Things To Do in Santa Barbara

From wide sandy stretches with golden hour views to rugged bluffside escapes and tucked-away coves made for lingering, Santa Barbara is packed with beaches worth every sunset.

View Things to Do Map

Guides

Scroll

Spotlight Favorites

If you only have time for a few, start here โ€” Santa Barbaraโ€™s most beaches, handpicked.
Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

โ€ข

Santa Barbara
None
Historic pier building offering iconic waterfront views in Santa Barbara. A gateway spot for coastal strolls and marine sights.
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara

Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara

โ€ข

Santa Barbara
4.6
1929 Spanish Colonial Revival courthouse offers murals, a tower with city views, and lush gardens hosting weddings in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

โ€ข

Santa Barbara
4.6
Enchanting 78-acre garden with 5.5 miles of trails, a redwood grove, and authentic Japanese tea garden in Santa Barbara, CA.
Douglas Family Preserve

Douglas Family Preserve

โ€ข

Santa Barbara
5
Open natural preserve near Santa Barbara offering scenic trails and beach access framed by coastal hills and sunshine.

Scroll

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Beach &ย Ocean Activities

View All
Walkable wine stops, golden hour patios, and small-batch pours โ€” this is how Santa Barbara does wine.
No items found.
View All

Scroll

Outdoor Adventures & Hiking

View All
Fresh taps. Chill vibes. Santa Barbara brews.
Saved
Douglas Family Preserve

Douglas Family Preserve

โ€ข
Santa Barbara
5
Saved
Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve

Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve

$
โ€ข
Goleta
4.8
Saved
Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead

Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead

$
โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.7
Saved
Cold Spring Trailhead

Cold Spring Trailhead

โ€ข
Montecito
4.7
Saved
Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail

Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail

$
โ€ข
Goleta
4.8
Saved
Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead

Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead

$
โ€ข
Montecito
4.5
Saved
San Ysidro Trailhead

San Ysidro Trailhead

$
โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.6
View All

Scroll

Culture, History &ย Museums

View All
Crafted cocktails, thoughtful pours, and intimate vibes โ€” where conversation flows as smoothly as the drinks.
Saved
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

$$
โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.7
Saved
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

$$
โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.5
Saved
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

$$
โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.7
Saved
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

$$
โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.6
Saved
South Coast Railroad Museum

South Coast Railroad Museum

$
โ€ข
Goleta
4.6
View All

Scroll

Family-Friendly Activites

View All
Harbor breezes, sunset skies, and drinks with a front-row seat to the Pacific.
Saved
Mesa Lane Beach

Mesa Lane Beach

โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.7
Saved
Campus Point Beach

Campus Point Beach

โ€ข
Santa Barbara
4.8
View All

Scroll

Theatres & Entertainment

View All
Big screens, cold drinks, and the kind of game-day energy that keeps you in your seat until the final whistle.
No items found.
View All

Scroll

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

View All
Low lights. Good drinks. Stay awhile.
No items found.
View All

Scroll

Santa Barbara Drinks. No Filler.
Get the inside scoop on the best drink and social spots each week by text. By locals, for locals.
Join for Free
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.