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Santa Barbara lies on a south-facing stretch of the California coast, between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, about a hundred miles northwest of Los Angeles. After an earthquake in 1925, the city rebuilt in a Spanish Colonial Revival style, which is why white stucco walls and red tile roofs define its downtown. The mild climate has earned it the nickname "American Riviera."
History is easy to find. Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 and known as the "Queen of the Missions," sits on a rise above town, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse offers a clock tower lookout over the rooftops. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park preserves part of the Spanish military outpost. State Street and its shaded paseos form the shopping and dining spine, ending near Stearns Wharf, a long wooden pier. The Funk Zone, near the waterfront, packs in tasting rooms and galleries, and East Beach is linked to a waterfront path popular with cyclists. Butterfly Beach sits in neighboring Montecito, where the gardens of Ganna Walska Lotusland can be visited by reservation.
The city suits travelers wanting an easygoing mix of beaches, history, food and wine. Shoreline Park and Arroyo Burro Beach are favorites for sunsets, and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country is an easy drive inland. Late spring can bring coastal fog, while fall is often warm and clear.
WiserMap travel guideSanta Barbara California Old Mission and Funk ZonePlan a Santa Barbara trip: the Old Mission, the County Courthouse, Stearns Wharf, the Funk Zone, beaches, Lotusland and Santa Ynez wine, plus when to go.Read the guide
Called the Queen of the Missions, founded in 1786, with a twin-towered church, museum rooms, a cemetery and gardens. Self-guided tours cover the church and exhibits on Chumash and mission history. The lawn and rose garden in front are free and good for a picnic.
The site of the last Spanish military fort built in California in 1782, with reconstructed adobe buildings, a chapel and the original El Cuartel. Small exhibits explain colonial life. It sits downtown a few blocks from State Street and takes about an hour.
A grand Spanish Colonial Revival courthouse from 1929 with tiled stairways, painted ceilings and the Mural Room. Climb El Mirador clock tower for free views over red roofs to the mountains and sea. Free docent tours run most days, and the sunken garden is great for a rest.
A wooden wharf from 1872 at the foot of State Street, with seafood restaurants, shops, a wine tasting room and the Sea Center. You can drive and park on it, or walk out for views back to the city and the mountains. Look for dolphins and pelicans off the end.
The main downtown street, partly closed to cars, lined with shops, cafes and restaurants in Spanish-style buildings. Small paseos such as El Paseo and La Arcada lead off it into tiled courtyards with fountains and galleries. The free downtown waterfront shuttle runs along it.
A former industrial area between the beach and downtown, now full of wine tasting rooms, breweries, street murals and small restaurants. It is the center of the Urban Wine Trail. It is compact and walkable from Stearns Wharf, and afternoons are the liveliest time.
The city's main sandy beach east of Stearns Wharf, with volleyball courts, palm trees and a paved path for walking and biking. On Sundays the Arts and Crafts Show sets up along Cabrillo Boulevard. Bikes and surreys can be rented along the waterfront.
A narrow beach in Montecito across from the Rosewood Miramar and the Four Seasons Biltmore, known for west-facing sunsets. A seawall and steps lead down to the sand. Parking is on the street along Channel Drive, so arrive before sunset on weekends.
A 37-acre estate garden in Montecito created by opera singer Ganna Walska, with cactus and aloe gardens, a blue garden, a topiary zoo and lotus ponds. Visits are by guided or self-guided reservation only. Book weeks ahead, as numbers are limited by permit.
A garden of California native plants in Mission Canyon, with a redwood grove, meadows, a historic dam and canyon views. About 5 miles of trails wind through the grounds. It is a short drive above the Mission, and spring is the peak season for wildflowers.
Trails into the Santa Ynez Mountains behind the city, such as Inspiration Point, Seven Falls in Rattlesnake Canyon and the Cold Spring Trail. They climb through chaparral to views over the coast and islands. Start early, carry plenty of water and avoid the hottest days.
A wine region about 45 minutes over San Marcos Pass, with towns like Los Olivos, Solvang and Santa Ynez. Expect tasting rooms, horse ranches, farm stands and the Danish-style village of Solvang. Plan a designated driver or a tour if you will be tasting.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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