Santa Barbara, CA

Travel Guide
United States of America which includes farmland
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
Channel Islands National Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park featuring a church or cathedral
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes an administrative buidling, a garden and heritage architecture
The American Riviera offers historic adobe architecture, plenty of art galleries, wineries and beautiful beaches. 

Santa Barbara is famous for its expensive hotels, large mansions and trendy boutiques, but it also has beautiful beaches and many museums and festivals dedicated to celebrating the city’s past.

Be sure to visit Santa Barbara’s picture-perfect beaches. Lie on the soft sand and read a book, or grab a board and hit the surf. Conditions are great for beginners, but on the right day there are some good breaks for those of all skill levels. 

Marvel at the Franciscan–Spanish architecture of the old Santa Barbara Mission. You’ll find artifacts and documents from old missionaries, a still-operating chapel, and the mission’s impressive and well-kept grounds. For more old architecture, visit the adobe Rafael Gonzalez house or the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Head up the bell tower for great views of the surrounding area. History buffs will also want to check out the Presidio of Santa Barbara, a Spanish fortress from the 1780s. 

Learn how modern-day Santa Barbara came about as you wander through the exhibits at the city’s Historical Museum. For a look at the evolution of plant and wildlife in the area and beyond, spend some time at the Museum of Natural History. 

Art lovers will enjoy the city’s excellent institutions. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has an extensive collection of European, American and Asian art, and plays host to some world-class exhibitions. For a look at more recent works, wander over to the Contemporary Arts Forum. This gallery is artist-run and funded, and is dedicated to exhibiting the highest-quality work in the region. 

To enjoy other local products, organize a tour of the region’s wineries. 

Santa Barbara enjoys the sophisticated charm of a much larger city but maintains a quaint, friendly atmosphere. Throw in a fascinating history, loads of cultural activities and excellent beaches, and it’s not hard to see why it attracts visitors from around the world.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

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Montecito

4.5/5(179 area reviews)

Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

Montecito
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Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara showing a coastal town

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara showing a coastal town

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
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The Mesa

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

The Mesa
Sambo’s Restaurant

West Beach

While visiting West Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Carriage Museum.

West Beach
Casa Jardin
Casa Jardin
2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Great place to stay, comfy clean beds, great well equipped kitchenette, clean bathroom and well ventilated room with nice clean aesthetic"

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2025

Casa Jardin
Cabana Las Floras - Serene Tropical Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Cabana Las Floras - Serene Tropical Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Montecito
Stay at this villa in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Lookout Park and Summerland Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (168 reviews)
Will return soon
"Could not have been better. We look forward to our next visit!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024

Cabana Las Floras - Serene Tropical Paradise with Pool, Spa, and WiFi
Tide Pool Villas
Tide Pool Villas
4.5 out of 5
26 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration ...
6/10 (50 reviews)
"Room was large, with kitchen. Free parking and breakfast were provided. The staff was friendly and accommodating. Location was close to beach and shopping. Great value for area."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2024

Tide Pool Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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