Things to Do in Santa Barbara
36 curated spots from Santa Barbara itineraries
Activities & Attractions
16 curated experiences
East Beach
Lounge on sands, palm walks, optional volleyball; 10-min walk from wharf.
2h · Free
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Tour gardens, museum, and chapel; peaceful hilltop setting. Short drive or bus.
2h · $15
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Walk easy paths through native plant sections, redwoods, and meadows with mountain and canyon views; there are benches for breaks and a small gift shop.
2h · $16-20 per adult, discount for kids
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Explore the historic Spanish Colonial Revival courthouse, then take the elevator up the clock tower for panoramic city and ocean views.
1h · Free
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Browse exhibits in airy galleries; quiet reflection.
1h 30m · $15
State Street Stroll
Shop boutiques, people-watch, admire Spanish architecture.
1h 30m · Free
Stearns Wharf
Walk out over the water, watch pelicans and sailboats, browse small shops, and let the kids peer into the water for fish.
1h · Free (parking and treats extra)
Free Time: Waterfront Path
Bike or walk Cabrillo Bike Path; relax as needed.
2h · $10/bike rental
Funk Zone Free Explore
Wander this artsy district of murals, small galleries, wine tasting rooms, and quirky shops; look for colorful walls and fun photo spots.
1h 30m · Free (shopping/tastings extra)
Salt Cave Spa
Couples halo-therapy session or massage; book 10:30 AM.
1h 30m · $80/couple
Santa Barbara Harbor Walk
Stroll along the harbor promenade, watch fishing boats and kayakers, and look for sea lions on the docks.
1h · Free
Santa Barbara Zoo
Giraffes, penguins; leisurely paths.
2h · $25
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tasting
Visit Sunstone Winery for cave tastings; 45-min drive.
2h 30m · $30/person
Shoreline Park
Easy bluff walks, whale watching views, picnic spots. 10-min drive.
1h 30m · Free
Solvang Village Stroll
Windmills, shops, Danish architecture; light exploring.
1h 30m · Free
Urban Wine Trail Funk Zone
Tastings at Santa Barbara Wine Collective or Riverbench; must-have wine experience.
2h · $25/personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
On The Alley
Casual counter-service spot by the harbor offering tacos, burgers, and fish plates; grab a fish taco combo or kids’ chicken tenders and eat at outdoor tables.
45m · $15-25 per person
Santa Barbara Public Market
Indoor food hall with multiple vendors—pizza, ramen, tacos, gelato, and more—so everyone in the family can choose what they like.
1h · $15-30 per person
Renaud's Bakery
French pastries and croissants; wine country detour.
1h · $15-25 per person
Bibi Ji
Indian fusion; butter chicken and naan. 20-min transit.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Brophy Bros
Harborfront seafood; order clam chowder and fish tacos.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Dama Beach Club
Oceanfront cafe; yogurt parfaits and smoothies.
1h · $15-25 per person
Dawn Patrol
Casual spot known for build-your-own hash plates, good coffee, and hearty brunch; try a custom hash and pancakes for the kids.
1h · $15-25 per person
East Beach Tacos
Beachside tacos and burritos; fresh fish options. 15-min walk.
45m · $15-25 per person
Finney's
Cali comfort food; grilled fish specials.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Goat Tree
Stylish but relaxed cafe with a sunny patio; order avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries before a day by the beach.
1h · $15-25 per person
Handlebar Coffee
Buzzy spot for lattes, acai bowls, and breakfast burritos.
1h · $12-20 per person
Handlebar Coffee Roasters (De La Vina)
Local roastery with excellent coffee, pastries, and a relaxed vibe; keep it simple with drip coffee and croissants or breakfast pastries.
45m · $8-15 per person
Jeannine's Bakery
Artisan pastries, avocado toast, and coffee; try the croque madame.
1h · $15-25 per person
Lilac Patisserie
Charming bakery and cafe with cakes, cookies, and light bites; known for gluten-free options that don’t taste like a compromise.
45m · $8-15 per person
Loquita
Spanish tapas; paella for two.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Los Agaves
Authentic Mexican; try carnitas tacos and guac. 10-min walk back.
1h · $20-35 per person
Los Agaves (De La Vina)
Beloved local Mexican restaurant with generous portions; try the Los Agaves enchiladas, molcajete, or mix-and-match tacos for sharing.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Lucky Penny
Pizza and salads; wood-oven margherita. 10-min walk.
1h · $20-35 per person
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Small, casual seafood spot at the end of Stearns Wharf; order the clam chowder, fish and chips, or a shared seafood platter.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Santo Mezcal
Oaxacan-inspired; mezcal flights and mole. 5-min walk.
1h 30m · $30-45 per personMore on Santa Barbara
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