Location: Santa Barbara
Top Things to do in Santa Barbara
What to do and see in Santa Barbara, California (CA): The Best Nature & Parks
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. West Beach
2. Arroyo Hondo Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By labsail
This is a hidden jewel of hiking trails in the Santa Barbara mountains. Our guide, Ann Lippincott, made it come alive. She gave us a new appreciation of the flora, the different micro-climates, the wildlife, and most importantly, the beauty. Thank you Ann!
3. Kidaru Indoor Playground
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By yelenal2019 - Santa Barbara, United States
A great find for families with young children. Little kids can run around, play, and explore in a gated, padded, safe environment while parents can relax and unwind. There is a cool playstructure, a ballpit, trampoline, little cars to ride on, play kitchen, puzzles, coloring. Train table alone can occupy them for hours.
4. 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.
5. Santa Barbara Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,365 reviews
This zoo with a view was once a posh estate owned by a coffee and tea merchant; now it's the lush domain of animals representing 160 species. The pink stucco mansion that once presided over manicured lawns and gardens is gone—replaced by open-air habitats built for the less refined but still exacting tastes of giraffes, gibbons, snow leopards, and gorillas. What hasn't changed is the surrounding scenery; the Pacific and Santa Ynez Mountains are just as spectacular as they were back when this was the setting for civilized galas instead of the wild antics of monkeys and meerkats.
Reviewed By 2makes4 - Santa Barbara, United States
I always enjoy time spent at the S,B. Zoo. Whether I am wandering up and down the beautiful paths to visit all of the marvelous animals in their different homes (particularly love the monkeys, giraffes and gorillas), enjoying the wonderful train ride that travels all around the zoo property, sharing a nice hot lunch or snack with family and friends at any of the food venues or checking out the latest games, stuffed animals, clothes and other great gifts at the store, there is always plenty to see and do at the S.B. Zoo.
6. 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!
7. Jesusita Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
This trail leads to the Seven Falls.
Reviewed By NyKaroly - Budapest, Hungary
It's a beautiful trail with a lot of things to see. Amazing scenery, with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other side. The 500+m climbing and ~7km long trail helped overcome the jetlag.
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. 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.
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