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Apr 15, 2024 · Holly Johnson December 1, 2023. Ranking of the top 19 things to do in Santa Barbara. Travelers favorites include #1 East Beach, #2 Old Mission Santa Barbara and more.
In the late 1700s, the Spanish settled in the region. Don’t miss Old Mission Santa Barbara, the town’s chief cultural and historic landmark.Established in 1786, it is the 10th of 21 California missions set up by the Spanish Franciscans and offers tours of the buildings and grounds.
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Santa Barbara is widely known for its beautiful beachesand pristine coastline. But some will be surprised to learn that the area is also home to more than 50 parks and gardens, many of which offer trails that lead directly to the beach. In Santa Barbara, you can spend the morning lounging in the sand and the afternoon snorkeling and surfing, or spe...
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Take your pick of rock climbing, hiking, biking, surfing, sailing and a plethora of other outdoor adventuresthat beckon in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara has long attracted people from all over the globe, creating a true melting pot and making the city a mecca for arts and culturein Central California. Impressive landmarks, art galleries, museums and theaters abound in Santa Barbara, giving visitors ample opportunities to immerse themselves in local history and culture.
The fun never stops in Santa Barbara! Visitors will be pleased to find a host of exciting attractions, entertainment and other things to do, including unforgettable animal encounters, world-renowned botanical gardens, live music and guided tours.
Soothe your soul in Santa Barbara with the area’s many spa and wellness offerings. From grounding yoga classes and Soundwave Sessions on the beach to luxury spa experiences and rejuvenating hikes, it’s easy to find your pinnacle of rest and relaxation in Santa Barbara.
Whether you’re into high-end fashion, locally-made goods or eclectic thrift stores, Santa Barbara is one of the best shoppingdestinations in California. Stroll the red tile streets of Paseo Nuevo and La Arcada Courtyard, find upscale boutiques and hidden gems at The Funk Zone, or head to Stearns Wharf for only-in-Santa Barbara gifts just a few step...
Top Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California: See Tripadvisor's 151,895 traveller reviews and photos of Santa Barbara tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in May. We have reviews of the best places to see in Santa Barbara. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- Visit the Mission. Founded in 1786, the stately Old Mission Santa Barbara sits on a 15-acre plot of green goodness between the ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains.
- Get funky in the Funk Zone. In the area near the Amtrak station – between the sea and Highway 101 – this was once one of Santa Barbara’s edgier sites. In the Funk Zone you'll find updated warehouses and graffiti-clad buildings housing some of the town’s best wine tasting rooms, boutique shops and restaurants.
- Venture out to wine country. Load your Santa Barbara itinerary up with some vino and you won’t regret it. Named Wine Enthusiast’s global Wine Region of the Year in 2021, there are more than 270 Santa Barbara County wineries producing prized Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and more, each year.
- Feed a giraffe at Santa Barbara Zoo. Tucked on the eastern edge of Santa Barbara and just north of the water’s edge, you’ll find a 30-acre zoo loaded with unique encounter opportunities.
Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse has been called, "The most beautiful government building in America.” It is open to the public 8:00am to 5:00pm weekdays and 10AM to 5pm weekends, and all holidays except Christmas.
Jul 13, 2023 · 1 p.m. Get out on the water. After years of drought, Cachuma Lake — Santa Barbara’s expansive, tentacled reservoir about 30 minutes out of town — is full for the first time in more than a ...
