Tourist Attractions in Santa Barbara that Offer the Perfect Setting for a Vacation

Posted on Feb 1 2017 - 2:07pm by Priya Ghatol

Santa Barbara, a beautiful a city on the central California coast, is a major tourist attraction in the US. Santa Barbara is a favorite among tourists looking to spend quality alone time. Tourist Attractions in Santa BarbaraThe destination is also a popular New Year’s Eve getaway with its relatively warm weather offering a hospitable abode to tourists escaping the wintery chill. If you are planning a getaway and are wondering what to see in US, rest assured that Santa Barbara will completely live up to your expectations and offer you the perfect setting to ring in the new year.

State Street

State Street, Santa Barbara

The State Street is one of the most visited places here. With over 300 shops and 160 restaurants, the street is known as the shopper’s paradise. However, more than the shopping, it is the ambience and vibe of the street that makes it a standout among other shopping districts here. While you can take the convenient electric shuttle, we recommend that you walk your way through this awe-inspiring street.

Water Fun

Santa Barbar Sailing Center

Santa Barbara Sailing Center

This city is known for its water sports and adventure activities, and if you too enjoy these, the Santa Barbara Sailing Center is the place for you. Kayak rentals and stand up paddle board rentals are most affordable and you can spend a day out even if you are visiting during the winter. One of the best things to do here, water fun can be an immersive, adventurous activity.

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo

Also known as an “animal spa”, the Santa Barbara Zoo is a beautiful place with no cages, beautiful grounds and many interactive features. With over 500 animals from 160 species, the Santa Barbara Zoo is among the most frequented tourist attractions for families.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

One can enjoy a 360 degree view of the lovely city from Santa Barbara County Courthouse tower. You can take an elevator to reach the top of the tower.

Moreover, the courthouse is a working courthouse which makes it all the more interesting. The ramparts, circular staircases, and tile work were aesthetically pleasing, offering an awe-inspiring milieu to tourists. The walls of this courthouse are decorated with paintings from famous artists, such as Van Cina and Allan Gilbert.

Cabrillo Bike Path

Cabrillo Bike Path, Santa Barbara

The Cabrilo Bike path is a hit among the tourists looking for a tranquil 3 mile ride all by themselves. Cabrillo Bike path’s attraction is its vicinity to the ocean. If you are looking to explore the natural beauty of this city and other hamlets at your own pace, we highly recommend cruising along the Cabrillo bike path. While summers are the best time to enjoy a ride, the fun and excitement is no lesser during the winters.

Food & Drinks

Helena Avenue Bakery at 131 Anacapa, Santa Barbara

Helena Avenue Bakery at 131 Anacapa

The restaurants and hotels here offer wide range of cuisines that’s sure to appeal to a diverse culinary tastes and preferences. We recommend you to visit the Helena Avenue Bakery at 131 Anacapa St for some mouth-watering sandwiches and pastries. Other restaurants frequented by tourists include Yoichi’s, Lucky Penny, Downey’s, The Black Sheep, The Lark, and Bouchon.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

An educational and entertaining tourist attraction, the botanic garden gives visitors an opportunity to explore a variety of habitats. While West Coast flora remains a key point of interest, the garden also hosts redwood forest vistas and ridges. You can also buy souvenirs from the on-site retail shop; we recommend taking some locally made wildflower honey back home!

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 

If you are game for watching maritime documentaries and movies, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum can be the ideal place for you. This tourist attraction should be on your itinerary if you are travelling with your kids.

Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park, Santa Barbara 

Santa Barbara coastline, a majestic view of the mountains, playgrounds, and barbeques – these and much more await you at the Shoreline Park in this city. The entry to the park is free and you can enjoy a day out at the beach.

These were some of the best Santa Barbara attractions. If you are planning a trip to Santa Barbara, these tourist attractions can offer the ideal setting. If you know of any attractive unique tourist attractions, do let us know in the comments section below.

Priya Ghatol

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About the Author

A travel writer & visa consultant by profession. Love to write about cultures, languages, souls, food, oceans & wild spaces. Feel very comfortable in writing on adventure travel like camping, desert safari, & many more related to travel.