The city of Santa Barbara is known as the Spain of the central coast of California. The scenic peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains, sandy turquoise blue sea waters, and the Mediterranean-style downtown are some of the reasons why millions of tourists visit each year. With an area of 108.8 km², Santa Barbara has so much to offer. In just about two hours' drive from Los Angeles, tourists can have fun with this list of adventures in the "American Riviera."
10 Check-in At Blue Sands Inn
Blue Sands Inn operates in a perfect location in Santa Barbara. A few steps away from the inn is the popular East Beach, the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Funk Zone, the Wharf, and plenty of exceptional restaurants. The hotel features air-conditioned rooms, a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and many more. Blue Sands also offers free service, a safe and clean environment, and well-rated amenities. It is an eco-friendly inn, and guests may also bring their fur friends with them. The price of staying in this hotel ranges from $400 to $500.
9 Rent A Bicycle
Riding a bicycle along the coast and around Santa Barbara is an excellent way of getting to every detail of the City. Santa Barbara is also popular for having a beautiful coastal bike path featuring the dancing palm trees and fresh air. Sitting near the Funk Zone and Blue Sands Inn is the largest operating rental in California, the Wheel Fun Rentals. It has expanded its rentals from self-guided to electric bicycles and vehicles. The bikes are available for night rides with LED lights to guide the bikers.
8 Dine-in Brophy Bros
Located at Santa Barbara’s harbor is the popular Brophy Bros, a two-story restaurant open from Mondays to Sundays from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This restaurant is renowned for its Cajun salmon and beer-battered fish & chips. While waiting for the meal, tourists may also look around and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this open-air restaurant. Nearby is the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, where the restaurant has extended its service to accommodate more outdoor customers.
7 Book For A Kayak Tour
Kayaking through the shoreline of Santa Barbara is a fantastic outdoor activity before the sunsets. Children under five years of age are not allowed, and pricing starts at $59 per person for 1.5 to 2 hours. The paddling starting point is at Santa Barbara Harbor and the tour starts at a minimum of two persons. This activity is perfect for family tourists but single kayaks are also available for solo backpackers.
6 Stearns Wharf
Known as Santa Barbara's top attraction is the Stearns Wharf. Aside from the calm surrounding, this Wharf can offer plenty of new experiences. Tourists may take a water taxi ride, visit the Sea Center, and rent fishing equipment at Stearns Wharf Bait & Tackle. Accordingly, there are also restaurants to fill every tourist’s stomach. Get a taste of the best seafood cuisine in California at Harbor Restaurant, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, and Moby Dicks Restaurant. Do not forget to collect souvenirs at various shops at Stearns Wharf.
5 Tangerine Falls
Santa Barbara is definitely popular for its waters. Aside from its stunning beaches, waterfalls also flow in the mountain of Montecito. The 2.5-mile trek to the Tangerine Falls has an elevation gain of 875 ft. Non-hikers can also try this adventure, but be extra careful, for the trail can become rugged. A hike is definitely worth it because a mesmerizing view awaits at the top. Hikers can witness the scenic views of Santa Barbara's shoreline and other beautiful attractions along the way.
4 Surfing
Santa Barbara is a no-brainer go-to destination for surfers. Surf sports like Campus Point are specially visited by veteran surfers. It is near the University of California, Santa Barbara, making it extra popular, especially to the students. The beach is also referred to as the "secret beach." It only appears at low tide! Tide pools and restrooms are also available for public access. Other activities to enjoy in Campus Point are walking with dogs along the beach, sunbathing, and biking.
3 Refugio State Beach
A perfect location for family getaways is the calm and serene waters and palm trees of Refugio State Beach, a protected state beach park in California. This beach serves as a campground and is popular to the locals, featuring 66 campsites, each has restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, and a barbecue pit. Some activities to enjoy in Refugio are kayaking, paddle sports, fishing, and picnicking.
2 The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Experience an outdoor massage at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s rooftop terrace. The hotel is quite pricey, but the services are superb. The wellness their spa gives is also exceptional. From facials to different treatments, everything is worth the price. The resort features a sauna, steam room, swimming pool, lounges, and views of Santa Barbara from the hotel's rooftop. The spa opens from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the spa pool closes at 6:00 PM.
1 Experience Santa Barbara’s Nightlife
After several outdoor activities and adventures, tourists deserve a night full of drinks and bustling music. There are a lot of bars and clubs around Santa Barbara, including Zodo’s Bowling & Beyond, The Bourbon Room, Velvet Jones, Old Kings Road, Outpost at the Goodland, Elsie’s Tavern, The Sportsman Lounge, The Imperial, and the classic Joe’s Café. There are also organized outdoor parties, especially during the summer season. The Santa Barbara Bowl is an arena that hosts various concerts per season.