Things To Do
Old Mission Santa Barbara
We love The Mission, including the breathtaking rose gardens. Old Mission Santa Barbara, a Catholic outpost established in 1786 (Franciscan Friars still live on its 13-acre grounds). The Spanish colonial mission, with portico walkways and tiled roofs, is a key attraction, offering guided tours, an art-filled museum, and several gardens, including one nurturing mission-era plants and trees. Why we love it: the rose gardens are romantic, there is plenty of space to explore, Finn loves the wide-open areas and throwing coins into the large fountain. We also love their little gift shop.
State Street
All of Santa Barbara is beautiful, but downtown is where the action is. If you like shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, head to State Street for (at least) a day of sightseeing. The heart of Downtown Santa Barbara’s entertainment and retail district has transformed into an expansive 10-block pedestrian walkway. You can explore, browse, shop, sip, and dine while enjoying the architectural beauty, sights, and sounds of State Street—without car traffic. Our favorite State Street Spots: State Street Promenade, Paseo Nuevo, The Farmer's Market and Moxi Museum. There are plenty of yummy food spots and it's a great location for taking a beautiful stroll.
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara’s most visited attraction. It was named after local lumberman John P. Stearns and is California’s oldest working wharf. Construction of the pier was completed in 1872, and the wharf served the passenger and freight shipping needs of California’s South Coast for over a quarter-century. Today, this historic landmark is an ideal destination for shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. Our fav thing about the Wharf: The dramatic views! We also enjoy going to the arts and craft market on Sunday mornings and then walking just a couple blocks more to the wharf to take in the sights and grab lunch.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor is one of the most picturesque boating locations in Southern California. Once you walk past the commercial area you encounter a breakwater that runs the length of the Santa Barbara Harbor. The breakwater is perfect for strolling on sunny days and warm nights. What we love most about the Harbor: There is a small beach at the very end called Sandspit Beach. Sandspit is the only beach in Santa Barbara with a view of the city and the riviera. It's never crowded and a great place to find sea treasures like sand dollars, shells and beautiful rocks.
The Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is a contemporary art district that makes it an excellent place to shop and explore. Its lively art scene and numerous galleries make it one of the most vibrant places to visit. Because of its numerous local wineries and distilleries all within walking distance, and its fun, soulful atmosphere, The Funk Zone has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Why we like it: fun date night spot, interesting art work and eclectic mix of people.
Solvang
Take a quick 45 minute drive from Santa Barbara on State Highway 154 and you’ll arrive in what appears to be a foreign country. But it’s actually the charming village of Solvang, which looks and feels like Christmas all year. Solvang is most famous for its bakeries. This city is also a paradise for wine lovers. With more than a dozen tasting rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find plenty of varieties of vino you enjoy. Our fav thing about Solvang: Authentic Danish treats like aebleskivers and other tempting pastries, they also have an amazing Vienamise restaurant that serves delicious Bahn Mi!
Santa Claus Lane
Santa Claus Lane is home to a beautiful beach, restaurants, shops, and a number of private beach homes. The thing we like most about visiting Santa Claus Lane is its eclectic nature. You will find a candy shop and toy store, a surf shop, a sophisticated market with an excellent selection of Santa Barbara County wines, a curio shop, and a boutique. Our Fav spots on Santa Claus Lane: Padaro Beach Grill, The Garden Market and of course the beach!
Carpinteria City Beach
Carpinteria is a beach community with an authentic small-town feel. Linden, one of the main streets, offers specialty shopping and restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. Guidebooks won’t tell you this, but many Carpinteria beaches are considered by locals to be even nicer than their more famous Santa Barbara counterparts. Why we love Carpenteria: We love the beach, especially at sunset in Carp. There is a playground that Finn loves and a boardwalk along the beach that's pleasant to enjoy. We also like strolling down Linden, the main road, there are cool thrift shops and other fun stores.
Shoreline Park
A walker’s dream, Shoreline Park is a 14.6-acre coastal bluff park adjacent to Leadbetter Beach. It’s a long grassy stretch with paved walking paths offering spectacular city, mountain, and ocean views. Stand next to the bronze whale tail and see if you can spot a whale in the channel through the built-in binoculars. Why we love it: walking along the shoreline is our fav because of the views strolling down to Leadbetter beach. The sunset is unbelievable and it's where Zack proposed.
Butterfly Beach
Located in the chic and laid-back village of Montecito, Butterfly Beach is a favorite among Santa Barbara locals. The beach’s pristine shoreline is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, and its unique east-west orientation makes for some truly spectacular sunrises AND sunsets. Our fav thing about Butterfly Beach: it's west-ish facing, unlike most SB beaches so the sunsets are extra glorious. Finn loves climbing on the rocks there and it's a lovely spot for a full beach day.