Top Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, United States

Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara French Pastry Adventure

Food & Drink

Indulge your sweet tooth with a treat from one of Santa Barbara's renowned pastry spots. While French pastries might not be unique to Santa Barbara, enjoying them in this laid-back coastal setting is ...

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve Hike

Outdoors

Time to lace up those hiking boots for a mellow trail with million-dollar views! The Carpinteria Bluffs trail is a serene hike featuring breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and dreamy horizons....

Sustainable Santa Barbara Urban Farm Experience

The Unexpected

Think you've seen all that Santa Barbara has to offer? Think again! Hidden within the bustling cityscape are urban farms where you can volunteer, picking fresh veggies, and learn about sustainable far...

Santa Barbara Urban Beekeeping Workshop

The Unexpected

The buzz is real! Santa Barbara offers unique workshops where you can don a beekeeping suit and dive into the fascinating world of bees. Learn about these essential pollinators and how urban beekeepin...

Santa Barbara Outdoor Opera Adventure

The Unexpected

Picture this: the coastal breeze, the setting sun, and the powerful notes of an opera performance echoing through open air. Yes, Santa Barbara is renowned for its stellar outdoor opera events that cap...

Secret Santa Barbara Caves Exploration

The Unexpected

Grab your sense of adventure and prepare to squeeze into the hidden nooks of Santa Barbara’s coastal caves! Much like a treasure hunt, finding these secret spots is half the fun, with stunning views a...

Gaviota Hot Springs Soak

Outdoors

Ready to kick back and relax? Drive a little north of Santa Barbara for a naturally hot bath at Gaviota Hot Springs. This hidden gem requires a short hike to reach but the reward is worth every step! ...

Explore the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

Outdoors

Wine lovers, rejoice! You can stroll through the delightful Urban Wine Trail that takes you into the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant wine culture. With several tasting rooms dotted along the trail, e...

Rattlesnake Canyon Trail Adventure

Outdoors

For those who love a good walk in the wild, the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail beckons. This lush, shaded trail winds its way through a canyon, offering lush landscapes and tranquility, with occasional burs...

Santa Barbara Harbor Seal Watch

Outdoors

Want a truly adorable experience? Head over to the Santa Barbara Harbor and watch as sleek, playful seals glide through the water. These charismatic creatures love to bask and entertain onlookers with...

Santa Barbara Mexican Food Fiesta

Food & Drink

Santa Barbara offers some delicious Mexican food, thanks to its rich blend of cultures and proximity to Mexico. Dive into delectable tacos, enchiladas, or crispy chilaquiles that many locals swear by....

Santa Barbara Funk Zone Art Stroll

Sights

Get ready to unleash your inner art critic as you wander through Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone. This artsy enclave is packed with colorful murals, quirky galleries, and creative spaces just waitin...

Santa Barbara Beach Biking

Sights

Feel the salty breeze as you pedal your way along the stunning coastline of Santa Barbara. This is where the mountains meet the sea, and oh boy, do they meet beautifully! Whether you’re a casual cycli...

Sunset Watching at Butterfly Beach

Sights

A captivating sunset at Butterfly Beach should be on the bucket list of every traveler visiting Santa Barbara. Sink your toes into the soft sand and witness the sun dip below the horizon, painting the...

Santa Barbara Beach Yoga

Sights

Find your zen as you stretch and pose against the backdrop of swaying palm trees and the tranquil sounds of the ocean. Beach yoga is a magical experience in Santa Barbara. Feel the sand beneath your t...

Santa Barbara Architectural Wonders

Sights

Trade your hiking boots for some history as you check out Santa Barbara's sensational architecture. Walk through time while exploring the city’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival style. Discover buildin...

Santa Barbara Wine Tasting

Food & Drink

Explore the lush vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, a short drive from Santa Barbara, and sip on the region's renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, ...

Santa Barbara Uni (Sea Urchin) Tasting

Food & Drink

Dive into the salty and slightly sweet flavors of fresh sea urchin, also known as uni, pulled straight from the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. This delicacy is as luxurious as it gets in the oce...

Santa Barbara Avocado Smash

Food & Drink

Embrace the craze of California's favorite fruit—avocado! But Santa Barbara adds its own twist to the classic avocado toast. The avocados here are creamy and are often grown locally. They may be paire...

Paradise Dive Club Underwater Treasure Hunt

The Unexpected

Set sail into Santa Barbara’s deep with an adventurous twist in the waters. Not your average snorkeling session—try your luck in a unique underwater treasure hunt with local dive enthusiasts! Every so...