Santa Barbara is about 90 miles north of Los Angeles, well within day-trip distance. We suggest an early start because there are plenty of things to do in this beautiful coastal city. To enjoy all this city has to offer you might want to spend at least one night.
Quick Links: Ocean View Dining – Wine Country – Santa Barbara by Train
Things To Do in Santa Barbara
1. Santa Barbara Zoo
Rated as the best mid-size zoo on the west coast, the Santa Barbara Zoo should be on the top of your to-do list. The Zoo is just the right size for kids and has a nice train that circles the zoo. The zoo is 2-miles south of Stearns Wharf at 500 Ninos Drive.
2. Old Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful in California and one of the most photographed missions. Self-Guided and docent-led tours are available. The mission is open seven days a week. You can find Santa Barbara’s mission at 2201 Laguna Street.
3. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Located in Mission Canyon 1.5 miles inland from the Old Mission Santa Barbara, you will find the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Explore 78 acres of plants in various themed sections, including mountains and the California Channel Islands. A creek runs through the garden that once the main source of water for Mission Santa Barbara. 1212 Mission Canyon Rd.
Stearns Wharf
4. First-time visitors to Santa Barbara should head to Stearns Wharf. There are restaurants, a museum, charter boats on the historic pier, and some stunning views of Santa Barbara and the mountains beyond. A fun activity is to rent a beach cruiser from one of the rental shops that line the beach near Stearns Wharf. There are miles of bike paths to explore; however, most people follow Stearns Wharf’s trail to Shoreline Park and back. Parking is available on the wharf or along the beach at several parking lots.
5. Santa Barbara State Street
State Street in Santa Barbara offers boutiques, art galleries, trendy shops and outlets, and plenty of eateries serving everything from fast food to gourmet cuisine. Lower State Street is considered Downtown Santa Barbara, and most visitors end up there. This area runs from Highway 101 for about 15 blocks and is considered one of America’s most pedestrian-friendly downtowns.
6. Reagan Ranch Center
Reagan Ranch Center is located adjacent to the Amtrak station on State Street. The center features original Reagan Ranch artifacts displayed in interactive exhibits that highlight the history of Ronald Reagan’s quarter-century at Rancho del Cielo, along with select pieces from his presidency. 217 State Street. Admission is free.
7. Ganna Walska Lotusland
Lotusland in Santa Barbara is a spectacular collection of more than 3,000 plants from all over the world and the historic Montecito estate of Madame Walska. Lotus flowers are the highlight of the garden, which is beautifully displayed in a swimming pool that was transformed into a spectacular centerpiece when in bloom in the summer. Cold Springs Road and Sycamore Canyon Road.
8. Shoreline Cafe Leadbetter Beach
Eat and drink on the beach at the Shoreline Cafe in Santa Barbara. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on their glass-enclosed deck or directly on the beach with the sand under your feet. The Shoreline Cafe menu is casual and includes sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and fresh fish. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also served here. Happy Hour Monday – Friday 4 pm – 6 pm. 801 Shoreline Drive.
9. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
For a more upscale dining experience along the beach, we recommend the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Boathouse is one of Santa Barbara’s most popular restaurants. The prices have a lot to do with the location, but they are not over the top. Fresh seafood is the specialty here, but they do offer chicken and steak. At sunset, the wait can be 45 mins or longer. 2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara. Website.
10. Douglas Family Preserve
Just South of Hendry’s Beach, you will find the 70-acre Douglas Family Preserve. The largest area of coastal open space within the city limits. The preserve features 3 miles of dog-friendly walking trails, amazing views of the Santa Barbara coastline, and even an area where you can launch a hang glider. The property, a former nursery, was named “Douglas Family Preserve,” recognizing a large contribution by actor Michael Douglas that helped make the preserve Public Land. Website.
11. Cold Spring Tavern
Cold Spring Tavern looks much as it did when it was first built. Nestled in an oak-filled canyon, most buildings look like they are right out of a western movie. Along with the original tavern, the 1873 Ojai jailhouse, Treasures and Trash Gift shop, a road gang cabin, and the Log Cabin Bar, which is open on weekends.
12. Lake Cachuma
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley is beautiful Lake Cachuma. Fishing, camping, and hiking are the main activities here. If you are looking for a fun way to camp with some of the comforts of home, you may be interested in a Lake Cachuma Yurt. Just bring sleeping bags and supplies; everything else is included.
13. Goleta Santa Barbara’s Easterly Neighbor
Goleta beaches are typically less crowded and an ideal destination for a quiet family day trip or a romantic weekend getaway. Known for its 1,500-foot-long fishing pier, the park provides a 29-acre outdoor playground, popular for bicyclists and families out for a stroll.
14. Santa Barbara Wine Country
Widely recognized for its world-class wineries and tasting rooms, the Santa Ynez Valley is an easy drive. Along with wine tasting, visitors can enjoy browsing art galleries, clothing boutiques, and antique stores. Dining options run from mouth-watering meals from gourmet wine country cuisine to Danish specialties.
15. Solvang Danish Village
From Santa Barbara, visitors can also take Highway 154 to reach Solvang. This Danish village is a major tourist attraction in California, with over a million visitors a year. See Danish windmills, half-timbered houses, enjoy fresh-baked banish Bakeries, or sip wine in downtown tasting rooms. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
Santa Barbara By Train
On the summer weekends highway, 101 will have heavy traffic in and out of Santa Barbara. Start your trip put as early as possible to avoid the rush—a fun way to visit by Amtrak. Pacific Surfliner. There are four scheduled stops every day of the week. Several hotels are within walking distance of the station.