A Visitor Guide to the Channel Islands
Settled off the California coast, the Channel Islands offer endless adventures. Here are the best things to do and how to get there.
--°F
--°C
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for a coastal getaway, featuring pristine beaches, mild weather, billowing palm trees, and the ultimate alfresco dining experiences. Enjoy a picnic on the shore while watching for whales, kayak ...
Latest
Train Travel: Seeing Southern California on the Pacific Surfliner
Get a unique view of California by traveling down the coast on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and explore the towns along the way.
The Most Romantic Fall Getaways
Scenic surroundings, mighty mountains, striking sunsets—California has it all when it comes to the best fall vacations for couples.
Best Day Trips From Los Angeles for Your Next Getaway
If you want a full-day vacation, we’ve put together the best Los Angeles day trips for a relaxing and out-of-this-world getaway.
Travel
A Visitor Guide to the Channel Islands
Settled off the California coast, the Channel Islands offer endless adventures. Here are the best things to do and how to get there.
Train Travel: Seeing Southern California on the Pacific Surfliner
Get a unique view of California by traveling down the coast on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and explore the towns along the way.
The Most Romantic Fall Getaways
Scenic surroundings, mighty mountains, striking sunsets—California has it all when it comes to the best fall vacations for couples.
Best Day Trips From Los Angeles for Your Next Getaway
If you want a full-day vacation, we’ve put together the best Los Angeles day trips for a relaxing and out-of-this-world getaway.
Health & Fitness
9 Incredible Places to Go Fishing in Southern California
From rugged coastlines to mountainous peaks, there's no shortage of excellent locations for fishing near Southern California.
The Santa Barbara Bike Trails To Check Out Now
Feel the breeze in your hair and see everything this bikeable city has to offer as you pedal along oceanside piers and climb winding roads.
Your Pup Will Love These Dog Beaches in SoCal
Who said beach trips were reserved only for the family's two-legged members? You know the pups will love these amazing dog beaches in SoCal.
The Best California Bike Routes, According to Pro Cyclist Alison Tetrick
California native and iconic cyclist Alison Tetrick shares her favorite cycling routes in California and her tips on how to start cycling.
Real Estate
7 Cities in Santa Barbara County For Every Personality Type
Confused about which cities in Santa Barbara County you’d enjoy visiting best? Let your personality guide the way.
California's Best Cities For Introverts To Live In
We're willing to bet that the one thing you’re not considering is whether the place you’re choosing actually matches your personality type.
California's 15 Best Cities for Singles
Whether you’re traveling alone to get over a breakup or looking to enjoy your newfound freedom, these are the places to be.
The 11 Best Cities for Public Transportation
And if you’re looking for the best cities for public transportation (to move to or just for visiting), we’ve got you covered there too.
Lifestyle
UC or CSU? Here's How to Pick What's Right for You
For a better understanding of which public university system is the right fit for you, here’s a UC vs. Cal State guide to help you decide.
California Brands That Give Back
From donating profits to volunteering in the community, here are 10 California companies that give back to their communities and the planet.
7 California-Grown Natural Skincare Companies To Support
These California companies are on a mission to change the beauty industry for the better with their natural, organic skincare products.
13 Incredible Places for Roller Skating in California
Put on those roller skates and vibes, gather your friends, and head to one of these parks, rinks, and places to roller skate in California.
Dine
The 13 Oldest Restaurants in California to Try Next
Dine at the same spots the older generations frequented and visit the oldest restaurants in California.
The Most Iconic Foods in California
From fresh oysters and clam chowder to avocado toast and garlic ice cream, here are California's famous foods.
The 12 Best California Ice Cream Brands
California’s ice-cream game beats the out-of-state competition. Head to these top California creameries to taste the difference for yourself
The Top California Bakeries for Gluten-Free Goodies
Whether you want to eat a donut now, or need a crusty baguette to go, head to one of California's bakeries to get your gluten-free goodies.
Entertain
21 Free Things to Do in Southern California
From piers to downtowns, SoCal offers plenty of pastime adventures to enjoy without needing to rely too much on your credit card.
9 Museums In Santa Barbara To Check Out Now
If you want to experience the county firsthand, these museums are one of the top reasons that encourage people to visit Santa Barbara.
15 First Date Ideas to Plan in Southern California
Well, what are you waiting for? Ask them out already, we got you covered with creative first date ideas.
The Best Music Venues in California
Home to intimate nightclubs, amphitheaters under the stars, and indie concert halls, here are the best California music venues to check out!
Events & Weddings
10 Enviable California Wedding Destinations
From rustic venues to glamorous locales, here are the top places to get married in California.
Where to Have The Best California Bachelorette Parties
From charming Wine Country towns to exciting coastal cities, these are California's best bachelorette party destinations.
It's a Fiesta! Celebrate Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara
Grab a drink, put on your dancing shoes, and prepare for some fiesta fun in the sun-soaked city of Santa Barbara during Old Spanish Days.
Home & Garden
Discover the Hidden Gems of Santa Paula, California: A Charming Getaway Awaits
Explore the charming town of Santa Paula, CA, and discover its delightful dining, outdoor adventures, historic attractions, and family fun.
Discover Goleta: A Hidden Gem in Southern California
Explore the beautiful city of Goleta, CA - a hidden gem offering pristine beaches, dining, & more!
The Charm of Camarillo, California: A Guide to its Best Features
Explore Camarillo's parks, restaurants, and family-friendly activities in this guide to this beautiful city.
Discover the Charm of Ventura, California: A Guide to the Best Places to Visit and Things to Do
From stunning beaches and hiking trails to world-class dining and entertainment, there's something for everyone in this welcoming city.
Auto
15 Best Stops On Your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
The open road is where mighty mountains dive into the crashing waves of the roaring Pacific.
The SoCal Beach Road Trips to Take Next
Whether you want to plan a fun getaway with your besties or your partner, you can’t go wrong with a beach road trip in Southern California.
A Must-Drive Road Trip to The Central Coast's Beaches
Admire everything from purple sands to grand rock formations on this road trip to the best Central Coast beaches.
The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Get ready to enjoy a scenic Highway 1 road trip. Our Pacific Coast Highway itinerary highlights the best places to stop along the way.
Professional Services
Where To Participate In Beach Clean-Ups
Want to participate in a local beach clean-up near you? Here are all the ways you can help keep the beaches clean.
Where to Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen in California
We hope this encourages you to spread love and joy by signing up to volunteer at a soup kitchen next time you want to do a good deed.
9 things you should know about Santa Barbara
1
Lauded as the "American Riviera," Santa Barbara, California is a coastal paradise with a rich cultural...
2
Located in the heart of Southern California, Santa Barbara lies between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and is...
3
Established in 1782 by Spanish missionaries, the city is home to numerous historical attractions and...
4
Santa Barbara's Mediterranean climate is among the most desirable in the United States, with an average...
5
The city also boasts some of the most scenic views in California, with its deep blue ocean and picturesque...
6
Santa Barbara offers plenty of outdoor activities and experiences, such as hiking, surfing, and horseback...
7
The city is home to an array of cultural institutions, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Santa...
8
Santa Barbara is well-known for its delicious cuisine, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from...
9
It's no wonder why so many people flock to Santa Barbara each year: with its stunning scenery, perfect...
AI generated content
Getaway Guide: Santa Barbara
Disclaimer: California.com is not receiving any type of compensation for reviewing any of the products or services mentioned in this article. Enticing …
CONTINUE READINGTHINGS TO SEE IN
Santa Barbara
EXPLORE MAP
Explore other cities
fueled by the power of California love
We’re committed to helping you discover the places, people, and businesses that make our state Golden. Our online publication, updated daily, provides all the inspiration you need to live your California dreams. And that’s just the beginning…
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
