Santa Barbara

What you need to know before you go

    Santa Barbara is a Spanish colonial-style town on California’s south-facing coastline. It’s sunny for most of the year, making it great for leisurely hikes, adventure sports, and water-based adventures The downtown area presents a picturesque warren of red-tile roofs and white stucco structures, and it’s always abuzz with people in bars and restaurants who chat, dine, and drink throughout the warm nights. 

    Follow the palm-lined route down State Street and you’ll hit the clear waters of Santa Barbara Beach. The Mediterranean illusion continues to the north, with the Old Mission in the Franciscan Province. Friars founded the church in 1786. It still stands today with impressive stone arches, terracotta domes, and exotic gardens. 

    What to see & do in Santa Barbara

    Featured stories & fun stuff

    Where & what to eat in Santa Barbara

    • 10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Santa Barbara

      These top places locals love to eat in Santa Barbara range from those offering dining with waterfront views to local eats offering farm-to-fork experiences. The coastal city has an array of top-notch local restaurants that serve everything from American fare to Spanish tapas and seafood fresh off the boat. Whether you're looking for family dining, a romantic...

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    Where to shop & what to buy in Santa Barbara

    • 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Santa Barbara

      Santa Barbara’s shopping options are as much of an attraction as its lovely beaches and mild climate, with much of life enjoyed in the outdoors. Visitors to State Street and artsy neighbourhoods as the Funk Zone, will enjoy browsing for treasures within the city’s outdoor malls, boutiques, art galleries and name-brand stores alike. Avid shoppers could venture out of...

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    Where to go & what to do at night in Santa Barbara

    • 10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santa Barbara

      The best things to do after dinner in Santa Barbara include taking in the beautiful evening views down at the shoreline and cool spots where the fun seemingly never ends. Here we share with you some good reasons for heading back to your hotel room late after your dinners and that there’s a lot more to this coastal Californian town...

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