The Perfect Day Trip to Santa Barbara

I just love Santa Barbara. So much so, I’ve often declared it the prettiest city in America!

When you get there you’ll see why: the wide sandy beach connecting the bottom of town to the ocean, edged in soaring palm trees, and the beautiful Spanish architecture and bright bougainvillea spilling from planters. It makes a perfect day trip – or even longer!

Nestled between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the California coast, Santa Barbara is nicknamed the American Riviera and is the perfect place for a great day trip. But if you have longer, I’ve written this post on loads of fab things to do here.

Having been four or five times now, I can confidently say this coastal gem deserves a spot on your California itinerary. Whether it’s your first trip or next visit, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in this beautiful place on a day trip.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you.

Planning Your Santa Barbara Day Trip

Santa Barbara is an ideal place for day-trippers coming from Los Angeles (just over a 1.5-hour drive) or down from Big Sur. San Francisco is about 5 hours drive away, so I think you’d need to stay over.

The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is itself a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the California coast. I’ve written a wonderful five-day itinerary for that drive from LA to San Francisco over on Blogger at Large.

We started in Santa Monica (I’ve written about how to spend one day in Santa Monica) and stayed two nights here in Santa Barbara on that trip.

Where to Start

Downtown Santa Barbara is a great place to start. Parking is free for the first 75 minutes too.

Begin at the Visitors Center on State Street where helpful staff can provide maps for a self-guided tour of the city’s main attractions. There’s a large parking lot nearby, making it a good place to leave your car if you plan on exploring the downtown area on foot.

Morning: Historic Wonders and Downtown Delights

If it’s your first visit, start your morning with a visit to the Old Mission Santa Barbara (you’ll need your car), one of my favorite places in the city.

Founded in 1786, this “Queen of the Missions” is a fascinating insight into the area’s history, including the Spanish and the native Americans who first inhabited the region. The striking architecture, beautiful gardens, and palm trees make this a photographer’s paradise.

After exploring the Mission, head back to the city to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and climb the famous Clock Tower for panoramic views over the terracotta roof tiles all the way out to the Pacific Ocean, with the Santa Ynez mountains behind you. Don’t miss the Mural Room with its stunning depictions of California history—it’s truly a hidden gem. I’d suggest to allow least an hour here.

If you’ve done these quintessential Santa Barbara highlights before, I’d take a wine tasting tour into the surrounding vineyards. If you don’t want to drive yourself (and why would you, you want to taste after all!), I have a link to a great tour to three wineries below.

Midday: Coastal Pleasures

After the Courthouse or when you’re back from wine tasting, stroll down State Street, the main street of Santa Barbara’s downtown area. This pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and gift shops.

If you need a pick-me-up, Santa Barbara has several favorite coffee shops worth trying. Handlebar Coffee Roasters is a popular spot with locals, offering artisanal brews in a charming setting.

For lunch, drive to La Super-Rica Taqueria, a legendary spot once frequented by Julia Child and Gwyneth Paltrow. Their fish tacos are incredible, and the homemade tortillas are worth any wait you might encounter at this popular place.

Or if you’d prefer to keep hanging out on State, check out these lovely restaurants. They’re all good, but I can personally recommend Santo Mezcal for delicious Mexican food.

After lunch, head to Santa Barbara Harbor (where there are also restaurants and bars), if you want to go whale-watching or even on a fishing trip. You’ll find lots of options for activities here, including a harbor tour (approximately $20 for a round trip) that provides beautiful views of the coastline without extra cost for narration.

If you prefer to stay on land, rent bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals for a scenic bike ride along the waterfront. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the area and work off those tacos! The bike path is mostly flat, making it accessible for riders of all levels.

Afternoon: Beach Time or Wine Time

Santa Barbara offers some of the best options for combining relaxation and exploration. Choose between:

Beach Option

Head to Shoreline Park, a beautiful place with panoramic ocean views. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the harbor and offers access to beaches where you can explore tide pools during low tide. There is a playground for little ones here, views the Channel Islands and in season you can see whales from here.

Wine Option

Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail makes sampling local wines incredibly accessible. Many tasting rooms are part of the Urban Wine Trail and located within walking distance of downtown.

Alternatively join a wine tasting tour and head out into the Santa Ynez Valley. I’ve added a tour below.

The Funk Zone neighborhood is a particularly great spot for this experience, featuring converted warehouses in the former fisherman area, now housing trendy wineries. We had dinner here when we stayed and would defintely eat here again.

If you have time for a 10-minute drive, consider venturing to Los Olivos, a charming village with additional tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara’s emerging wine regions. While not quite as famous as Paso Robles to the north, the quality is outstanding. Or take a wine tasting tour into the mountains (link below).

Late Afternoon: Cultural Explorations

As the afternoon drifts on, you might like these popular spots:

• MOXI Museum: Located next door to the Hotel Californian, this interactive science museum is fun for all ages.
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art: One of the best places to appreciate fine art on the Central Coast.
• El Presidio: A historic Spanish fortress just a little bit off the main tourist path.

Evening: Sunset and Dinner

For sunset with a picnic and magic hour selfies, Shoreline Park offers a perfect place to watch the sun dip below the Pacific. Alternately, Butterfly Beach in Montecito (just a 10-minute drive from downtown) provides another great spot for sunset viewing.

For dinner, I like:

• Brophy Bros at the harbor for fresh seafood
• The Lark in the Funk Zone for farm-to-table excellence
• San Ysidro Ranch for a splurge-worthy experience in a setting that feels worlds away from civilization

Don’t forget to cap off your meal with an artisanal ice cream from McConnell’s, a Santa Barbara institution since 1949.

If You Have Extra Time

If your schedule allows, consider these additions to your Santa Barbara itinerary:

• Channel Islands National Park: While a full visit requires more than a day, you can take a harbor cruise (link below) that gives you views of these remarkable islands.
• Los Padres National Forest: Just a little bit inland, this wilderness area offers several hiking options, including the popular Inspiration Point mile trail with panoramic views. For hikers of all skill levels.
• Santa Cruz Island: The largest of the Channel Islands, it’s accessible via boat from the harbor (though this is better as an overnight trip).

Tips for the Perfect Day Trip

• The best time to visit Santa Barbara is spring or fall when crowds are thinner.
• Public parking in downtown offers the first 75 minutes free, a rarity in California coastal cities.
• Many attractions are walkable from the downtown area, making it a highly accessible destination.
• Bring layers of clothing, as coastal temperatures can vary throughout the day.