Santa Barbara, California: Boats, Botanicals & Beloved Courthouse
If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, Santa Barbara brings together beachy charm, history, and a splash of culture—all set between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. People call it the American Riviera for a reason: beautiful beaches, a lively downtown, and that special mix of outdoor adventure and old-world sights.
The best things to do in Santa Barbara? Hit up landmarks like Old Mission Santa Barbara, wander through the Funk Zone for wine and art, and sink your toes in the sand at East Beach. Maybe you’ll stroll State Street, climb the County Courthouse clock tower for those classic views, or rent a kayak in the harbor. There’s really something for everyone.
Santa Barbara’s laid-back energy is easy to soak in, whether you’re sipping local wine or just getting lost in a garden. Let’s dig into some of the top spots and experiences that make this city stick in your memory long after you leave.
Top Places to Stay in Santa Barbara, CA
| Hotel | Reviews |
|---|---|
| Upscale Downtown Home Walk to Beach shops Bars 112 West Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 225 |
| Harbor House Inn 104 Bath Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 326 |
| Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages 36 West Valerio Street , Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 379 |
| La Playa Inn Santa Barbara 116 Castillo Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 2,047 |
| Simpson House Inn 121 East Arrellaga Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 210 |
| The Eagle Inn 232 Natoma Avenue, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 572 |
| Marina Beach Motel 21 Bath Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 1,000 |
| Ocean Breeze 3 br Vacation Home 216 West Haley Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 304 |
| Santa Barbara Inn 901 East Cabrillo Boulevard, East Beach, Santa Barbara, 93103, United States of America | 622 |
| Bath Street Inn 1720 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 527 |
| El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States of America | 119 |
| Harbor View Inn 28 West Cabrillo Boulevard, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 1,508 |
| Castillo Inn at the Beach 22 Castillo St., West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-3809, United States of America | 1,467 |
| Palihouse Santa Barbara 915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 190 |
| West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel 306 West Cabrillo Boulevard, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 423 |
| Brisas Del Mar Inn at the Beach 223 Castillo Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 364 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta 6350 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, Santa Barbara, 93117, United States of America | 106 |
| Secret Garden Inn & Cottages 1908 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 156 |
| De La Vina Inn 1323 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 90 |
| The Franciscan Hotel 109 Bath Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 1,159 |
| Coast Village Inn 1188 Coast Village Road, Montecito, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, United States of America | 385 |
| Mason Beach Inn 324 West Mason Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 1,632 |
| Agave Inn 3222 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States of America | 302 |
| The Upham Hotel 1404 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 410 |
| Circle Bar B Guest Ranch 1800 Refugio Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, United States of America | 60 |
| Hotel Californian 36 State Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 221 |
| Casa Del Mar Inn 18 Bath Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 , United States of America | 275 |
| Inn by the Harbor 433 West Montecito Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 601 |
| Lavender Inn by the Sea 206 Castillo Street, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 280 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta 6878 Hollister Avenue , Goleta, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, United States of America | 275 |
| Motel 6-Santa Barbara, CA - Beach 443 Corona Del Mar, East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States of America | 1,601 |
| Best Western Plus Santa Barbara 2220 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States of America | 1,445 |
| Hotel Santa Barbara 533 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 778 |
| Best Western Plus South Coast Inn 5620 Calle Real, Goleta, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, United States of America | 727 |
| Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel 421 South Milpas Street, East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States of America | 430 |
| Hideaway Santa Barbara, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel 420 W Montecito St, West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 264 |
| The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara 8301 Holllister Avenue, Goleta, Santa Barbara, 93117, United States of America | 215 |
| Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 17 West Haley Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States of America | 394 |
| Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta 5665 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, United States of America | 388 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta 401 Storke Road , Santa Barbara, CA 93117, United States of America | 209 |
Explore Santa Barbara’s Historic Landmarks
Santa Barbara’s got a knack for making history feel alive. You can wander through old missions, check out the architecture, and stumble across sites that tell the city’s story. Spanish, Mexican, and Chumash influences are all over the place, woven right into how the city grew up.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara, built back in 1786, stands as a reminder of California’s mission days. Those twin bell towers and white adobe walls are hard to miss. The Mission sits perfectly between the mountains and the ocean—talk about a view.
Inside, you’ll find lush gardens and a museum. The Mission played a big role for both the native Chumash and early settlers. There’s even a cemetery and mausoleum tucked in the grounds, which gives the place a pretty deep sense of history.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Clock Tower
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunner—classic Spanish Colonial Revival style. Finished in 1929, it’s one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Climb the clock tower for sweeping views of Santa Barbara, the ocean, and mountains. The inside’s just as impressive, with murals and colorful tiles everywhere. Even though the courthouse still handles legal stuff, you can wander the public areas or join a tour if you’re curious.
Casa del Herrero
Casa del Herrero in Montecito, built in 1925, is a gem for anyone who loves architecture or gardens. The place blends early 20th-century Spanish Colonial Revival style with some seriously detailed craftsmanship.
Walk through and you’ll spot handcrafted ironwork, intricate tiles, and original furniture. The gardens are peaceful and lush. It’s a quiet spot to get a feel for Santa Barbara’s architectural history and how the area’s wealthy families lived back then.
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara, a Spanish fortress from 1782, once served as both a military base and a hub for the community during Spanish and Mexican rule.
Now, you can check out the rebuilt adobe walls and buildings that show what life was like for soldiers and settlers. The site highlights the stories of the Chumash and the cultural blend that shaped Santa Barbara. Guided tours sometimes feature demos of old crafts and snippets of local history.
Enjoy the Beaches and Waterfront
Santa Barbara’s waterfront is a mix of sandy stretches, lively piers, and calm blue water. You can just chill by the ocean, spot some wildlife, or wander Cabrillo Boulevard. Every beach and pier has its own thing going on, whether you want to paddleboard or just watch boats drift by.
West Beach
West Beach is super convenient if you want to be close to the water and have stuff nearby. Right on Cabrillo Boulevard, it’s got picnic spots and playgrounds, so families love it. Watch sailboats, try paddleboarding, or rent a kayak if you’re feeling active.
There’s a wide path for walking or biking, plus volleyball courts and grassy spots to hang out. Cafes and restaurants are close, so grabbing a bite is easy.
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach, just west of West Beach, is a quieter alternative. Soft sand, gentle waves—perfect for sunbathing or a swim. The sunsets here are kind of unreal, with sweeping views across the channel.
Parking’s along the street, so it’s easy to get to. It rarely gets crowded, making it a nice spot for peaceful walks or just zoning out with a book. If you’re up early or out late, you might catch dolphins or sea birds.
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf stretches out into the Santa Barbara Channel and is always buzzing. You can fish, shop, or grab fresh seafood right on the pier. The views back toward the city and out to sea are pretty great too.
Check out the little shops for souvenirs and local crafts. There are museums about marine life, and if you want to eat with an ocean breeze, this is the place. Watching boats come and go is kind of hypnotic, honestly.
Arroyo Burro Beach
Locals know Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach) as a relaxed spot with sandy shores and cliffs behind. It’s a favorite for surfers and dog walkers, and there’s a laid-back café right nearby.
This beach usually stays quieter than the ones closer to downtown. You can walk along the coast or poke around the tide pools if it’s low tide. Sunsets here are especially nice, with the cliffs catching the last light.
Discover Outdoor Adventures and Nature
Santa Barbara’s got mountains, gardens, and islands that are just begging to be explored. Hike up a trail, stroll through rare plants, or hop on a boat to check out protected wildlife. There’s a lot of natural beauty packed into the area.
Santa Ynez Mountains and Inspiration Point
The Santa Ynez Mountains rise up just north of town and are perfect for hiking. The trail to Inspiration Point is a favorite—it’s not too tough and leads to killer views of the city, coastline, and the Pacific stretching out forever.
The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, winding through oak woods and chaparral. You’ll probably spot some native birds, and if you look out, you might even glimpse the Santa Ynez Valley. Honestly, it’s a refreshing break from city stuff, and you’re still close to everything.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a lovely place to walk and learn about California’s native plants. It covers 78 acres and features over 1,000 species, including some rare ones.
There are different zones—redwoods, desert gardens, wildflower meadows. It’s peaceful, and you can join a guided tour or just wander. If you’re a plant nerd (or even if you’re not), it’s easy to spend an afternoon here.
Lotusland
Lotusland in Montecito is a private estate with gardens that feel almost magical. Ganna Walska, an opera singer with a thing for plants, designed the whole place. You’ll need a reservation for a tour, but it’s worth planning ahead.
Themed gardens show off exotic plants—succulents, cycads, tropicals. Everything’s arranged in a way that feels more like an outdoor art gallery than a traditional garden. Tours fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to book.
Channel Islands Excursions
The Channel Islands sit about 20 miles off the coast and are a dream for anyone who loves wild places. Hop on a boat like the Condor Express and spend a day exploring these national park islands.
Once you’re there, you’ll find rugged cliffs, hiking trails, sea caves, and loads of wildlife—sea lions, dolphins, rare birds. You can kayak or snorkel if you want to see underwater life up close. The islands feel untouched, a real escape from the mainland hustle.
Experience Arts, Museums, and Culture
Santa Barbara’s got plenty for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone who just likes a good show. Museums cover everything from art to maritime history, and there’s an outdoor music venue that’s kind of legendary here.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art houses over 27,000 pieces from all over—Asian, European, modern American, you name it.
Exhibits rotate, so there’s usually something fresh to see. The galleries are bright and welcoming, making it easy to take your time with the art. They also run workshops and programs if you want to dig deeper.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum dives into the history of the Santa Barbara Channel and the Pacific. You’ll find displays about shipwrecks, fishing, and the local environment.
They’ve got interactive exhibits and cool artifacts—historic boats, old navigation tools, marine wildlife models. The location by the harbor means you get some nice water views too.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
This museum covers local wildlife, plants, geology, and fossils. You’ll see displays featuring native animals, birds, and sea life that tell the story of the area’s natural world.
The Sea Center, part of the museum, lets you get hands-on with touch tanks and marine exhibits. It’s a hit with families and anyone who’s into nature or science.
Santa Barbara Bowl
If you’re into live music, the Santa Barbara Bowl is where you want to be. This outdoor amphitheater sits in a canyon and seats about 4,000.
They book all kinds of acts—big names and local talent. The vibe is unbeatable, especially on a warm night with the ocean in the distance. There’s really nothing else like it in town.
Explore Santa Barbara’s Neighborhoods and Downtown
Santa Barbara’s neighborhoods offer a mix of energy, art, and quiet corners. You’ll find great food, local wines, quirky shops, and some pretty nice views. Each spot has its own personality, making wandering around genuinely fun.
Downtown Santa Barbara and State Street
Downtown is the city’s beating heart. Palm-lined State Street is packed with shops, restaurants, and those signature Spanish-style buildings. Walking here feels easy, and if you get tired, just hop on the electric shuttle that cruises the length of downtown.
Don’t miss the County Courthouse—climb the tower for a 360-degree look at rooftops and the ocean. Art galleries, museums, and the Granada Theatre are all close, so you can pack a lot into one visit.
The Funk Zone
The Funk Zone, just off downtown, is Santa Barbara’s creative playground. Colorful murals, hip shops, and a bunch of cool restaurants fill the area. Artists and wine lovers both gravitate here, and the vibe’s just fun and relaxed.
Try local wines at places like Municipal Winemakers, browse unique boutiques, or sample craft brews. If you want a little bit of everything—art, food, and people-watching—it’s the spot to be.
Montecito Highlights
Montecito sits quietly just east of Santa Barbara, and it’s got a certain understated charm. You’ll find beautiful beaches and those Santa Ynez Mountains looming in the background—honestly, the views are hard to beat. If you like your exploring on the peaceful side, Montecito’s leafy streets and upscale shops might just pull you in.
Pop into local cafés or check out a small gallery if you’re wandering. It’s a slower pace here, but there’s still plenty of culture and nature mixed in. Montecito really strikes a nice balance between the city buzz and, well, just soaking in the calm.
Urban Wine Trail
Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail lines up tasting rooms all over downtown and the nearby neighborhoods. You can sample local wines without ever leaving the city—pretty handy if you ask me.
Most tasting rooms are within walking distance, so you can bounce from a classic Chardonnay to some wild new blend. Places like Municipal Winemakers focus on small-batch wines and care about sustainability. If you’re into wine, it’s a fun way to get a feel for Santa Barbara’s scene without needing a car.
Unique Experiences and Local Favorites
Santa Barbara’s full of little gems—art, wildlife, places to relax, and a steady stream of community events. These aren’t just tourist stops; they’re chances to really connect with the city. Whether you’re snapping photos, meeting animals, chilling out, or joining a festival, you’ll find something memorable.
Chromatic Gate
The Chromatic Gate downtown is hard to miss. This bold art piece blends colored glass and steel into an archway that shifts colors as you walk through. It’s a great spot for a quick photo or just a breather while wandering the city.
It’s tucked near other attractions and brings a pop of color and creativity to the area. The gate really captures Santa Barbara’s playful, artistic side—walking through it feels like stepping into a little daydream.
Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo makes for a fun break, especially if you’re after animal encounters without the crowds. The place is compact and easy to get around, but you’ll still spot everything from giraffes to penguins. Exhibits highlight conservation and education, which is always nice to see.
Families love the interactive bits—feeding sessions, keeper chats, and all that. There are picnic spots and ocean views nearby if you want to kick back after. It’s a local favorite when you want something low-key but still interesting.
Float Spa
If you’re craving some downtime, check out the Float Spa. You’ll float in saltwater tanks, and the weightlessness does wonders for stress and sore muscles. The whole vibe is super calm—perfect if you need a breather from sightseeing.
There are massages and other wellness treatments too, if floating isn’t your thing. Honestly, it’s a nice way to recharge before heading back out. Book ahead, though—especially on weekends, it can fill up fast.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Santa Barbara puts on a steady line-up of events year-round, all about local culture and community. Think farmers markets, art fairs, music festivals, and food events—each one with its own flavor. They’re a good way to see the city through a local’s eyes.
Some big annual favorites: Old Spanish Days Fiesta in summer and the Lighted Boat Parade when winter rolls around. Most events happen outdoors and welcome families. It’s worth checking the local calendar before you go—catching one of these can really add something special to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Barbara’s got beaches, family-friendly spots, wine tasting, and plenty of history. Outdoor adventures are easy to find, and when you’re hungry, local seafood and fresh eats are everywhere.
What are some must-visit beaches in Santa Barbara?
Butterfly Beach is a go-to for sunset views and a chill atmosphere. East Beach, next to Chase Palm Park, has a lively boardwalk—great for walking, biking, or just people-watching. If you want something quieter, 1000 Steps Beach is perfect for a peaceful stroll by the ocean.
Can you recommend popular family-friendly activities in Santa Barbara?
The zoo is always a hit with kids. Chase Palm Park’s open spaces are good for running around or biking. Whale watching tours are another fun option—seeing wildlife up close never gets old, honestly.
Where are the top spots for wine tasting in or near Santa Barbara?
The Santa Ynez Valley, about 35 minutes out, is packed with great vineyards for tours and tastings. In town, the Funk Zone is the hot spot for wineries and craft beers—you can easily make a day of it without leaving the city.
What are the iconic historical sites to visit in Santa Barbara?
The Santa Barbara Mission dates back to 1786 and stands out for its architecture and museum. The Courthouse is another gem—climb up the clock tower for some of the best views in town.
What outdoor adventures are available in Santa Barbara for nature lovers?
Hike the Cold Springs Trail for creekside views and ocean scenery. Inspiration Point is another favorite for panoramic city and mountain vistas. Or, for a change, hop on a boat to Channel Islands National Park and check out the wildlife there—it’s pretty unique.
Where can I find the best local eats and seafood in Santa Barbara?
Holdren’s Steak and Seafood is a solid pick if you’re craving a good meal. If you’re into sushi, Oku has a cool spot right by the water, while Arigato Sushi sits over on State Street. I’d also wander into the Funk Zone—there’s always something interesting to eat or drink there, and honestly, half the fun is just stumbling onto a place you didn’t expect.