The day at a glance
- Morning: Old Mission Santa Barbara
- Midday: lunch downtown and the County Courthouse
- Afternoon: the waterfront, Stearns Wharf, and the beach
- Late afternoon: wine or beer tasting in the Funk Zone
- Evening: sunset, then dinner
Morning: The Old Mission
9:30 a.m. Old Mission Santa Barbara
Start at the Mission, up on the hill above town with the mountains behind it. The self-guided tour covers the church, the historic cemetery, a nine-room museum, and the gardens, and there's an audio guide in six languages. Parking in the front lot is free. Give yourself a relaxed hour or more. On Sundays the tour opens at 12:30 p.m., so flip your day around if you're visiting then. Use the restrooms out front before you start, because there aren't any on the tour route.
Midday: Downtown
11:30 a.m. Wander and eat
Head down the hill to State Street, downtown's main street, lined with cafés, patios, shops, and galleries. Find a patio for lunch and take your time.
1:00 p.m. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse
A few blocks off State Street sits the County Courthouse, a working courthouse that's also a National Historic Landmark and one of the most beautiful buildings in town. Its Spanish Colonial Revival style helped shape the look Santa Barbara is known for. Inside, don't miss the Mural Room on the second floor. Ride up the "El Mirador" clock tower for views of the city, coast, and mountains, and stroll the Sunken Gardens out front. When it's open, free docent tours start in the Mural Room, no reservation needed.
Check before you go. In October 2026 the Courthouse's official tour site said it was closed for all public access, with no reopening date posted. The gardens and the outside of the building are still worth a look on your way to the waterfront. Check sbcourthouse.org for the latest before you plan to go inside.
Afternoon: The waterfront
2:00 p.m. Stearns Wharf and the beach
Follow State Street toward the ocean to Stearns Wharf. Walk out to the end for views back at the city and mountains, and stop at the Sea Center's touch tanks if you have kids along. Then kick off your shoes at East Beach, right next door. See our beach guide to pick your spot.
Late afternoon: Taste the Funk Zone
4:00 p.m. Wine, beer, and people-watching
The Funk Zone is a few steps from the beach. Pick two or three tasting rooms or breweries, share a flight, and enjoy the patios. Not drinking? It's still fun to browse the art studios and shops.
Evening: Sunset and dinner
Sunset. Pick your view
Walk back out on the wharf, find a spot on the sand, or book a sunset sail from the harbor for the grand finale. Then head to dinner in the Funk Zone or downtown.
Hours and prices change. In October 2026, Mission tour tickets were $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and military, $12 for ages 5 to 17, and free for 4 and under. Check each official website for current hours and prices before you go.
Swap-ins to make it yours
- Outdoorsy? Trade the downtown wander for a morning hike to Inspiration Point.
- Visiting in spring? Swap the beach for a whale watching trip.
- Wine lover? Spend the afternoon in wine country instead, with a driver.
- Traveling with kids? See Santa Barbara with kids for the zoo and more.
- Coming from LA? Read our day trip from LA guide.
FAQ
Is one day enough to see Santa Barbara?
Yes, for the highlights. In one day you can see the Old Mission, downtown, the waterfront, and the Funk Zone and still catch the sunset. Stay longer for wine country or the Channel Islands.
Can you do Santa Barbara without a car?
Mostly. Downtown, the waterfront, and the Funk Zone are close together and easy to walk. The Old Mission is up the hill, so take a rideshare or bus there.
What are the Old Mission's hours?
In October 2026 the self-guided tour ran Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 to 5 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Check the Mission's website before you go.
Is the Santa Barbara County Courthouse open?
In October 2026 its official tour site said the building was closed for all public access, with no reopening date posted. When it's open, visitors can see the Mural Room and ride up the clock tower, and free docent tours run daily. Check sbcourthouse.org before you go.
What is the best way to end a day in Santa Barbara?
With a sunset from Stearns Wharf, the beach, or a sunset sail out of the harbor, then dinner in the Funk Zone or downtown.