Start with the big three
Get on the water. The Santa Barbara Channel is one of the best whale spots on the West Coast, and boats leave right from the harbor. Our Santa Barbara whale watching guide covers what you'll see each season.
Go wine tasting. You can walk between tasting rooms in the Funk Zone, or make a day of it in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Watch the sunset. Grab a spot on a bluff or book a sunset sail. Either way, it never gets old.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
All our Santa Barbara guides
- Whale Watching
Gray whales in winter and spring, humpbacks and blues in summer, and how to pick a boat.
- Channel Islands
Ferries, sea-cave kayaking, and how to plan an island day.
- Wine Tasting
Tasting rooms in town and a day out in the Santa Ynez Valley.
- Funk Zone
The walkable neighborhood of tasting rooms, murals, and food.
- With Kids
Family-friendly days that keep everyone happy.
- One Day Itinerary
A perfect day, planned hour by hour.
- Day Trip from LA
Getting here by car or train and what to do once you arrive.
- Hikes
Easy trails, ocean views, waterfalls, and dog-friendly picks.
- Beaches
Swimming, kids, and local tar tips.
- Sunset
On the water or on a bluff: where to watch the sun go down.
- Date Night
Romantic ideas from cheap and cheerful to splurge.
- Courthouse
Free clock tower views, the Mural Room, and free docent tours in a working 1929 courthouse.
- Old Mission
Visiting the Queen of the Missions.
- Stearns Wharf
California's oldest working wharf: the Sea Center, fishing, food, and the best view back at town.
- Presidio
The 1782 Spanish fort where Santa Barbara began, with the city's oldest building.
- Lotusland
Ganna Walska's 37-acre garden estate in Montecito, by advance reservation only.
- Free Things to Do
Great days that cost nothing, plus free shuttle and parking tips.
- Getting Here
Fly into SBA, take the Airbus from LAX, ride Amtrak, or drive.
- LAX to Santa Barbara
The Airbus shuttle, FlyAway bus plus train, driving, rideshare, or flying into SBA instead.
- December in SB
Mild weather, gray whales, holiday parades, Christmas lights and Solvang Julefest.
- Parade of Lights
Lighted boats, costumed paddlers, snow and fireworks on the waterfront, Sunday, Dec. 13.
- Christmas Lights
A free self-guided lights tour, the Trolley of Lights, the zoo's IllumaNature and more.
- Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler, zoo hours, the waterfront arts show, beaches and wine.
- Weekend Itinerary
Two easy days: the Mission, the Courthouse tower, the Funk Zone, sunset and one big adventure.
- Getting Around
Free 75-minute downtown parking, bus fares, the summer waterfront shuttle and bike share.
- Kayaking & SUP
Harbor rentals from about $20, sea lions on the buoys, sunset paddles and safety tips.
- Solvang Day Trip
The Danish village an hour away: what to do, free parking, wine country and Julefest 2026.
- SB Airport
Parking rates, cell phone lots, rideshare and the bus to downtown, and how early to arrive.
- SBIFF
Feb 3-13, 2027: star tributes, passes vs. $15 rush tickets, free films and venues.
- Food Tours
Compare the downtown food walk, a Funk Zone food and drink tour, and a wine and chocolate stroll.
- E-Bikes
Bike share e-bikes from $8.70, guided e-bike tours, wine country rides and the rules to know.
Holidays in Santa Barbara
Planning a late-fall or winter trip? Start with our Santa Barbara in December guide, then see the Parade of Lights, our Christmas lights guide, and things to do Thanksgiving weekend. Visiting in February? Catch the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Quick local tips
- Low clouds are common in late spring and early summer. Locals call it "May Gray" and "June Gloom." Bring a layer, and plan beach time for later in the day.
- Bring layers. Even warm days get cool by the water once the sun drops.
- Park once, then walk. Downtown, the waterfront, and the Funk Zone are all close together.