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Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Attractions

Your guide to the top places to visit in Santa Barbara, United States.

Things to do in Santa Barbara – top Santa Barbara must-see attractions

Santa Barbara is defined by its Spanish Colonial architecture and Pacific coastline, where every landmark tells a story of history, culture, and the California lifestyle. From an 18th-century mission to cutting-edge science museums, the city packs a serious range into a compact and walkable space. Stroll through Old Mission Santa Barbara's rose gardens, catch sweeping ocean views from Stearns Wharf, or get hands-on at MOXI. Scroll down and pick your spots - there's a lot to love here.

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Shopping Areas
Shopping Areas
Parks
Parks
Coastline
Coastline
Gardens
Gardens
Historic Site
Historic Site
Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens
Old Mission Santa Barbara
History Geeks
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Why visit?
  • 18th-century architecture
  • Rose garden & olive grove
  • Historic aqueduct ruins
Stearns Wharf
Couples
Stearns Wharf
Why visit?
  • Oceanfront fishing pier
  • Waterfront shops
  • Channel Islands views
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Architecture Enthusiasts
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Why visit?
  • 360-degree clock tower
  • Spanish Colonial murals
  • Sunken garden grounds
Santa Barbara Zoo
Families
Santa Barbara Zoo
Why visit?
  • California condor flock
  • Giraffe & red panda
  • Oceanview zoo setting
Families
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Why visit?
  • Interactive science exhibits
  • Giant Guitar station
  • Wind Column Workshop
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Nature Lovers
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Why visit?
  • 78 acres of native plants
  • Historic Mission Dam
  • Ceremonial Teahouse
Ganna Walska Lotusland
Nature Lovers
Ganna Walska Lotusland
Why visit?
  • 3,000+ rare plant species
  • 37-acre estate garden
  • Exotic themed garden rooms
Shoreline Park
Families
Shoreline Park
Why visit?
  • Channel Islands views
  • Whale watching spot
  • Beachside walking paths
The Funk Zone
Couples
The Funk Zone
Why visit?
  • Urban wine tasting rooms
  • Street art & murals
  • Local chef-driven eateries
State Street
Shoppers
State Street
Why visit?
  • Boutique shops & galleries
  • Wine tasting rooms
  • Spanish Colonial storefronts
Santa Barbara
United States
United States

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With travelers' reviews from:

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