Julia and Paul
Explore Santa Barbara
Lil Toot boat ride
Ride Santa Barbara’s original water taxi around the harbor - see the mountains, coast line, and always active sea life. There are public charters or you can rent out the boat for up to 19 people. Highly recommend those with children plan ahead and enjoy this 1-hour cruise.
The Funk Zone
This arts district is filled with tasting rooms for the regional wineries as well as some of SB’s best restaurants. Also spots with craft beer and spirits if wine is not to your liking!
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Discover the beauty and history of Santa Barbara through a fully narrated, 90-minute tour of the “American Riviera” aboard an open air, nostalgic trolley car.
Douglas Family Preserve
This dog friendly park and walking paths on “The Mesa” of Santa Barbara offers great vistas of the Pacific Ocean and on a clear day you can see out to the Channel Islands. These bluffs over look Mesa lane beach and Hendry’s beach. One of Paul’s favorite places on the Mesa.
East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Miramar Beach, Ledbetter Beach, Mesa Lane Beach
East Beach is located right across the street from the MarMonte Hotel - it's famous for it’s beach volleyball courts and proximity to downtown Santa Barbara. Across the street is a bike path that leads down past the Bird Refuge to Butterfly Beach in Montecito, another very popular beach in town located by the Coral Casino Club and the Four Seasons Hotel. Ledbetter Beach is located between Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara City College. It has BBQ pits, grass, and a wide sandy beach. Grab a drink or a bite at the Shoreline Cafe and treat yourself to a walk along the water and if the tide is low enough, you might be able to walk to where Thousand Steps meets Mesa Lane Beach. But be careful to mind your feet. Beaches aren’t groomed and are notorious for getting tar balls on your feet. But please don’t let that stop you - it’s nothing a little baby oil or rubbing alcohol can’t remove.
Rent a Bike
A great way to view and enjoy the Santa Barbara coast.
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours
Tour some of the vineyards and wineries in California’s Central Coast wine country and the Santa Ynez Valley. You can even explore the wineries and restaurants made famous by the classic film, Sideways.
Buena Vista Trailhead
Feel like hiking? Santa Barbara and Montecito have dozens of great hiking trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Climb the Santa Ynez Mountains and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery Santa Barbara has to offer. Check out the website for more info on some of those hikes and trailheads.
Lotusland
Reservations are required! But don’t let that deter you from enjoying what is considered to be one of the top 10 botanical gardens in the world and supports over 3,000 different plants! Again, reservations are required and should be made a few weeks in advance if interested!
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Widely regarded as the most historic and iconic building in Santa Barbara, the “Queen of the California Missions” was founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1786. The Mission is still an active Catholic church (for those looking to go to church on Sunday!) with an on-site museum. The rose garden and lawn that stretch out before the mission have long been a local favorite sunny day hang out spot to have a picnic and enjoy views overlooking the city and the ocean.
Santa Barbara Sportfishing Charters
Charter a boat for a day out on the water or a day of fishing! Offering coastal tours, local fishing off the Santa Barbara coast, and Channel Island fishing trips! Refer to the website for more info.
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
Take a self-guided tour through one of the most beautiful public buildings you will ever see! Don't miss the clock tower with panoramic views of Santa Barbara. Or take a stroll through the gardens just outside the courthouse - either way it’s worth a look!
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is easily accessible from downtown - State Street turns into the Wharf! It boasts stunning views, waterfront dining, and the Deep Sea Tasting Room where you can sip a glass while overlooking the ocean and mountains. It's walkable but you can also drive and park at the end of the Wharf.
SB Restaurant Week
Enjoy pre-fixe menus at participating restaurants. April 14-23.