Santa Barbara

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Santa Barbara's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Santa Barbara Beach Bliss
morning
:

Start your day with a relaxing stroll along East Beach. Enjoy the sunrise and maybe grab a coffee from a local café nearby.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at Stearns Wharf exploring the shops and restaurants. Don't forget to grab some fresh seafood for lunch.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a walk along the shore and find a nice spot for a picnic. Enjoy the breathtaking views while you unwind.

day 2
Historic Santa Barbara Tour
morning
:

Visit the Santa Barbara Mission and learn about its rich history. Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the mission.

afternoon
:

Head over to the Courthouse to climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. Have lunch at a nearby café with outdoor seating.

evening
:

Take an evening stroll through the historic downtown area. Wrap up your day with dinner at a local restaurant featuring Californian cuisine.

day 3
Outdoor Adventure Day
morning
:

Kick off your day with a hike in the Santa Barbara foothills, such as in the Rattlesnake Canyon. Bring water and enjoy the breakfast picnic with a view.

afternoon
:

After your hike, head to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to relax and explore the diverse plant life. Spend some time soaking in nature.

evening
:

Wind down your day with a visit to a local winery for a tasting. Enjoy a beautiful sunset and great conversation.

day 4
Santa Barbara Wine Tasting
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast in the Funk Zone, an artsy area with unique spots. Then, prepare for a day of wine tasting.

afternoon
:

Embark on a wine tour along the Santa Ynez Valley, visiting some renowned wineries. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy tastings.

evening
:

Return to Santa Barbara and enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a farm-to-table menu. Relish your meal while discussing the highlights of the day.

day 5
Fun at the Harbor
morning
:

Begin your morning by renting a kayak or paddleboard at the Santa Barbara Harbor. Enjoy the aquatic scenery and perhaps see some sea life.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch from one of the harbor-side food stands and take a boat tour. Discover the coastline and relax as you soak up the sun.

evening
:

As evening approaches, enjoy a casual dinner at a seafood restaurant with a marina view. End the night by watching boats return to the harbor.

day 6
Scenic Coastal Exploration
morning
:

Start the day biking the coastline on a rented bike. Feel the ocean breeze as you ride and stop at various scenic points.

afternoon
:

Head to Butterfly Beach for some relaxation or beach games. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy right by the waves.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a sunset dinner at a beachside restaurant. Savor the delicious food as the sky turns vibrant colors.

day 7
Art and Culture Day
morning
:

Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and immerse yourself in various exhibits. Take your time to appreciate the art pieces on display.

afternoon
:

Explore Gallery Row in the Funk Zone, filled with local art studios and unique shops. Grab lunch at a trendy spot in the area.

evening
:

Attend a live performance at the historic Granada Theatre. Enjoy a night of entertainment in this beautiful venue.

day 8
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Start your day visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo and get close to various animal exhibits. Enjoy a light breakfast at the zoo café.

afternoon
:

After the zoo, spend some time at the nearby Alameda Park for a picnic or game of frisbee. Relax under the trees and take in the scenery.

evening
:

Head to a nearby rooftop bar for drinks and enjoy the views of the sunset. Share stories about your favorite animals and experiences of the day.

day 9
Educational Experience
morning
:

Visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to learn about the area’s rich maritime history. Engage with interactive exhibits and enjoy the views from the museum.

afternoon
:

After lunch, tour the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and discover the city’s past. Explore the engaging collections and artifacts on display.

evening
:

For dinner, find a cozy spot with local dishes and seasonal ingredients. Reflect on the day while enjoying a delicious meal.

day 10
Relax and Recharge Day
morning
:

Spend your morning at one of Santa Barbara's peaceful gardens, like the Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a spa treatment or relaxation session at one of the local spas. Light lunch at a nearby café will keep you energized.

evening
:

Wrap up with a sunset walk along the beach and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the waves. Treat yourself to a nice dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Discover Santa Barbara

Read more in our Santa Barbara 2024 Travel Guide.

Santa Barbara Travel Guide