A bustling, pedestrian-only stretch running through the heart of downtown. It's perfect for casual strolling, boutique shopping, and open-air dining.
If you want a light, scenic walk, this ocean-bluff open space offers spectacular, uncrowded views of the coastline and paragliders catching the sea breezes.
Check out the vibrant, industrial arts district right by the beach. It’s a super walkable few blocks packed with boutique wineries, craft breweries, art galleries, and amazing places to eat. It is the ultimate spot to just wander around on a sunny afternoon!
California's oldest operating wooden wharf. Visitors can stroll over the open water planks to explore gift shops, watch fishermen, or enjoy fresh local seafood. It also houses the Sea Center, an interactive aquarium featuring hands-on marine touch pools and a shark cove.
Honestly, you can’t say you’ve been to Santa Barbara without checking out this gorgeous 1929 Spanish-Moorish building. Make sure to head inside to see the incredible murals in the historic Mural Room, and definitely go up the El Mirador clock tower—it has the absolute best 360-degree views of the red-tile roofs, the ocean, and the mountains. Afterward, you can just hang out and relax on the beautiful lawns.
If you’re sticking around for longer than the weekend, you’ve definitely got to take a 40-minute drive over the pass into the Santa Ynez wine country. It’s a gorgeous, laid-back valley loaded with world-class vineyards, beautiful rolling hills, and tasting rooms that are way more relaxed and scenic than you'd expect. It’s the perfect excuse for a scenic day trip and some incredible wine tasting!
If you’re in town for longer than the weekend, we highly recommend taking the 40-minute drive from Santa Barbara to check out Solvang. It’s a super charming, historic Danish village tucked into the Santa Ynez Valley that makes you feel like you stepped right into a European fairy tale. It’s incredibly walkable and packed with authentic Danish bakeries, windmills, wine tasting rooms, and cute boutique shops. It’s the perfect spot for a fun day trip!
If you’re in town for longer than the weekend, we highly recommend taking a 45-minute drive to check out Ojai. It’s a gorgeous, bohemian valley nestled in the mountains that is all about relaxation and artistic vibes. It’s packed with incredible hiking trails, local art galleries, boutique shops, and amazing farm-to-table restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, wander around, and soak in some beautiful mountain views for a day!