visit Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a great way to experience California’s native plants and landscapes. Spanning 78 acres, this garden features a variety of trails that take you through different ecosystems, including redwood forests, meadows, and desert landscapes.

One of the highlights is the Mission Dam and Aqueduct, which dates back to 1807 and offers a glimpse into the area’s history.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Lotusland, the entrance fee here is $20 per adult as compared to $60-$75 at Lotusland. Advance reservations are required here as well.

14. Santa Barbara Farmers Market

The Santa Barbara Farmers Market is a lively market where you can experience the best of the region’s fresh produce, local crafts, and community spirit. Held multiple times a week in different locations, the market is a must-visit if you’re in town.

Whether you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, or handmade goods, you’ll find it all here. It’s also a great place to pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the nearby beaches.

15. Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Barbara County is renowned for its wine, and the Santa Ynez Valley is the perfect place to experience it. Spend an afternoon wine tasting at some of the region’s top wineries, enjoying everything from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay.

The scenic vineyards, rolling hills, and relaxed vibe make for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience.

➡️ You can also take this Wine-Tasting Tour in Santa Ynez Valley with transportation from Santa Barbara and lunch.

16. Visit Solvang

Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, Solvang is a charming Danish village that transports you to a different time and place. The town is known for its picturesque European-style architecture, complete with iconic windmills, which gives it its unique character.

As you stroll through the town, you’ll find the main streets—Mission Dr, Copenhagen Dr, and Alisal Road—lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and, of course, bakeries offering authentic Danish pastries.

We visited Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, which was huge and had a lot of treats. We bought quite of few varieties to take back home. Aebleskivers (Danish pancake balls) and kringles (a buttery, almond-filled pastry) are popular here, so make sure to try some of those.

Solvang is best visited during brunch or lunchtime, so plan for a morning or early afternoon visit. We went on a Sunday around noon, and the town was lively and crowded, as expected on a Sunday.

17. Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is just a short 1.5-hour boat ride from Ventura Harbor near Santa Barbara. It offers a rugged and untouched natural landscape that’s perfect for a day trip.

Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, or are a National Park enthusiast like me, this lesser-known national park is a must-visit. The ocean and coastline views are breathtaking, and the sense of solitude is a refreshing change from the mainland.

In our Santa Barbara itinerary, we dedicated a full day to exploring Santa Cruz Island. We hiked the Potato Harbor Overlook and Cavern Point trails. It was a memorable day trip. The best part was seeing hundreds of dolphins from the ferry to the Channel Islands.

➡️ Check my detailed write-up about our day trip to Channel Islands National Park for more details.

Final Takeaways: Best Things to do and see in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, cultural experiences, or simply a place to unwind by the beach.

My favorite part of visiting Santa Barbara is how walkable the main tourist attractions are, as they are all centered around State St and Cabrillo Blvd. I also loved how nice and friendly the locals working at the hotels and restaurants are.

I hope this list of top things to do gives you a great starting point for your own Santa Barbara trip.

➡️Up next, check out my perfectly curated Santa Barbara Itinerary, which includes several of these attractions, details on where to stay, and other travel tips.