Explore everything that Santa Barbara has to offer with these 21 Top Things To Do for a perfect weekend in Santa Barbara.
I’ve been visiting Santa Barbara, California for over twenty years now. I joke with friends that I’m almost a local. The moment you stroll storied State Street and breathe in the fresh ocean air, you understand why this stretch of the California Coast is known as the American Riviera. Even though I’ve spent a lot of time in Santa Barbara, I’m always inspired by the red tile rooftops, the hidden alleys off State Street, and the contrast of the Santa Ynez Mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Barbara is just an hour and a half north of Los Angeles, California, so many people visit on a day trip. Though I stay with friends near Los Angeles and could make Santa Barbara a day trip, I don’t think it’s enough time and I’m not recommending that—unless it’s your only option. I prefer to spend two to three days in this laid-back coastal city.
There is no shortage of fun adventures in Santa Barbara, so read on and check out my suggestions and plan your perfect Santa Barbara itinerary. If you’re ready to move to Santa Barbara, enjoy browsing homes in Santa Barbara on this site.
PIN IT!
Contents
- 1 Things to do along the coast
- 2 Things to do in downtown Santa Barbara & State Street
- 3 Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
- 4 Historic Santa Barbara
- 5 Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- 6 Santa Barbara Queen of the Missions
- 7 Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
- 8 The Presidio and El Paseo
- 9 Wine Tasting in the Presidio
- 10 Restaurants and coffee in the Presidio
- 11 Stay in Santa Barbara
- 12 Brisas Del Mar Inn At The Beach
- 13 The Eagle Inn
- 14 Ramada By Wyndham
Things to do along the coast
Santa Barbara Harbor
Surf and sandy beaches beckon visitors to Santa Barbara. If you’re into water sports, head to the harbor, where you can join a whale-watching excursion, rent a sailboat, go kayaking, learn to SUP, or rent jet skis, fishing charters, and more. Almost all water excursions and gear rentals will leave from the harbor or Stearns Wharf.
The Santa Barbara Harbor is also a lovely spot to take a walk along the breakwater, admire thousands of yachts, relax over a waterside drink, or dine with a view.
Lil’ Toot Water Taxi
For a fun and affordable narrated tour around the harbor, take the Lil’ Toot Water taxi between the Santa Barbara Harbour and Stearns Wharf. Rides are one-way only and are on a first-come first-served basis. Lil’ Toot serves the public on weekends but is available for private rentals during the week.
dir=”ltr”>
Stearns Wharf, the main attraction in Santa Barbara
At 130 years old, Stearns Wharf is the oldest working wooden wharf in California. Sunset is a good time to take a walk with an ice cream from the Great Pacific Ice Cream Co. Here you’ll find a variety of restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, and tourist shops, too.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center is a favorite spot for families. Kids love the interactive exhibits which, honestly, are cool for all ages.
Be sure to walk all the way to the end of the wharf, then look back for the fantastic views of the city lights twinkling in the mountains and harbor lights reflected on the water.
Don’t miss the dolphin sculpture which marks the entrance to the Stearns Wharf and is a popular spot for photographs.
Paddleboarding in the harobor by Penny Sadler
Pro Tip: Every Sunday the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show lines Cabrillo Blvd. from Stearns Wharf to East Beach. The show features 200 local artists working in every medium imaginable, from jewelry making to painting to ceramics and digital art. I always attend this show if I’m in town on a weekend, and never fail to find something to bring home. You’ll also find works by some of these artists in local art galleries around town.
Sunrise on the Harbor by Penny Sadler
Leadbetter Beach
Leadbetter is just east of the harbor. It’s a wide sandy beach with tall palm trees, volleyball nets, picnic tables and grills, and public restrooms. There’s also a cafe called Shoreline Cafe serving lunch and dinner.
Grab a bike from your hotel or Wheel Fun Rentals, and ride the 4.5-mile-long waterfront Cabrillo Bike Path, which extends from Ledbetter Beach to Butterfly Beach on a protected bike lane.
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is not technically in Santa Barbara, and you’ll probably need to drive to get there, but it is one of the best spots for sunrise and sunset photographs. Located across from the Four Seasons Resort in Montecito, it’s a well-known location for celebrity spotting.
Brophy Brothers Santa Barbara at the harbor
Brophy Brothers is an institution in Santa Barbara…and it’s always crowded. My modus operandi is to sit at the bar and enjoy a great view of the harbor while striking up a conversation with whoever is sitting next to me. Try it!
Order one of their signature bloody marys, and oysters on the half-shell or ceviche. They also make consistent clam chowder.
Pro Tip: Parking can be challenging at the harbor. If you’re staying near the beach, leave your car at your hotel, and walk to the harbor.
Huevos rancheros at Hendry’s Beach House
Hendry’s Beach
Hendry’s is also known as Arroyo Burro Beach Park. It’s a lovely sheltered beach where many people go to walk their dogs. You can walk for miles. There’s a grassy area with picnic tables and BBQ grills, and there’s a place to rinse your feet after a walk in the sand.
One of my favorite things to do is to eat brunch at the Boathouse At Hendry’s Beach. It’s casual and the food is fantastic. There’s usually a wait, but that’s where the walk on the beach comes in. Try the huevos rancheros.
Pro Tip: Parking is very limited, so if you plan to dine there, arrive early.
early morning State St.
photo by Penny Sadler
Things to do in downtown Santa Barbara & State Street
State Street cuts through the heart of Santa Barbara for ten blocks to Stearns Wharf. It’s the perfect place to wander in and out of unique shops, like Seaside Makers, a great shop for local arts and crafts; stop for a coffee or a bite, or wine tasting at one of the tasting rooms located in El Paseo.
Upper State Street is home to the historic Granada Theater, a beautiful venue for the performing arts. Don’t forget to check in advance to see what’s on.
La Aracada Plaza feels like you’re in the Old World. Designed in 1926, all of the businesses are family-owned and many have been there for decades. Part of the historic Arts District, there are two entrances: one on State Street and the other on Figueroa.
Lewis & Clark is a beautiful shop with unique housewares, jewelry, home fragrances, art, and more. I have a wonderful Peruvian painting of the Virgin Mary which I purchased there many years ago.
Barbieri & Kempe
Barbieri & Kempe is a pretty wine-tasting room that makes you feel like you’re in Italy, with its big open window and low aqua-colored seating. This is the place for Italian-style wines made with California fruit. Paolo Barbieri is the only Master Sommelier on the Central Coast. He’s been crafting wines that express the fruit but with minimal intervention. You need to try these wines. They also have a tasting room in Santa Ynez.
Across from the tasting room is Pizza Mizza. I was told, by an Italian, that it’s one of the best pizzas in Santa Barbara.
Pro Tip: Be sure to wander down the many side streets and alleys off State Street, where you’ll discover pretty fountains and hidden courtyards.
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art opened in 1941, in a building that had been a post office. The collection includes textiles, photography, ceramics, prints, paintings, and ceremonial art. A recent renovation includes expanded galleries and the Luddington Court, a captivating introduction to the wonderful museum. We especially enjoyed the photography exhibition, and the paintings included some of the most notable names in art history.
Historic Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Courthouse by Penny Sadler
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Walking distance from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a major landmark in a city known for its architecture. The Spanish-Moorish style, colorful tiles, and wrought iron work make the courthouse popular for photo shoots, and the sunken gardens are prime for romantic weddings.
The original courthouse was destroyed in an earthquake in 1925. If you look at the website for the courthouse, you’ll see that the current structure is vastly different and a big improvement (I prefer the Spanish-style architecture). The courthouse was designated a National Historical Monument in 2005. Be sure to visit the mural room.
Completed in 1929, it is a working courthouse but visitors are welcome to explore. Be sure to visit the Clock Tower for sweeping views of Santa Barbara. In the summer there are movies, concerts, and various events on the lawn.
photos by Penny Sadler
Santa Barbara Queen of the Missions
Often referred to as the Queen of the California Missions, this is certainly one of the prettiest missions with its signature rose gardens and fountain. The Old Mission Santa Barbara was established on the feast day of St. Barbara in 1786 by Franciscan Friars. One of twenty-one missions established in California, it is the only mission that has been under the continuous guidance of the Franciscans since it was founded.
There’s an expansive lawn in front, and you’ll often find visitors camped out there enjoying a bit of sun. The Santa Barbara mission is still active and may close at times for services and funerals. Be sure to check the website for hours. You can also take a self-guided tour, currently $15.
Botanic Gardens photo by Penny Sadler
Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Located in the Mission neighborhood, this is a beautiful place for a walk. Encompassing wide open spaces, canyons, and groves of redwood trees, you could spend hours here. If you can go in the spring, the mountains make a pretty backdrop for the wildflowers. We started with the walk through the towering redwoods and then came to a wide open field covered in flowers.
The Presidio, Santa Barbara
The Presidio and El Paseo
In the heart of old Santa Barbara is the historic site of one of the last Spanish fortresses to be built in California, the Presidio (fort in Spanish). Constructed in 1782, the Presidio is a state historic park. Some of the buildings are original, and some have been reconstructed. Located on East Canon Perdido between Anacapa and Santa Barbara streets, the Presidio was incorporated into the city through its many stages of development.
The Presidio neighborhood is one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara. Only a couple of blocks off of State Street, it feels like another world. This is where the inspiration for the Spanish-Moorish architecture of the city comes from.
El Paseo was the first shopping center in California, and it is located in the Presidio. You’ll find restaurants, bookstores, theaters, and shops among red-tiled passageways, hidden courtyards, and white stucco.
Alley of the Flags, the Presidio and El Paseo
Wine Tasting in the Presidio
When I first became a regular visitor to Santa Barbara, we always went wine tasting in Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, forty minutes away. Today, there are over 20 tasting rooms in Santa Barbara representing some of the best producers in the area for excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling wines, and more. You no longer need to drive to Santa Ynez; you can simply follow Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail to one of the many excellent wine-tasting rooms.
The Urban Wine Trail and the tasting rooms are concentrated in a few neighborhoods extending from upper State Street to the beach, with additional tasting rooms in midtown and the downtown area of Santa Barbara.
Grassini, Jamie Slone, and Au Bon Climat are all located in El Paseo. Kunin Wines is just a block away. While sipping fine wine, admire the Spanish architecture and learn the history of Santa Barbara.
Grassini Family Vineyards
Grassini Family Vineyards produces small lots of sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon from grapes grown in the Happy Canyon AVA. Try the cabernet sauvignon with some of their chocolate truffles. Fun fact: Grassini hosted a finale of Amazing Race…if you’re a fan, this could be a fun tasting room to visit–aside from the good wines.
Grassini is located in the pretty courtyard of El Paseo. When the weather allows sit outside to and enjoy the pretty courtyard and fountain.
Check out Cartas Typepad for some really pretty images of the courtyard, plus more on the history and architecture.
Paseo Nuevo
Au Bon Climat
Specializing in Rhone and Italian varietals, Au Bon Climat has a huge portfolio of wines with a focus on some unique varieties like Nebbiolo, a grape native to Piedmont. Founder Jim Clemenden is known for his old-world style wines, as well as nicely balanced chardonnay and pinot noir from Santa Maria Valley. Au Bon Climat is a unique tasting room that is for both novice and experienced wine drinkers. The entrance is off of Anacapa St.
Kunin Wines
Kunin Wines is a small production winery making Rhone-style wines plus zinfandel, syrah, and Viognier. The indoor tasting room can be loud when it’s busy, but if the weather is nice there’s an outdoor patio. Try the Grenache.
Next door at The Cheese Shop, you’ll find all sorts of food and wine-related gifts.
Exterior of Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens
Restaurants and coffee in the Presidio
There are many great food and coffee options in the Presidio. What I like about this neighborhood is that the small businesses are all locally-owned so it feels like a tight community. There are no chain restaurants in the area.
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
Start with coffee at Handlebar Coffee Roasters. Opened by two (former) professional cyclists, the goal at Handlebar Coffee Roasters is to provide an extraordinary coffee experience that’s environmentally friendly and delicious.
Alessia Patisserie & Cafe
If you need more than coffee, check out Alessia Patisserie & Cafe, with delicious pastries, fresh breads, and a full breakfast and lunch menu. Owner and Santa Barbara native Alessia Guehr was a baker at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Pastry. This is a small place, so arrive early or you may need to wait in line for a seat, though you can get pastries and coffees to go.
Three Pickles
A popular spot with locals, Three Pickles is a casual sub and sandwich shop housed in the last remaining building that comprised old China Town. Next door is the Pickle Room Bar, part of the same building that originally opened in 1947 as Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens. I have yet to make it to the Pickle Room. Let me know if you go!
photos by Penny Sadler
Historic La Paloma Cafe
Santa Barbara’s culinary history is reimagined in La Paloma Café on the corner of Anacapa and Ortega streets. The original stucco building opened in 1915 as an Italian bakery. In 1940, it opened as La Paloma Cafe and was an instant success.
Enter through the bar downstairs and stop to admire the circa 1941 mural above the bar and the original barstools, now covered with cowhide. Try a Mezcalita cocktail if you like smokey flavors, or the hibiscus margarita for something more refreshing. We ate the pork shoulder carnitas, which had a complimentary smokiness with the mezcal…a good pairing.
Stay in Santa Barbara
Brisas del Mar, hotel swimming pool by Penny Sadler
Brisas Del Mar Inn At The Beach
Mediterranean influences with proximity to the beach and affordable rates make this Santa Barbara Inn a good choice for visitors. Their complimentary parking, wifi, continental breakfast, cruiser bicycles, and twenty-four-hour concierge are unheard of in a city as busy and popular as Santa Barbara. I had a very comfortable stay at Brisas Del Mar and especially liked being so close to the harbor and Funk Zone that I could park my car and walk. Check rates on Booking.com or Book directly at the hotel
Exterior Eagle Inn
The Eagle Inn
The Eagle Inn is an attractive bed and breakfast property with a cozy, homey feel to it. This is an excellent location if you want to stay close to the beach in a quiet area.
The Eagle Inn has a variety of king and queen rooms, some with in-room spa tubs and balconies. The bungalows on site are perfect for a family holiday. Room amenities include wifi, a coffee maker, a fridge, a complimentary refillable water bottle, wine glasses, and a corkscrew. Note that the Eagle Inn is pretty low-fi and not all rooms have USB ports.
Bikes are available and there is plenty of free, off-street parking. It is a convenient and affordable location for a beach holiday.
Weekday and off-season rates are about $200 per night. Check booking.com
queen suite at Ramada Inn, Goleta
Ramada By Wyndham
Ramada By Wyndham is an older property that has been tastefully updated. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and have high-speed wifi, a microwave, coffee makers, and a fridge. Most rooms have a full-size balcony as well, and some face a pretty inner courtyard. There’s also a solar-heated pool and hot tub.
Located just off Highway 1, the address is Santa Barbara, but you’re basically in Goleta, home to the University of Santa Barbara. It’s only a five to ten-minute drive to the Santa Barbara Harbor. The Ramada offers a Santa Barbara Value Pass with discounts on various activities like golf and wine tasting.
Rates start around $200 per night. You can book directly with the hotel or check rates on Expedia or check the rates at Booking.com
Travel time from Los Angeles
Santa Barbara is a beautiful destination that’s convenient to (Los Angeles) but feels worlds away. Anyone who enjoys nature, fine food, and wine in a casual setting will love Santa Barbara. Drive time from Los Angeles is about two hours but it depends on what time of day you are traveling. On weekends you will need to allow more time, but the drive on the 101 or Pacific Coast Highway rewards you with beautiful ocean views.
If your travel plans include driving California’s iconic Highway 1 and your trip begins in Los Angeles, stop in Santa Barbara on your way north. Be sure to check out my California Highway 1 road trip article for more travel information.
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a stay via one of these links I receive a small commission. This helps me keep the site running and is much appreciated!