What to do in Santa Barbara, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County Courthouse which includes a luxury hotel or resort and heritage architecture
Channel Islands National Park
El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park showing a church or cathedral
Santa Barbara County Courthouse showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and a park

Santa Barbara Tourist Attractions & Activities

Coming up: Santa Barbara! You’re ready to set course in a different direction. Perpetually prepared for inventive ways to get inspired and have an eye-opening adventure, you’re prepared to check out new territory like the savvy traveller you are. Reserve your activities today, and the only thing left to do is pack your bags and prepare to have fun, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with lots of things to do.

  • Book your favourite tours and excursions on Expedia Australia at a great value, and you'll still have enough cash for a top hotel or decadent dinner while you’re travelling. The activities in Santa Barbara are not only topnotch, but they won’t bust your budget. We have 109 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$16.
  • Santa Barbara is popular among inquisitive minds similar to you. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next trip to this cityto check out local hot spots and participate in the best activities. The most booked activities can get the interest of even experienced globetrotters, and one look at our list explains why. Our list includes a wide variety of culturally based outings and opportunities for adventure. From incredible opportunities like a Adult Buggy Hire to unequalled ways to check out the best this area has to provide like a Day Trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, there are loads of opportunities at your disposal when you browse through all the options available here at Expedia Australia.

You'll want a game plan to fully explore Santa Barbara, particularly when you long to schedule in trips to museums and outdoor activities. And we know you don't want to hunker down in your hotel room—you're excited to get out and have an adventure. You look forward to scoping out the best activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is what you love best. Our activities are the best way to organise your holiday. Book guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you'll learn all about the city's history along the way.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Barbara

Tours & day trips

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What to do in Santa Barbara


Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Barbara

Explore areas of Santa Barbara

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Montecito

5/5(1 area review)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

Montecito
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Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara showing a coastal town

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Santa Barbara County Courthouse might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
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West Beach

If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa Barbara Carriage Museum are top sights worth seeing.

West Beach
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East Beach

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

East Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like East Beach and Santa Barbara Zoo.

East Beach
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The Mesa

While visiting The Mesa, you might make a stop by sights like Leadbetter Beach and Arroyo Burro Beach.

The Mesa

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Barbara worth visiting?
Santa Barbara has a unique blend of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there are many things you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf are two great places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Santa Barbara while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Zoo, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Barbara?
Three days in Santa Barbara is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Santa Barbara Zoo, Stearns Wharf and Butterfly Beach are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Ventura.
Is Santa Barbara a walkable city?
Some top sights in Santa Barbara, such as Santa Barbara Zoo and Stearns Wharf, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Beach and West Beach is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Barbara with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Santa Barbara with kids.

What to do in Santa Barbara for adults?
UC SB Events Centre and Santa Barbara County Courthouse are just two of the things to do in Santa Barbara. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Barbara?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Santa Barbara. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Stearns Wharf is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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