Santa Barbara, famous for its wine scene, might not be the first stop on the list for those who don’t indulge in wine.

But as someone who doesn’t drink, Santa Barbara has me wrapped around its laidback and effortlessly charming fingers.

Truly! Whenever Papu and I even think about taking a road trip down the California coast, Santa Barbara is one of the first cities that come to our minds. Wanna know why? Because SB is SO much more than their wine scene!

Having visited Santa Barbara more times than I can count, I can tell ya with confidence that Santa Barbara’s got a whole other world waiting for all you non-drinkers!

Santa Barbara is like the cool kid who doesn’t brag about its 300 days of sunshine and the ample amount of adventuring you can do there. Sure, the beaches are postcard-perfect, but there’s more than just sand and surf.

There are over 50 parks and gardens waiting to be explored, y’all! I’ve spent mornings hiking trails with ocean views, afternoons strolling through botanical gardens, and evenings lounging on the sand catching sunsets. Santa Barbara lets you script your day in the outdoors however you please.

And even still, Santa Barbara isn’t just defined by its beaches, gardens, and mountains; it’s a cultural melting pot. Expect oodles of landmarks, art galleries, and museums that make up the city’s eclectic culture.

You might not find me at wine tastings, but you’ll definitely catch me exploring the local art scene or soaking in a bit of theater magic!

You’ll also find animal encounters, live music, a dynamic dining scene that’s equal parts “no frills” and upscale, a trendy shopping scene, and a whole bunch of health and wellness mixed into the city.

Oh yeah, Santa Barbara is a spa haven. From beachfront yoga sessions to luxurious spa experiences, this place knows how to pamper.

With ALLLL that said, I’ve had my fair share of unforgettable moments without a wine glass in hand!

Ready to explore what Santa Barbara has to offer? Here are the best things to do in Santa Barbara other than wine tasting.

This trip was in collaboration with Visit Santa Barbara. All opinions are my own.

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Fun Things To Do in Santa Barbara (Other Than Wine Tasting)

1. Get coffee (or cocktails) at Cajé

If you’re looking for a super unique coffee shop in Santa Barbara, Cajé and its nighttime alter ego, Lab Social, should be at the top of your list!

By day, Cajé on Haley Street features super cute cocktail-inspired coffee drinks. All non-alcoholic of course!

But, as the clock strikes 5:30 p.m., something magical happens. The blinds go down, the music goes up, and Cajé metamorphoses into Lab Social, a Prohibition-era-themed speakeasy that adds a whole new layer of excitement to this already cherished spot!

Not sure what to order? The S.B. Margy, with cimarron blanco, lime juice, agave nectar, and a lavender-salt cloud, is a whimsical twist on a classic. And the Churchill Sour, featuring Old Crow bourbon, earl grey gomme, and a handcrafted “rose” garnish, is nothing short of special.

Stopping by for coffee instead? The Bela Rose – an iced matcha latte with strawberry elderflower syrup, pomegranate ice cubes, and rose petals garnish – is a standout option. The Burnout, a breve short latte with bourbon pecan syrup and activated charcoal, is also super popular!

2. Have a beach day

It would not be right to have a whole trip to Santa Barbara and NOT hit the beach at least once. The cool thing about Santa Barbara is that the amazing Mediterranean-like weather makes beaching possible almost all year round!

Sure, the water can get pretty cold during the winter months, but that shouldn’t stop you from picnicking and basking in the warm sunlight!

Even during our latest December trip, daytime highs were in the mid-70s and even mid-80s. Bonkers, right? It was so unbelievably warm that we even dined alfresco for lunch without jackets!

One of our favorite beaches in the Santa Barbara area is Butterfly Beach in Montecito. It’s hidden away enough from the masses, frequented by locals, and is super clean.

3. Go on a morning bike ride along the beach

When you’re in a picturesque coastal town such as Santa Barbara, the beach is a must. Even if your toes never physically touch the sand, seeing the beach is the minimum requirement!

One of the best ways to enjoy the beach (aside from frolicking in the sand and water) is to ride bikes along the Cabrillo Bike Path!

This pedestrian and biker-friendly pathway connects Shoreline Park to Butterfly Beach at about 4 miles distance with plenty of highlights along the way.

You’ll pass by the Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns Wharf, the IG-favorite Chromatic Gate art installation, West Beach, and Each Beach — all with a palm tree-lined path leading the way.

Need to rent a bike? A super convenient option is Wheel Fun Rentals of Santa Barbara, located just one block away from the beach. They offer regular bikes, e-assist bikes, surry bikes, tandem bikes, and more.

4. Hike to Inspiration Point

For a morning hiking adventure in Santa Barbara, a visit to Inspiration Point is a must.

There are two different routes you can take to get there, but regardless of the one you choose, you can expect a lovely journey through picturesque oaks and sycamores at lower elevations, plus panoramic views at the summit.

At the top, the red tile roofs of Santa Barbara, the white sand beaches, and the vast Pacific Ocean will stretch out before you, creating a postcard-worthy panorama!

Inspiration Point is accessible by two routes:

• Shorter route: Tunnel Road to Jesusita Trail (3.75-mile round trip with 800 feet of elevation gain)
• Longer route: San Roque Road to Jesusita Trail (8-mile round trip with 1,400 feet of elevation gain)

👉 Looking for more hiking trails? You can find a whole bunch of Santa Barbara’s best hikes on Visit Santa Barbara!

5. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

If you happen to be visiting Santa Barbara during the spring months when everything’s in bloom, one great place to take in the local flora is the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

This botanic garden features a variety of gardens dedicated to the plants of California. The living collection features wild plants stretching from southern Oregon to Baja California, Mexico, and is one of the world’s six biodiversity hot spots characterized by a Mediterranean-type climate featuring cool, often wet winters and long, dry summers.

With more than 900 taxa in the collection, the Garden displays only a fraction of the remarkable diversity of the California flora, yet there is so much to explore on the 78 acres (31 hectares) that make up the garden.

You’ll also find more than five miles of paths to explore everything from cool redwood groves to meadows full of wildflowers in the spring.

If you’re down for a hike, I’d recommend you take on the Porter Trail while you’re here — it offers some seriously scenic views.

6. Explore the Funk Zone

White the Funk Zone is probably best known for being a super hip place to go wine tasting, there’s actually a lot of other stuff you can do in the area.

Once a manufacturing hub in the 19th century, this 13-block district near Santa Barbara’s waterfront is home to a variety of art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, craft breweries, boutiques, and restaurants.

While you’re in the Funk Zone, be sure to save some time for wandering around, shopping, and eating. For shopping, we like browsing through SeaVees and The Shopkeepers — both have so many fun knick-knacks that make the best gifts.

There’s also Jules by the Sea at Zone Studios, Love Worn, Raoul Textiles, and The Blue Door.

And for food, I’d recommend The Lark for locally sourced American fare (it’s one of the most popular restaurants in town), Loquita for a fancier Spanish tapas-style dinner, and Mony’s for yummy street tacos!

And if you’re visiting during the holiday months of November and December, you NEED to stop by Pearl Social for their limited-time holiday cocktail bar, Miracle At The Funk Zone.

We visited in early December and this was the most festive I had felt all month long, even though Christmas wasn’t taking place for another 3 weeks! Expect ALL of the holiday vibes — cute Santa mugs, warm and spicy drinks (all of which had really cute names), whimsical decor, and lots and lots of lights everywhere!

7. Take a trolley tour around town

If you’re a first-timer in SB, one really fun way to get the lay of the land is by seeing the city on a set of wheels. But not just any set of wheels — by trolley!

Santa Barbara Trolley Company offers 90-minute narrated trolley tours of the city with highlights including Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, the Museum of Natural History, Butterfly Beach, and more.

If you’re traveling to SB without a car, this is a really good way to see a lot of the city that you probably wouldn’t be able to see on foot alone.

Visiting during the winter months? Don’t miss the Annual Trolley of Lights Tour — where your trolley tour will roll you through Santa Barbara’s most festive neighborhoods!

8. Take a self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour

If discovering the Spanish architecture that makes the city so picturesque is high up on your list of things to do in SB, plan to make a couple of stops along the Red Tile Walking Tour, a self-guided walking route that showcases some of the city’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

This route is jam-packed with gorgeous architecture — hidden passageways and flower-filled courtyards included!

The full tour includes 17 stops and 22 historic adobes dating from the 1700s through the 1800s, all of which embody the best of the city’s Spanish-style architecture.

One stop that we particularly love is Casa De la Guerra, which honestly looks like a whole movie set and is so cute and charming when it’s lit up at night.

Another must-visit stop: the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. This building is massive and has got romance and Spanish influence pulsating out of it like no other!

Designed in a dreamy, Spanish-Moorish style, the still-functioning courthouse was built back in 1929 to resemble a castle. Its distinctive clock tower, sweeping red-tile roof, elegant arches and Sunken Garden make it a worthy stop on your architecture stroll.

Inside, you can get a visual history lesson from the Mural Room, marvel at wrought-iron chandeliers and hand-painted tiles, and get a panoramic view of Santa Barbara and beyond at the top.

9. Seafood and a sunset at Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is that quintessential spot you’ve gotta visit when you’re in a coastal city. Stearns Wharf might look old, but it’s got history — it’s the West Coast’s oldest working wooden wharf and one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved landmarks.

You’ll find your typical fudge/candy shops and seashore-themed souvenir stores here, as well as the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.

These are all great stops for families with kids, but what I really love this area for is the seafood, the views, and the sunsets!

For seafood, I cannot recommend Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. enough. If you’re a fan of uni, this is THE spot in Santa Barbara to get it. They also have other things like oysters, lobster, crab, and even pasta dishes too.

If you enjoy super casual eateries, then you’ve gotta add this spot to your list. Try to time your visit just before sunset so you can bask in the final sun rays of the day while enjoying your freshly caught meal out on the outdoor patio.

Soak in those dazzling views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains while the sun sets!

10. Eat tacos along the Santa Barbara Taco Trail

For a much more casual dining experience (but equally as satisfying!), you can plan your very own taco crawl through the streets of Santa Barbara.

Hold on, I know what you’re thinking. What would a coastal beach town know about Mexican food?? I thought the exact same thing when I first visited SB many years back. Well, it turns out, Santa Barbara knows heaps about Mexican food.

While the city is renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and seafood offerings, what catches many off guard is the hidden gem that Santa Barbara holds – its incredible Mexican food scene.

Stumbling upon Mexican restaurants and taquerias serving up no-frills street tacos is almost TOO easy to do here.

During our last trip to Santa Barbara, Papu and I made it a priority to try as many taco spots as we could! Given that we only had two stomachs and way too many taco meats we wanted to try at each place, we clocked in at a whopping… 3 taquerias.

But they were all REALLY good! After researching a bunch, the three we ended up trying were:

• Lilly’s Tacos: best for simple street tacos. We ordered pastor, lengua, and ojos (eye) — all were so flavorful and delicious.
• Maiz Picante: they have some really unique premium taco creations if street tacos aren’t your vibe. We thoroughly enjoyed these tacos as well.
• La Super Rica: This one’s probably the most famous of the bunch and is best known for their tamales. The tacos were okay, but the tamal is the true star here.

If you’re limited on time, I’d recommend prioritizing Lilly’s Tacos or Maiz Piquante.

Looking to add on more stops? There’s also Taqueria El Bajio, Tacos Pipeye, Cesar’s Place, Los Agaves, Mony’s Mexican Food, and a bunch of others!

11. Old Mission Santa Barbara

If you’re a history buff or someone who enjoys California mission history, you’ll want to step back in time and uncover the hidden tales of Old Mission Santa Barbara.

This isn’t your average tourist spot—it’s a portal to history, with grand bell towers, lush gardens, and a gorgeous facade that’ll make your jaw drop. They call it the “Queen of the Missions,” and trust me, the title fits like a glove!

What’s the deal with missions in California, anyway? Missions were like early Spanish settlements established to spread Christianity and colonize the region. A lot of the missions across the state are designated historical landmarks with exhibits and artifacts that tell captivating stories about California’s past. At Old Mission Santa Barbara, you’ll learn about a time when Spanish Franciscan missionaries were sent to new lands to colonize the territory and convert its Indian inhabitants to Christianity.

Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, this place has seen more than two centuries of history, all of which you’ll get to relive during your visit. Walk through the church, explore the historic cemetery and mausoleum, see the gardens, and get lost in the museum.

The multi-language audio tour makes history come alive, revealing the secrets of the inner garden and the remnants of aqueduct systems.

Pro tip: Opt for the hour-long docent-guided tours if you can (Friday and Sunday at 12:00 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am) — they sprinkle extra tidbits of history that you won’t find in any guidebook.

👉 Hidden Gem: When you’re done exploring the mission, take a stroll across the street to the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden. Over 1,500 rose plants await, painting the air with their fragrance. Spring is the golden hour for roses, but trust me, they’re a treat anytime thanks to their never-ending growing season.

12. Spend time with adoptable cats

If you thrive in the presence of sweet little adoptable kitties, you’re going to love Cat Therapy.

Cat Therapy is Santa Barbara’s only cat café with sessions where guests can hang with cats! You get to enjoy their company and play with them, while they benefit from the socialization skills so that they’re extra adoptable.

If you see a cat you like and are open to adopting it, don’t dilly dally because the cats here go like hotcakes! They get at least a few adoptions per week.

13. Visit Ganna Walska’s Lotusland

In the hills of Montecito lies a botanical wonder that’s anything but ordinary — Lotusland, a 37-acre eccentric haven that’s as enchanting as it is quirky.

Once the private estate of the renowned opera singer and socialite, Madam Ganna Walska, this botanical gem showcases more than 3,000 plant species, many of which are rare or endangered.

Walska’s vision, nurtured over 43 years, has turned Lotusland into a horticultural nirvana, even earning it a spot among the world’s best gardens!

As you embark on a tour of the gardens, you’ll discover a whimsical world that’s truly unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. From ferns, aloes, lotuses, and water lilies to rare botanical collections like cycads, cacti, palms, and euphorbias, Lotusland is unique as heck.

Keep in mind that Lotusland operates in a private residential neighborhood, so making advance tour reservations a must.

14. Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

Every Sunday all year round (and on select Saturdays during major holiday weekends), the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show takes center stage, at Stearns Wharf!

This weekly event shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of over 200 local artists and artisans who proudly call Santa Barbara home. Between Stearns Wharf and Calle Cesar Chavez, you’ll find anything from original drawings and paintings to unique sculptures, pottery, and photography.

This event is a perfect blend of creativity and coastal charm, making it an ideal weekend excursion for those of you who want to support local businesses while getting in your morning walk by the beach!

Admission to the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show is free. The show begins at 10 a.m. and ends around dusk.

15. Shop til ya drop

Whether you’re a fashionista, a lover of locally-made goods, or a thrift store aficionado, Santa Barbara’s shopping scene is California’s best-kept secret. Three of my favorite areas to shop include State Street, Paseo Nuevo, and The Funk Zone.

On State Street, you’ll find plenty of surf shops, lifestyle shops, as well as the best of the stores and brands you already know and love.

Also situated along State Street is a cute little shopping center called Paseo Nuevo. Among oodles of IG-worthy photo spots featuring classic Spanish architecture, you’ll find stores like Sephora, Aveda, Gap, and Hollister, as well as lots of other indie boutiques.

Once you’ve exhausted these spots, pay a visit to Sevilla Square, where you’ll find plenty of boutiques and places to grab a quick bite. Shops (many of which are charming independent boutiques) are scattered throughout smaller plazas such as Arlington Plaza and De La Guerra Plaza, so be sure to check those out too!

Just about everywhere you look, there are consignment shops, souvenir shops, gift shops, and galleries just waiting to be discovered.

16. Stroll along State Street

State Street isn’t your run-of-the-mill shopping strip; it’s a goldmine of local finds and cute boutiques—each one adding to Santa Barbara’s charm.

State Street is SB’s main drag, home to not just shopping, but also a countless number of coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, bars, and dessert shops.

Whenever we’re in Santa Barbara, a stroll (and a bite) along State Street is a must. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch or hang out in the early evening. Our sweet spot to visit is always after adventuring around SB and right before dinner.

Need some pointers on where to eat/drink? Some of our favorite food establishments in the area include:

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele – The same pizza restaurant that was featured in Eat Pray Love

McConnell’s – A local institution for ice cream! The cookies and cream flavor is a MUST (you can thank me later). The Santa Barbara Strawberry is a close second.

LOKUM – A great spot to enjoy Turkish coffee, baklava, and Turkish delights

Broad Street Oyster Co. – After drawing a cult following at its original Malibu eatery, the downtown Santa Barbara location opened in 2022! They’re known for their world-famous lobster rolls… topped with uni (sea urchin).

Shaker & Mill – Located within the same building as Broad Street Oyster Co., it’s just about the cutest place on State Street to sit down for a cocktail

CAJÉ – they make the cutest craft cocktail-inspired coffee drinks (non-alcoholic). Their Eastside location even turns into a speakeasy at night!

17. Have a spa day

With all the health/wellness-promoting opportunities in Santa Barbara, you’d be totally missing out by not partaking in at least one of them! My recommendation? Pamper yourself with some R&R.

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to spa options in SB — there are smaller establishments that specialize in really unique options like salt caves and float sessions, as well as higher-end resorts with no shortage of traditional, splurge-worthy treatments!

Here are a handful of options to get you started:

Float Luxury Spa: offers facials, radiance wraps, body scrubs, and massages. They also host spa parties!

Salt Santa Barbara: offers halotherapy sessions, facials, massages, and sound bath classes.

Belmond El Encanto: enjoy their signature massages, facials, sound bath meditation classes, and body treatments. The spa facilities include a state-of-the-art gym.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara: Located in the beautiful Ritz Carlton Santa Barbara, the Spa offers a range of treatments focused on holistic wellness. The spa encompasses 42,000 square feet and features an adults-only swimming pool, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam rooms, fireside lounges, and a rooftop terrace.

18. Do yoga on the beach

Like I said, the businesses in Santa Barbara really prioritize health and well-being. One really great example of that is Santa Barbara Beach Yoga!

Founded in 2018 by Emma Davis, Santa Barbara Beach Yoga is a community-centered, outdoor yoga studio in the heart of Santa Barbara’s bustling beach town.

Staying true to Santa Barbara’s easygoing and laid-back lifestyle, they offer outdoor yoga classes right on the beach (with headsets so you can still enjoy your yoga tunes) as well as other fun events like a ‘Full Moon Yoga & Sound Bath’ class at their indoor location.

19. Enjoy a salt cave session

Salt is such a magical place! Located in downtown Santa Barbara on State Street, it’s the largest Himalayan salt cave in North America. The salt caves in the spa are crafted from 45 tons of 250 million-year-old Himalayan crystal salt.

Me describing it doesn’t do it justice. You need to see it for yourself, it’s REALLY impressive.

One of their most popular offerings is their relaxing “salt cave sessions”. In a Salt Cave session, you’ll get the chance to relax in zero-gravity lounge chairs while soaking in all the benefits of halotherapy (the air in the cave is infused with micro-salt particles that impart a therapeutic benefit when inhaled).

On most days during certain hours, they pair the salt cave experience with meditation music, so not only will you benefit from the salt in the air, but you’ll also benefit from the tranquility-inducing soundwaves in the air too! You’ll just sit, relax, and breathe.

Want to elevate your experience a bit more? You can tack on a massage, salt scrub, or facial treatment too.

Papu and I were so relaxed during our salt cave session that both of us accidentally fell asleep at some point! Needless to say, it was one of the best mini-naps we’ve EVER taken.

The 45 minutes went by quickly, and we both thought it was such a relaxing experience. Next time, we’re def opting for a couples massage to pair with our salt cave session.

Pro Tip: The cave is always kept at 72 degrees and 40% humidity, so if you tend to run cold when relaxed, bring a light jacket to cover yourself with. Blankets are also available.

20. Tour Casa del Herrero

If seeing as much SB architecture action as possible is on your itinerary, Casa del Herrero needs to be at the top of your list. This hidden gem in Montecito does a phenomenal job of taking you back to the past!

Built in 1925 by the visionary architect George Washington Smith for the Steedman family, this architectural masterpiece has stood the test of time, earning its well-deserved designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2009.

As you explore the 11-acre estate, you’ll find yourself immersed in the charm of the 1920s and 1930s. The Casa del Herrero is a living example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style in America.

Don’t miss the enchanting Moorish-style gardens and the romantic open-air rooms, both of which are oh-so tranquil!

Docent-led tours can be booked on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. throughout the year, and are available for adults and children ages 10 and above. Admission for the tour is $50 per person.

21. Do an escape room

Escape rooms are everywhere, and we totally get why — they’re a ton of fun for people who love problem-solving and thinking out of the box under pressure. Whenever I travel with my friends (many of whom are obsessed with escape rooms), we always try to fit in a game to prove that we are puzzle masters.

Most of the time, we are not… I can’t tell you how many failed escape rooms I’ve been a part of!

If you find yourself with a few hours to kill after you’ve gotten your fill of the beach (or if it happens to be a cold or rainy day in Santa Barbara), head to House of Clues for a quick escape room experience. They’ve got a handful of themed rooms including “Grandma’s Attic”, “The Castle”, and “Alcatraz”.

22. Santa Barbara Zoo

Just two miles away from the lively State Street is the Santa Barbara Zoo, a 30-acre haven that seamlessly blends the marvels of the animal kingdom with views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains!

With over 146 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers a close-up encounter with nature in open, naturalistic habitats. Your journey through the zoo can be covered in about two hours, but trust me, you might find yourself tempted to linger a bit longer.

Make sure to time your visit with the Masai giraffe feeding session, an unmissable opportunity to get up close and personal with the zoo’s tallest residents. For a more relaxed exploration, take the kids aboard the Zoo Train. And don’t forget to swing by the Ridley-Tree Animal Kitchen, where the intricate food-prep process for the Zoo’s 500+ animals unfolds before your eyes.

The Santa Barbara Zoo operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children (free for the littlest explorers under two). There are also other costs for additional experiences.

23. Go whale watching

California is the prime spot for whale watching, especially during late November through April, when thousands of Pacific gray whales migrate through the channel heading south to the warm water lagoons of Baja California.

Yep, lucky for you, Santa Barbara is perfectly situated along the migratory route of several whale species, including Pacific Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and Blue Whales! Witnessing these colossal creatures as they navigate the Pacific Ocean is a not-to-be-missed experience.

Many whale-watching tours in Santa Barbara are led by knowledgeable naturalists who provide insightful information about the marine life you encounter.

In addition to whales, you’re likely to encounter other marine life during your excursion. Dolphins, seals, sea lions, and various seabirds are often seen frolicking in the waters, enhancing your overall marine experience.

24. Farmers Market Foodie Stroll and Gourmet Dinner

If you and your partner are foodies, and I mean REAL foodies who appreciate where their food is sourced and the quality of the ingredients, then you really can’t pass up the chance to experience the Farmers Market Foodie Stroll and Gourmet Dinner with a bouchon Santa Barbara chef.

Participants rendezvous with Chef at the market, select ingredients, meet the farmers and enjoy food conversations with Chef. After the tour, guests retire to bouchon for a three-course menu paired with local wines!

25. Go museum hopping

If you and your partner are museum people, why not plan out a museum-hopping adventure followed by dinner at a local restaurant?

If this sounds like your idea of fun, you’ll be glad to know that Santa Barbara has no shortage of museums to discover. It’s actually kind of crazy how many little museums they have in town, despite being such a small little city!

Here are a handful of museums you can choose from:

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum – at Santa Barbara Harbor, they cover the fascinating history of seafaring in the area, as well as topics like surfing, diving and more

Santa Barbara Museum of Art – for art lovers! This downtown art museum has undergone over 5 years of renovations and has recently reopened with expanded gallery spaces

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History – as the oldest museum in SB, this one explores the natural history of the region, including native flora and fauna, Chumash culture, pygmy mammoth skeletons from the Channel Islands. There are scenic creek paths to wander along, as well as a seasonal exhibit that features live butterflies from May through September.

Santa Barbara Sea Center – dedicated to all things marine life, with special exhibits on the Santa Barbara Channel, touch tanks and more.

26. Visit the Goleta Butterfly Grove

If you happen to be visiting SB during the winter months, you’ll get to experience something extra special that only happens during this time of year — the migration of thousands of monarchs, traveling from Canada all the way to the eucalyptus trees in Southern California.

Situated on the Ellwood Mesa, the Goleta Butterfly Grove (also known as the Ellwood Main Monarch Aggregation site), spans 137 acres of natural terrain with designated trails leading to bluffs and beaches.

It’s among California’s largest overwintering locations, so you best believe you’re going to see quite a few butterflies!

This family-friendly adventure spans from mid-October through February, with peak butterfly counts typically gracing the skies between Christmas and January.

There is no cost to visit and admire the butterflies, but the City of Goleta does take donations to support the Monarch Butterfly Docent Program!

Free parking is available at the Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve parking area. The Ellwood Main Grove is a half-mile walk on a dirt path from the parking lot, following the butterfly trail markers.

27. Catch a show, play, ballet, or concert

If you’re a fan of the performing arts, you’re in luck because SB really shines when it comes to arts and culture! You’ll find no shortage of shows, plays, and productions for you in Santa Barbara. Here are a few of the top theaters in town:

The Arlington Theatre – Hosts award-winning plays, first-run films, dance, comedy, and world-class musical performances

The Granada Theatre – Home to local arts groups including the Santa Barbara Symphony, State Street Ballet, and Opera Santa Barbara. Features national and international touring events, Broadway Series, film screenings, and one-night-only performances across musical genres.

Lobero Theatre – Presents a diverse selection of performing arts, from modern dance to opera

The New Vic – Converted church turned state-of-the-art venue, home to Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC), showcasing classics to contemporary works and features a small “black box” theater for avant-garde and experimental performances

The Riviera Theatre – Hosts film-related events, including Cinema Society, Rosebud Program for Film Students, and the Wave Film Festival

The city’s cultural calendar is bustling throughout the year, so be sure to use it to plan an evening of music, dance or film during your stay. 

28. Take a trapeze class

If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your job to join the circus, now’s your chance to get a taste of it. Trying out a trapeze class in Santa Barbara is such a unique bachelorette party activity or a date idea!

Combining aerial arts, fitness, adrenaline, and pure fun, Santa Barbara Trapeze Company’s classes will give you a 2-hour high-energy workout that will have you going through ALL the feels.

You’ll likely feel timid at first, but by the end of class, you’ll probably surprise yourself with how much fun you’re having!

SBTC’s Open Level Trapeze Class is perfect for all skill levels to try something new and take a dive into the world of aerial fitness. ZERO experience is necessary as their experienced coaches will guide you all the way through.

29. Snorkel or kayak at Channel Islands National Park

Did you know that Santa Barbara is a short way away from some truly primo snorkeling and kayaking?

Channel Islands National Park sits 22 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. Touted as the “Galapagos of North America,” the chain of five islands is home to 2,000+ plants and animals, many of which can only be found on the islands.

Did you ALSO know that half of Channel Islands National Park is underwater? The waters of the Channel Islands National Park Marine Sanctuary are teeming with vibrant marine life that is waiting to be discovered by snorkeling!

If you’re up for a water adventure, prepare for an unforgettable time at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park.

On a kayaking/snorkeling tour, you’ll have the chance to see unique wildlife up close, navigate awesome sea caves, and wander through dense kelp forests, all while uncovering the island’s rich history.

Channel Islands Adventure Company offers sea cave kayaking tours, snorkeling tours, or a combo tour that combines both epic adventures into one jam-packed day.

30. Take a mini road trip to nearby towns

Santa Barbara sure is lovely, but if you’ve got an itch to see more outside of town, a quick 10-20 minute drive in either direction will bring you to some pretty charming towns just waiting to be explored.

You’ve got Goleta and Solvang to the west of SB, as well as Montecito and Summerland to the east of town. Here’s a quick checklist of what to see/do in each town:

• Goleta: Stroll through the enchanting Ellwood Butterfly Grove, explore Hollister Avenue’s boutiques, step back in time at Rancho La Patera & Stow House, go brewery hopping.
• Solvang: About 40 minutes away, Solvang’s charming streets are adorned with traditional Danish-style buildings and windmills, offering a taste of Denmark in California. Peruse the cute little boutique stores, bakeries, and souvenir shops, and visit Mission Santa Inés.
• Montecito: Picnic at Butterfly Beach (a local favorite), browse the little boutiques on Coast Village Road, sample French pastries at Bree’Osh.
• Summerland: Stroll along Lillie Avenue, explore antique shops and art galleries that line the streets, grab breakfast/lunch at Summerland Beach Cafe, beach at Summerland Beach, explore the whimsical Lotusland villa and gardens, and go horseback riding with Los Padres Outfitters.

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Where To Stay In Santa Barbara

For my latest Santa Barbara birthday trip, Papu and I stayed at the cutest boutique hotel called Hideaway Santa Barbara. Everything about Hideaway is perfect!

If you’re envisioning old/musty bed-and-breakfast vibes, this is quite the opposite! The property was extensively renovated in 2019, and everything is uniquely curated with coastal decor and cute little touches everywhere. Complimentary breakfast is included for guests, too!

Our stay at Hideaway was nothing short of amazing, I’ve been recommending it to all my friends/family because it was just what we needed for our couples getaway: cozy home-away-from-home feels, made-to-order breakfast, and all the little thoughtful amenities like free happy hour wine, beach towels, and even beach tar wipes in the room.

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Got more time to spare in the Santa Barbara area? Be sure to explore other stuff you can do there!

• 23 Cute Date Ideas In Santa Barbara For Your Next Getaway
• 21 Awesome Day Trips From Santa Barbara, California
• Santa Barbara In One Day: 11 Top Things To Do

Looking for more California travel tips? 👇

Northern California

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• 32 Best Things To Do In Santa Cruz, CA For The Perfect Beach Vacation
• 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA
• 33 Exciting Things To Do In Napa Valley Besides Wine Tasting
• 27+ Unforgettable Things To Do In Sonoma County, California
• 2 Days In Big Sur: 25 Best Things To Do For An Epic Road Trip

Southern California

• 15 Best Things To Do On Catalina Island For An Epic Day Trip
• 20 Best Things To Do In Ojai, CA For The Perfect Weekend Getaway
• 24 Best Stops Between San Francisco to Los Angeles: PCH Road Trip
• 38 Awesome Things To Do On Your LA to Palm Springs Road Trip
• 41 Things To Do In Anaheim Other Than Disneyland
• 45 Cute Date Night Ideas In Orange County, California
• 60 Fun-Filled Things To Do In San Diego, California

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