There is obviously lots to do in Santa Barbara, but not everything jumps out, some is hidden and just waiting to be explored. Here are six of what I consider to be Santa Barbara’s best gems.
East Beach
Address: 1400 Cabrillo Boulevard
Price: Free
Hours: Sunrise to 10 p.m. daily
Suggested Duration: 2 hours to half day
Although there are four major beaches in Santa Barbara – Leadbetter, Arroyo Burro, West and East Beach, East Beach is by far the best one to soak up the sun without being mobbed by crowds. It’s a great place to walk along the shore or read your favorite book. You may need to protect yourself from the occasional rogue volleyball though, as there are more than a dozen sandy courts.
Transportation to East Beach is very convenient as it is reachable by the MTD shuttle. If you drive there, the parking is fairly inexpensive, $2 per hour or $12 maximum for the day. Overall, it is a good place to enjoy the day with friends and family or even just by yourself.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Address: 2201 Laguna St.
Price:
$15 for adults
$10 for kids 5-17
Free for children 4 and younger
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
This Californian mission, founded in 1786, was Spain’s 10th attempt to colonize the region and convert the indigenous to Roman Catholicism. The Santa Barbara Mission is still a functioning house of worship and boasts a museum filled with colonial artifacts and early photographs of the area.
The mission grounds, La Huerta, also known as the “Queen of the Missions”, is a garden that showcases Spain’s agricultural influence on the California landscape, housing plants that date back to when the mission was first established. There are also self-guided tours if you want to better see the Sacred Garden, Historic Cemetery, Mission Church, and Museum.
Stearns Wharf
Address: 217 Stearns Wharf
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7 hours
Suggested Duration: 2 to 3 hours
The Santa Barbara Waterfront is a gem within the city of Santa Barbara. Stearns Wharf, constructed in 1872, became the longest deep-water Wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco, and is the oldest working wooden wharf in California. If you’re looking for a place to eat, visit the sea center, or possibly even go wine tasting, Stearns wharf is the place to go.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Address: 500 Ninos Dr.
Price:
$19.95 for adults
$14.95 for kids 2-12
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Suggested Duration: 2 hours to half day
Despite the zoo’s small size, many visitors praise the diversity of the animals. Permanent residents of the zoo include anteaters, leopards, gorillas and penguins. The biggest celebrities here are the native California condors and endangered Amur leopards. The zoo also features attractions such as a 26-foot rock climbing wall and the animal kitchen, where visitors can observe animal food preparation.
Please note that reservations are required for entry.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Address: 1130 State St.
Price:
$10 for adults
$6 for kids 6-17, seniors and students with ID
Free for kids 5 and younger
Hours:
Tues-Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thurs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Suggested Duration: 1 to 2 hours
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is home to 25,000 works of art, including “Portrait of Mexico Today, 1932”, the only intact mural in the United States by David Alfaro Siqueiros. The museum houses permanent collections from all over the world that range from sculptures, paintings, prints and ceramics.
The museum now has a special exhibition: Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources, from February 27 to May 22, 2022. The exhibition presents 20 works of art by Van Gogh alongside some 75 objects selected to reflect the surprisingly varied art that he most admired, which firmly reconnects Vincent to his late 19th-century context.
Please note that advance ticketing reservations are highly recommended and guarantee your entry time.
Lake Cachuma
Address: 2225 Highway 154
Price: Depends on activity
Hours: Depends on activity
Suggested Duration: Depends on activity
Flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies the glimmering Lake Cachuma. Here are the 5 activities you will love:
- Camping: Lake Cachuma offers secluded areas to enjoy the breeze from the lake and astounding views whilst at the same time providing access to amenities such as showers and toilets.
- Boating: You can rent a boat and explore the spectacular view of the lake.
- Guided Nature Walks: Join a trained interpretive guide to learn more about the local culture and natural history of Lake Cachuma. These walks consist of a wonderful half mile exploration through the oak woodland and lakeside environment.
- Nature cruises: Lake Cachuma is a flourishing habitat for a variety of wildlife. The two hour nature cruise with a park naturalist offer great insights into the area’s cultural and natural riches. In spring, wildflowers spangle the hills creating the most scenic views.
- Fishing: fishing is another fun activity, with Lake Cachuma’s shoreline stretching 42 miles long. There are many species native to the lake such as Bass, Trout, Catfish, Bluegill, and Carp. If you’re a novice, they rent out poles. It is said that the best spots for fishing are off the shores near the marina or by the dam.
Plus- Lake Cachuma is a great place to see stars at nights. You can find the Big Dipper (I found it!) and even constellations!
All places recommended are great places to take a break from study and enjoy some quality time with friends. Have fun and happy Spring!