Things to do in Santa Barbara, California
- The city is home to a rigid architectural board that reviews the design of almost every structure to ensure compliance with the Spanish Colonial aesthetic.
- Santa Barbara was the primary filming location for the 'Flying A' film studio in the early 20th century, arguably making it one of the original homes of the American film industry.
- The city's climate is often referred to as the 'American Riviera' due to its similarity to the weather patterns found in the Mediterranean basin.
- The Santa Barbara Channel is a globally significant area for whale migration, hosting over 30 species of cetaceans throughout the year.
About Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California, is a coastal city defined by its Mediterranean climate and distinct Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, mandated by local building codes following a 1925 earthquake. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it serves as a gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley wine region. Visitors often explore the botanical diversity of Lotusland or take in views from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens. The city's waterfront history is showcased at Stearns Wharf, while family-oriented engagement is centered at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Highlights of Santa Barbara, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This historic timber pier remains the oldest working wharf in California and offers panoramic views of the coastline.
Zoos
The zoo is uniquely designed as an open-air facility integrated into a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Parks
The sunken garden and clock tower of this courthouse provide a centerpiece for the city's architectural preservation efforts.
Museums
This museum focuses on interactive exhibits related to science, technology, and engineering for a younger demographic.
Parks
This historic estate contains an exceptionally diverse collection of rare cycads and exotic flora maintained over decades.
Beaches and ponds
This coastal park is situated on a bluff directly above the ocean, providing direct stairway access to the sandy beach below.
Top things to do in Santa Barbara, California
The 64 highest-rated places in Santa Barbara, California, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Stearns Wharf is the oldest working wooden wharf in California, established in 1872 by local lumberman John P. Stearns....
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Zoos
The Santa Barbara Zoo is uniquely situated on 30 acres of landscaped hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Andree...
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Places of interest
Ostrichland USA is an interactive animal farm located in Solvang, California, dedicated to the care and observation of o...
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Parks
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Beaches and ponds
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Museums
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Temples
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Zoos
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Venues
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Natural attractions
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Santa Barbara, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Santa Barbara, California
September through November offers the warmest ocean temperatures and the clearest skies, as the coastal fog layer dissipates.
3 days, allowing enough time to balance time between the downtown cultural sites, the beach, and the surrounding mountains.
The city is highly walkable downtown, and the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District provides comprehensive bus service, including the electric 'Downtown Waterfront Shuttle'.
Stay in the downtown area for proximity to historic landmarks and state-of-the-art museums, or choose the waterfront/funk zone district for direct beach access.
Expensive, reflecting the high cost of real estate and the upscale nature of the local tourism infrastructure.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 64 curated attractions in and around Santa Barbara, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Stearns Wharf is the highest-rated place to visit in Santa Barbara, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 23 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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