CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP GUIDE
Beautifully nestled between the mountains and the ocean is the very picturesque Santa Barbara. This large seaside city has everything you want in a coastal getaway. It has an esplanade walk along the coast, lined with palm trees. It has sandy beaches with incredible views of the ocean. It has historical landmarks, beautiful architecture, shopping streets and great places to eat and drink.
QUICK LINKS
THE BEACH
Santa Barbara boasts a lengthy coastline of beautiful beaches, perfect for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding or simple taking a quick dip. If getting in the water is not for you, as it wasn’t for us in winter, there are still plenty of things to do along the sand and beachfront parks. Get active on the volleyball courts and esplanade walkways, enjoy a picnic with friends or relax in the sun with a good book or podcast. There are also many good restaurants and cafes along the beachfront, with beautiful views of the ocean.
If you are there on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show on Cabrillo Boulevard.
STEARNS WHARF
Located in the harbour of Santa Barbara, between East and West Beach, is Stearns Wharf. The wharf, named after its builder, was first opened in 1872. In the past, it has operated as a passenger and freight ship wharf, but nowadays, the wharf is a destination for shopping and dining and is home to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Centre.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
There are many beautiful and interesting historical sites to explore around Santa Barbara. If you only have time to see one site, we recommend the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. This stunning Spanish-Moorish style building in Downtown Santa Barbara first opened in 1929. Outside features pristine gardens and a sunken garden popular for weddings and events. Inside, you can tour through the hallways, up spiral staircases and into the open rooms. Don’t miss the Mural Room, the gorgeous tiled seats, and extravagant artwork in the hallways. Finish with a climb to the Clock Tower, which offers 360-degree views of Santa Barbara.
Entry and tours are free. However, this is an operating courthouse, so there are security checkpoints and not all areas are accessible to the public.
OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA & MISSION ROSE GARDEN
The Old Mission of Santa Barbara was founded in 1786. It was the tenth out of 21 Missions founded in California by the Spanish Franciscans, and it has been under the care of the Franciscan Friars since it first opened. The grounds of the Mission include the Church, Historic Cemetery and Mausoleum, museum, gardens and a gift shop.
Visitors are welcome with an entry fee, but some sections of the Mission may be closed for services such as weddings or funerals.
Across the road is the Mission Rose Garden. This garden has over 1,500 rose plants and offers a beautiful view of the Mission.
EL PRESIDIO DE SANTA BARBARA STATE HISTORIC PARK
El Presidio de Santa Barbara is the site of the Spanish fortress founded in 1782. Most of the buildings are reconstructions based on the foundations of the presidio, but two buildings, El Cuertal and Canedo Abode, are original structures.
Start at the Visitors Centre, where you will be given an orientation to the park, a map, and information on the self-guided tour. There is a small admission fee for the park.
PUBLIC MARKET
Santa Barbara has no shortage of great places to eat. There is one place, though, that offers a variety of options, all under one roof. From Thai to Mexican, Japanese to Italian, with plant-based options, beer or wine to match and open for lunch, dinner and dessert, there truly is something for everyone at the Santa Barbara Public Market. You can dine in at a specific place or grab a takeaway from a couple and find a seat inside or outside to enjoy your feast.
PLANNING A CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP
For more destinations and attractions along the West Coast, check out our guide for Top Things To Do on a California Road Trip.
OUR GOOGLE MAPS
When planning our travel destinations, we pin our bucket list of sites to see and recommended places to eat and drink on Google Maps. We are then never lost for ideas when travelling, and can easily share these lists for our friends and family to use too.
Click here to see our Google Maps for Things To Do in Santa Barbara.
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