Santa Barbara County, California: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Santa Barbara County is home to over 220 wineries and vineyards, making it one of California’s most diverse wine regions with more than 65 different grape varieties? This stunning coastal paradise, nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offers visitors an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. From pristine beaches and Spanish colonial architecture to world-class dining and wine tasting, Santa Barbara County delivers a quintessential California experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.

Getting to Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County is conveniently located along California’s Central Coast, approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles. There are several ways to reach this beautiful destination:

By Air

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) offers direct flights from major western cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, and Phoenix. For more flight options, consider flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and making the scenic drive north.

By Car

Driving to Santa Barbara is a popular option, especially for those looking to enjoy the stunning coastal views along Highway 101. From Los Angeles, the drive takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, while from San Francisco, expect a 5-hour journey down the coast.

By Train

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight routes both serve Santa Barbara, offering a relaxing and scenic journey along the coastline. The train station is conveniently located in downtown Santa Barbara, making it easy to begin your exploration immediately upon arrival.

Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round, making it a perfect destination in any season. However, each time of year offers its own unique experiences:

Summer (June-August)

Peak tourist season brings warm temperatures (averaging 75°F/24°C), minimal fog, and perfect beach weather. This is ideal for water activities and outdoor dining, though expect larger crowds and higher accommodation rates. The annual Summer Solstice Parade in June is a highlight not to be missed.

Fall (September-November)

Many locals consider fall the perfect time to visit Santa Barbara County. The summer crowds have dispersed, temperatures remain pleasant (65-75°F/18-24°C), and the Santa Ynez Valley wine harvest is in full swing. The Santa Barbara Harbor & Seafood Festival in October showcases the region’s maritime heritage.

Winter (December-February)

Winter brings cooler temperatures (averaging 65°F/18°C) and occasional rain, but also the lowest hotel rates and fewest tourists. This is prime whale-watching season as gray whales migrate along the coast. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February attracts film enthusiasts from around the world.

Spring (March-May)

Spring offers mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers in the mountains, and the annual Santa Barbara Wine Festival. This shoulder season provides a perfect balance of good weather and smaller crowds before the summer rush begins.

Getting Around Santa Barbara County

Navigating Santa Barbara County is relatively easy, with several transportation options to suit different preferences:

Car Rental

Having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore beyond downtown Santa Barbara or visit the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Parking in downtown Santa Barbara can be challenging during peak seasons, but most attractions offer parking facilities.

Public Transportation

The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) operates an extensive bus network throughout the county. The Downtown-Waterfront Electric Shuttle is particularly useful for tourists, running along State Street and the waterfront for just 50 cents per ride.

Biking

Santa Barbara is extremely bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and the scenic Cabrillo Bike Path along the waterfront. Numerous rental shops offer bikes, e-bikes, and surreys for exploring the city at a leisurely pace.

Walking

Downtown Santa Barbara and the waterfront area are highly walkable. The pedestrian-friendly State Street has been partially closed to vehicles, creating a pleasant promenade for shopping, dining, and exploring.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from luxury beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly options:

Luxury Stays

For a truly indulgent experience, consider the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara or the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, both offering stunning oceanfront locations, world-class amenities, and exceptional service. The historic El Encanto, perched in the hills with panoramic views, provides a serene luxury retreat.

Mid-Range Options

The Kimpton Canary Hotel offers boutique luxury in downtown Santa Barbara with a rooftop pool and easy access to State Street. Hotel Californian combines Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with modern Moorish-themed interiors near the waterfront. Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach provides comfortable accommodations within walking distance of the harbor and beaches.

Budget-Friendly Choices

The Eagle Inn offers charming rooms and cottages near West Beach at reasonable rates. The Castillo Inn at the Beach provides great value just steps from the harbor. For those willing to stay slightly outside the downtown area, hotels in Goleta offer significantly lower rates while still providing easy access to Santa Barbara attractions.

Top Attractions in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County offers an impressive array of attractions that showcase its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are the must-visit spots during your stay:

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” this stunning 1786 Spanish mission features beautiful gardens, an impressive façade, and a fascinating museum detailing the region’s history. The mission remains an active parish and offers self-guided tours daily.

Stearns Wharf

California’s oldest working wooden wharf extends into the harbor and houses shops, restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Walk to the end for breathtaking views of the coastline and mountains.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

This Spanish-Moorish architectural masterpiece features hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, and an 85-foot clock tower offering panoramic views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Don’t miss the stunning Mural Room and sunken gardens.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Spanning 78 acres, this living museum showcases California’s diverse native plants in beautiful naturalistic settings. Five miles of walking trails lead through redwood groves, meadows, and a desert section, all with spectacular mountain views.

Beautiful Beaches of Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara’s 100+ miles of coastline feature some of California’s most beautiful beaches. Here are the top beaches to visit during your stay:

Butterfly Beach

Located in upscale Montecito, this west-facing beach offers spectacular sunset views and is popular with locals. The lack of facilities keeps tourist crowds at bay, and celebrity sightings are not uncommon in this affluent area.

East Beach

This wide, sandy beach near Stearns Wharf features volleyball courts, a playground, and picnic areas. The palm-lined Cabrillo Boulevard provides easy access to restaurants and shops, making it perfect for a full day of beachside fun.

Leadbetter Beach

Popular with families and beginners learning to surf, this beach offers calm waters, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Its proximity to the harbor and downtown makes it easily accessible for visitors staying in the city.

Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach)

A favorite among locals and dog owners, this beach features a dog-friendly section, the popular Boathouse restaurant, and beautiful bluff-top walking trails. It’s an excellent spot for sunset dining after a day of beach activities.

Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County has emerged as one of California’s premier wine regions, with over 220 wineries producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and many other varieties. There are two main ways to experience the local wine scene:

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country

Just 45 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley encompasses several distinct AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) including Santa Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley, and Happy Canyon. The region gained fame through the movie “Sideways” and offers picturesque vineyards, intimate tasting rooms, and world-class wines.

Urban Wine Trail

For those who prefer to stay in the city, Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail features over 30 tasting rooms concentrated in downtown areas like the Funk Zone, Presidio Neighborhood, and El Paseo. This walkable wine experience allows visitors to sample wines from throughout the county without the drive to wine country.

Notable Urban Tasting Rooms:

• Au Bon Climat – Known for Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Grassini Family Vineyards – Specializing in Bordeaux varieties from Happy Canyon
• Kunin Wines – Focusing on Rhône varietals and small-production wines
• The Valley Project – Offering wines from all Santa Barbara County AVAs with educational maps

Outdoor Activities in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County’s diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from ocean activities to mountain exploration:

Hiking

The Santa Ynez Mountains feature numerous trails with spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point (3.5-mile moderate hike with panoramic vistas), Cold Spring Trail (featuring creek crossings and canyon views), and Lizard’s Mouth (a short hike to unique rock formations perfect for sunset).

Water Activities

Santa Barbara’s protected coastline is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing. The Santa Barbara Harbor offers equipment rentals and guided tours of the coastline and sea caves. Surfing is popular at Rincon Point (known as “The Queen of the Coast”) and Campus Point in Goleta.

Whale Watching

The Santa Barbara Channel is one of the best places in California to spot marine mammals. Year-round whale watching tours offer opportunities to see gray whales (December-April), blue whales (summer months), humpbacks, and numerous dolphin species.

Cycling

Santa Barbara is extremely bike-friendly, with the 4.5-mile Cabrillo Bike Path connecting several beaches. For more adventurous cyclists, the mountain roads offer challenging climbs and breathtaking views, while wine country provides scenic routes between vineyards.

Cultural Attractions and Museums

Santa Barbara County boasts a rich cultural scene with world-class museums, historic sites, and performing arts venues:

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Housing over 27,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, this museum features impressive collections of Asian art, French Impressionism, and contemporary American art. The recently renovated galleries provide a world-class art experience in the heart of downtown.

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

This interactive science museum engages visitors of all ages with hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The rooftop Sky Garden offers interactive exhibits on weather and spectacular views of the city.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Located in the historic Presidio neighborhood, this museum chronicles the region’s diverse history from Chumash Native American times through Spanish, Mexican, and American periods. The beautiful courtyard and adobe buildings are attractions themselves.

Lobero Theatre

California’s oldest continuously operating theater hosts a variety of performances including jazz concerts, chamber music, ballet, and theatrical productions. The historic 1924 building is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Dining and Local Cuisine

Santa Barbara County’s culinary scene celebrates the region’s abundant local produce, fresh seafood, and world-class wines. From casual taquerias to fine dining establishments, the food scene reflects the area’s diverse cultural influences:

Seafood

Given its coastal location, Santa Barbara excels at seafood. Brophy Bros. at the harbor offers fresh catches with spectacular views, while The Lark in the Funk Zone serves innovative seafood dishes with a farm-to-table approach. For a casual option, the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company at the end of Stearns Wharf serves simple, fresh seafood right over the water.

Mexican and Spanish Influence

Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage is reflected in its cuisine. La Super-Rica Taqueria, made famous by Julia Child, serves authentic Mexican street food, while Loquita offers Spanish tapas and paella in a stylish setting near the waterfront.

Farm-to-Table

The Santa Barbara Farmers Market, held six days a week at various locations, showcases the region’s agricultural bounty. Restaurants like Bouchon Santa Barbara and The Black Sheep incorporate these fresh, local ingredients into their seasonal menus.

Wine Bars and Tasting Rooms

Les Marchands in the Funk Zone offers an extensive wine list focusing on local and French selections, while The Valley Project provides educational tastings highlighting the different microclimates of Santa Barbara wine country.

Practical Tips for Visiting Santa Barbara County

Make the most of your Santa Barbara County visit with these helpful tips:

Weather and What to Pack

Santa Barbara enjoys mild temperatures year-round, but evenings can be cool, especially near the coast. Pack layers, including light jackets for evening outings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential even in winter months. Casual attire is acceptable at most restaurants, though some upscale establishments may require more formal dress.

Parking

Downtown Santa Barbara offers numerous public parking lots and garages with the first 75-90 minutes free. Street parking is limited to 75-90 minutes in most areas. For beach visits, arrive early during summer months as parking lots fill quickly, especially on weekends.

Local Events

Check the calendar for local events that might enhance your visit, such as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (February), Summer Solstice Parade (June), Old Spanish Days Fiesta (August), and the Santa Barbara Wine Festival (September).

Day Trips

Consider day trips to nearby attractions like the Danish-inspired town of Solvang (40 minutes), Channel Islands National Park (boat departures from Ventura), or the charming beach town of Carpinteria (15 minutes south).

Why Santa Barbara County Should Be Your Next Destination

Santa Barbara County truly offers something for everyone – from outdoor enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs to history buffs and beach lovers. Its unique combination of natural beauty, perfect climate, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine creates an unforgettable destination that lives up to its nickname as “The American Riviera.”

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Santa Barbara County delivers experiences that will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even departed. The relaxed pace, friendly locals, and stunning scenery create the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories in one of California’s most beautiful coastal regions.