Even though it’s a smaller city, there’s still a lot to do in Santa Barbara. From sightseeing trips to outdoorsy activities, there’s something for everyone. No wonder so many celebrities end up purchasing homes here!

We have put together a list of things to do in Santa Barbara so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful city. Santa Barbara is full of activities and attractions for everyone, so there is sure to be something on this list that interests you.

Go for an e-bike ride

With an e-bike, you can cruise up and down State Street, or take a leisurely ride along the beach path. Take in the sights and sounds of Santa Barbara at your own pace on an e-bike from Cal Coast Adventure.

As you head towards the waterfront area, you’ll come across a biking and walking path. If you follow this route, it will take you past the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Andree Clark Bird Refuge. This is a great way to see some of Santa Barbara’s best attractions while getting some exercise in at the same time!

Grab a coffee and window-shop in Montecito

Bree’Osh Bakery Cafe is located in Montecito, and offers a variety of delicious treats to enjoy. This charming cafe is the perfect place to take a break during your e-bike ride and refuel with a quick snack or sit down and relax for a bit.

Coast Village Road is the location of Bree’Osh Bakery Cafe. It’s definitely worth a stroll or a bike ride to check out the local shops. The road is lined with quaint storefronts where you can find yourself window shopping and maybe even purchasing a few unique items along the way.

Head up to the Winslow-Maxwell Overlook

If you’re up for a little bit more of a challenge on your e-bike ride, head on over to the Winslow-Maxwell Overlook by the Santa Barbara College. The journey up to the overlook is worth it for the stunning panoramas of both the city and the water.

Visit the Mission Santa Barbara

The Old Mission Santa Barbara is located in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and on the outskirts of town, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The mission is a beautiful Spanish colonial style church that was founded in 1786. It’s one of the oldest buildings in California and is a National Historic Landmark.

The Mission Santa Barbara is not only a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region, but it is also beautiful to look at. Be sure to walk around the grounds and enjoy the exterior architecture of the mission. And don’t forget to stop by the museum and gift shop while you’re here!

Located near the mission, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a great place to visit if you find yourself with some free time. The museum offers a wide variety of exhibits ranging from the evolution of California’s landscape to the identification of local plant and animal species.

Stop into the Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is worth stopping to see for its Spanish architecture, even though it’s not the typical tourist destination. This courthouse is a great example of the city’s unique style!

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is home to the El Mirador clock tower, which offers stunning sights of the surrounding area. If you time your visit right, you can take the elevator up to the top of the tower and enjoy a clear view of the city and parts of the ocean.

Enjoy the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which has undergone recent renovations, is a museum that houses numerous exhibitions on its two floors. With its beautiful architecture and expansive collections, the museum is definitely worth a visit. The main area of the museum contains many portraits that you can view and learn more about by using a QR code. By scanning the QR code with your phone, you can read additional information about each portrait.

Check out the Funk Zone district

The Funk Zone is a Santa Barbara district located near the waterfront. It is home to many art galleries, restaurants, and breweries. The area gets its name from the industrial history of the area – it was once known for producing funk music. Today, the Funk Zone is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Spend the morning in Lotusland

Lotusland is one of the most interesting and unique places to visit in Santa Barbara. Set on 37 acres of stunning gardens, this former private estate is now a public garden open to visitors year-round. Lotusland is home to over 3,000 different species of plants, many of which are rare or endangered. The gardens are divided into several distinct sections, each with its own theme and plantings.

When you visit Lotusland, you can choose to take an extensive guided tour, or you can explore the property on your own and talk to the many knowledgeable guides who are stationed around the grounds.

Relax at Summerland Beach

Just on the other side of the main road from Summerland’s bustling town centre is its beach. The beach is a quiet and pretty spot perfect for an afternoon spent soaking up some sun and relaxing!

Visit Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands are an archipelago of eight islands located off the coast of Southern California, split between Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. The islands are teeming with things to do, like island hopping, camping, hiking, and scuba diving. You could easily spend weeks exploring everything these islands have to offer.

Additionally, the Channel Islands are known for their unique ecosystems. These islands are sometimes referred to as the “Galapagos of the North” because they are home to a large number of endemic species that can be found nowhere else on Earth.

Stroll around the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden spans 78-acres and boasts a rich collection of flora. This nature lover’s paradise features California native plants, a redwood forest, streams, and wildflower meadows. There’s also a waterwise garden, which highlights drought-tolerant plants.

Go to nearby Solvang

If you’re looking for a little piece of Denmark in Southern California, look no further than Solvang. This charming town is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, just a short drive from Santa Barbara. With its beautiful weather and Danish-inspired architecture, Solvang is the perfect place to enjoy all that California has to offer.

These are just some of the many things to do in Santa Barbara and we hope this list has given you some ideas of what to do while you’re in town!