Things to do in Santa Barbara

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
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Most popular experiences in Santa Barbara

Tours & day trips

See all 101 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 18 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$49 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 47 activities
Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Santa Ynez Wine Shuttle

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$179 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Private Harbour Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Private Harbour Cruise on Electric Boat in Santa Barbara

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.8 out of 10 with 28 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$243 per traveller*
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Water activities

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

Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbour (2 Hours)

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 45 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$76 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$71 per adult
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What to do in Santa Barbara

Stay near popular Santa Barbara attractions

Giraffe

Santa Barbara Zoo

4.5/5 (1,101 reviews)
Perched along California's coastline, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers intimate wildlife encounters in a compact 30-acre setting. Feed Maasai 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 for the activities you enjoy most.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

Waterfront

If you're spending some time in Waterfront, West Beach and East Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Sunset on the pier beach

The Funk Zone

Travellers 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.

Arroyo Burro Beach

The Mesa

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

Butterfly beach along Channel Drive in Santa Barbara, California., Shutterstock ID 23776711, SF SSA Case with Manager Approval: Case 07151371, Job: Prepay credit, Client/Licensee: , Other:

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.

Santa Barbara Aerial Panorama. Scenic shot of Pier and beach

Santa Barbara Beach

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Highway 101 Carpinteria. Coast Road close to Santa Barbara. Aerial Panorama

Carpinteria

Patchwork Of Vineyards Is Seen In Early Summer, Trees, Farm Buildings And Rolling Hillsides In The Background, Santa Ynez Valley; Los Olivos, California, United States Of America

Santa Ynez

Panoramic view of Montecito, Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands from Old Romero Canyon Trail in Montecito, California near Santa Barbara on a clear, sunny spring day with prickly pear cactus

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 holiday 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Barbara with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 Centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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.