Things to Do in Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Attractions
Things to Do in Santa Barbara
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See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Barbara.
- fromper adult$215
Trolley Toursfromper adult$30- fromper adult$219
Food & Drinkfromper adult$194
Audio Guidesfromper adult$20
Parasailingfromper adult$139
Food & Drinkfromper adult$235- fromper adult$199
Adventure Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$95- fromper adult$105
Other Top Attractions around Santa Barbara
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Eddie B4 contributionsAmazing old world style preserved for all to wonder and wander about. Touring this stately courthouse is a dream for anyone who loves history or architecture. It remains a popular site for those couples who want that easy to do wedding.Written April 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- michelle22catSt Helens, UK107 contributionsBeautiful location and so peaceful. Really enjoyed walking around the gardens and museum. Great gift shop with good prices too. Well worth a visit.Written May 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GPToakOakland, CA1,024 contributionsThis AZA accredited zoo is right off the beach and offers parking ($11). It’s entry features the gift shop (which is excellent- a great variety of apparel and items that give back to conservation institutions, and educational gifts for children) and a food stand with outside seating area with food that’s better than a lot of other zoos, including salads, corn or wheat quesadillas, and your typical burgers and pizza options. Water bottles are reusable (yay!!) although they unfortunately do also sell plastic bottles of Gatorade too.
The zoo is compact but has a lot of views over water and green areas and kids playground. The animal exhibits are mostly all a good size for the animals (I thought the snow leopard enclosure was a bit small though). Australia experience is a walk through which was great, but zoo employees are there to make sure nobody wanders off the path - and to answer questions). This is clearly a zoo that’s well run and cares about the animals and also the guest experience. I spent 4 hours wandering around, it was a great time.
The zoo staff (paid and volunteer) are plentiful, friendly, helpful. Before I’d gotten far into the zoo I’d enjoyed three conversations with staff- one was with the scarlet macaws, another feeding a tawny frogmouth, the third inside Australia exhibit. I want to acknowledge Trent in guest services who spent a lot of time chatting about conservation and the animals with me in Australia exhibit. I really appreciated his obvious knowledge and passion for the animals, even those not at the zoo - like wolves. I enjoyed his conversation immensely!! Thank you Trent.
The photos I’m posting include zoo people I asked if I could take their photos.Written May 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Susanah A4 contributionsThe Botanic Gardens are a great place to leisurely walk through the grounds. February was probably not the best time to see flowers, but they had a few that were blooming.
They have many trails besides the main trail, that you can hike, which is what we did. We had a fun time and enjoyed the scenery.Written February 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mallory T8 contributionsThis place is a hoot! Totally unexpected. Loved the huge fireplace, and the atmosphere is so cool! We were on a wine tour with a local guide who brought us here for one last stop on our tour. It took the cake!Written February 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kaitlyn YGoleta, CA9 contributionsA cool walk or trip to the beach. You can also have a barbecue here or party. There is also the shoreline restaurant next to here.Written July 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ATraversLeMonde_2011Sparks, NV30 contributionsState Street is awesome but could be even better. Must go if you are in Santa Barbara. You have to do all of State Street to appreciate it. Some sections are mostly restaurants... with ok shopping, while other sections are replete with shops and other attractions.Written March 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ATraversLeMonde_2011Sparks, NV30 contributionsThis is a "must visit" in Santa Barbara. Small but interesting and worth the trip. Great food, decent shopping (they need more shopping).Written March 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robin BPhoenix, AZ1,415 contributionsWe went on this tour not knowing anything about George Fox Steedman (the owner) or George Smith (the architect). Sally was our docent and was extremely knowledgeable about the home and both Georges. Our tour lasted close to two hours and included all the family rooms on the first and second floors, and the servant areas on the first floor. We then moved outside to enjoy the beautiful gardens and George’s workshop. This was a five-star tour. The home is in a neighborhood. Don’t show up early. There is a small parking lot, but because of neighborhood restrictions, the gate isn’t opened up until 10-15 minutes before your tour time and there is nowhere on the grounds to hang out until the tour begins.Written November 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WillieMacfanHealdsburg, CA824 contributionsWe started walking on this Path after leaving Stearns Wharf not realizing it is a bike path.
There is no warning and no direction to separate walking path beyond.
Wife has a handicap and can't move quickly so this could have been a major problem.
Fortunately, we realized our situation after about 1000 feet and found a way over to the sidewalk.
Pleasant path, nice views but fast bike riders.Written May 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kaitlyn YGoleta, CA9 contributionsI loved all the exhibits. They have a really cool library. They also have dinosaur animatronics. Amazing for kids. It is amazing when the butterflies come, because they have a huge area filled with all types of live butterflies and plants.Written July 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MOG808Maui, HI744 contributionsIndependent bookstores are a dwindling breed. It was so exciting to see Chaucer’s still going strong for so many years, as we moved from the area over 20 years ago. There are many local books available, a large young reader section, as well as many stacks of fiction and nonfiction books. We hope that Chaucer’s will be serving Santa Barbara for many years to come.Written May 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
