Santa Barbara

Tourist places in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Travel Info

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Santa Barbara City Overview

Santa Barbara is a coastal city in Santa Barbara County, California. Known as the "American Riviera," it is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, stunning coastline, and Mediterranean atmosphere. It is a premier tourist destination and a college town (UCSB is nearby).

Location and Climate

Santa Barbara is located on a south-facing section of coastline between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Santa Barbara is from March to May or September to November. The weather is beautiful year-round, but summer can be busy and foggy in the mornings ("June Gloom").

Best Ways to Get Around

The downtown and waterfront areas are very walkable and bike-friendly. The Santa Barbara MTD provides bus service. The electric waterfront shuttle is popular. A car is useful for exploring the wine country.

Top 5 Things to Do

  1. Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara: Tour the "Queen of the Missions," founded in 1786, featuring a church, museum, and gardens.
  2. Walk along Stearns Wharf: Stroll down California's oldest working wharf for shops, seafood, and ocean views.
  3. Shop and Dine on State Street: Explore the vibrant downtown corridor, much of which is closed to cars, filled with boutiques and restaurants.
  4. Visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse: Admire the Spanish-Moorish architecture and climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.
  5. Relax at East Beach: Enjoy the sand, volleyball courts, and the nearby Chromatic Gate art installation.
Accommodations in Santa Barbara Tourist Attractions in Santa Barbara

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