From kaleidoscopic botanical gardens to vibrant art displays and foodie tours, Santa Barbara’s attractions cater to every type of traveler. Feed giraffes at the zoo in the morning, stroll through historical adobe buildings by afternoon and catch a live show after dark — all without leaving the city.
Arts & Culture
Spanish Colonial architecture defines the city visually, but what’s inside those buildings also brings Santa Barbara’s art scene to life. Museums highlight local and regional work, with pieces from Latin America, Europe and contemporary U.S. artists. Galleries cluster in neighborhoods like the Funk Zone and ARTS District, where industrial and historic buildings now house studios and exhibition spaces. Public murals and seasonal art events transform entire blocks, especially during monthly gallery nights or weekend festivals. Learn more about these must-visit museums and attractions.
Gardens
Santa Barbara’s gardens take full advantage of the region’s warm, sunny climate and long growing season. You’ll find drought-tolerant landscapes with rare cactus species, native-plant trails that double as scenic overlooks and historical estates where citrus trees and climbing vines wind through tiled courtyards. Some gardens focus on conservation and ecological education, while others create peaceful settings for a walk or picnic. Explore them all to get a sense of the city’s sustainable landscaping, regional ecology, and architectural heritage. See all gardens.
Animal Encounters
Few places give you ocean views while you’re watching a snow leopard nap in the sun. The Santa Barbara Zoo includes outlooks to sparkly water, walkable paths and up-close encounters with animals from around the world, along with several native species. Down at the waterfront, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center focuses on the marine life of the Santa Barbara coast and is perfect for families. Touch tanks and interactive exhibits make it easy to learn what lives just beneath the surface, from sea stars and anemones to small sharks. And whale-watching tours are the best way to spot humpbacks and Pacific gray whales erupting from the water. Discover animal encounters.
Live Music
The local music scene comes to life at intimate venues with dramatic backdrops. Jam out at an open-air amphitheater carved into a canyon or reserve a seat in a restored theater from the 1920s, where original architecture meets modern acoustics. The city’s music calendar spans everything from indie acts and jazz quartets to touring headliners and orchestral performances. Many venues are located in or near historical neighborhoods, so it’s easy to pair a show with nearby restaurants, galleries or cocktail bars. Listen to live music.
Classes & Tours
Santa Barbara’s pedestrian-friendly layout and layered history make it a great city for guided exploration. Walking tours focus on architecture, local legends and food culture, often meandering through neighborhoods with eclectic storefronts, narrow paseos and sunlit plazas. Others take a more interactive approach, with citywide scavenger hunts, hands-on workshops or small-group wine tastings. These experiences often weave in iconic public spaces, local businesses and historical landmarks, so you can learn all about the city’s culture and history as you go. Browse more classes and tours.
