Santa Barbara Travel Guide

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Sunset over the beach and ocean in Santa Barbara, California
Sunset in Santa Barbara (Corbis)
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Santa Barbara Travel Tips

  • Dine and shop at Stearns Wharf, between East and West beaches.
  • Relive the glory of New Spain at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, rebuilt over the ruins of the original Spanish fort and a live archeological dig site.
  • Attend mass at the Mission, Santa Barbara's first building. It still functions as a church, and self-guided tours of the grounds and buildings run daily.
  • Walk through a 1,500-gallon tank at the Ty Warner Sea Center.
  • Don't feed the pelicans on Stearns Wharf, but feel free to watch them circling the harbor in search of food. The wharf is also the launching point for whale-watching tours (May through September is best season to spot migrating blue, minke, and humpback whales).
  • Do NOT drink merlot—or do—at California's finest wineries in the Santa Maria Valley, made famous by wine-aficionado film Sideways. Most tastings cost $5 to $10.
  • Blade, walk, or bike on the palm-lined paved beach path.
  • Visit the Channel Islands National Park, "the American Galapagos."
  • Reserve lodging in advance for the best deal. Summer rates skyrocket.

Santa Barbara Travel Guide

45 miles S of Solvang; 105 miles S of San Luis Obispo; 92 miles NW of L.A. Read More

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Hotels

from: $179

Emerald Iguana Inn

Best Resorts & Lodges
11794 North Venture Ave Building B Hwy 33
Ojai, CA 93023 Map

Distance: 23.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

from: $198

Upham Victorian Hotel & Garden Cottages

1404 De La Vina Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Map

Distance: 0.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
from: $149

Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara

202 W Cabrillo Blvd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Map

Distance: 0.8 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
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Attractions

Chase Palm Park

323 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
Santa Barbara, California 93101

Distance: 0.9 mi. (from destination center)

Description: You can bike along its trail or go on a carousel ride or go to the playground, just to name a few of the wonderful ways to spend your afternoon at the Park. Fun for the whole family. ... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
4_0

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

A short drive uphill from the mission
1212 Mission Canyon Rd
Santa Barbara, California

Distance: 2.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

The Botanic Garden is devoted to indigenous California plants. More than 5.5 miles of meandering... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
3_0

Santa Cruz Island

expert favorite attraction
Channel Islands National Park


Distance: 28.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Santa Cruz is the largest of the Channel Islands, covering more than 60,000 acres. The highest of... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near Santa Barbara

Distance (mi.)
Burbank Bob Hope Airport 78.5 map
Los Angeles International Airport 81.8 map
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport 117.1 map

Other Smaller Airports near Santa Barbara

Distance (mi.)
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport 7.8 map
Santa Maria Public Airport 54.2 map
Bakersfield Meadows Field 79.5 map

Feature Articles

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Santa Barbara Travel Guides

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