What are the Best Activities to Do in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a stunning coastal city in California. It’s known for its picturesque streets, gentle climate and unique cultural offerings. From its whitewashed buildings and 15th century Mission to its natural and cultural sites, Santa Barbara has plenty to explore. But what are the best activities to do in the city?

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best activities for visitors to experience in Santa Barbara. Whether you’re a culture buff, an active traveller or a beach bum, there’s something here that’s sure to please you.

1. Stroll the Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission is California’s tenth mission and was built over 200 years ago. This historic landmark is an iconic and iconic symbol of the city. A stroll through the Mission’s grounds will take you back to a bygone era. Highlights include:

• A peaceful walk around the Mission grounds, including soaring bell towers and brightly-coloured buidings and gardens.
• Take a guided tour of the mission chapel and one-room museum, where you can view artifacts from the mission’s past.
• Admire the impressive 16th century tiles, intricately-tiled reredos and religious paintings on display throughout the Mission.

2. Explore Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is the oldest, and some would say the most iconic, pier in Santa Barbara. Located at the end of State Street, it’s the perfect spot for a sunny Saturday morning hike or a romantic sunset stroll. Highlights include:

• Get stunning views of the city, ocean and Channel Islands from the pier’s observation deck.
• Soak up some sun on the pier deck, interspersed with nooks full of shops and eateries.
• Watch birds, sea lions, dolphins and even whales frolic in their natural habitat from the viewing platforms along Stearns Wharf.

And for a taste of fresh seafood, visit one of the fish markets at Stearns Wharf for fresh catches straight from local fishermen.

3. Walk around Town

Santa Barbara is a scenic stroll around its many cobbled streets lined with whitewashed buildings and lush vegetation. With its small-town feel, it can be an enjoyable experience just to wander around town and discover hidden courtyards, churches, local art galleries and museums. Weather permitting, take a bike ride around town or along Santa Barbara’s dazzling coastline. Highlights include:

• Explore downtown Santa Barbara with its buzzing sidewalk cafes and vibrant shops and eateries – a great spot to people-watch or pick up a souvenir.
• Visit Santa Barbara’s vibrant Eastside neighbourhood for delicious traditional Mexican cuisine and bustling outdoor markets.
• Go on a shopping expedition to STATE Street for designer boutiques and unique gift shops.
• Marvel at Toro Canyon Park for its stunning views of rolling hills and wildlife-rich wetlands.

4. Unwind on Butterfly Beach

Located at the base of Butterfly Hills, Butterfly Beach is known for its white sand beaches and sparkling waters. A favourite spot for locals on weekends, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing or spotting dolphins from shore during the summer months. Highlights include:

• Take a dip in the mild waters or enjoy sunbathing on the secluded beach.
• Relax over a picnic lunch or build a sandcastle with the kids on the beach.
• Admire the colourful butterflies fluttering over Butterfly Cove (it’s how this beach got its name!).
• Watch the sun set over the horizon as the restless waves crash against the shore.

5. Sample Santa Barbara’s Wine Country

Just 10 miles east of town lies Santa Barbara wine country, where you can sample world class wines at local wineries or click your way through tasting rooms located in Solvang’s Schoenstadt Square. Highlights include:

• Sample sunset Santenay Estate’s award-winning wines chill wine country atmosphere alongside other wine enthusiasts.
• Tour Linne Calodo winery for a glimpse behind the scenes of winemaking |(https://linnecalodo.com/).
• Take a tasting tour of Beckmen Winery where you can sample their estate wines like Estate Vermentino, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon (https://beckmenvineyards.com/).
• Experience Fall Wine Country Events such as Harvest Wine & Gourmet Tours (https://www.harvestwineandfoodtours.com/), Venture into Wine Country Packages or Taste of Solvang events (https://www.tasteofsolvang.com/).

For an unforgettable experience while in Santa Barbara, why not explore its vineyards with a 3-Hour Cocktail and History Walking Tour? You can learn all about how wine is made while taking in gorgeous overlooks and sampling signature cocktails along the way (https://www.getyourguide.com/santa-barbara-l393/santa-barbara-3-hour-cocktail-and-history-walking-tour-t404110/?partner_id=UWJ1LS2&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-top). The experience will have you exploring six of Santa Barbara’s top locations while learning about ways to make your own signature drink, all while exploring stunning vineyards in all their glory!

Conclusion

Santa Barbara is full of things to see and do, from exploring its stunning historical architecture, to shopping along its bustling streets and even enjoying a day at its picturesque beaches. There’s something for everyone here – whether it’s fun for all ages or those seeking relaxation. And don’t forget to add sampling some of Santa Barbara’s finest wines with their signature cocktail tour experience! With all these various activities in Santa Barbara, it’s no wonder why it remains one of California’s most popular destinations!