Top things to do in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is a beautiful place to spend a few days on the California coast. The beach is beautiful, but there’s more to this town as well. Check out the top things to do in Santa Barbara, California.

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When is the best time of year to visit Santa Barbara, California?

To fully enjoy the top things to do in Santa Barbara, California, I’d recommend visiting in the summer. Long sunny days from June to September give you plenty of time to enjoy the beaches and all the outdoor activities in Santa Barbara. There’s really nothing better than relaxing on the beach in the California sun, or watching the sunset over the palm trees.

Top things to do in Santa Barbara

When you’re planning your trip to Santa Barbara, I’d recommend checking out this book which has a great guide to Santa Barbara (affiliate). There are some great recommendations for places to stay and eat, and the maps are really helpful so you won’t get lost.

1. Santa Barbara beach and pier

For one of the top things to do in Santa Barbara, head to the beautiful beach. If you’re lucky to visit on a sunny day you can spend hours relaxing on the beautiful white sand. Take a swim in the chilly pacific ocean as well if you’re feeling brave. Even in the summer the water can still be chilly!

The pier gives some great views back over the beach as well. Take a walk along the pier so you can get some great photos looking back over the beach and enjoying the views.

2. Watch the pelicans

One of my favourite things to do in Santa Barbara is to watch the pelicans. If you’re lucky, you can see them relaxing all around the beach and pier. Some of them are really calm and you can get really close for a photo.

3. Santa Barbara courthouse

One of the most beautiful buildings in Santa Barbara is the courthouse. It’s just a short walk back from the beach and definitely worth a visit. It was built in 1929 and dates back to the Spanish colonial times. You can climb up the tower as well for great views over the whole complex and also out to sea.

4. Whale watching

Santa Barbara is one of the best places in the USA to see whales, and there are a variety of boat trips you can take. You can see Humpback Whales and Blue Whales in the summer months. Humpback Whales can be seen from May to November, and Blue Whales can be seen from July to October. If you’re in Santa Barbara earlier in the year, you have a chance of seeing Grey Whales from December to May. Seeing whales is just amazing, and definitely one of the top things to do in Santa Barbara.

5. The Mission, Santa Barbara

The Mission in Santa Barbara is a great place to learn more about the history of California. It dates back to 1786, when the Spanish Catholic missionaries came to California with the aim of converting the local indigenous people. It’s a really pretty place now, making it an enjoyable as well as educational visit. Learn more about it here.

6. Cycle along the California Coast

For an alternative way to explore the California Coast, try hiring bikes in Santa Barbara and cycling along. You can follow the wide, flat path behind the beach for great views, and stop whenever you want to take in the view.

7. Watch the sunset on the beach

For a perfect ending to your time in Santa Barbara, stay at the beach into the evening to watch the sunset. It’s just beautiful to see the long shadows of the tall palm trees as the sun dips in the evening over the pacific ocean.

Enjoy your time in Santa Barbara! Remember to check out this great travel guide (affiliate) when you’re planning your trip. And make sure you keep some time to explore some of the other beautiful areas of California. For more beach time and whale watchinghead to Big Sur, or enjoy the aquarium in Monterey. Or head to San Francisco and Los Angeles for some big city fun. You can also visit Santa Barbara by train – read about what it’s like to travel in the USA by train here.