7 Things to do in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara aka “The American Riviera”

Santa Barbara, California is by far one of my favorite cities not only in California but in the country. The city features tons of outdoor activities, great weather, walkable paths that lead to amazing restaurants and bars, and access to the ocean and channels beyond. Every time we venture to Santa Barbara or SB, it amazes us at how much stuff there is to do.

Santa Barbara is one of the most walker friendly cities as navigating the city with out a vehicle is completely accessible and hassle free. When we lived in San Diego, we would always catch the Pacific Surfliner in downtown San Diego and take it right into the heart of Santa Barbara. I fell in love with this city and it’s vibe after one visit and I am sure you will to.

While you are visiting Santa Barbara you will be presented with an endless number of activities to do. Here are 5 of my favorite things to do when we travel to Santa Barbara.

Bike the Cabrillo Boulevard Bike Path

Cabrillo Boulevard Bike Path is one the most popular bike paths in Santa Barbara. The path his a 4.5 mile long path that connects Santa Barbara and Montecito along the coast. Bikes are available for rent as well as bringing your own. The path picks ups at Leadbetter Beach and Shoreline Park and runs to Butterfly Beach in Montecito.

Along the path you will pass your typical scenes; beach goers, volleyball, parks, a bird sanctuary, and incredible homes. It is by far one of the most scenic bike paths that I have been on and certainly is up there with any pacific trail.

As previously stated, Santa Barbara is one of the most friendly cities for individuals traveling without a car, and the bike path plays a huge role in that. The Cabrillo Path is filled with walkers, bikers, pets, and tourists taking in the gorgeous Santa Barbara coast line. Be sure to be on the look out for pedestrians and have a bell to ring for when you need to pass. Believe me it comes in handy.

Spend the afternoon at Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park is one of the more popular spots in San Barbara. This narrow park nestled against the Pacific Ocean features a great spot for a family outing or an afternoon of activities. To access the park, follow the signs off of Shoreline Drive for the park. The park offers a playground area for kids, an open lawn for frisbee and picnics as well as other fun activities.

Follow a long narrow wooden set of stairs that is something out of Pirates of the Caribbean to access the beach below. The western part of the beach is dog friendly however the other parts do not permit animals. If you are down for a sunny afternoon definitely check this spot out! You won’t be disappointed.

Check out the Downtown Shops, Restaurants and Bars

Santa Barbara has one of the coolest downtown and city scenes that are totally reminiscent of your typical beach town. The main strip of the city is quartered off and is only accessible by walking or biking. Cars are not allowed on the main strip which makes it so nice to chill and take n the sites.

Santa Barbara is filled with surf shops, clothing stores, art galleries, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, wineries, hotels, and an outdoor mall all within walking distance of each other. When it comes to bars and foods, Santa Barbara has everything you can imagine. Mexican, American, Barbecue, Mediterranean, Italian, this place has it all.

Most restaurants feature an outdoor section which keep you engaged with the downtown scene as you are enjoying. abide and a drink. You will find up and coming artists playing for crowds or no one around every corner.

A few of my favorite spots on the strip are the Lark which a former fish market turned into they s modern fare restaurant. The Black Sheep is an asian American fare restaurants with delicious foods and beer and wine servings. However, the BEST restaurant in Santa Barbara is easily Santo Mezcal. Located right next door to the Riviera Beach House (which turned out to be our hotel that offered bike rentals), this Mexican fare restaurant has not only the best Mexican in Santa Barbara, but the best food period in SB. Definitely check it out.

Take a Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

Located at 1212 Mission Canyon Rd in Santa Barbara, the Botanical Garden is a 78 acre sanctuary for California native plants. The Garden offers visitors 5 miles of trails winding through gorgeous scenery and plants. From the Botanical Garden you have an unparalleled view of the San Ynez Mountains in the distance as well as the Channel Islands off the coast.

The coolest part of the Garden is the fact that you can see over 1,000 species of plants, and go from redwoods to desert in one hike. It truly is an incredible experience and one that is a must do if you have the time especially if you are a nature lover like us.

Check out the Santa Barbara Harbor

Whether you are the sailing type, or just love to take in the waterfront scenes, the Santa Barbara waterfront is your place. Located right off the beaten path in SB, the waterfront is a great sport to grab some lunch, check out some souvenir shops, kayak in the harbor, or take a boat out fora nice fishing adventure or whale watching.

The harbor is one of the most historic places in Santa Barbara. Seasonally throughout the year, the harbor is host to many different markets, parades, and festivals. If you are into nautical history, then be sure to check out the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. You won’t be disappointed by this visit to harbor. You can be certain of that.

Go Whale Watching

One of the most popular activities for visitors to Santa Barbara is to take a whale watching tour. Santa Barbara’s Channel is one of the most popular whale watching destinations on the west coast. From late November to April, the Pacific Gray Whales migrate south to Baja California, so whale watching during that time is sure to deliver on some great sightings.

Besides Whales, the Channel is home to thousands of marine life including dolphins, which you could pretty much always see. Santa Barbara has a few different tour companies and businesses that take you out to catch some whale sightings.

During spring to fall, there is a great chance of seeing some humpback whales, and the large blue whale. Chances are that if you take the time to book a whale watching trip, you will see some pretty amazing marine life and some pretty gnarly whales.

Take a Day Trip to the Channel Islands National Park

Sitting 22 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, is Channel Islands National Park. This 5 island chain, known as the “Galapagos of North America” is home to thousands of plant and animal life. The islands offer visitors endless adventures within the park. From hiking, biking, kayaking, scuba diving, whale watching, and snorkeling, the park is a great destination for a day trip or overnight stay.

Half of the Islands are underwater, which leaves visitors with a great opportunity to take a scuba or snorkeling adventure to see the vibrant undertone of what the islands have to offer. There are a few different companies that take you out and back, whether it be for the day or a next day pick up.

The 5 Channel Islands are each equipped with campgrounds for you to access. As they are run and operated by the National Park Service, you will need to make a reservation prior to your visit to the park. This is one of the most under visited parks in the United States due to its proximity to the coast, but it is easily one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States.

So, the next time you find yourself in Santa Barbara, hopefully some of these ideas will peak your interest and help you have a grand time!

BRICK