15 things to do in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean-like climate, gorgeous beaches and rich food and wine culture have earned it the nickname “the American Riviera.” This coastal California city has so much to offer visitors.

If you’re planning a trip to Santa Barbara, here are 15 things to consider doing during your stay. 

What you’ll learn:

• Santa Barbara is a city known for its history, natural beauty and vibrant culture. 

• If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, consider visiting one of Santa Barbara’s many beaches and parks. 

• Santa Barbara also has a ton to offer art and history lovers, from Old Mission Santa Barbara to a host of museums and art galleries. 

• Booking your trip with a travel rewards credit card can help you earn rewards and get the most out of your travel experience. 

History lovers have a lot to look forward to in Santa Barbara. Here are a few must-see historic sites:

Founded in 1786, Old Mission Santa Barbara is one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic historical sites. The Mission houses a museum, church, mausoleum, gardens and even the remains of centuries-old aqueducts. There are both guided and self-guided tours of the mission available. But keep in mind that because the Saint Barbara Parish is active, there will be times when the mission is not open for tours.

Take in one of the best views in Santa Barbara from the top of the clock tower at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. You might even spot couples exchanging wedding vows at the top. And while you’re there, why not tour the courthouse itself? It’s a National Historic Landmark known for its Spanish Colonial-style architecture, hand-painted murals and sunken gardens.

The Red Tile Walking Tour takes you on a self-guided stroll of 17 historic sites, all in the span of about 12 city blocks. In addition to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the tour also stops by the Santa Barbara Public Library, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, historic adobes, the Lobero Theatre and more. 

With miles of public beaches to explore, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to unwind by the ocean. Here are a few Santa Barbara-area beaches to explore:

You can typically find relatively calm waters at Santa Barbara’s East Beach and West Beach. These adjacent beaches are popular spots for beach volleyball and picnics. And if you’re visiting on a Sunday, make sure to check out the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show nearby.

If you’re planning a beach day for the whole family, consider Goleta Beach County Park. This popular beach boasts a 1,500-foot fishing pier, kayak and paddleboard rentals, biking and hiking trails, kids’ play areas, volleyball courts and more. 

Butterfly Beach is located in the charming town of Montecito. Its east-west orientation makes it ideal to catch sunrises and sunsets. You can spend the day relaxing on the sand or enjoying water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Santa Barbara is home to more than 50 parks and gardens, each with something unique to offer. Here are a few to check out during your next trip: 

The Douglas Family Preserve offers beautiful blufftop hiking trails with scenic views of the ocean. Entry to the preserve is free, and dogs are welcome. There are even parts of the preserve that allow dogs to run off leash. 

Alameda Park is one of the oldest parks in Santa Barbara and spans two city blocks. Take a stroll, spot rare trees like the bunya-bunya tree or catch live music at the bandstand. If you have kids, make sure to stop by the park’s 8,000-square-foot Kids’ World Playground.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is home to more than 1,000 different kinds of native flora, including a grove of redwoods. It has more than five miles of walking paths that cross through arroyo-, desert-, canyon- and woodland-inspired landscapes to go along with breathtaking backgrounds of ocean and mountain views. The garden also has a ceremonial teahouse that offers Japanese tea demonstrations. 

The Santa Barbara Zoo is home to animals you might not always find at other zoos, such as Asian elephants, giant anteaters and endangered California condors. The zoo hosts special events throughout the year, so be sure to check its calendar to see if you can catch one during your visit. 

Here are a few ways to soak up some Santa Barbara culture during your trip:

Every year in early August, Santa Barbara’s annual festival, Old Spanish Days, takes over the city. The festival has been happening for over 90 years and aims to educate people about Santa Barbara’s rich cultural heritage. Take in the festival’s famous parade, enjoy flamenco dance performances and savor food from local vendors. 

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover or an animal aficionado, there’s a museum in Santa Barbara that will pique your interest. Here are a few to consider stopping by: 

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

• Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art

• Santa Barbara Historical Museum

The Urban Wine Trail is a great way to taste local wines without leaving downtown Santa Barbara. And if you’re open to venturing outside the city, you can explore nearby vineyards that produce delicious local wine.

The Funk Zone is a district of Santa Barbara that’s full of art galleries, cafes and local shops. You can spend an entire day strolling around the Funk Zone, stopping for coffee or a glass of wine between admiring mural-covered buildings and shopping from local artisans. 

State Street is one of Santa Barbara’s main roads and runs from the ocean all the way through downtown. It’s home to some of Santa Barbara’s most popular restaurants and an open-air mall called the Paseo Nuevo. If you’re in Santa Barbara on the first Thursday of the month, don’t miss State Street’s 1st Thursday art walk, where you’ll be able to admire local art and catch some live music. 

Capital One Travel can help you book your trip to Santa Barbara with confidence. Capital One Travel tracks flight prices, predicts when it’s the right time to book and can help you save an average of 15%. Plus, eligible Capital One cardholders can earn elevated rewards for booking through Capital One Travel. 

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Whether you’re hitting the beach, sipping local wine or exploring museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Santa Barbara. Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable.

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