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Quick Travel Guide to Santa Barbara

December 26, 2018

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Santa Barbara is a popular weekender for Los Angeles locals, just two hours north of the big city. It’s a peaceful beachside getaway with loads of character, and loads of interesting tourist attractions. If you’re planning a a Santa Barbara vacation, be sure to check out this Quick Travel Guide to Santa Barbara.

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What to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is not a big city, so it’s easy to get to all the local attractions. But as with most of USA, having your own car is the way to go. The beaches of Santa Barbara are top class, and really are the main attractions. Here are some of our recommended things to see in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Old Mission: This mission was founded in 1786 and one of the original missions to be opened by the Spanish Franciscans. You can take a guided tour, or just admire the beautiful Spanish architecture from the outside.

Stearns Wharf: Right in the centre of the main beach you will find Stearn’s Wharf, a great place to come and dine above the water. Or you can go to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Centre, which is built right on the wharf.

Botanic Gardens: These are some of the most interesting and biggest Botanic Gardens we’ve ever been to. They are on the hillside and offer great views over the coast and surrounding area, and are mainly planted out with local flora.

Santa Barbara Courthouse: Still used as a courthouse today, the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a wonderful example of colonial Spanish Architecture. It’s located in the centre of town, and you can climb to the top of the tower for free.

Hit the Beach: The beaches of Santa Barbara cannot be overlooked, and there are so many to choose from. We suggest you start with East Beach in the middle of town, where you can play beach volleyball or rent a bike. It comes complete with lifeguard stations making it one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids.

Day Trips from Santa Barbara

Being on the Southern California Coast, the best day trips from Santa Barbara generally revolve around the magnificent coastal environment found in Southern California. Here are our favourites:

Whale Watching: The Condor Express offers one of the best boat tours Santa Barbara has to offer, because you are guaranteed to see a whale. If you don’t see a whale you get a free trip.

Best of all there is a daily Captains Blog published online so you can see what whales have been spotted recently, which gives you a good idea of which species you’re likely to see. We reckon whale watching is the Number 1 Santa Barbara day trip.

Hearst Castle: Whilst Hearst Castle is 2 hours drive north of Santa Barbara, it is well worth the trip. Offering magnificent views of the coastline, this stunning home of a former media magnate is now open for tours. Lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

This idyllic coastal town is in a premium location near LA, and prices are also at a premium. Here are the best places to stay in Santa Barbara, depending on what style of holiday you are looking for:

East Beach – Tourists
Downtown – Budget
West Beach – Nightlife
Carpinteria – Families
Montecito – Trendy

Budget Accommodation

The Wayfarer is just 3 blocks away from Stearn’s Wharf, the number 1 tourist attraction in town. Great value in an amazing location, a stones throw from one of the best beaches in Santa Barbara, East Beach.

Mid Range

Our hands down favourite in Santa Barbara is the Sandpiper Lodge. This is in a convenient location and moderately priced, and the rooms are well appointed.

Affordable Luxury

Forget the luxury resorts in Santa Barbara, Simpson House Inn is an Adults only, elegant Victorian estate, comprising of just 15 guest rooms and cottages. The best part is this elegant Inn is located near downtown for the ultimate convenience.