Santa Barbara

Perfect weather, beautiful buildings, excellent bars and restaurants, and activities for all tastes and budgets make Santa Barbara a great place to live (as the locals will proudly tell you) and a must-see place for visitors to Southern California. Check out the Spanish Mission church first, then just see where the day takes you.
Lifeguard hut on a beach against a blue sky in Santa Barbara

© Craig Sheppard/Getty Images

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Top places to visit in Santa Barbara

Discover the best attractions in Santa Barbara from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Santa Barbara travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From cultural musts to culinary delights, these are the quintessential Santa Barbara experiences to pin to the top of your itinerary.

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Best Time to Visit

This month-by-month guide to events in Santa Barbara can help you time your visit perfectly.

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Transportation

By foot, e-bike or wine shuttle, your Santa Barbara exploration begins with the right modes of transport. Here's how to get around Santa Barbara County.

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Free Things to Do

Santa Barbara is not just for the A-listers – there are lots of sights and activities for all budgets. Here are the city's best free things to do.

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Day Trips

It's hard to leave lovely Santa Barbara behind, but we've got six incredible day trips just beyond the city limits.

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