Immerse yourself in Santa Barbara culture through a walkable day of discovery. From native-plant landscapes and historic adobes to world-class art and downtown landmarks, this itinerary spotlights attractions with historical significance and natural beauty. Whether you’re into architecture, botany or visual arts, Santa Barbara’s cultural activities unfold across scenic, sun-filled spaces.
Morning: Santa Barbara Gardens & Views
Start your morning with coffee and breakfast at Handlebar Coffee Roasters before heading to the 78-acre historic landmark Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where you can take an invigorating walk along the living museum’s 5.5 miles of trails. The showcase of California’s native landscapes features diverse habitats ranging from desert and meadow to creek side and redwoods. Get snap happy as you admire the native trees, flowers, shrubs, cacti and other plants. Or, trade native flora for fantasy at Ganna Walska Lotusland, a whimsical 37-acre Montecito garden where dramatic plant collections and imaginative design create one of the world’s most enchanting horticultural experiences.
Midday: Santa Barbara Museums & Mission
Stop by the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara for a photo op on your way back downtown en route to Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA). The easily accessible and brilliantly curated SBMA is regarded as one of the leading art museums on the West Coast, featuring world-class exhibitions and a permanent collection spanning the arts of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Given its prime location and high-quality works, you can see incredible art and be in and out in a couple of hours — it makes for an ideal midday break from the sun. Or, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, where rotating exhibitions spotlight innovative works by emerging and established artists in a bright, intimate gallery space.
Afternoon: Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
After perusing the SBMA gift shop, stroll over to the Presidio Neighborhood for a late lunch on the patio at Panino. After, make your way to Casa de la Guerra, a historic house museum owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. Constructed between 1818 and 1828 by José de la Guerra, the fifth commandante of the Presidio, it was the social, political and cultural center of Santa Barbara during the Mexican period. Today it remains a popular community event space, and during Old Spanish Days Fiesta, it’s home to the lively and colorful “Casa Cantina.”
A short two block walk down Canon Perdido Street will bring you to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, where Santa Barbara truly began. The Presidio is the last of four Spanish forts built in California and is where Santa Barbara was founded in 1782 (even predating the Mission). The beautifully reconstructed Presidio Chapel held the first European weddings in Santa Barbara and still functions as a wedding venue today. El Cuartel, another site on the five-and-a-half-acre park, is the oldest remaining building in Santa Barbara and the second oldest building in California. The original Cañedo Adobe houses the Presidio’s Visitor Center, where you can pick up information for a self-guided tour.
Evening: Cocktails & Santa Barbara Culture
After your full day of sight-seeing, you’ll be ready for a refreshing cocktail at The Pickle Room, a bar in the former home of Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, the longtime heart of Santa Barbara’s Chinatown, followed by dinner at Intermezzo by Wine Cask in the historic El Paseo open air center. If you want to keep going, check our calendar of events to see what’s on in local theatres and parks. Summer is packed with outdoor concerts, film series and festivals. And our historic theatres are abuzz with performances, concerts, lectures and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cultural events or festivals take place in Santa Barbara?
Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Summer Solstice and Santa Barbara International Film Festival are among the city’s most iconic annual events.
Where can I explore Santa Barbara’s Spanish and Indigenous history?
Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara, El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for well-preserved Spanish Colonial and Chumash history.
What Santa Barbara museums or landmarks are must-sees for first-time visitors?
Top picks include Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park.
Where can I find live music, performances or theater in Santa Barbara?
Check out the Granada Theatre, Arlington Theatre, Lobero Theatre and Santa Barbara Bowl, for concerts, plays and performances.
