Things to do in Santa Barbara

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
Channel Islands National Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park which includes a church or cathedral
Santa Barbara County Courthouse showing an administrative building, heritage architecture and a park

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Most popular experiences in Santa Barbara

Tours & day trips

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Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

Activity duration is 10 hours and 55 minutes
5.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €165 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €110 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Private Harbour Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Private Harbour Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is €161 per traveller*
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Water activities

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Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbour (2 Hours)

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbour (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €47 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Santa Ynez: 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings and Lunch

Santa Ynez: 3-Winery Tour Includes Tastings and Lunch

Activity duration is 5 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €186 per adult
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What to do in Santa Barbara

Popular places to visit

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo

Why not meet the animals who call Santa Barbara Zoo home during your holiday in Santa Barbara? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara Harbor

Santa Barbara Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Santa Barbara with a trip to Santa Barbara Harbor. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Santa Barbara Harbor
Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf

Explore the waterfront of Stearns Wharf and enjoy other activities such as cycling in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Stearns Wharf
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

See the best views of Santa Barbara and enjoy a stunning variety of architectural styles at the city’s historic courthouse.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Upper State Street

Upper State Street

During your visit to Santa Barbara, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Upper State Street. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its cosy cafes.

Upper State Street
Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Butterfly Beach during your travels in Santa Barbara? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

Butterfly Beach
Mission Santa Barbara

Mission Santa Barbara

Learn about the local history of Santa Barbara when you take a trip to Mission Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Mission Santa Barbara
Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Miramar Beach during your trip to Santa Barbara? Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Miramar Beach
Arlington Theater

Arlington Theater

Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its lively festivals.

Arlington Theater
Goleta

Goleta

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Barbara worth visiting?
Santa Barbara has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there are many things you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf are two great places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Santa Barbara while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Zoo, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Barbara?
Three days in Santa Barbara is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf and Butterfly Beach are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Ventura.
Is Santa Barbara a walkable city?
Some top sights in Santa Barbara, such as Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Barbara with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Santa Barbara with kids.

What to do in Santa Barbara for adults?
UC SB Events Centre and Santa Barbara County Courthouse are just two of the things to do in Santa Barbara. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Barbara?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Santa Barbara. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Stearns Wharf is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.