Santa Barbara Guidebook

Jon
Santa Barbara Guidebook

Local Wines

Six premium wine tasting rooms in the heart of the Historic Presidio downtown Santa Barbara
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Barbara Winery
28 Anacapa St
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Six premium wine tasting rooms in the heart of the Historic Presidio downtown Santa Barbara

Sightseeing

Visit local hot spots such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, the historic Santa Barbara Mission, and more, all fully narrated by our energetic and knowledgeable tour guides!
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Barbara Winery
28 Anacapa St
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Visit local hot spots such as the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara Zoo, Museum of Natural History, the historic Santa Barbara Mission, and more, all fully narrated by our energetic and knowledgeable tour guides!
Santa Barbara’s newest hands-on destination for families and curious minds of all ages, MOXI is a place where you can explore and discover new things about the world around you, ask questions, seek answers and have a blast doing so.
59 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
MOXI, El Museo del Lobo de Exploración e Innovación
125 State St
59 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Barbara’s newest hands-on destination for families and curious minds of all ages, MOXI is a place where you can explore and discover new things about the world around you, ask questions, seek answers and have a blast doing so.
Comprises 27,000 works of art – an art museum of magnitude and quality more commonly found in cities eight times the size of Santa Barbara
107 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
1130 State St
107 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Comprises 27,000 works of art – an art museum of magnitude and quality more commonly found in cities eight times the size of Santa Barbara
Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard.
118 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta Del Sol
118 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is home to 146 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. More than 500 animals are exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats.
169 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Zoológico de Santa Bárbara
500 Ninos Dr
169 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Santa Barbara Zoo is home to 146 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. More than 500 animals are exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats.
This gorgeous complex includes the still-functioning Courthouse, Clock Tower, a sunken garden, and eye-catching Spanish Mural Room. Climb the Clock Tower to see the 18th century clock and take in breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Santa Barbara with wide mountain vistas and low hanging clouds. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy a tranquil setting in the sunken garden. As an iconic landmark of the city, this free attraction is a must-see during your visit. Admire the amazing architecture, including spiral staircases, thick wooden doors, and subtle touches that reveal the building's historic Spanish roots.
162 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa St
162 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
This gorgeous complex includes the still-functioning Courthouse, Clock Tower, a sunken garden, and eye-catching Spanish Mural Room. Climb the Clock Tower to see the 18th century clock and take in breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Santa Barbara with wide mountain vistas and low hanging clouds. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy a tranquil setting in the sunken garden. As an iconic landmark of the city, this free attraction is a must-see during your visit. Admire the amazing architecture, including spiral staircases, thick wooden doors, and subtle touches that reveal the building's historic Spanish roots.
SBMM opened its doors to the public in July 2000 in the Waterfront Center Building, formerly the Naval Reserve Building, with the unique mission to interpret the diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel.
21 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
113 Harbor Way
21 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
SBMM opened its doors to the public in July 2000 in the Waterfront Center Building, formerly the Naval Reserve Building, with the unique mission to interpret the diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel.
See everything that Santa Barbara has to offer from the water! Come explore the gorgeous natural environment here in California on a fun and exciting tour of the amazing marine world you can’t see from shore. Experience Santa Barbara from a unique perspective. Book your paddle board or kayak tour now!
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Paddle Sports Center
117 Harbor Way
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
See everything that Santa Barbara has to offer from the water! Come explore the gorgeous natural environment here in California on a fun and exciting tour of the amazing marine world you can’t see from shore. Experience Santa Barbara from a unique perspective. Book your paddle board or kayak tour now!

Beaches

One of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara. It’s easily accessible from Santa Barbara City College and attracts students looking to socialize, swim, and tan. Leadbetter is also a favorite of kite surfers and windsurfers. Grills, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms make this beach ideal for celebrations with friends and family.
59 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Leadbetter Beach
59 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
One of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara. It’s easily accessible from Santa Barbara City College and attracts students looking to socialize, swim, and tan. Leadbetter is also a favorite of kite surfers and windsurfers. Grills, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms make this beach ideal for celebrations with friends and family.
A busy stretch of sand that offers a wide range of recreational activities. Amenities include a playground, rollerblading trails, food vendors, picnic facilities, showers, and more. East Beach even hosts various volleyball tournaments throughout the year. Swimming and sunbathing are popular here as well.
90 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
East Beach Tacos
226 S Milpas St
90 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A busy stretch of sand that offers a wide range of recreational activities. Amenities include a playground, rollerblading trails, food vendors, picnic facilities, showers, and more. East Beach even hosts various volleyball tournaments throughout the year. Swimming and sunbathing are popular here as well.
Referred to as “Hendry’s” by the locals. Hendry’s is usually filled with scampering dogs as it welcomes four-legged friends off-leash. There’s even a coin-operated pet wash! A picnic area, restrooms, and a great seafood restaurant are all available onsite.
41 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Arroyo Burro Beach
Cliff Dr
41 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Referred to as “Hendry’s” by the locals. Hendry’s is usually filled with scampering dogs as it welcomes four-legged friends off-leash. There’s even a coin-operated pet wash! A picnic area, restrooms, and a great seafood restaurant are all available onsite.
Shoreline Park is a long, narrow strip of land that faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the area’s most popular parks and includes a playground, picnic area, Japanese garden, and a whale watching telescope. Gray Whales may be observed here during their migration months, along with a variety of marine mammals like dolphins and seals.
65 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Shoreline
Shoreline Dr & Santa Rosa Place
65 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Shoreline Park is a long, narrow strip of land that faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of the area’s most popular parks and includes a playground, picnic area, Japanese garden, and a whale watching telescope. Gray Whales may be observed here during their migration months, along with a variety of marine mammals like dolphins and seals.

Whale Watching

The Double Dolphin, Santa Barbara Sailing’s 50-foot catamaran. Because the boat slips silently through the waves, you can get close to the whales without disturbing them. Whale watching cruises run seven days a week and reservations are required.
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Double Dolphin Cruises
302 W Cabrillo Blvd
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Double Dolphin, Santa Barbara Sailing’s 50-foot catamaran. Because the boat slips silently through the waves, you can get close to the whales without disturbing them. Whale watching cruises run seven days a week and reservations are required.
One of the best whale watching/dinner cruises on the West Coast. At 75 feet, this ship can deliver up to 120 passengers to the Santa Barbara Channel’s prime feeding grounds. Feel free to watch from inside the cabin or from the upper-deck seating area.
29 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Condor Express Whale Watching
29 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
One of the best whale watching/dinner cruises on the West Coast. At 75 feet, this ship can deliver up to 120 passengers to the Santa Barbara Channel’s prime feeding grounds. Feel free to watch from inside the cabin or from the upper-deck seating area.
This 41-foot Out Island Ketch maxes out at just 15 people and has a full bar onboard. Sit back and relax as dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and whales stop by to say hello.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises & Whale Watching
125 Harbor Way
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
This 41-foot Out Island Ketch maxes out at just 15 people and has a full bar onboard. Sit back and relax as dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and whales stop by to say hello.
Located right on the water, it’s the perfect place to go for a fun day outdoors! Visitors can take a harbor tour on the Santa Barbara Water Taxi, or learn about our region’s wildlife at the Natural History Sea Center.
135 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Muelle de Stearns Wharf
144-152 Stearns Wharf
135 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Located right on the water, it’s the perfect place to go for a fun day outdoors! Visitors can take a harbor tour on the Santa Barbara Water Taxi, or learn about our region’s wildlife at the Natural History Sea Center.

Food scene

Enjoyed every Tuesday and Saturday by locals and tourists alike.  Sample sweet dates and crisp apples as you stroll by an amazing selection of quality produce – you will often see our local chefs buying their fruit and vegetables
57 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market
232 Anacapa St
57 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Enjoyed every Tuesday and Saturday by locals and tourists alike.  Sample sweet dates and crisp apples as you stroll by an amazing selection of quality produce – you will often see our local chefs buying their fruit and vegetables
Serving California Cuisine with an Asian flair. Great wine list and a full bar.  Lunch and Dinner.  $$$
46 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Opal
1325 State St
46 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Serving California Cuisine with an Asian flair. Great wine list and a full bar.  Lunch and Dinner.  $$$
Farm to Table California French Cuisine using all the finest local ingredients from our local farmer’s market.  Knowledgeable servers often suggest a wine pairing from their extensive wine list. Dinner only. $$$
58 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
bouchon Santa Barbara
9 West Victoria Street
58 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Farm to Table California French Cuisine using all the finest local ingredients from our local farmer’s market.  Knowledgeable servers often suggest a wine pairing from their extensive wine list. Dinner only. $$$
Classic Mexican dishes with award winning Margaritas served on a delightful patio.   They have been in the same location for 40 years. Lunch and Dinner.  $$
48 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Carlitos Café y Cantina
1324 State St
48 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Classic Mexican dishes with award winning Margaritas served on a delightful patio.   They have been in the same location for 40 years. Lunch and Dinner.  $$
A family owned and operated restaurant known for fresh food and friendly service.  $$$
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jane
1311 State St
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A family owned and operated restaurant known for fresh food and friendly service.  $$$
A charming Italian restaurant serving authentic pastas and traditional fare – you will feel like you’re in Italy. Lunch and Dinner.  $$$
40 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Ca' Dario
37 E Victoria St
40 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A charming Italian restaurant serving authentic pastas and traditional fare – you will feel like you’re in Italy. Lunch and Dinner.  $$$
European ambience and service. Great atmosphere. Full Bar. Dinner only.    $$$$
45 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Toma Restaurant & Bar
324 W Cabrillo Blvd
45 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
European ambience and service. Great atmosphere. Full Bar. Dinner only.    $$$$
Contemporary American in the Funk Zone. Highly popular with the locals and tourists alike. Dinner only. Closed on Monday.  $$$$
171 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Lark Santa Barbara
131 Anacapa St
171 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Contemporary American in the Funk Zone. Highly popular with the locals and tourists alike. Dinner only. Closed on Monday.  $$$$
A Santa Barbara institution in the harbor. Great seafood with a beautiful setting overlooking the marina. Busy but it’s worth the wait.  No reservations.  Full bar. Lunch and Dinner.  $$$
203 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Brophy Bros.
119 Harbor Way
203 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A Santa Barbara institution in the harbor. Great seafood with a beautiful setting overlooking the marina. Busy but it’s worth the wait.  No reservations.  Full bar. Lunch and Dinner.  $$$
Created by a team of hospitality professionals, this restaurant is a great addition to our growing list of top restaurants. Full bar. Lunch and Dinner.  $$$$
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Convivo Restaurant and Bar
901 E Cabrillo Blvd
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Created by a team of hospitality professionals, this restaurant is a great addition to our growing list of top restaurants. Full bar. Lunch and Dinner.  $$$$
A local favorite and Mexican tacos as good as you can get.   Arrive early as long lines testify to this casual Mexican eatery.  $$
96 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
La Super-Rica Taqueria
622 N Milpas St
96 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
A local favorite and Mexican tacos as good as you can get.   Arrive early as long lines testify to this casual Mexican eatery.  $$
All of your Mexican favorites in a casual, hacienda-style space. There’s usually a line at all three Santa Barbara locations, but the wait is never very long. Once you’ve ordered at the counter, grab a table and enjoy fresh, hot tortilla chips alongside any of the 10 different options at their fresh salsa bar.
103 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Los Agaves
2911 De La Vina St
103 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
All of your Mexican favorites in a casual, hacienda-style space. There’s usually a line at all three Santa Barbara locations, but the wait is never very long. Once you’ve ordered at the counter, grab a table and enjoy fresh, hot tortilla chips alongside any of the 10 different options at their fresh salsa bar.
Located in the Funk Zone, the taproom features all the signature taps from the local California brewery based in the Santa Ynez Valley.  With indoor and outdoor seating, the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company taproom is the ideal stop for an afternoon beer to change things up after a long day wine tasting on the urban wine trail
84 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Santa Barbara
137 Anacapa St
84 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Located in the Funk Zone, the taproom features all the signature taps from the local California brewery based in the Santa Ynez Valley.  With indoor and outdoor seating, the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company taproom is the ideal stop for an afternoon beer to change things up after a long day wine tasting on the urban wine trail
This iconic location has been a well-known restaurant spot in downtown Santa Barbara for over 70 years .Bringing a vibrant Mexico City-inspired menu coupled with fun, friendly service to one of the most beautiful locations in downtown Santa Barbara.
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
1114 Craft House and Kitchen
1114 State St
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
This iconic location has been a well-known restaurant spot in downtown Santa Barbara for over 70 years .Bringing a vibrant Mexico City-inspired menu coupled with fun, friendly service to one of the most beautiful locations in downtown Santa Barbara.
Voted 2018's #1 steakhouse in Santa Barbara by Yelp, and the Santa Barbara Independent. In addition to their delicious steaks, they are known for our brunch menu, prime rib french dip, tri-tip sandwich, burgers, salads, mouth-watering buttermilk fried chicken, unique appetizers, well-made cocktails, and a choice wine list.
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jill's Place Restaurant
632 Santa Barbara St
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Voted 2018's #1 steakhouse in Santa Barbara by Yelp, and the Santa Barbara Independent. In addition to their delicious steaks, they are known for our brunch menu, prime rib french dip, tri-tip sandwich, burgers, salads, mouth-watering buttermilk fried chicken, unique appetizers, well-made cocktails, and a choice wine list.