Santa Barbara is most famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. The coastal town is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums and attractions, food, and resorts. Many people love the nightlife and historical sights, too.
Here you'll find everything you need to plan a trip to Santa Barbara. With tickets, tours, things to do, accommodation, transportation, and food ideas, we're here to help you plan the perfect trip.
What Should You Book in Advance in Santa Barbara?
Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards
All Inclusive Santa Ynez Wine Tour
Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
Small-Group (8 max) All-Inclusive Santa Barbara Wine Tour
Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour
Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Beginner or Intermediate Mountain Bike Tour of Santa Barbara
Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara by Category
Must-See Attractions
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Rating: 4.6
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour
Most Popular
Skip the Line
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
Spooky Solvang Ghost Hunting & History Tour
Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards
Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara
Taco Tour Santa Barbara | Food Tour
All Inclusive Santa Ynez Wine Tour
Most Popular
Romantic
Rating: 4.8
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
High Ropes Adventure Course near Santa Barbara
Best Free Things to Do
Stearns Wharf
Famous for its scenic ocean views, fresh seafood…
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Visited for its exquisite…
Funk Zone
Known for its vibrant street art, wine tasting…
Shoreline Park
Known for its breathtaking ocean views, picturesque walking…
Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Known for its well-preserved…
How much time do I need in Santa Barbara?
Most visitors spend 2-3 days here because of the number of sights and attractions.
Top Museums & Attractions
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Cost: $12
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Cost: $15
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
On the Water
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Rating: 4.6
Budget Friendly
Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Private Harbor Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Sunset Cruise on Yacht
Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Most Popular
Rating: 5
Budget Friendly
Whale and Wildlife Yacht Cruise in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Rental
Food & Wine
Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards
Taco Tour Santa Barbara | Food Tour
All Inclusive Santa Ynez Wine Tour
Most Popular
Romantic
Rating: 4.8
Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
Small-Group (8 max) All-Inclusive Santa Barbara Wine Tour
Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour
Santa Ynez Valley Biking and Wine Tasting Tour
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour
3-Winery Tour with Lunch & Tastings from Solvang-SYV-Buellton
3-Winery Santa Ynez Tour with Lunch & Tastings from Santa Barbara
Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour of Santa Barbara Wine Country
Best For Kids & Families
Stearns Wharf
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Santa Barbara Zoo
Cost: $22
Kid-friendly
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Shoreline Park
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Cold Spring Tavern
Cost: $
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Cost: $12
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Cost: $15
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Cost: $15
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Free
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
For Couples
Stearns Wharf
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Funk Zone
Free
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara Mission
Cost: $15
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Shoreline Park
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Cold Spring Tavern
Cost: $
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Cost: $15
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards
All Inclusive Santa Ynez Wine Tour
Most Popular
Romantic
Rating: 4.8
Santa Barbara Vineyard to Table Taste Tour by E-Bike
Small-Group (8 max) All-Inclusive Santa Barbara Wine Tour
Solvang Santa Ynez Valley Small Group All-Inclusive Wine Tour
Outdoors
Stearns Wharf
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Funk Zone
Free
Romantic
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara Mission
Cost: $15
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Santa Barbara Zoo
Cost: $22
Kid-friendly
3 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Shoreline Park
Free
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Cold Spring Tavern
Cost: $
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Highly Rated
Budget Friendly
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Cost: $12
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Cost: $15
Kid-friendly
Romantic
2 hours
Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Free
Kid-friendly
2 hours
Highly Rated
Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)
Recommended Tours & Tickets
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour
The ORIGINAL Downtown Santa Barbara Walking Food & Drink Tour
Kayak Tour of Santa Barbara with Experienced Guide
Spooky Solvang Ghost Hunting & History Tour
Small-Group Wine Tour in Santa Barbara to Exclusive Vineyards
Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara
Taco Tour Santa Barbara | Food Tour
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. On this website you can also find travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.