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Santa Barbara
91,196 people (2015)
A sun-drenched California Riviera where Spanish colonial architecture lines State Street just blocks from a working harbor and surf-able Pacific beaches. World-class wine country, farm-to-table dining, and hiking trails into the Santa Ynez Mountains round out a destination that punches well above its size.
Written by our AI
FoodieScenic drives
Our AI's themes
How long
1–3 days
Our AI's estimate of a typical stay.
Seasons to visit
Spring, summer and autumn
Our AI's estimate of the seasons people enjoy most.
Sightseeing weather
April, May, June, October and November
Weather only, worked out from the town's records.
On the map
Where it is, and the other places we have mapped around it.
Skip the map- This place
- Things to do
- Places to eat
- Places to stay
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Tiles by OpenFreeMap.
Things to do in Santa Barbara
25 of the 94 we list here
Written by our AI
1Santa Barbara Zoological GardensWildlife & natureThis beautifully laid-out zoo features diverse wildlife and focuses on conservation education.
2Channel Islands National ParkOutdoor adventure·About 3h·Moderate·Best in the morningExperience the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Channel Islands National Park through a morning hike, where you can traverse rugged trails and enjoy breathtaking ocean views.
3Santa Barbara Maritime MuseumMuseums & galleries·About 2h·Easy·Any timeDive into the rich maritime history of Santa Barbara at this captivating museum, which showcases a diverse collection of exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the local coastline.
4LotuslandOutdoor adventure·About 2h·Easy·Any timeExplore the stunning 37-acre Lotusland, a botanical garden rich with diverse flora including rare cycads, captivating cacti, and vibrant euphorbias.
5Alice Keck Park Memorial GardensOutdoor adventure·About 1h·Easy·Any timeAlice Keck Park Memorial Gardens is a serene oasis filled with vibrant flowers, tranquil ponds, and lush greenery, perfect for leisurely strolls and observing local wildlife.
6Santa Barbara Historical MuseumMuseums & galleries·About 1h 30m·Easy·Any timeExplore the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where over 80,000 artifacts unveil the rich tapestry of the city's past.
7Shoreline ParkOutdoor adventure·About 2h·Easy·Any timeShoreline Park in Santa Barbara is a picturesque retreat where you can stroll along grassy paths, enjoy ocean views, and access the beach.
8Douglas Family PreserveHiking & trails·About 1h·Easy·Any timeThe Douglas Family Preserve offers a tranquil escape with its winding hiking paths that lead to breathtaking ocean views, surrounded by lush native vegetation.
9Santa Barbara Museum of Natural HistoryMuseums & galleries·About 2h·Easy·Any timeExplore the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, where a diverse array of exhibits showcase regional history, art, and even a stunning butterfly garden.
10MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + InnovationMuseums & galleries·About 2h·Easy·Any timeAt MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, delve into a world of science and technology through engaging, hands-on exhibits that spark creativity and curiosity in visitors of all ages.
11Santa Barbara Museum of ArtMuseums & galleries·About 2h·Easy·Any timeExplore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, home to a stunning collection of 20th-century Western American paintings and exquisite modern Asian ceramics that offer a glimpse into diverse artistic…
12Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea CenterMuseums & galleries·About 1h 30m·Easy·Any timeExplore the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, where you can engage with live shark touch pools and peruse fascinating tidepool tanks brimming with marine life.
13Montecito Hot SpringsOutdoor adventureKnown for its therapeutic waters, this outdoor hot springs area attracts visitors looking to relax and rejuvenate.
14East BeachBeaches & water·About 2h·Easy·Best in the eveningEast Beach is a stunning stretch of sandy shoreline lined with palm trees, perfect for relaxing under the sun or enjoying a game of volleyball.
15Leadbetter BeachBeaches & water·About 2h·Easy·Any timeLeadbetter Beach boasts a perfect blend of soft white sand and grassy lawns, making it an ideal spot for picnics, sunbathing, or leisurely strolls along the shore.
16Casa del HerreroMuseums & galleries·About 1h 30m·Easy·Best at middayExplore the enchanting Casa del Herrero, a meticulously preserved Spanish Revival house filled with intricate art and Moorish-inspired gardens.
17West BeachBeaches & water·About 2h·Easy·Any timeWest Beach in Santa Barbara offers a stunning stretch of sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beach volleyball against a backdrop of palm trees and the Santa Ynez Mountains.
18Andrée Clark Bird RefugeWildlife & nature·About 2h·Easy·Any timeThe Andrée Clark Bird Refuge offers a serene escape with scenic walking trails that wind around tranquil waters, perfect for spotting a variety of bird species throughout the year.
19Coal Oil Point ReserveWildlife & nature·About 2h·Easy·Best in the morningCoal Oil Point Reserve is a stunning wildlife refuge that offers serene walking trails along the coast, where visitors can observe diverse bird species and marine life.
20Tangerine FallsHiking & trails·About 2h·Moderate·Best in the morningTangerine Falls is a stunning waterfall hike in Santa Barbara, where you can immerse yourself in lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife amidst the serene sounds of nature.
21Refugio State BeachBeaches & water·About 2h·Easy·Any timeRefugio State Beach offers a tranquil coastal escape with pristine sands and gentle waves, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or exploring tide pools.
22Condor Express Whale WatchingAttractions & monumentsThis popular tour offers thrilling whale-watching experiences in the Pacific Ocean.
23Santa Barbara Botanic GardensOutdoor adventureThese stunning gardens showcase California's native plants and beautiful landscaped areas.
24Butterfly BeachBeaches & waterFamous for its soft sand and stunning ocean views, Butterfly Beach is an ideal place for relaxation and enjoying sunsets.
25Hendrys BeachBeaches & waterHendrys Beach is known for its picturesque setting and family-friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for a day of sun and sand.
Durations, effort and best times are our AI's estimates.
Places to eat in Santa Barbara
25 of the 315 we list here
Written by our AI
1Silvers OmakaseSushi·Suits dinner, drinks·$$$$A Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Santa Barbara, offering a 2-hour dinner with 13 to 20 courses, primarily sushi.
2BoathouseSeafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Located on the beach, Boathouse is famed for its stunning ocean views and delicious seafood offerings.
3Lure Fish HouseSeafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Lure Fish House specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood dishes with local flavors.
4Jeannine'sSuits breakfast, brunch·$$Jeannine's is a beloved local bakery known for its delicious pastries, brunch options, and quality coffee.
5Santa Barbara Shellfish CompanySeafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$This seafood restaurant is known for its fresh catch and raw bar offerings.
6Dargan's Irish Pub & RestaurantSuits dinner, late-night·$$This authentic Irish pub is known for its hearty dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
7Toma Restaurant & BarItalian·Suits dinner·$$$$Toma offers a delightful menu of Italian-inspired dishes in a cozy setting near the beach.
8Santo MezcalMexican, Seafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Santo Mezcal focuses on authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.
9Scarlett BegoniaBreakfast, Brunch·Suits brunch, lunch·$$$A beloved eatery known for its innovative brunch menu featuring seasonal ingredients and artisanal preparations.
10Tre LuneItalian·Suits dinner·$$$$Tre Lune is celebrated for its authentic Italian dishes and warm atmosphere.
11Sushi by Scratch RestaurantsSushi·Suits dinner·$$$$A unique sushi restaurant known for its omakase experience highlighting seasonal ingredients.
12Kanaloa SeafoodFish, Seafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$This seafood restaurant is famed for its fresh catches and delicious preparations.
13Pearl Social Cocktail ClubSuits late-night·$$$$This upscale cocktail bar is known for its creative drinks and sophisticated ambiance.
14PaninoSandwich·Suits lunch·$$Panino is celebrated for its gourmet sandwiches and artisan bread.
15Maíz PicanteMexican·Suits lunch, dinner·$$Maíz Picante is celebrated for its vibrant and authentic Mexican cuisine, attracting diners with its cozy atmosphere and homemade flavors.
16Joe's CafeAmerican·Suits breakfast, brunch, lunch·$$A beloved American diner that serves hearty breakfasts and delicious lunch options.
17PalapaMexican·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Palapa serves delicious Mexican cuisine with a twist and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and outdoor seating.
18OkuSushi·Suits dinner·$$$Oku offers a unique sushi dining experience with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients.
19Crushcakes & CafeCoffee shop, Cupcakes, Bakery·Suits breakfast, brunch·$$Known for its delightful cupcakes and hearty breakfast options, this cafe is a sweet spot for morning meals.
20Cajun KitchenBreakfast, Brunch·Suits lunch, dinner·$$This restaurant specializes in flavors of the South with delicious Cajun dishes.
21Broad Street Oyster CompanySeafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$This seafood spot is celebrated for its fresh oysters and casual outdoor dining.
22OspiItalian·Suits dinner·$$$Ospi is a popular choice for its creative Italian dishes and welcoming vibe.
23Kimchi Korean BBQKorean·Suits dinner·$$$Kimchi Korean BBQ offers an interactive dining experience where you can grill your own meats at the table.
24Trattoria MollieItalian·Suits dinner, lunch·$$$An Italian gem that specializes in handmade pasta dishes and exquisite sauces.
25Deux BakerySuits breakfast, brunch·$$Deux Bakery is a charming spot known for its inviting pastries and coffee.
Cuisine from OpenStreetMap. "Suits" and price bands are our AI's estimates.
Places to stay in Santa Barbara
25 of the 67 we list here
Written by our AI
Type of stay from OpenStreetMap. "Good for" and price bands are our AI's estimates.
Each place opens our booking partner, where you can check prices and book. We may earn a commission if you book.
The weather you'd get
Typical daily high and low, and the share of days with rain, from historical records (2011-2025). Average weather for Santa Barbara, not a forecast.
January high 66°
low 47°
rain on 17%
February high 66°
low 47°
rain on 17%
March high 68°
low 49°
rain on 22%
April high 72°
low 52°
rain on 11%
May high 74°
low 55°
rain on 7%
June high 78°
low 60°
rain on 2%
July high 83°
low 65°
rain on 1%
August high 84°
low 66°
rain on 1%
September high 83°
low 64°
rain on 5%
October high 79°
low 59°
rain on 5%
November high 72°
low 52°
rain on 12%
December high 66°
low 48°
rain on 19%
Warmest month: August, highs around 84°F, 29°C. Wettest: March, rain on about 22% of days. Driest: July.
Sightseeing weather. The mildest, driest and calmest months for sightseeing are April, May, June, October and November. That is weather only. It says nothing about ski seasons, beach days or festivals, which is often why people go.
Road trips through Santa Barbara
More from OpenStreetMap
Everything else OpenStreetMap holds for this place, as mapped.
Capital6
From Wikipedia
Santa Barbara is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California, of which it is also the county seat. Situated on a south-facing section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States excepting Alaska, the city lies between the steeply rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara's climate is often described as Mediterranean, and the city has been dubbed "The American Riviera". As of the 2020 census, Santa Barbara had a population of 88,665.
Text: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Sources and credits
Names, place details, opening times and addresses © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence.
Text: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Weather: Open-Meteo historical weather data.
Airports: OurAirports, public domain.
Photo: Santa Barbara Downtown (may 2012) (2) (cropped) by Pierre André, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Descriptions, themes and estimates are written by Journey Builder's AI.