Santa Barbara - Discovering United States of America

Travelling to Santa Barbara

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Santa Barbara, a pretty good destination in United States of America (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Santa Barbara and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Santa Barbara, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through United States of America, here's everything to know about Santa Barbara for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Santa Barbara

Sure, Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal city located in Southern California, USA. It's known for its stunning beaches, Mediterranean-style architecture, and perfect year-round weather. The city offers a variety of activities such as hiking, surfing, wine tasting, shopping, and dining. It's also famous for its cultural landmarks like the Santa Barbara Mission and the Stearns Wharf. The city is easily accessible by car, train, and has its own airport. Santa Barbara is a popular vacation spot for families, couples, and individuals who want to enjoy a laid-back and luxurious lifestyle.

What to visit in Santa Barbara

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Santa Barbara with information about each: 1. Santa Barbara Mission - This historic landmark is one of the most visited attractions in Santa Barbara. Founded in 1786, it features Spanish-style architecture and beautiful gardens, and serves as a museum as well as a functioning church.
2. Stearns Wharf - Built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is a popular spot to visit for shopping, dining, and taking in the ocean views. It is also home to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the area's seafaring culture.
3. Santa Barbara Zoo - Located on 30 acres, this zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world, including lions, gorillas, and giraffes. The zoo also features beautiful gardens and a sea lion exhibit.
4. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - This 78-acre garden is home to over 1,000 species of plants native to California. Visitors can take a guided tour, explore the six miles of trails, or simply take in the beautiful views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
5. Santa Barbara County Courthouse - This courthouse, built in 1929, is considered one of the most beautiful public buildings in the United States. Visitors can take a tour to admire the beautiful architecture and murals.
6. Arroyo Burro Beach - This beautiful beach is popular with locals and visitors alike. It features picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground, as well as beautiful views of the ocean.
7. Santa Barbara Museum of Art - This museum houses a collection of over 27,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own.
8. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park - This park is home to the reconstructed El Presidio, a military fortress dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Visitors can explore the restored buildings and learn about the history of the area.
9. Lotusland - This 37-acre estate is home to a botanical garden with over 3,000 species of plants from around the world. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the unique and unusual plants and sculptures.
10. Santa Barbara Public Market - This indoor market features local food and wine vendors, as well as shops selling artisanal goods. Visitors can sample local specialties and find unique souvenirs to take home.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in United States of America, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Santa Barbara.

When to go on holiday to Santa Barbara

The best time to visit Santa Barbara is between March and May or September and November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller than in the summer. The summer months (June through August) in Santa Barbara can be very crowded and expensive due to the high demand for tourism. However, if you enjoy beach activities and warm weather, then summer can be a great time to visit. Winter is also an option, but you should expect cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and what activities you plan to do.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Santa Barbara

There are several options to get to Santa Barbara, United States of America, depending on your starting location.
By air: The nearest airport to Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). You can also fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR), both of which are about a 90-minute drive away.
By car: Santa Barbara is easily accessible by car. It is located about 90 minutes from both Los Angeles and Bakersfield. If you are coming from northern California, you can take Highway 101 or Highway 1.
By train: Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner provides service to Santa Barbara from San Luis Obispo to the north and Los Angeles to the south. The Santa Barbara Amtrak station is located at 209 State Street.
By bus: Greyhound, Santa Barbara Airbus, and other bus companies provide service to Santa Barbara from various locations.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions about your trip to Santa Barbara.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Santa Barbara, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California is known for its coastal cuisine and unique flavors. Here are some typical foods of Santa Barbara: 1. Santa Maria-Style Barbecue - This traditional central California barbecue style features tri-tip steak, slow-roasted over red oak wood, served with salsa and pinquito beans.
2. Seafood - Being a coastal city, Santa Barbara is famous for its seafood. Some of the popular dishes include clam chowder, fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled fish.
3. Avocado Toast - California is known for its avocados, and in Santa Barbara, there are tons of places where you can get fresh, delicious avocado toast.
4. Macadamia Nuts - Macadamia nuts are grown locally in Santa Barbara, and you can buy them fresh from farmers' markets or specialty stores.
5. Tri-Tip - Along with Santa Maria-Style Barbecue, the tri-tip is a local specialty, often served on sandwiches or salads.
6. Santa Barbara Salsa - This salsa is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and jalapeno peppers, and is a popular condiment for almost any dish.
7. Santa Barbara Spot Prawn - These local prawns are a delicacy, known for their sweet flavor and tender texture. They're often served with garlic butter or grilled with herbs.
8. Olio Nuovo - This is a freshly pressed, unfiltered olive oil. Santa Barbara is home to many olive oil producers, and the Olio Nuevo is a must-try for fans of olive oil.
9. Wine - Santa Barbara is famous for its wine, and the region produces some of the best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah varietals in the country.
10. Cheese - Santa Barbara County is also home to many dairy farms, and there are many types of locally produced cheese available, including goat cheese, cow's milk cheese, and sheep's milk cheese.
You can find general info about typical foods in United States of America here.

Is Santa Barbara an expensive destination for tourists?

Yes, Santa Barbara is considered to be a more expensive destination for tourists in the United States. The cost of accommodations, food, and activities tend to be higher compared to other cities in California. However, there are ways to travel on a budget in Santa Barbara, such as finding affordable accommodations outside of the city center, taking advantage of free activities like hiking or visiting public beaches, and eating at local cafes and food trucks instead of higher-end restaurants.

Where to find accomodation in Santa Barbara

Some of the best areas to find accommodations to visit Santa Barbara include: 1. Downtown: This area is filled with various options for accommodations, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly options. It's also a great location for exploring local attractions, restaurants, and shops.
2. Montecito: This neighborhood is located just south of downtown and offers a more secluded and upscale atmosphere. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for a luxurious and peaceful escape.
3. East Beach: If you're looking to be close to the ocean, East Beach is a great option. It's located just a short walk from downtown and offers beautiful views of the waterfront.
4. Goleta: This area is located just north of Santa Barbara and offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to upscale resorts. It's a great location if you're looking to explore nearby wineries or hiking trails.
You can check hotel prices at Santa Barbara here:
Booking.com

Is Santa Barbara a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Santa Barbara is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Like any city, there are areas that are safer than others, but overall, Santa Barbara has a relatively low crime rate. Tourists should take the same precautions they would in any city, such as not leaving their belongings unattended, being aware of their surroundings, and avoiding walking alone in isolated areas at night. The Santa Barbara Police Department also offers a safety escort program for anyone who feels unsafe walking alone at night.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in United States of America here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Santa Barbara.

What type of travelers will enjoy Santa Barbara the most?

Santa Barbara offers a variety of activities and attractions that can please different types of travelers. However, it is worth noting that it is considered a popular destination for couples and families, rather than young people looking for fun.
For couples, Santa Barbara provides a romantic atmosphere due to its charming Mediterranean-style architecture, gorgeous coastline, and picturesque mountains. Couples can enjoy taking a scenic walk at the beautiful beaches, trying wine tasting at the vineyards, strolling along State Street while exploring boutiques and galleries, or just taking a scenic drive around the city.
For families, Santa Barbara offers several family-friendly activities, such as visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo, enjoying a picnic at one of the city's many parks, taking part in whale watching tours, visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, or simply enjoying the beach.
In summary, Santa Barbara caters to various travel types, but it's a more suitable destination for couples and families looking for a relaxing and romantic getaway, rather than young people searching for fun party destinations.

How to get around Santa Barbara

In Santa Barbara, you can use a variety of transportation options to move around: 1. Car rental: You can rent a car from the airport or car rental agencies to move around the city.
2. Public transportation: Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) provides bus services throughout the city.
3. Trolley tours: Santa Barbara Trolley tour is a great way to explore the city's attractions.
4. Bike rental: You can rent a bike and explore the city. Santa Barbara has many bike rental shops.
5. Taxi and ride-hailing services: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the city.
6. Walking: Santa Barbara is a very walkable city. You can explore the city's attractions on foot.

What to see around Santa Barbara

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Santa Barbara: 1. Solvang: known for its Danish-inspired architecture, quaint shops, and delicious pastries, Solvang is just a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara.
2. Channel Islands National Park: just off the coast of Santa Barbara, this national park is home to diverse wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes, and is accessible by ferry.
3. Ojai: a charming town known for its natural beauty, artsy vibe, and outdoor activities, Ojai is just a 40-minute drive from Santa Barbara.
4. Los Olivos: a small town in the Santa Ynez Valley known for its wineries and tasting rooms, Los Olivos is a scenic 30-minute drive from Santa Barbara.
5. Carpinteria: a beautiful beach town just south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria features a stunning beach, cute shops and restaurants, and a seal sanctuary. I hope this helps!
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