Things To Do

Funk Zone Patio

This is an area of Santa Barbara with many different wineries. Enjoy a tasting in charming downtown Santa Barbara!

Arroyo Burro Beach

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams

La Super-Rica Taqueria

Great place for tacos!

Sandpiper Golf Club

If you're interested in golf, Brandon likes this course.

Flor De Maiz

Across from the beach, great place for dinner.

Mission Santa Barbara

Called the "Queen of the Missions" for its graceful beauty and picturesque setting, Mission Santa Barbara is the city's most iconic landmark. Its architectural style has strongly influenced the look of the city. In 1925, a major earthquake destroyed much of Santa Barbara, and it was rebuilt in Spanish Colonial Revival style, inspired by Mission Santa Barbara. This is the only California mission to remain with the Franciscans since its founding in 1786, and a community of Franciscan friars still lives here today. Also save time to explore the fragrant Mission Rose Garden. It's a beautiful place for a picnic on a sunny day for both locals and tourists.

Stearns Wharf

At the bottom of State Street, in downtown Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf offers breathtaking views of the harbor and beaches, backed by the Santa Ynez Mountains. A great way to explore the area around Stearns Wharf is to rent a bike from one of the nearby rental shops and pedal along the Cabrillo Bike Path. This scenic beachfront bike path traces the coastline near the entry to the wharf and is a rewarding way to do some sightseeing and stay fit at the same time.

Santa Barbara Courthouse

Completed in 1929, after an earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1925, this National (and State) Historic Landmark is one of the architectural jewels of the city. It's one of the top places to visit in Santa Barbara, not just to admire its graceful architecture, but also to enjoy beautiful views of the city from the clocktower. In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this eye-catching landmark occupies a full city block and is an example of Spanish-Colonial Revival style. Unfortunately, the free docent-guided tours and access to the 85-foot El Mirador clock are not available at this time due to Covid restrictions.

Santa Barbara Zoo

The superb Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the top things to do in Santa Barbara with kids. Encompassing more than 30 acres, the zoo occupies a beautiful setting on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its large, open spaces and lush gardens of palms and native plants impart the feel of a botanical garden, making it a lovely place to stroll around.

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art holds an impressive collection of art for such a small city. More than 27,000 works span 5,000-plus years. The museum just recently had a grand re-opening after a major renovation. Insider's Tip: Admission to the Santa Barbara Art Museum, as well as other downtown art galleries, is free on the first Thursday of every month.

Lotusland

If you only have time for one attraction visiting Santa Barbara, try to get a coveted reservation at Lotusland. It has been called one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. This inspiring collection of botanical beauties nestles in the upscale enclave of Montecito, about 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. Highlights are the Blue Garden; Palm Garden; Japanese Garden; and the Theatre Garden, with a collection of antique stone figures from France.

El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

El Presidio is a striking slice of history in the middle of downtown Santa Barbara. This fortified military settlement (presidio) was founded by the Spaniards in 1782. Two of the fort's original adobe buildings still stand: El Cuartel and the Cañedo Adobe. Tours start at the visitor center with exhibits on the history of the presidio and a brief orientation.

El Paseo

El Paseo feels like a small Spanish village in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Steeped in Spanish Colonial Revival style, this evocative complex of shops, restaurants, and galleries was built around the historic Casa de la Guerra adobe in 1920. Today, the adobe is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and you can visit the small museum here.