- Our list of the best things to do in Santa Barbara, California, features the top 89 nearby activities — including 33 great attractions with user approval ratings of 90% or more!
- Santa Barbara, CA has a variety of great sights and experiences nearby. Top categories include: Food & Drink, Outdoor Places, Museums & Galleries, and Tours.
- The results below include the top 51 things to do within the city of Santa Barbara, CA , followed by 42 popular activities in nearby cities, including Goleta, Ventura, Santa Ynez, Ojai and Montecito
Showing 11-20 of
405
0.0 Miles
From the merchant: Guitar, Drums, Bass, Ukulele Lessons
2.9 Miles
Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, better known as Hendry's Beach, is popular with children looking for a secluded place to play in the sand and with surfers. It is also popular because dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas of this beach.
0.9 Miles
From its origins as a stagecoach stop in 1886, Cold Spring Tavern, has been operating as a tavern since 1941. Voted the best romantic getaway location in California, you will enjoy the fine food and drink among its rustic charm.
1.4 Miles
Founded in 1786 by Franciscan priests of the Roman Catholic Church, Mission Santa Barbara remains one of the most ornate and opulent Catholic churches in California. The Mission's campus now includes a museum, gift shop and public mausoleum. Visitors should not wear shorts or tank tops while inside the church.
1.6 Miles
Families and school groups love the Santa Barbara Zoo in Santa Barbara, California. The zoo's most popular denizens include great apes, leopards, bears, penguins and assorted reptiles. It takes roughly three hours to fully explore the Santa Barbara Zoo.
0.4 Miles
87%
347 votes
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Founded in 1941, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art holds a very prestigious collection of many varied items from ancient times through the present. The institute also has a special play gallery for children.
3.3 Miles
Santa Barbara's State Street is a hotspot of regional culture. The area is packed with restaurants, wine bars, day spas, clothing boutiques and jewelry shops. There are also several museums along State Street.
2.5 Miles
77%
1053 votes
1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Horticulture enthusiasts and nature lovers adore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a peaceful haven of manicured landscapes, formal gardens and endangere plant species. The Garden also offers many classes and seminars on topics such as bird identification.
0.6 Miles
Santa Barbara has great dessert wines. It can be accessed without a car, through the railway system.
0.8 Miles
The famous Stearns Wharf is a vital attraction in Santa Barbara. Many tourist-friendly shops with souvenirs are available in the area as are many places to sample local seafood dishes like lobster bisque and even full lobster dinners.
0.2 Miles
91%
47 votes
Santa Barbara and Cota Streets, Santa Barbara, CA 9310
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There are plenty of fresh berries, vegetables, and flowers for sale at the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market. Go early to get the best selection.