Location: Santa Barbara
Top Things to do in Santa Barbara
10 Free Things to do in Santa Barbara That You Shouldn't Miss
Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is California at its best. Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
Restaurants in Santa Barbara
1. Chaucer's Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By gaylem113 - Chicago, United States
Best thing for me was the extensive collection of cook books...crowded, cozy independent book store with something for everyone.
2. Cold Spring Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
A popular mountain for hiking outside of Santa Barbara.
Reviewed By deakengv7 - Guerneville, United States
Surprised was able to secure a same-day reservation for lunch on a Friday since it's such a popular place. Great place to stop for lunch if you're traveling from SB to Los Olivos/Santa Ynez for wine-tasting. Mostly outside dining due to C19, but had just opened partial inside dining during our visit (10/23/2020). Two tri-tip french dips and a burger later (there were three of us) ~ stuffed! All tasty - good portions! Service leisurely, but accommodating. We were initially seated in a room where a large party was celebrating a special occasion that made it hard for us to carry on a conversation (no offense - they were a fun group!), and our server offered to move us. Very much recommend the Wild Game Black Bean Chili.
3. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,969 reviews
Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse to enjoy a free Self-Guided Exterior Tour and a virtual tour of the Mural Room interior. Use your cell phone or tablet to explore Santa Barbara’s iconic Spanish Colonial Revival Courthouse. The web-based tours can be found at sbcourthouse.org. The Courthouse is closed to visitors during Covid.
Reviewed By cresapsd - San Diego, United States
Coincidentally our stay in Santa Barbara was during the annual Fiesta Days and we enjoyed free concerts in the courthouse sunken garden as well as a docent led tour. The tour was very interesting and entertaining. The courthouse is not to be missed and don’t forget to check out the breathtaking view from the courthouse clock tower
4. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
The locals call it Hendry's Beach, a place to meet for breakfast or a cocktail at sunset, stroll or jog the sandy shore, watch for whales, fish or ride the wild surf.
Reviewed By talkslikeaduck - Santa Clarita, United States
This is the place to let your dog run free at the beach in Santa Barbara. people were exercising with their dogs and everyone was respectful of there animals interactions with other dogs. Of course, you are on the beach in Santa Barbara so what's not to like! Anyway it was a great experience for us and our pups!
5. State Street Underpass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,386 reviews
Seven straight miles of shops.
Reviewed By christinam22018 - San Diego, United States
Visiting Santa Barbara is always fun. The city has great shopping, dining and the beach! We walked from one end of State Street all the way for the Wharf. We went into the antique shops and record shops. It’s a nice stroll so bring comfy shoes and your credit card! We stopped into a store; I can’t remember the name; but she sells slightly used high end items. I found a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta silk scarf for $100. It was a good find! There are numerous local businesses up and down the street. There is also a ‘mall’ with all the typical stores. It’s was very enjoyable.
6. Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
A popular, moderate rated, multi-use trail, good for hiking, biking and horseback riding, three and a half miles round trip.
Reviewed By bewickswren - California, United States
We recently came through Santa Barbara on a road trip (stayed at the Spanish Garden Inn - excellent!). We are hikers and wanted a good day hike in the Santa Barbara mountains. This trail was fantastic - out and back, we did about 7 or 8 miles. You could go much further if you wanted. Parking was along the street at the trailhead, and the trails was mainly easy to follow. The few side trails that we encountered either linked back up to the main trail, or went to the creek. Totally recommend this hike!
7. Cabrillo Bike Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By LisaT503 - King City, United States
This is a great place to walk on a nice day. A lot of restaurants, shops and hotels along the way to explore. The weekend are busy and the Sunday craft market is fun to stroll through. The sunrise was beautiful to see from this area.
8. Elings Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Elings Park is the largest privately funded public park in America. Built on land reclaimed from a city landfill, includes soccer and softball fields, a hill for paragliding, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and venues for weddings and other special events.
9. Santa Barbara Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By robw114
We took the SB Trolley Tour and went through downtown, and the countryside admiring all the wonderful homes, their architecture from Montecito where all the multi-million dolar homes are to the zoo
10. Shoreline Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 584 reviews
Reviewed By 290robertt - Palm Springs, United States
Stunning views of the marina, mountains and ocean as you enjoy a stroll, jog, skateboarding or biking along the coastline paths. An awesome way to relax and marvel at the beauty and peace of this part of the world!
