Things to do in Santa Barbara

Activities, attractions and tours

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and a hilly landscape with trees and mountains in the background.
A historic building with a clock tower, arched windows, and a central archway.
A coastal landscape with cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distant mountains.
A large white building with arched windows and a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
A rocky beach with a white boat docked near a pier, cliffs in the background, and calm water.

Things to do

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

P2,381
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Helicopter Beach Tour

Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour

P4,323
per adult
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

Santa Barbara Trolley Tour

P2,318
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Full Bar

Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht

P4,073
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map

P2,193
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Santa Ynez Valley: Adventure Park Course

Santa Barbara: High Ropes Adventure Course

P4,010
per adult
Santa Barbara: High Ropes Adventure Course
The Sideways Wine Trail: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

Sideways Movie Wine Trail: A Self-Guided Driving Tour

P1,255
per traveler
Sideways Movie Wine Trail: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour

Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour

P14,098
per adult
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

P3,768
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
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Most popular experiences in Santa Barbara

Tours & day trips

See all 112 activities
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.2 out of 10 with 52 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was P 2,396 and current price is P 2,036 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 59 activities
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,783 per adult
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making WorkshopOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 31 activities
Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 18,914 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 10 activities
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,783 per adult
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making WorkshopOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 9 activities
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 88 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,720 per adult
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)Opens in new tab

What to do in Santa Barbara

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

An elephant in a zoo enclosure with a rocky background and mountains in the distance.

Santa Barbara Zoo

9.0/10 (1,101 reviews)
Perched along California's coastline, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers intimate wildlife encounters in a compact 30-acre setting. Feed Masai giraffes or ride the Zoo Train while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
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Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Find the best Santa Barbara areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A river with rocks, palm trees, and mountains in the background.
Photo by Gerard Nastor
Open Photo by Gerard Nastor

Waterfront

While visiting Waterfront, you might make a stop by sights like West Beach and East Beach.

A pier extending into calm waters with a cloudy sky above.

The Funk Zone

Travelers come to The Funk Zone for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Art Foundry while you're in town.

A person walking on a beach with footprints, a sunset, and a mountain in the background.
Photo by Alexandra Heatwole
Open Photo by Alexandra Heatwole

The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

A beach with a pier, buildings, and mountains in the background.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.

An aerial view of a coastal town with residential areas, roads, and solar panels.

Carpinteria

A coastal landscape with a cliff overlooking the ocean, waves crashing against the shore, and a clear sky.

Goleta

A vineyard with rows of grapevines and rolling hills in the background.

Santa Ynez

A coastal landscape with a clear view of the ocean, rolling hills, and a distant mountain range.

Summerland

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Barbara worth visiting?
Santa Barbara has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there are many things you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf are two great places to begin your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Santa Barbara while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Zoo, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Barbara?
Three days in Santa Barbara is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf and Butterfly Beach are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Ventura.
Is Santa Barbara a walkable city?
Some top sights in Santa Barbara, such as Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometers from central Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Barbara with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Santa Barbara with kids.

What to do in Santa Barbara for adults?
UC SB Events Center and Santa Barbara County Courthouse are just two of the things to do in Santa Barbara. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Barbara?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Santa Barbara. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Stearns Wharf is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.