Explore Santa Barbara
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Better Burrito
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast burrito?! It’s the perfect antidote to a late night and there’s no better post-hike, post-surf fuel to keep your energy up.
Chomp On The Rocks
Downstairs from SALTY is CHOMP on the Rocks in the former Chuck’s at the Harbor space. The family-friendly sister restaurant to its Solvang original serves elevated American diner classics.
Coast & Olive
Coast & Olive is the new kid on the block along Montecito’s upscale Coast Village Road. Serving lunch and dinner daily in its Montecito Inn location, the restaurant has plans to open for breakfast when the time is right.
Corner Tap
The Mesa neighborhood warmly welcomes Corner Tap, an inviting beer bar and eatery. The no-nonsense menu features appetizers, salads, and flatbreads that pair well with their craft beer selection.
Eleven14 Craft House and Kitchen
Tucked away in the historic La Arcada Plaza, Eleven14 Craft House and Kitchen is a top spot for local craft beers, outdoor dining, happy hour and the perfect place for watching the game.
Embermill
At Embermill, find “Caribbean food with a Santa Barbara twist” and globally-influenced cuisine.Walk-up to the counter to order your food or be seated outside at your own table on the tastefully decorated terrace.
Flor De Maiz
The Luna family from Guadalajara, creators of Santa Barbara’s crowd-pleasing Los Agaves Restaurants and Santo Mezcal, have launched Flor de Maíz, featuring Oaxacan-style cuisine on Santa Barbara’s waterfront.
M Kitchen
Fans of Goleta’s beloved M. Special Brewing Co. Taproom were delighted to welcome the craft brewer’s second location on State Street this September. The taproom is open daily with extended hours on weekends.
Noemi Pizza Romana
Noted for the unique character of the dough that’s been fermented for 96 hours, the pizza features an extra light and crispy crust that’s satisfyingly chewy on the inside.
Oak Berry
Oak Berry brings their popular Brazilian Acai berry bowls and whipped smoothies to Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center. Santa Barbara happens to be the first California location for the chain with a global footprint.
Oku
Oku is one of the newest additions to the Santa Barbara waterfront, with a lunch and dinner menu that uses the freshest ingredients from Central Coast farmers and local fishermen to make California Asian cuisine.
Revolver Pizza
Pizza lovers rejoice! Santa Barbara welcomed a new chef-driven, New York style pizza shop on San Andres Street in the Westside neighborhood for take-out, dine-in and delivery.
Outdoor Adventures
Land Rover
You don’t need any horseback riding experience to saddle up for a 90-minute guided horseback excursion with Santa Barbara Beach Horseback Rides. Mosey along coastal bluffs or opt for the beach ride to trot where the sand meets the sea. Both tour options take you through prime real estate allowing you to admire the luxurious homes while enjoying the spectacular ocean views.
The Life Aquatic
Kayak in one of the largest sea caves in the world on Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s guided “Painted Cave Kayak” Santa Cruz Island excursion. Available May through September, the tour departs from Santa Barbara Harbor for a full day Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary experience. Kayak, snorkel and spot an abundance of marine life while learning about the unique ecology.
Sky’s The Limit
If you want to get even higher, reach great heights with Skydive Santa Barbara, who offer training and jumps for novice and experienced skydivers alike. Flights take off from the Lompoc Airport and you can choose to jump from 8,000 feet, 13,000 feet or 18,000 feet—the latter being the world’s highest tandem skydive requiring supplemental oxygen on the ride up.
Seven Falls
If you’re looking for a moderate hike that ends with a refreshing splash, Seven Falls is right up your alley. Pack those hiking boots and head to Tunnel Road, a paved road that will lead you straight to the trailhead, of which many well-known hikes have in common.
La Cumbre Peak
This intermediate hike continues on from the end of Tunnel Trail and is a 10-miler out-and-back type. The stunning ridge, Santa Barbara’s highest peak at 3,995 ft. elevation offers panoramic views of the coast and is a must-do for every avid hiker.
Inspiration Point
You can’t go wrong at any place named Inspiration Point. There are a couple of ways to reach the panoramic views about 1,800 feet above Santa Barbara. Taking San Roque Road to the Jesusita Trail is just under an 8-mile round trip, with about 1,400 feet of elevation gain.
Channel islands
While the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park are just off the coast of Santa Barbara, they offer a stunning contrast to the mainland. Isolated for thousands of years, the five islands in the park have developed their own unique plant and animal life, as well as a rugged beauty that shouldn’t be missed.
Lizard’s Mouth
If you are looking for more of a picnic setting with space to relax, Lizard’s Mouth is the perfect hike to take on. The easy quarter-mile walk off West Camino Cielo Road opens up to jaw-droppingly scenic views and plenty of room to post up with blankets and a charcuterie board.
Gaviota Peak
The 2,458-foot Gaviota Peak is an excellent challenge for those who want a more serious hike. The 6.5-mile loop trail starts just west of Santa Barbara in Goleta, Calif., in the Gaviota State Park, about a half hour’s drive from downtown Santa Barbara.
Cathedral Peak
Towering above the coast, you and your hiking crew will be able to see for dozens of miles at Cathedral Peak. The statuesque boulders are intimidating, and rightfully so! This trail is not for the faint-hearted, and rated for Class 3 rock climbing, so leave your furry friend at home this round.
Nojoqui Falls
This hike at the Nojoqui Falls Park may be short (.65 miles out and back), but the payoff is getting to see a spectacular, 80-foot waterfall. The park is located about 40 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, just beyond the Gaviota Tunnel on the 101 Freeway.
Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Where else can you find more than 1,000 native California plant species all within walking distance? The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a great place to explore on your own or with a docent to help you discover everything to see in this 78-acre preserve.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Educational Experiences
When you’re in need of a break from the work-from-home, school-from-home routine, simply remember that the school of Santa Barbara is always in session. From outdoor museums to botanic and zoological gardens, spice up your virtual learning lesson…
Red Tile Walking Tour
There’s no denying that Santa Barbara’s skyline, peppered with white stucco walls and red-tiled roofs, provides the city with a striking backdrop of style and charm. And while the buildings may look similar to one another, each structure has its own…
A Sublime Day of Culture
Life gravitates outside in Santa Barbara, boasting fresh air and sunshine all year round. If you’re craving a day of culture that’s equal parts inspiring and al fresco, we’ve got you covered. Between our dreamy, perfectly preserved historic…
Movie Magic in Santa Barbara
Movie theaters in Santa Barbara Cinema and Santa Barbara go hand-in-hand. The film industry originally set up in Santa Barbara back in the early 1900’s when Flying A Studios opened on West Mission Street. Filmmakers were drawn to the…
Guide to Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Old Spanish Days Fiesta draws large and loyal crowds to Santa Barbara year after year, in celebration of Santa Barbara’s heritage and traditions. From July 31 – August 4, the streets of Santa Barbara are bursting with music, dancing, time-honored traditions, authentic cuisine, and so much more.
Santa Barbara’s Museum Mile
Downtown Santa Barbara is a mecca for arts and culture. The classic Spanish heritage and stunning natural landscape of The American Riviera® has inspired all types of artists. Pair your art walk with fresh, local flavors and enjoy the finer things…
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
In true new year’s fashion, Santa Barbara kicks off the 2020 award season with a glamorous, star-studded performance. From January 15 to 25, 2020, the 35th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) gathers film lovers from all over…
Santa Barbara Gift Guide
Santa Barbara Gift Guide
Holiday shopping in The American Riviera® is easy as pie thanks to the incredible array of independent retailers and quality wares crafted by local artisans.
5-Day Family Vacation
Looking for family fun? Use this itinerary to plan the perfect five-day family vacation in the city known as The America’s Riviera®.
Walking Tour with Architect Jeff Shelton
Jeff Shelton’s playful architecture reminds us there’s absolutely nothing stuffy or staid about The American Riviera®
10+ Instagram-Worthy Locations
Around every corner and through each paseo, treat your eyes to a visual feast when traveling to Santa Barbara. With sparkling shorelines, Spanish-infused architecture, opulent gardens and sunsets that are worthy of being branded #nofilter, this is a…
Savor Santa Barbara’s Historic Theatre District
If your idea of the perfect night out on the town pairs a transcendent culinary experience with an entertaining and inspiring show, then Santa Barbara’s Historic Theatre District is the zone for you. Anchored by three premier performing arts venues, the Historic Theatre District is packed with many of Santa Barbara’s top dining destinations and cocktail bars as well as shops, galleries and museums.
Additional Local Resources
Community Calendar — Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
Downtown State Street is closed off to cars so the restaurants can be in the middle.
Edhat.com and Noozhawk.com
Edhat.com and Noozhawk.com keep up to date on our local stuff too.
Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants & Business Directory
We are within walking distance of the harbor.
Here is a list of all the businesses belonging to the Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants Association. We encourage y…
Downtown Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, California
The best resource to downtown Santa Barbara, featuring the business, cultural and historical attractions for vis…
The Map | Funk Zone Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is a hub for arts, dining, wine and spirits, retail and business, hotels, gorgeous sce…
SBIFF
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Best Whale Watching In Southern California, Santa Barbara – Condor Express
#1 rated whale watching view whales, dolphins, wildlife all over the Santa Barbara Channel. An eco-friendly boat…