Start with the big three
Get on the water. The Santa Barbara Channel is one of the best whale spots on the West Coast, and boats leave right from the harbor. Our Santa Barbara whale watching guide covers what you'll see each season.
Go wine tasting. You can walk between tasting rooms in the Funk Zone, or make a day of it in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Watch the sunset. Grab a spot on a bluff or book a sunset sail. Either way, it never gets old.
All our Santa Barbara guides
- Whale Watching
Gray whales in spring, humpbacks and blues in summer, and how to pick a boat.
- Channel Islands
Ferries, sea-cave kayaking, and how to plan an island day.
- Wine Tasting
Tasting rooms in town and a day out in the Santa Ynez Valley.
- Funk Zone
The walkable neighborhood of tasting rooms, murals, and food.
- With Kids
Family-friendly days that keep everyone happy.
- One Day ItineraryComing soon
A perfect day, planned hour by hour.
- Day Trip from LAComing soon
Getting here by car or train and what to do once you arrive.
- Best HikesComing soon
Easy trails, ocean views, waterfalls, and dog-friendly picks.
- Best BeachesComing soon
Swimming, kids, and local tar tips.
- Sunset Cruises & SpotsComing soon
On the water or on a bluff: where to watch the sun go down.
- Date NightComing soon
Romantic ideas from cheap and cheerful to splurge.
- LandmarksComing soon
The Mission, the Courthouse, Stearns Wharf, the Presidio, and Lotusland.
- Old MissionComing soon
Visiting the Queen of the Missions.
- Free Things to DoComing soon
Great days that cost nothing, plus free shuttle and parking tips.
Quick local tips
- Fog is normal in early summer. Locals call it "May Gray" and "June Gloom." It usually burns off by afternoon.
- Bring layers. Even warm days get cool by the water once the sun drops.
- Park once, then walk. Downtown, the waterfront, and the Funk Zone are all close together.