So you're planning a trip to Santa Barbara and wondering what to do? I get it - I've lived here for eight years and still discover new gems. Forget those generic lists telling you to "visit the beach." Let me walk you through the real Santa Barbara, from hidden hiking trails to taco spots where locals actually eat. We'll cover everything from opening hours to parking hacks because nobody wants to circle State Street for 45 minutes.
Must-See Attractions: Santa Barbara's Icons
Look, you can't figure out what to do in Santa Barbara without hitting these spots. But I'll give you the real scoop beyond the brochures.
Stearns Wharf: More Than Just a Pier
Built in 1872, this historic pier (217 Stearns Wharf) stays open 24/7. Free entry but parking's $2.50/hour after 90 free minutes. The seafood at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company? Solid. But skip the ice cream shops - overpriced. Pro tip: Come at sunset when the light hits the mountains just right. Last Thursday I watched sea lions play near the pilings while eating crab cakes. Magic.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Best View in Town
1100 Anacapa St. Open daily 8am-5pm. Free entry except the clock tower ($2). The mural room will blow your mind, but those tile stairs? Slippery as heck - watch your step. Went last month with my clumsy cousin who nearly faceplanted. Views from the tower? Unreal. See clear to the Channel Islands on cloudless days.
Mission Santa Barbara: California's History
2201 Laguna St. Open daily 9am-5pm except holidays. $14 adults, kids under 12 free. The gardens alone are worth it - those bougainvillea explosions in spring! But honestly? The gift shop prices are wild. $30 for a tiny candle? Skip it.
| Attraction | Address | Hours | Cost | Insider Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stearns Wharf | 217 Stearns Wharf | 24/7 (shops vary) | Free entry, paid parking | Free parking after 6pm in lot |
| County Courthouse | 1100 Anacapa St | 8am-5pm daily | Free, tower $2 | Ceramic stairs slippery when wet |
| Santa Barbara Mission | 2201 Laguna St | 9am-5pm daily | $14 adults | Rose garden best in April-May |
| MOXI Museum | 125 State St | 10am-5pm daily | $16 ages 3+ | Toddlers love water exhibits - bring extra clothes |
Local Hack: Parking at the courthouse lot costs $2/hr BUT street parking on Anacapa is free after 6pm. Thursday nights they often host free concerts on the sunken garden lawn - bring a blanket and wine (discreetly!).
Outdoor Adventures: Beyond the Beach
Sure, everyone knows about East Beach. But what to do in Santa Barbara for nature lovers? These spots will make you feel like you've discovered paradise.
Hiking Trails You Can Actually Handle
Inspiration Point: 3.5 mile round trip. Moderate difficulty. Trailhead at Tunnel Road parking lot. Gets packed after 9am - go at sunrise. Last week I saw a bobcat cub at 6:30am. No joke.
Seven Falls: Shorter but steeper. Park on Tunnel Road (free). Bring water shoes - you'll cross streams. Waterfalls flow strongest March-May. That slick rock near the third fall? Wiped out there last summer. Still worth it.
Beaches Where Locals Actually Go
Butterfly Beach: Best sunset spot. No facilities. Free street parking fills fast. Secret? The Four Seasons next door doesn't care if you use their restrooms if you buy a $5 coffee.
Leadbetter Beach: Where surfers congregate. Free parking lot but chaos on weekends. Rent boards from Shoreline for $20/hour. Warning: Water's freezing year-round. My first time in February felt like ice daggers.
| Beach | Parking | Best For | Facilities | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Beach | Paid lots ($2.50/hr) | Volleyball, families | Restrooms, showers, rentals | Free summer concerts Thursdays |
| Butterfly Beach | Street only (competitive) | Sunsets, romance | None | Check tide charts - disappears at high tide |
| Arroyo Burro | Paid lot ($5 all day) | Dog owners, surfing | Restrooms, restaurant | Dog beach section north of pier |
| Hendry's Beach | Free dirt lot | Long walks, dolphins | Restrooms, Boathouse restaurant | Low tide reveals sea caves north end |
Food & Drink: Eat Like You Live Here
Tripadvisor lies. These are the spots where my neighbors actually eat. Warning: May ruin you for Mexican food elsewhere.
Can't-Miss Mexican Eats
La Super Rica: 622 N Milpas St. Open 11am-9pm. Cash only. Yes, the Julia Child hype is real. Try #16 (pork adobado). Line moves fast - took me 20 minutes last Saturday. $7-10 plates. Worth every penny.
Los Agaves: Massive portions at 600 N Milpas St. Open ’til 10pm. Mole enchiladas? Life-changing. Parking nightmare though - use the back lot. Their salsa bar has 12 options. Try the avocado cream.
Waterfront Dining That Doesn't Suck
Brophy Bros: 119 Harbor Way. Opens at 11am. Clam chowder in sourdough bowls. Get there before 5pm or wait 2 hours. Sat at the bar for 45 minutes last month - bartender gave free oysters when he heard it was my birthday. This is why we live here.
Lure Fish House: Better views than Brophy's but pricier. 2025 Willows Rd. Opens at 4pm weekdays. $30-$45 entrees. Their miso-glazed sea bass? I dream about it. Reservations essential.
Budget Hack: Happy hour at Loquita (202 State St) 4-6pm daily. $6 tapas and $9 cocktails. Their patatas bravas with smoked paprika aioli? I go weekly. Sit at the bar - servers remember regulars.
Family Activities: Keeping Kids Entertained
Traveling with minions? Here's what to do in Santa Barbara with kids without losing your mind.
MOXI Museum: Pure Chaos (In a Good Way)
125 State St. 10am-5pm daily. $16 ages 3+. The rooftop foam block building zone? Genius. But avoid weekends - becomes toddler thunderdome. My nephew cried when we left after three hours. High praise.
Santa Barbara Zoo: Small But Mighty
500 Ninos Dr. 9:30am-5pm daily. $25 adults, $15 kids. Feed giraffes for $5 extra. Pro tip: The hilltop cafe has surprisingly good burgers. Skip the train ride - overpriced at $6 for 8 minutes.
Festivals & Events: Time Your Visit Right
What to do in Santa Barbara depends heavily on when you come. These transform the city:
Old Spanish Days Fiesta (Early August): Parades, dancing, chaos. Hotels triple prices. My advice? Rent a bike - streets become impassable. The mercado at the mission has authentic handmade tortillas.
Summer Solstice Parade (June): Wild costumes and giant puppets. Free. Starts at noon near Alameda Park. Get there by 10am for curb space. Bring sunscreen - watched last year's parade with third-degree burns on my neck. Not smart.
Nightlife & Entertainment: After Dark
Sunset doesn't mean bedtime. Here's what to do in Santa Barbara when the streetlights come on.
Wine Tasting Without Driving to Napa
Funk Zone Urban Wine Trail: 20+ tasting rooms in walkable area. Most open until 8pm. Flight prices $15-$25. Riverbench Winery's sparkling rosé? Bubbly heaven. Avoid weekends - gets fratty.
Secret Speakeasy: Test Pilot at 211 Helena Ave. Opens at 5pm. Tiki drinks in vintage mugs. Reservation-only. Their "Jet Pilot" cocktail knocked my socks off last Friday. $16 but worth the theater.
Budget Travel: Doing Santa Barbara Cheap
Yes, it's pricey. But I've lived here on a teacher's salary - here's how:
- Free Thursday Nights: Museum of Art (1130 State St) free 5-8pm Thursdays. Contemporary exhibits rotate monthly.
- Cheap Bike Rentals: Wheel Fun Rentals at 101 State St. Cruisers $10/hour. Ride the Cabrillo bike path to Butterfly Beach.
- Happy Hour Tacos: Santo Mezcal (119 State St) $3 tacos 3-6pm. Their al pastor? Fire.
- Free Concerts: Chase Palm Park hosts free summer shows Sundays 2-4pm. Bring picnic blankets.
Santa Barbara FAQ: Burning Questions Answered
What are the best free things to do in Santa Barbara?
Hike the Douglas Preserve trails at sunset, wander the Mission Rose Garden, watch seals at Stearns Wharf, explore the courthouse murals, and attend free summer concerts at Chase Palm Park.
Is Santa Barbara walkable?
Downtown and waterfront are extremely walkable. Use the electric scooters for hills ($1 unlock + 40¢/min). But to reach hiking trails or wine country? You'll need wheels.
What's the best time to visit?
May-June for wildflowers and mild temps. September-November for warm days without crowds. July-August brings fog ("June gloom" lasts all summer). January? Rainy but empty hotels.
Where should I stay on a budget?
Try the Motel 6 at 443 Corona Del Mar - clean rooms and 5-min walk to Hendry’s Beach. Or Airbnb in Goleta - 15-min drive but half the price of downtown.
Can I do Santa Barbara in one day?
Possible but brutal. Morning: Mission + Courthouse. Lunch at La Super Rica. Afternoon: MOXI or beach time. Evening: Stearns Wharf sunset + dinner in Funk Zone. You'll be exhausted but satisfied.
Getting Around: Transportation Tips
Ubers/Lyfts: Plentiful downtown but scarce in Montecito. Average $12-15 rides downtown. Waited 45 minutes for one after hiking Seven Falls last month - bad idea.
Buses: $1.75/ride. Clean and safe but slow. Route 22 hits all major spots. Download the MTD app for real-time tracking.
Driving? Street parking free after 6pm and Sundays. Garages cost $2/hour daytime. Avoid State Street driving - construction chaos until 2024. Seriously, it's mad.
So there you have it - what to do in Santa Barbara from someone who spends weekends testing margarita flights "for research." Whether you want sunset hikes or taco crawls, this coastal gem delivers. Just bring layers - that ocean breeze chills fast when the fog rolls in. And if you see a guy sketching sea lions at Stearns Wharf? Say hi - might be me.