19 Things to do in Santa Barbara: Restaurants, Beaches, Hikes & Museums

[@ReconSamurai896]

I have lived in Santa Barbara my whole life and I only now realizing how blessed I was to be born here.

[@tahuaroa]

Santa Barbara Courthouse is an absolute sight to behold❣️❣️❣️

[@Ladgrgirl]

Oh Santa Barbara! Was born there, lived there for about 8 years. This city raised me, it taught me how to live life. This city is beautiful! 💗💗

[@juliemccammon509]

Lotusland is a must see in Santa Barbara. So beautiful.

[@marialeivas7786]

Thanks, man. We have just returned from our vacation in Santa Barbara and we essentially based our whole vacation on this video, visited almost all the places on the list and they are truly worth it. We found a few hiking places that are not in this video too

[@ayamaikarim]

I love Santa Barbara, before visiting California from Oregon, I have to watch your videos, plus I enjoyed your other videos of different states trips. Thank you for all the lovely videos.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you like them and thanks for the comment!

[@beccabauer9683]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Los Agaves. Best Mexican restaurant hands down.

[@californiathroughmylens]

It is sooooo good!

[@CatJuarez]

I agree! I've never been a mole lover until Los Agaves

[@hopkins03]

Loved Santa Barbara, we spent so much time walking around, great restaurants on State Street also. And yes, hiking video for sure.

[@californiathroughmylens]

I love State Street, such a nice area to stroll

[@mariacastro8791]

Yo vivi en santa barbara por 33 años desde ke me vine de mexico la mejor ciudad de california muy cara pero con mucho trabajo muy bien pagado mas de house keepers

[@keithjohnson5398]

Lived in Santa Barbara for a number of years when I was going to photography school. There's tons of things to do in the area, used to explore the creek area behind the mission. And the Lady of Carmel Church in Montecito was an interesting place to explore as well. The grounds of the Music Academy was an great area to explore as well, a beautiful estate that became a school for those interested in music. Lotusland is another amazing estate & botanical garden that's open to the public. Santa Barbara was a wonderful city to live in.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for the comment and for all of the tips. I will be sure to check these out! Glad you liked living there, it seems like a nice place to live for sure.

[@LEELS11]

Have you heard of the last of us 2?

[@megaprimegamer1184]

@@LEELS11 what’s that got to do with this? 😂😂

[@AshbyLighting]

Totally made my weekend watching this!

[@californiathroughmylens]

So glad you liked it!

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

Great video Josh. Santa Barbara is a beautiful city and all your recommendations are a perfect itinerary for anyone who is visiting for the first time

[@CatJuarez]

I absolutely love my hometown of Santa Barbara. I've lived in other States but there's nothing like SB. I really appreciate how this short is done. Starting with the Dolphin Fountain created by Bud Bottoms.

[@Santacruzlyn]

For plant geeks, the rose garden across the Mission plaza is always a nice stop for a picnic lunch.

[@hawks12thfan9]

I’m a SB native. I lived there for 22 years, then married and now live in the Pacific “ Northwet”. We got engaged at the clock tower atop the Courthouse, and our engagement pics were taken there. I frequently visit my dad at our family home, so I can get my SB “fix”. I love my hometown!

[@TheRobbieWalkershow]

I have a friend who has lived here for 30 plus years and she just purchased her “2” home in the Pacific Northwest. 😊I have to show her this message

[@kkryder1124]

Wowzers! I’m writing the entertainer part of my memoir in the PNW and coming to SB ❤

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I came to SB for high school in 1959 and have come back occasionally ever since. It’s good to see the new things and the improvements. It really is an amazingly beautiful town.

[@FelipeEscreza]

Im blessed having my sister lived here for a long time .

[@AneessaMusic]

Thank you for this beautiful video...

[@conniemara1]

Thanks for this....a good easy video to watch ...my home town ....but I now live in Sicily so this keeps me in tune with SB and our family business Lil Toot and the other boats :)

[@TheViewmaster1971]

Definitely a beautiful city and I miss it so much. My Grandparents used to live there and I remember visiting when I was a kid in the 1960s/70s. I don't remember the Morton Bay Fig Tree having a fence around it back in the day, but it's still beautiful. Thanks for another great video!!!

[@Bmwdressage]

YES PLEASE to more Santa Barbara content 😍 SB is my favourite part of CA. Would love to see more food/restaurants/cafes/coffee - a Santa Barbara eating video? What about Lotusland in SB? 🙌🏻

[@californiathroughmylens]

Eating video would be awesome! I didn't get to Lotusland, will have to check it out next time!

[@sandyacombs]

As a SB native I would recommend catching a show at the SB County Bowl, it's probably the most beautiful venue in America.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I’ll be there in three weeks. Good reminders of areas to photograph.

[@florinmarcu5879]

Thank you for making this video! Great stuff!

[@magdaaguilar7946]

Thanks!

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem! Thanks for the donation, that is very kind of you!

[@mcandrew83]

Great video! I spent a few very happy years in SB for college about 15 years ago. I'm going back in 2023 and I've noted down a few of the places listed here that I never went to. I remember going to a Mexican restaurant with some friends on Milpas that I really enjoyed, and now I'm almost certain it was Los Agaves. Can't wait to go back!

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

I’ve only been to Santa Barbara for a wedding so I didn’t have time to explore much. There is so much to see, do, and most importantly, eat! Thank you for this great list!

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem, thanks for the comment!

[@fivebagspacked]

Nice! We loved Stearns Wharf, Arroyo Burro Beach, The Mission, and Kid's World playground!

[@victoriaalexander7532]

As a resident of SB, you did a great job in showing great things/ places to do and see.👍👍

[@evslone]

Great video, Josh. I would add strolling State Street but also the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts show, which is held every Sunday on Cabrillo Boulevard from Stearns Wharf to Calle Cesar Chavez. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious arts and crafts shows in the nation, featuring more than 200 local artists, and has been going strong for more than 50 years.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow that is a great recommendation, I will have to check it out next time!

[@samshepperrd]

7:18 👍. The museum is set among ancient oaks with a stream running through it. Lots of info about the native Chumash people.

[@californiathroughmylens]

It is such a great museum!

[@thedeathstar420]

Another cool recommendation is the UCSB lagoon hiking trail. It’s right by the beach on cliffs and has amazing views of the mountains!

[@adrianagonzales8543]

amazing content and information, thank you

[@LauraIberti]

Thanks for posting this, I'm heading there in early March. 😊

[@californiathroughmylens]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@roderick.t]

Yes! Our ol’ stomping grounds! 😊 We were married on the SB Courthouse grounds - it’s beautiful! Nice to see all the cool 😎 places! Safe travels! 🙌

[@johntobin3998]

If not previously suggested in the comments,, you might consider adding a segment on some of Santa Barbara's unique theater venues such as the Arlington, Granada, and Lobero theaters. Also, the S.B. County Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater, is a fan favorite. Most of these venues have been beautifully restored.

[@letitrejo9332]

Great Recommendations. Beautiful footage too. I would also add the SB Cemetery . Epic views of the ocean and mountains and a pretty, historic place too. When I lived in SB years ago I walked the Cemetery and Inspiration point every week. Also don’t miss Chumash Painted Caves. 💚🌱🐛

[@lupitaflores8293]

Santa Barbara born & raised here🙋‍♀️ loveee my city

[@hankgs]

Low tide walk from East Beach to Montecito, 35 min North on 154 to wine taste around Solvang and Los Olivos, bike ride from Santa Barbara to Goleta beach, Tri-Tip Sandwich on a roll at Cold Springs Tavern!

[@macross25]

My Aunt used to live in Carpinteria so going to Santa Barbara & Ventura was a given. Miss being able to stay up their for a weekend or longer. Love your videos and these little reminders of home. Enjoy that CA winter weather, it's 1 degree with the Windchill outside where I am.

[@linkpaivichit7651]

Thanks for posting. Super informative! We’ll check out the hike Andrew your Napa video as well.

[@gudmundhinderaker2097]

Thanks for a great video :-) I live in Norway, but studied a year in Santa Barbara at UCSB over 20 years ago. In 2018 I came back to California for two weeks with my family, and we used your website and videos for both inspiration and travel guide. Thanks again! And when we visited Santa Barbara, we actually visited a number of spots on your list! In addition, I can recommend the small Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum that we stumbled upon above the harbour. Also, the UCSB campus and surrounding area is worth a visit (admittedly, I am a bit biased/nostalgic here). And as others have mentioned, just walking up and down State Street is nice, especially after arriving from the busy streets and traffic jams in LA.

[@laptopturbo]

I think I need a week to visit all the places you mentioned in this video.

[@quarkonium3795]

Great Video! To add to your recommendation of Painted Cave, I would recommend continuing up that road after looking at the rock paintings, turning right on East Camino Cielo and then going down Gibraltar road into the hills of Santa Barbara. Spectacular views on one side of the Santa Barbara coast and equally stunning views of the Santa Ynez Valley and the Los Padres National Forest on the other. I've done the whole route on my road bike which is even more rewarding but I wouldn't recommend that for anyone who isn't already pretty fit and experienced with handling a bike on tight corners

[@AnaMejia-mx2tl]

Thanks a lot 🙏 I just saw this video today and I got in love 🥰

[@JillBairdYogaFit]

UCSB alumni here! Santa Barbara is still my favorite place on earth! I would add a walk on Hendry’s Beach exploring the tide pools at low tide. We’ve seen starfish and other really cool creatures. Also a hike at the Douglass Family Preserve, the views over the ocean are incredible. I’m adding the Botanical Gardens and Los Agaves to my list of places to visit the next time I’m in SB! Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!

[@OnsceneDC]

Grew up in SB. I think you nailed most of the good spots, but I think you could have done more with the beaches. There are so many great ones! Also, trying Santa Maria style BBQ is a must! For those DIYers, every park and beach practically has these special spits for grilling this unique cut of beef. You can buy it and the special spice rub at any grocery store or butcher. It's usually served with fresh salsa, beans, salad, garlic bread, corn, etc Folks at these stores will know exactly what you need for the perfect meal!

[@S.TJohnsun-to3vc]

I'll get my chance to come visit.🎉 How about their nail salons is they exclusive stylish💃💅

[@S.TJohnsun-to3vc]

What city have the Farris wheel

[@isaiahmerrick4235]

I've lived in sb for my whole life and been to every spot you mentioned but still found it interesting and like a good way to introduce newcomers. Sb has so damn much to do you could make one of these for every way of life and have them be totally different

[@AndrewFord]

Great well made video and great recommendations...Chicken Molle has to be super authentic to be made right.

[@pingng4747]

You make very good travel video. Continue to make more 😊..

[@Luxebarbie]

this is beautiful

[@NYGOGUIDE]

Great video. Always your voice make me so peaceful. Thank you for detail information and sharing.

[@californiathroughmylens]

You are so welcome!

[@shaunaericksen7182]

This is a great video. I’m from Lompoc and miss home so much so this was great to watch. I am using it as a promo video for my wedding guests. Haha

[@camillescottxenoenthusiast7929]

I really like your style. Great tour…and your delivery is easy on the ears.

[@paulmadkow9143]

I'll be heading there for the remainder of 2022. I'm going to be a volunteer at a local park. Never been to Santa Barbara. Can't wait!

[@omartherealtor6354]

Great video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@FLG8r]

great video production

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@ravinderrathore8371]

How peaceful, wish to be there

[@channelv383]

Beautiful !

[@vq2vx]

Thank you so much - had no idea SB was this packed with things to do; had previously envisioned just walking along the beach :) Waiting to visit!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad I could help!

[@Califoreigners]

Love it out in Santa Barbara. Great collection m! Will definitely check out a bunch of these next time we visit!

[@californiathroughmylens]

You should! So much fun stuff to do in the city

[@amytaeusch2117]

Santa Barbara is awesome!

[@jamiew1429]

Yes, make some Santa Barbara hiking videos. 😊

[@rosbeliarevalo8910]

Nice video !!!!!!!

[@donkeyoti]

Very nice travel video. Santa Barbara has a very good Art Museum. I was hopping you would give it a little coverage.

[@casscara]

Nicely done.

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

I grew up in OC,CA. but this area looks amazing also!

[@Ausbossgamer_VR]

I live here a lot of these are very nice places to visit.

[@Amy.Scorpio]

Excellent Video!

[@kassandrarendon723]

I love visiting Santa Bárbara for a weekend get away! You must try Flor de Maiz Mexican restaurant right around the corner from McCornells So Good!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for the tips! I will try that next time

[@lindaguida4074]

Going for Christmas 🎄

[@loricollins3163]

Handlebar Coffee - Yum!

[@peterc5543]

Great job

[@Twobarpsi]

Great video!!

[@epicmattster4874]

This is perfect my sister is going to collage here.

[@JasmineApple]

Sooooo much to do!! Great video & great suggestions!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yes! Thank you!

[@jyzo]

The SB Natural History Museum is best on the years they do their “Butterflies Alive” exhibit. You can walk through a large enclosure with lots of live butterflies, included in the price of the museum admission.

[@soyunik7979]

It's a permanent exhibition now, but of course only certain months of the year

[@rornentertainment2895]

Very good video I like it so much

[@lorraineoback4962]

You've inspired my son and I to make Santa Barbara a focal point for an upcoming SoCal road trip. We plan to visit quite a few of the points of interest that you covered. Thanks so much.

[@californiathroughmylens]

That is awesome! So much to explore around the area too like Solvang, Pismo Beach and Ventura!

[@Shadow91507]

Fantastic vid! Was hoping to hear about eating uni. And to hear if UCSB campus has any landmarks or attractions.

[@DaliaTutoring]

Yay! I went to college in Santa Barbara but I was broke and didn’t like hiking at the time so I don’t think I took advantage of living there unfortunately :( Can’t wait to get back and check out these spots!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Bummer, always a great reason to go back!

[@desperadodeluxe2292]

Course you didn't the people that stay here don't appreciate the beauty of the place and you ruin it thanks.

[@vickiesweitzer8625]

Great video! I have lived close by for 35 years and I’ve only been to/knew about five or six of these spots. Time to make some plans! 😉

[@californiathroughmylens]

Have fun if you go!

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

I don't think I can do all of this in one trip or week. Been to a few stops but missed out on the Farmers Market. Definitely look forward to Shoreline walk, Chumash Cave for the drive and Botanic garden.

[@atravelandrelax]

Nice and interesting tour, I enjoyed it👍

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leeoconnor7218]

Thumbs up to Chumash Painted Cave SP. From there I would also recommend a drive along Camino Cielo, with amazing views below.

[@kellylasko]

I just visited for the first time, and I'm from Orange County, and was blown away! We hit up half of your list on our mini trip. My kids loved the museums ❤ Could you recommend hotels to stay at? I booked a hotel by the beach called beachside inn, but for $250 a night it wasn't that great :/

[@Stealther]

I’d love to see a SB hiking guide!

[@californiathroughmylens]

I will add that to the list!

[@violetbf3773]

But you already did the Inspirational Point video, right?! Or am I going crazy lol… those mole enchiladas look delicious! Awesome video, of course! 🙌🏼

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yep, I did a full video on that last week! Thanks for the comment, the mole is so good!

[@IMJAFO2]

Had I known that there were so many things to do in Santa Barbara, I would have gone and see my Niece (who attended U.C. Santa Barbara) and made a whole weekend out of the trip.

[@californiathroughmylens]

haha yea it is an awesome place to spend some time

[@diamondngocanhcoin1265]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👏👏 Thank you so much

[@dronesinconstruction]

I’m visiting here for a family Wedding. ❤❤❤ and gotta try the Cali Burrito from el Agave

[@stargazer5073]

There's an art museum too!

[@californiathroughmylens]

I will have to do that next time!

[@LH095]

Have you been to LotusLand in Montecito?

[@frankgroff2604]

enjoyed the video. one thing....city hall is on anacapa st. not state st.

[@CatJuarez]

Oooh and Funk Zone Patio is a place to eat if you Love BBQ! Shalhoob 💯

[@shaysmith2657]

I live here but still watched this

[@fettkane]

Yes please hike inspiration point with the video with it please :)

[@kellyjohnson3617]

SB is a great city to visit. I live next door in Ventura so I’ve been many times. Your recommendations are great. In addition to what others mentioned I highly recommend Santa Barbara museum of art. Small museum but some really important permanent pieces as well as incredible visiting exhibits. Before the pandemic it was free admission from 5pm to closing every Thursday night. During the day I highly recommend Alice Keck park and the parks around it. I think the twins would love it. You can see the ducks snd turtles in the pond and tho dont tell anyone I said so it’s fun to feed them. There is a pretty historic low growing snd beautiful tree in that park. Very old and very cool. There’s a big playground next door. Great for the kids to work off some energy once covid is over. From there drive up Anapamu street to see the over hanging cypress trees. Then head up APS(Alameda Padre Serra for a cool drive with incredible views. And in my opinion the best views of SB are from the ruins at Franceschi park.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for all the tips, now I have to go back and explore more!

[@j1mbOZ31]

Maaan I was literally looking for this video BEFORE it came out 🤣

[@MinutesWithMates]

The Moreton Bay Fig is an Australian tree that is native to and grows throughout Northern coastal NSW and QLD. There’s tonnes of huge ones like that one over here. Be interesting to know the history of why it is in Santa Barbara

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh wow that is awesome, thanks for sharing that with us!

[@soyunik7979]

It was a gift to the city...and has been a hang out for the homeless since I can remember (grew up a few blocks from it)

[@MinutesWithMates]

@@californiathroughmylens No worries. Moreton Bay is the main port in the city of Brisbane (capital of Queensland), for which the tree is named after. Early explorers found it natively growing from Illawarra in NSW up into QLD. These fig trees are huge. My family farm (which was in the family since 1870) in northern NSW had a giant one near the orchard. Generations of children from our family climbed all over it and hung swings off of it. They are very close to my heart.

[@artsilva]

I pass this tree everyday, to and from work and it is HUGE! From Wikipedia: A seaman visiting Santa Barbara in 1876 presented a seedling of an Australian Moreton Bay fig tree to a local girl who planted it at 201 State Street. After the girl moved away a year later, her girlfriend, Adeline Crabb, transplanted the tree to the corner of Montecito and Chapala streets, just a few blocks from the ocean, on land then owned by the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. The tree was officially designated as a historic landmark in 1970, and the property was deeded to the City of Santa Barbara in 1976. The tree has since been placed on the California Register of Big Trees. The roots are protected by a chain barrier the size of the canopy. The tree may be viewed at the Amtrak Train Station, 209 State Street.

[@humbertogonzalez8643]

Stella Mares is a beautiful restaurant for a romantic dinner.