Local Wines
Six premium wine tasting rooms in the heart of the Historic Presidio downtown Santa Barbara
50 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Winery
28 Anacapa StSix premium wine tasting rooms in the heart of the Historic Presidio downtown Santa Barbara
Sightseeing
Visit local hot spots such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, the historic Santa Barbara Mission, and more, all fully narrated by our energetic and knowledgeable tour guides!
50 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Winery
28 Anacapa StVisit local hot spots such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, the historic Santa Barbara Mission, and more, all fully narrated by our energetic and knowledgeable tour guides!
Santa Barbara’s newest hands-on destination for families and curious minds of all ages, MOXI is a place where you can explore and discover new things about the world around you, ask questions, seek answers and have a blast doing so.
59 locals recommend
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
125 State StSanta Barbara’s newest hands-on destination for families and curious minds of all ages, MOXI is a place where you can explore and discover new things about the world around you, ask questions, seek answers and have a blast doing so.
Comprises 27,000 works of art – an art museum of magnitude and quality more commonly found in cities eight times the size of Santa Barbara
107 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
1130 State StComprises 27,000 works of art – an art museum of magnitude and quality more commonly found in cities eight times the size of Santa Barbara
Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard.
118 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta Del SolGuests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is home to 146 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. More than 500 animals are exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats.
169 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Zoo
500 Ninos DrThe Santa Barbara Zoo is home to 146 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. More than 500 animals are exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats.
This gorgeous complex includes the still-functioning Courthouse, Clock Tower, a sunken garden, and eye-catching Spanish Mural Room. Climb the Clock Tower to see the 18th century clock and take in breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Santa Barbara with wide mountain vistas and low hanging clouds. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy a tranquil setting in the sunken garden. As an iconic landmark of the city, this free attraction is a must-see during your visit. Admire the amazing architecture, including spiral staircases, thick wooden doors, and subtle touches that reveal the building's historic Spanish roots.
162 locals recommend
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa StThis gorgeous complex includes the still-functioning Courthouse, Clock Tower, a sunken garden, and eye-catching Spanish Mural Room. Climb the Clock Tower to see the 18th century clock and take in breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Santa Barbara with wide mountain vistas and low hanging clouds. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy a tranquil setting in the sunken garden. As an iconic landmark of the city, this free attraction is a must-see during your visit. Admire the amazing architecture, including spiral staircases, thick wooden doors, and subtle touches that reveal the building's historic Spanish roots.
SBMM opened its doors to the public in July 2000 in the Waterfront Center Building, formerly the Naval Reserve Building, with the unique mission to interpret the diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel.
21 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
113 Harbor WaySBMM opened its doors to the public in July 2000 in the Waterfront Center Building, formerly the Naval Reserve Building, with the unique mission to interpret the diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel.
See everything that Santa Barbara has to offer from the water! Come explore the gorgeous natural environment here in California on a fun and exciting tour of the amazing marine world you can’t see from shore. Experience Santa Barbara from a unique perspective. Book your paddle board or kayak tour now!
33 locals recommend
Paddle Sports Center
117 Harbor WaySee everything that Santa Barbara has to offer from the water! Come explore the gorgeous natural environment here in California on a fun and exciting tour of the amazing marine world you can’t see from shore. Experience Santa Barbara from a unique perspective. Book your paddle board or kayak tour now!
Beaches
One of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara. It’s easily accessible from Santa Barbara City College and attracts students looking to socialize, swim, and tan. Leadbetter is also a favorite of kite surfers and windsurfers. Grills, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms make this beach ideal for celebrations with friends and family.
59 locals recommend
Leadbetter Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara. It’s easily accessible from Santa Barbara City College and attracts students looking to socialize, swim, and tan. Leadbetter is also a favorite of kite surfers and windsurfers. Grills, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms make this beach ideal for celebrations with friends and family.
A busy stretch of sand that offers a wide range of recreational activities. Amenities include a playground, rollerblading trails, food vendors, picnic facilities, showers, and more. East Beach even hosts various volleyball tournaments throughout the year. Swimming and sunbathing are popular here as well.
90 locals recommend
East Beach Tacos
226 S Milpas StA busy stretch of sand that offers a wide range of recreational activities. Amenities include a playground, rollerblading trails, food vendors, picnic facilities, showers, and more. East Beach even hosts various volleyball tournaments throughout the year. Swimming and sunbathing are popular here as well.
Referred to as “Hendry’s” by the locals. Hendry’s is usually filled with scampering dogs as it welcomes four-legged friends off-leash. There’s even a coin-operated pet wash! A picnic area, restrooms, and a great seafood restaurant are all available onsite.
41 locals recommend
Arroyo Burro Beach
Cliff DrReferred to as “Hendry’s” by the locals. Hendry’s is usually filled with scampering dogs as it welcomes four-legged friends off-leash. There’s even a coin-operated pet wash! A picnic area, restrooms, and a great seafood restaurant are all available onsite.
Shoreline Park is a long, narrow strip of land that faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the area’s most popular parks and includes a playground, picnic area, Japanese garden, and a whale watching telescope. Gray Whales may be observed here during their migration months, along with a variety of marine mammals like dolphins and seals.
65 locals recommend
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Dr & Santa Rosa PlaceShoreline Park is a long, narrow strip of land that faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the area’s most popular parks and includes a playground, picnic area, Japanese garden, and a whale watching telescope. Gray Whales may be observed here during their migration months, along with a variety of marine mammals like dolphins and seals.
Whale Watching
The Double Dolphin, Santa Barbara Sailing’s 50-foot catamaran. Because the boat slips silently through the waves, you can get close to the whales without disturbing them. Whale watching cruises run seven days a week and reservations are required.
11 locals recommend
Double Dolphin Cruises
302 W Cabrillo BlvdThe Double Dolphin, Santa Barbara Sailing’s 50-foot catamaran. Because the boat slips silently through the waves, you can get close to the whales without disturbing them. Whale watching cruises run seven days a week and reservations are required.
One of the best whale watching/dinner cruises on the West Coast. At 75 feet, this ship can deliver up to 120 passengers to the Santa Barbara Channel’s prime feeding grounds. Feel free to watch from inside the cabin or from the upper-deck seating area.
29 locals recommend
Condor Express Whale Watching
One of the best whale watching/dinner cruises on the West Coast. At 75 feet, this ship can deliver up to 120 passengers to the Santa Barbara Channel’s prime feeding grounds. Feel free to watch from inside the cabin or from the upper-deck seating area.
This 41-foot Out Island Ketch maxes out at just 15 people and has a full bar onboard. Sit back and relax as dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and whales stop by to say hello.
6 locals recommend
Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises & Whale Watching
125 Harbor WayThis 41-foot Out Island Ketch maxes out at just 15 people and has a full bar onboard. Sit back and relax as dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and whales stop by to say hello.
Located right on the water, it’s the perfect place to go for a fun day outdoors! Visitors can take a harbor tour on the Santa Barbara Water Taxi, or learn about our region’s wildlife at the Natural History Sea Center.
135 locals recommend
Stearns Wharf Pier
144-152 Stearns WharfLocated right on the water, it’s the perfect place to go for a fun day outdoors! Visitors can take a harbor tour on the Santa Barbara Water Taxi, or learn about our region’s wildlife at the Natural History Sea Center.
Food scene
Enjoyed every Tuesday and Saturday by locals and tourists alike. Sample sweet dates and crisp apples as you stroll by an amazing selection of quality produce – you will often see our local chefs buying their fruit and vegetables
56 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market
232 Anacapa StEnjoyed every Tuesday and Saturday by locals and tourists alike. Sample sweet dates and crisp apples as you stroll by an amazing selection of quality produce – you will often see our local chefs buying their fruit and vegetables
Serving California Cuisine with an Asian flair. Great wine list and a full bar. Lunch and Dinner. $$$
46 locals recommend
Opal
1325 State St Serving California Cuisine with an Asian flair. Great wine list and a full bar. Lunch and Dinner. $$$
Farm to Table California French Cuisine using all the finest local ingredients from our local farmer’s market. Knowledgeable servers often suggest a wine pairing from their extensive wine list. Dinner only. $$$
58 locals recommend
bouchon Santa Barbara
9 West Victoria StreetFarm to Table California French Cuisine using all the finest local ingredients from our local farmer’s market. Knowledgeable servers often suggest a wine pairing from their extensive wine list. Dinner only. $$$
Classic Mexican dishes with award winning Margaritas served on a delightful patio. They have been in the same location for 40 years. Lunch and Dinner. $$
48 locals recommend
Carlitos Café y Cantina
1324 State StClassic Mexican dishes with award winning Margaritas served on a delightful patio. They have been in the same location for 40 years. Lunch and Dinner. $$
A family owned and operated restaurant known for fresh food and friendly service. $$$
33 locals recommend
Jane
1311 State StA family owned and operated restaurant known for fresh food and friendly service. $$$
A charming Italian restaurant serving authentic pastas and traditional fare – you will feel like you’re in Italy. Lunch and Dinner. $$$
40 locals recommend
Ca' Dario
37 E Victoria StA charming Italian restaurant serving authentic pastas and traditional fare – you will feel like you’re in Italy. Lunch and Dinner. $$$
European ambience and service. Great atmosphere. Full Bar. Dinner only. $$$$
45 locals recommend
Toma Restaurant & Bar
324 W Cabrillo BlvdEuropean ambience and service. Great atmosphere. Full Bar. Dinner only. $$$$
Contemporary American in the Funk Zone. Highly popular with the locals and tourists alike. Dinner only. Closed on Monday. $$$$
170 locals recommend
The Lark Santa Barbara
131 Anacapa StContemporary American in the Funk Zone. Highly popular with the locals and tourists alike. Dinner only. Closed on Monday. $$$$
A Santa Barbara institution in the harbor. Great seafood with a beautiful setting overlooking the marina. Busy but it’s worth the wait. No reservations. Full bar. Lunch and Dinner. $$$
203 locals recommend
Brophy Bros.
119 Harbor WayA Santa Barbara institution in the harbor. Great seafood with a beautiful setting overlooking the marina. Busy but it’s worth the wait. No reservations. Full bar. Lunch and Dinner. $$$
Created by a team of hospitality professionals, this restaurant is a great addition to our growing list of top restaurants. Full bar. Lunch and Dinner. $$$$
13 locals recommend
Convivo Restaurant and Bar
901 E Cabrillo BlvdCreated by a team of hospitality professionals, this restaurant is a great addition to our growing list of top restaurants. Full bar. Lunch and Dinner. $$$$
A local favorite and Mexican tacos as good as you can get. Arrive early as long lines testify to this casual Mexican eatery. $$
96 locals recommend
La Super-Rica Taqueria
622 N Milpas StA local favorite and Mexican tacos as good as you can get. Arrive early as long lines testify to this casual Mexican eatery. $$
All of your Mexican favorites in a casual, hacienda-style space. There’s usually a line at all three Santa Barbara locations, but the wait is never very long. Once you’ve ordered at the counter, grab a table and enjoy fresh, hot tortilla chips alongside any of the 10 different options at their fresh salsa bar.
103 locals recommend
Los Agaves
2911 De La Vina StAll of your Mexican favorites in a casual, hacienda-style space. There’s usually a line at all three Santa Barbara locations, but the wait is never very long. Once you’ve ordered at the counter, grab a table and enjoy fresh, hot tortilla chips alongside any of the 10 different options at their fresh salsa bar.
Located in the Funk Zone, the taproom features all the signature taps from the local California brewery based in the Santa Ynez Valley. With indoor and outdoor seating, the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company taproom is the ideal stop for an afternoon beer to change things up after a long day wine tasting on the urban wine trail
84 locals recommend
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Santa Barbara
137 Anacapa StLocated in the Funk Zone, the taproom features all the signature taps from the local California brewery based in the Santa Ynez Valley. With indoor and outdoor seating, the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company taproom is the ideal stop for an afternoon beer to change things up after a long day wine tasting on the urban wine trail
This iconic location has been a well-known restaurant spot in downtown Santa Barbara for over 70 years .Bringing a vibrant Mexico City-inspired menu coupled with fun, friendly service to one of the most beautiful locations in downtown Santa Barbara.
11 locals recommend
1114 Craft House and Kitchen
1114 State StThis iconic location has been a well-known restaurant spot in downtown Santa Barbara for over 70 years .Bringing a vibrant Mexico City-inspired menu coupled with fun, friendly service to one of the most beautiful locations in downtown Santa Barbara.
Voted 2018's #1 steakhouse in Santa Barbara by Yelp, and the Santa Barbara Independent. In addition to their delicious steaks, they are known for our brunch menu, prime rib french dip, tri-tip sandwich, burgers, salads, mouth-watering buttermilk fried chicken, unique appetizers, well-made cocktails, and a choice wine list.
12 locals recommend
Jill's Place Restaurant
632 Santa Barbara StVoted 2018's #1 steakhouse in Santa Barbara by Yelp, and the Santa Barbara Independent. In addition to their delicious steaks, they are known for our brunch menu, prime rib french dip, tri-tip sandwich, burgers, salads, mouth-watering buttermilk fried chicken, unique appetizers, well-made cocktails, and a choice wine list.