ratings

Category	Rating	Your Rating
atmosphere
beach
culture
food
nightlife
scenery
tourism

Things to do in Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara Surf Adventures: Catch Your First Wave

  
  

  Santa Barbara's clear waters provide an ideal setting for beginners eager to catch their first wave. Introductory lessons cover essential skills, including board positioning, paddling techniques, proper stance, and balance. Before entering the water, participants receive a beach lesson to build confidence, guided by instructors with over 25 years of combined experience. Their guidance extends to navigating waves and understanding basic surf etiquette.

  Instructors carefully select surf spots based on current conditions, ensuring a smooth learning experience for newcomers. All necessary gear, including full-body wetsuits and surfboards, is provided. The supportive atmosphere encourages beginners to gain confidence quickly, making the excitement of standing up on a board for the first time even more rewarding.

  Lessons range from 2 to 4 hours, offering ample time to practice and grow comfortable in the water. Santa Barbara's scenic coastline enhances the experience, providing beautiful surroundings and suitable learning conditions. Designed for participants aged seven and above who are comfortable swimming in the ocean, these lessons are a great choice for families or groups of friends looking for a fun and engaging ocean adventure.

  
  
  Powered by GetYourGuide

• Soaring Through Santa Barbara: Epic Zipline Adventure

  
  

  The zipline tour in Santa Barbara's scenic Santa Ynez Valley offers an exhilarating experience filled with breathtaking views and thrilling rides. This two-hour adventure begins with a rugged ascent in a 4x4 Humvee, climbing over 1,000 feet across the ranch. The panoramic views during the drive are impressive, setting the stage for the excitement ahead.

  At the top, participants can glide side-by-side on three dual ziplines, each offering faster speeds than the last. Reaching over 50 mph while soaring above fields of protea flowers, the ride provides a remarkable bird's-eye perspective of the valley. The setup ensures safety and comfort, featuring high-quality gear, reliable braking systems, and eco-friendly solar-powered launch mechanisms.

  With small groups of up to eight people, the tour offers a more personalized experience. Guides provide thorough instructions during a quick ground school before the zipline adventure begins. Participants must meet weight requirements, be in good health, and wear closed-toe shoes. The combination of nature, adventure, and adrenaline makes this tour a standout experience worth trying.

  
  
  Powered by GetYourGuide

• Wildlife Kayak Adventure in Santa Barbara Harbor

  
  

  Imagine gliding through the calm waters of Santa Barbara Harbor, with palm trees lining the coast and the sun sparkling on the water. This 2-hour kayak tour is perfect for everyone - from total beginners to experienced paddlers. The adventure starts at the harbor boat launch where friendly guides outfit you with gear and give a quick paddling lesson before you hit the water. Once you're paddling, you'll explore about 1-2 miles along Santa Barbara's beautiful coastline, passing by boats, the historic wharf, and under the pier.

  The real magic happens when you spot the local wildlife. Harbor seals might pop their curious heads up nearby, sea lions could be lounging on buoys, and various seabirds like brown pelicans and cormorants often fly overhead or dive for fish right beside you. Guides share fascinating facts about the marine ecology and local history as you paddle at a relaxed pace that allows plenty of time for photos and wildlife watching. The views of Santa Barbara from the water offer a totally different perspective of this coastal gem than you get from land.

  This tour strikes the perfect balance between active adventure and peaceful nature experience. No previous kayaking experience is needed, making it ideal for families (though kids need to be at least 5 years old). Double kayaks are standard, so you can team up with a friend or family member to share the paddling. The whole experience feels intimate and connected to nature - the soft splash of paddles in water, the calls of seabirds, and maybe even the snort of a sea lion if you're lucky!

  
  
  Powered by GetYourGuide

• Santa Barbara Scenic E-Bike Adventure

  
  

  Cruise through the charming streets of Santa Barbara on high-end electric bikes that make exploring this beautiful coastal city a breeze! This 2.5-hour tour kicks off at Cal Coast Adventures where friendly guides get you set up with your e-bike before heading out along the scenic Cabrillo bike path. The ride takes you through several of Santa Barbara's most iconic spots including East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the bustling harbor, all while your guide shares interesting tidbits about the city's history and culture.

  One of the best parts of this tour is exploring downtown Santa Barbara and the lively State Street Promenade, which is closed to car traffic making it perfect for biking. You'll get to see historic buildings and landmarks like El Presidio de Santa Bárbara and De La Guerra Plaza, before checking out the Arlington Theater and the trendy Funk Zone with its hip wine tasting rooms and art galleries. The e-bikes make every hill a non-issue, letting you cover tons of ground without breaking a sweat – you can zoom up to 20mph with practically no effort!

  What makes this tour stand out is how it balances must-see attractions with those hidden local spots most tourists never find. Your guide customizes the experience based on the group's interests, making sure you have plenty of photo opportunities at scenic outlooks along the way. The tour wraps up with a relaxing ride along the boardwalk back to the shop, giving you a perfect overview of Santa Barbara that'll help you decide which spots you want to revisit during the rest of your stay. Whether you're a biking pro or just looking for a fun way to see the city, this e-bike adventure delivers big time.

  
  
  Powered by GetYourGuide

• Stroll Through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

  
  

  The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a perfect escape into 78 acres of California's natural beauty. Walking along the winding paths, you'll discover over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants. The garden sits in the foothills with amazing views of the mountains and ocean in the distance.

  What makes this place special is how it showcases California's diverse plant communities - from redwood groves to meadows filled with wildflowers. There's a really cool section with plants used by the Chumash people, and the garden's mission to conserve native plants gives you a chance to see species you won't find just anywhere. The meadow area is especially stunning in spring when everything's in bloom, but honestly, it's beautiful year-round. If you're into photography, bring your camera because the lighting through the trees creates some amazing shots.

  
  

• Hike to Inspiration Point

  
  

  The hike to Inspiration Point is a popular and rewarding experience in Santa Barbara, offering a 3.5-mile trail that features impressive panoramic views of the city, coastline, and Channel Islands. Beginning at the end of Tunnel Road, the moderately challenging path weaves through Southern California chaparral, with stretches of shade provided by oak trees. Though parking can be limited, the effort is well worth it, especially as glimpses of the scenery start to appear about halfway up the trail.

  Reaching Inspiration Point offers a breathtaking vantage point where the entire cityscape unfolds below, from the harbor and red-tiled rooftops to the vast Pacific Ocean extending toward the horizon. The view is particularly captivating during late afternoon when the golden light enhances the landscape. The round-trip hike takes around two hours, but lingering at the summit is a common choice for those wishing to fully appreciate the scenery. Packing enough water and a snack to enjoy at the top is recommended for a more relaxing experience.

  
  

• Explore El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

  
  

  El Presidio takes you back to Santa Barbara's early days as a Spanish military settlement. Founded in 1782, this was one of the last Spanish fortresses built in North America. Today, several original adobe buildings have been restored, giving you a glimpse into life during Spanish colonial times.

  Walking through the whitewashed buildings and quiet courtyards feels like stepping into another era. The chapel and commander's quarters are particularly well-preserved, with period furniture and displays. What's cool is how the site blends into the modern downtown - you'll literally be standing in the 18th century while hearing 21st century traffic just beyond the walls. The small museum has artifacts from the period and explains the complex history of Spanish colonization and its impact on the native Chumash people. It's not a huge place, so you can see everything in about an hour, but it offers a deeper understanding of why Santa Barbara looks the way it does today with all its Spanish-inspired architecture. If you time your visit right, you might catch one of their living history demonstrations with people in period costumes.

  
  

• Tour the Old Mission Santa Barbara

  
  

  Known as the 'Queen of the Missions,' Old Mission Santa Barbara is probably the city's most iconic landmark. Founded in 1786, it's the tenth of California's 21 Spanish missions and one of the few still run by Franciscan friars. The striking pink-and-cream facade with its twin bell towers is instantly recognizable and makes for amazing photos, especially with the mountains in the background.

  The self-guided tour takes you through the church with its original altar and artwork, the Sacred Garden with its central fountain, and the cemetery where many early settlers are buried. The mission's museum contains artifacts from the colonial period and tells the complex story of the mission system, including its impact on the native Chumash people. What many visitors don't know is that the mission houses a library with over 9,000 rare books and manuscripts - serious history buffs can arrange to see some of these treasures. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with palm trees and flowering plants, making it a peaceful place to wander even if you're not into history. There's something undeniably special about standing in a place that's been continuously operating for over 230 years.

  
  

• Visit the Historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse

  
  

  The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, completed in 1929, stands as an architectural gem showcasing Spanish-Colonial design. Its red tile roof, white stucco walls, and intricate archways embody the region's signature style, making the building appear more like a grand palace than a functional courthouse. Inside, the Mural Room captivates visitors with its hand-painted scenes illustrating Santa Barbara’s rich history, offering a glimpse into the area's cultural heritage.

  Visitors often head to the clock tower, which provides sweeping views of the city, mountains, ocean, and even the Channel Islands on clear days. The surrounding sunken gardens offer a serene space for picnics or relaxation on the lawn. Despite its elegance and historical charm, the courthouse remains fully operational, adding to its uniqueness as tourists admire the detailed ironwork and elaborate ceilings while daily business continues around them.

  
  

• Wine Tasting in the Funk Zone

  
  

  Santa Barbara's Funk Zone has completely transformed from an industrial area to the coolest spot in town. This walkable neighborhood between the ocean and Highway 101 is packed with converted warehouses that now house urban wineries, art galleries, craft breweries, and fantastic restaurants.

  The Urban Wine Trail is the main attraction here - you can sample wines from dozens of local wineries without having to drive out to wine country. Each tasting room has its own vibe, from sleek modern spots to rustic barrel rooms. The best part is you can easily walk between them all. Most places offer flights of 4-6 wines for around $15-20, and they're usually pretty generous pours! Between tastings, pop into the art galleries or grab something to eat at one of the food spots. The whole area has this laid-back, artistic feel that's just so perfectly Santa Barbara - upscale but not pretentious, and definitely a good time.

  
  

• Sweet Creations: Chocolate Crafting & Art Box Workshop

  
  

  Tucked away in a corner of El Mercado in Santa Barbara, this chocolate workshop offers a creative, hands-on experience that feels both laid-back and engaging. Participants can craft their own custom chocolate bars, starting with a choice of dark, oat milk, or flavored white chocolate as a base. With around 30 different mix-ins available, the possibilities are endless. The setting is relaxed, with good music enhancing the playful atmosphere.

  The experience extends beyond chocolate-making, allowing participants to design and decorate a wooden box for their creations. After pouring chocolate into molds, guests can head to the Art Bar to paint, stain, stamp, or embellish their box using a wide variety of supplies. Whether artistic or not, everyone leaves with a unique, personalized keepsake. Throughout the activity, friendly staff share interesting facts about chocolate production and the origins of various cacao beans.

  Alongside making delicious chocolate, participants enjoy complimentary samples of house-made chocolates and cacao husk tea. The workshop is welcoming to all, whether visiting solo, with friends, or as a couple. It offers a memorable combination of creativity, learning, and fun, making it an experience worth trying.

  
  
  Powered by GetYourGuide

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Best hotels in Santa Barbara:

• The Franciscan Hotel (luxury hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  The Franciscan Hotel in Santa Barbara is a charming spot just steps from the beach. With its Spanish-style architecture and lush gardens, it has a relaxed California vibe that instantly puts you at ease. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free WiFi.

  One of the best features is the outdoor pool and hot tub area - perfect for lounging in the Santa Barbara sunshine. The location can't be beat either. It's an easy walk to Stearns Wharf, State Street shopping, and plenty of great restaurants nearby. The staff are friendly and always happy to offer local recommendations.

  While not ultra-luxurious, the Franciscan Hotel offers good value in a prime beachfront location. It's an ideal home base for exploring all that Santa Barbara has to offer, from wine tasting to surfing. The laid-back atmosphere and convenient amenities make it a solid choice for a relaxing California getaway.

  
  

• Avania Inn of Santa Barbara (medium range hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Avania Inn in Santa Barbara is a charming option just a short walk from both the beach and Stearns Wharf. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers. I particularly enjoyed the complimentary breakfast, which included a variety of fresh pastries, fruit, and hot dishes.

  The location is excellent – close to the waterfront but still peaceful. It also offers free parking, which is a big plus in this area. After a day of exploring, the outdoor pool provides a relaxing spot to unwind.

  The inn makes for a great base to explore Santa Barbara. The staff is friendly and always ready with helpful local recommendations. It's a convenient and affordable choice for anyone visiting the area.

  
  

Best hostels in Santa Barbara:

• ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel (boutique hostel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel is a great option for travelers on a budget who want to enjoy the California sun. Located just steps from West Beach, it’s perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Santa Barbara’s beach atmosphere. The dorms and private rooms are simple but clean, offering comfy beds for resting after a day of surfing or sightseeing.

  The social atmosphere here is one of the highlights. There's always something to do, like movie nights, group outings to local bars, or simply relaxing on the sunny terrace. The shared kitchen is an excellent space for preparing meals and meeting other guests. Plus, the free breakfast is a nice bonus to help you start the day before heading to the beach or exploring the nearby Santa Barbara Pier.

  While it’s not luxurious, ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel gets the essentials right, with friendly staff, a great location, and affordable prices. It’s a solid choice if you're looking for a casual, budget-friendly place to stay while exploring Santa Barbara.