What to do in Santa Barbara, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and a hilly landscape with trees and mountains in the background.
A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a central archway.
A coastal landscape with cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distant mountains.
A large white building with arched windows and a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
A rocky beach with a white boat docked near a pier, cliffs in the background, and calm water.

Things to do

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

฿1,171
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

฿2,309
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

฿1,272
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

฿1,238
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Solvang In-App Audio Tour: a Little Slice of Denmark Hidden in California

Solvang In-App Audio Tour: a Little Slice of Denmark Hidden in California

฿325
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Solvang In-App Audio Tour: a Little Slice of Denmark Hidden in California
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

฿515
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

฿1,975
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental

฿1,506
per adult
Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
Solvang | The Haunt: Solvang Ghost Hunting Tour

Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

฿1,841
per adult
Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour
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What to do in Santa Barbara

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

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Stearns Wharf

9.0/10 (4,143 reviews)
California's oldest working wharf since 1872, Stearns Wharf combines history with panoramic ocean views. Savour fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while watching the sunset paint the Santa Ynez Mountains.
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Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Find the best Santa Barbara areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Barbara
Learn more about Santa Barbara
A marina with multiple boats docked, calm water, and a clear sky.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

Waterfront

If you're spending some time in Waterfront, West Beach and East Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal house on stilts with a pier extending into calm waters, surrounded by boats and mountains in the background.

The Funk Zone

Travellers come to The Funk Zone for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Art Foundry while you're in town.

A sandy beach with large rocks in the foreground and a cliff with trees in the background.

The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

A coastal beach with palm trees, a sandy shore, and a clear blue sky.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

Day trip destinations from Santa Barbara

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Carpinteria

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and rolling hills in the background.

Santa Ynez

A sunset over a beach with waves and a distant shoreline.

Lower Village

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.