2025 Santa Barbara Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

The Qingming Festival holiday is here! Check out this 3-day US travel guide to help you easily navigate the United States and not miss a single sight! -- 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: California State Route 1-> Half Moon Bay State Beach-> Pigeon Point Lighthouse-> Carmel-by-the-Sea-> Monterey Bay-> 17-Mile Drive Drive along California State Route 1 and enjoy the coastal scenery. Visit the fine sands of Half Moon Bay, the retro charm of Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the artistic atmosphere of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the beautiful scenery of Monterey Bay and 17-Mile Drive. This itinerary is rich and colorful! Day 2: California State Route 1-> Bixby Creek Bridge-> Elephant Seal Vista Point-> Hearst Castle Continue driving along the coast to the magnificent Bixby Creek Bridge. Then, head to the Elephant Seal Vista Point and experience the wonders of nature. Afterward, visit Hearst Castle and savor the richness and grandeur of history. Day 3: Solvang (Danish Village)-> Old Mission Santa Barbara-> Santa Monica Pier On the third day, visit the Nordic-style Solvang (Danish Village), then head to the Old Mission Santa Barbara to experience tranquility and solemnity. Finally, arrive at the Santa Monica Pier to conclude your pleasant journey and create unforgettable memories! -- Must-see attractions: California State Route 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: California, USA - Opening hours: Open 24 hours - Duration: 2-3 days - With blue seas, blue skies, cliffs, and charming towns, this place gathers paradise-like scenery and is a paradise for driving enthusiasts! 17-Mile Drive ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: California, USA - Duration: 1 hour - The circular road surrounds the residential area, with picturesque scenery along the way, as if walking in a fairyland. Solvang (Danish Village) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 320 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, USA - Opening hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm; Closed Monday-Friday - Duration: 1 day - A pocket-sized town with Nordic scenery in the United States, it's like traveling through time to a fairy tale world, making people linger. Hearst Castle ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA - Opening hours: January 1-November 26, 9:00 am-4:00 pm - Duration: 2-3 hours - With a distinctive Spanish Catholic church and bell tower, this castle is full of mystery and history, making it a great place to explore history. -- 🧳 Travel checklist: Must-have items for a trip to the US, depart with ease! 📞 Prepare your phone card for seamless communication in the US. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter to easily handle US standard power outlets. 🪪 Don't forget your passport and visa, essential documents for entering the US. 👗 The weather in the US in March is pleasant, a light jacket and jeans are enough. 🔋 Charger and power bank to charge your phone anytime. 💸 A small amount of cash and credit cards for convenient shopping and dining. -- May your US trip be filled with beautiful moments and unforgettable memories!🌟

Santa Barbara is very close proximity between the downtown and the the beach. It has very nice architectural of Spanish style. The beach is very stunning and they have pretty nice seafood restaurant: Enterprise Fish Co. #2023travelwish

We visited the bell tower and from there we can enjoy 360 degree view of Santa Barbara with white walls and red brick buildings against the background of blue sky, green mountains and tall palm trees. The bell tower is part of city's Spanish Revival Santa Barbara County Courthouse. #2023travelwish

Presidio is a Spanish word meaning “prison” or “fortification,” and it’s used to describe a specific kind of military fortress that was built by Spanish forces during their expansion into the New World. A well-known example of this architecture is the Presidio of Santa Barbara. Originally built in the 1700s, the Presidio of Santa Barbara has seen everything from wars to earthquakes. It’s one of the oldest surviving structures in the state of California, and it’s among the last of the military outposts that were built by Spain on U.S. soil. Its white adobe bricks are topped with red-tiled roofs. Its twisting hallways lead to gates, chapels, plazas, kitchens, bedrooms and training rooms. When you see it, you can’t help but think that it’s a landmark that has been frozen in time; you’ll be able to walk along the same paths as Spanish, English and British soldiers from centuries past. If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Barbara, consider this well-preserved presidio. It’s a must see for history buffs, culture lovers and military enthusiasts alike. Address: 123 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United State

Stay at ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel, Location of hostel, right on the Bus station where you just get off when you arrived Santa Barbara county, Warmest like home, friendly staffs and so much activities during weekday and weekend at hostel😇☘️🍷 I strongly recommend the most beautiful hostel for stay with family fun watching🐳❤️ 📍Address: 134 Chapala street,Santa Barbara County,California,USA

Santa Barbara Beach Front area,the north side near Ventura city of California state, most iconic must visit location🐋🐳🐬🐟🐠🐡 Right on the Santa Barbara Train Museum & Bus Station of Amtrak/Greyhound,just a few minutes walk,you can easy to discovery yourself where must see and visit… See what they are so attractive,wahhoooo🍀❤️🍀📍Address:- ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel Chapman street,California,Usa

🚗 Travel reference: About 1 hour 50 minutes from Los Angeles, making it an easy day trip by car! 🏰 Santa Barbara is one of California's most romantic coastal towns, where red-tiled roofs and white-walled buildings create a beautiful contrast with the azure sea, making you feel like you're strolling through Europe. ✨ Recommended spots: 🕊️ Old Mission Santa Barbara This 18th-century mission is the town's most iconic historical building, with both the structure and courtyard offering perfect photo opportunities. 🌉 Stearns Wharf This pier extends into the ocean, offering the best vantage point for coastal views and sunset photos, plus panoramic views of the entire town with mountains in the background. 📸 The streets are lined with vintage cafes and boutiques—if you're not in a hurry, a leisurely stroll will be quite rewarding!

#getgoing2025 #beach #santabarbara #localguides #travel #thingstodo #seascapes This is a stunning beach and despite the name this isnt 1000 steps down to the beach. Its about 150 stairs. You must go here during low tide. Its a great spot to catch the sunset and there are some excellenr rock formations here. It is quiet , peaceful and serene. Do visit in Santa Barbara.

#getgoing2025 #travel #thingstodo #myitinerary #citydaytours #beachlife #beach #california #localguides Leadbetter Beach is a great place to kick back and relax. This beach offers stunning ocean views, and a nice spot for sunbathing and picnics. I tried kite surfing here and it was a lot of fun. There is shoreline cafe which sits right on the beach and has super cool vibes. There is parking space available too. Do check it out!

#besthotels “Hotel Californian exceeded all my expectations. The design of the hotel is stunning, blending Spanish Colonial and Moroccan influences beautifully. My room was elegant and comfortable, with all the modern amenities I needed. The location is perfect, just steps from Santa Barbara’s waterfront and shops. The staff was friendly and attentive, always eager to help. The rooftop pool and bar offered incredible views and were perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The dining options were fantastic, particularly the fresh, locally inspired dishes. This hotel is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Santa Barbara. I can’t wait to return!”

Hendrys Beach in Santa Barbara is an easy escape from LA. The beach is so long and it's so easy to escape the crowds and be on your own. The scenery changes from massive rocks and pools to sandy beach. The best lookout - Douglas Family Preserve. The admission is free, and it's perfect if you come in with the dog. The reward for driving there a stunning views of the beach and greenery from above. There are a few restaurants right at the beach, so it's an easy option to watch sunset and have a drink after a long stroll along the beach. #domestictravel #usa #california #100waysoftravel

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara This beautiful hotel in California, USA🇺🇸🏔️ 12 minutes from 🚞Santa Barbara Amtrack Station and 17 minutes from ✈️Santa Barbara Airport, the location is very convenient It is a 12-minute walk from Santa Barbara Old Church ⛪️, including A.C. Postel Rose Garde, Rose Garden and Santa Barbara Mission Archive-Library. The hotel is close to many popular tourist attractions, including 🏖️Presidio Avenue and Saunders Law Office and Ygnacio house 🏠 The nearby Harbor Restaurant (American restaurant) 🥥’s Chicken ceasar salad and French Press (coffee shop ☕️) will surely amaze you. Handlebar Coffee Roasters (coffee shop 🍯) is also a delicacy not to be missed.

What a beautiful place! 😍

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping - 🕰️Business Hours:💰Average Price per Person:

Santa Barbara, also translated as Santa Barbara, is a seaside town along Highway 1. With a Mediterranean climate, it enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and has the best weather in California. The architecture is mostly Spanish style, and it is also known as the American version of the Riviera (the original European version refers to the Cinque Terre in Italy/the French Riviera). 🚗Santa Barbara is 95 miles from Los Angeles, about 1.5-2 hours by car, and can be combined with a visit to the nearby Danish town. 🍀Note: From Los Angeles, you can also take a train to Santa Barbara (Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner), the station is in the city center, the journey takes 2.5 hours, and tickets start at $25. 📸Santa Barbara Attractions 1️⃣Stearns Wharf - Suitable for watching the sunset/eating seafood, can play for 30 minutes to 1 hour →Iconic wooden pier, located on the west side of East Beach, with restrooms, restaurants, and souvenir shops, suitable for enjoying the sea breeze, eating seafood, and watching the sunset. You can drive onto the pier, with the first 90 minutes of parking free, and then $2.5 per hour. 🍱At the end of the pier, there is a highly rated seafood restaurant: Santa Barbara Shellfish Company, Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, and Sea Urchin are all highly praised. ⏰Business hours: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 2️⃣Courthouse Clock Tower - Overlooking the red-tiled white walls of the city, free parking, can play for 15-30 minutes Built in 1929, Spanish colonial architecture style (white walls with red tiles, etc.), it is one of the most beautiful government buildings in the United States and a must-visit attraction in Santa Barbara. You can freely visit the interior, and from the 26-meter-high clock tower observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the small town. ⏰Opening hours: Weekdays 8 am - 4 pm, closed on weekends 🎟️Tickets: Free, street parking and the nearby City of Santa Barbara Parking Lot are free for the first 75 minutes 3️⃣Pink Church - Internet-famous church, most people take photos at the entrance, free parking, can play for 15-30 minutes A beautiful church built in 1920, known as the Queen of the Missions. Opposite the church is the Mission Rose Garden, with roses blooming from late spring to early autumn, most beautiful in June. Most people just check in outside the church and garden (no fee required). ⏰Opening hours: 9.30 am - 5 pm 🎟️Tickets: Adults $15, children $10, free parking 4️⃣Zoo - Small but beautiful zoo, tickets $25, parking fee $11, can play for 1.5-2 hours Very small, but highly rated, showcasing over 146 species/500 animals and birds. ⏰Business hours: 9.30 am - 5 pm 🎟️Tickets: Adults $25, children $15, must be booked in advance.

During my stay at Hotel Californian, I had a luxurious and unique experience. 🏨🌟 The rooms were elegant and comfortable, with beautiful design touches that added to the luxury. 🛏️✨ The staff were always helpful and friendly, making the service excellent. 😊🌺 I enjoyed relaxing in the facilities such as the pool and spa, and the food at the restaurant was superb. 🍽️🌊 The location was perfect, with easy access to local attractions. 🌆🌟 Hotel Californian provided an unforgettable stay, and I highly recommend it.

Santa babara trip It’s a nice one day trip on Sunday #santabarbara

Nestled at 121 E Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara, the Simpson House Inn is a cozy retreat with a historical charm that modern hotels can't match. 🏡 The service is impeccable; when noise from a room's machinery was an issue, the staff promptly moved guests to a quaint cottage in the garden. 🌺 This boutique hotel may have a smaller garden, but its exclusivity makes it a perfect sanctuary for breakfast or a peaceful reading nook. 📚 Dining is a delight with afternoon 'happy time' and a scrumptious breakfast that's included in your stay. 🍳 The Simpson House Inn offers a homey vibe with personalized butler-style service. 🛎️ It's a healing escape with a quiet garden that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. 🧚‍♂️ Plus, who can resist a complimentary cottage upgrade? The daily fresh bakery items and evening happy hour with wine and snacks add the cherry on top of a splendid stay. 🍷 Definitely worth the splurge for a serene Santa Barbara experience. Highly recommended! ✨ #SantaBarbara #SantaBarbaraHotel #SantaBarbaraTravel

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara 8301 Hollister Avenue, California, 93117 🏖️ Nestled on the shores of Santa Barbara, this seaside haven offers more than just a stay; it's an experience! With its pet-friendly policy, bring your furry friend along for some fun in the sun! 🐾 🛏️ While the rooms may carry a vintage charm, they are well-maintained, offering that classic American decor. Yes, they're on the cozy side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in service and ambiance. 🇺🇸 🎉 From top-notch room service that'll make any occasion (like a birthday bash!) unforgettable, to the convenience of a stroll down to the pristine beach, every moment here is crafted for pleasure. Just a heads-up, watch out for those extra fees at checkout. 💸 # SantaBarbara # SantaBarbaraHotel # SantaBarbaraTravel

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, the Hotel Californian might catch your eye with its chic decor and prime location at 36 State St. But, let's spill the tea on what you're really signing up for! 💸🔍 First off, this spot isn't for the budget-conscious traveler. Rooms may lack the grandeur of space and bathtubs, and don't expect sweeping ocean views from your window. You're paying for the postcode and the fancy trimmings, not a vast suite. 🛏️💰 Parking? That'll cost ya. And don't count on freebies to sweeten the deal; services come with a price tag. For a truly opulent experience, you might have to splash out big bucks—think north of 10k per night. Otherwise, you might feel like you're pouring your cash down the drain. 💔🚗 For those with deep pockets, sure, give it a whirl. It's a luxury hotel, so comfort isn't in question. Just know that your 'modest' riches won't unlock the full regal experience. Don't get dazzled by the hype; keep it real and your expectations in check! 👑🚫 Hotel Californian, 36 State St, Santa Barbara, California, 93101 #SantaBarbara #SantaBarbaraHotel #SantaBarbaraTravel

The weather was warm and pleasant from the morning when I stayed there in mid-March☺️🌿 The first photo is of Santa Barbara's photogenic spot "Santa Barbara Chromatic Gate"🌈 It's about a 5-minute drive from the city center, along the beach, and I was prepared for it to be crowded even if I went first thing in the morning...! But contrary to my expectations, there was no one there❕🤣 lol However, the road between the beach and this gate is constantly filled with cars, so if you want to take a photo without cars, I recommend going first thing in the morning🫧 The colorful gate, blue sky, and tall palm trees made it a cute photo spot🌴🤍 #USAtrip #tourism #photogenicspot

Santa Barbara is about 2-3 hours by car from Los Angeles Airport, and I stayed at the Hilton hotel "Hotel Virginia" for 3 nights 🪻 This is the hotel lobby, which is also super cute 🥹💘 It's not a big hotel, so the shared areas such as the lobby are quiet and calm, which was nice ☺️ The last photo is from the front of the hotel, across the street from the front of the hotel 🍃 The area where the hotel is located is clean, safe, and has a nice atmosphere 🕊️🤍 #USAtrip #HotelStay #USA

Oat Bakery - Downtown, a bakery in Santa Barbara🥐 The blue tile exterior is cute, and in the morning, customers were constantly visiting the store, attracted by the smell of freshly baked bread, even right after opening🤍 The store is small and there is no eat-in space. There are not many types of bread, but there is a wide selection of hard breads✨ The focaccia with olives was very delicious🫒 5 W Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 United States Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 8:00-14:30 Tue 8:00-18:00 Sat 9:00-14:30 Closed on Sundays🎌 #USA Travel #Gourmet #Gourmet Trip

Tondi Gelato, a recommended gelato specialty store in Santa Barbara, USA🍨 Located on the first floor of Paseo Nuevo, a commercial facility in Santa Barbara☺️ There are about 15 flavors available at all times, and about three cup sizes✨ They let me try a taste when I was having trouble choosing a flavor🤍 There is no eat-in space inside the store, but there are some benches and tables outside🫧 401 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 United States 12:00-22:00 #USATravel #Gourmet #GourmetTrip

Santa Barbara's specialty, sea urchin, as well as salmon and poke, can be purchased at the fish market, and you can take a stroll to the harbor walk 🐾 It was just during the magic hour, and the seafood eaten while watching the sky dyed pink, orange, and purple, and listening to the sound of the waves as background music was just too exquisite 🥹🫶 The fish market is frequented not only by tourists but also by locals who come to buy ingredients for cooking. The sea urchin was about $20 for a tray with 4 pieces × 2 👀✨ 117 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 United States 9:00-18:30

The Palace Grill is a long-established Cajun restaurant in Santa Barbara. It's cute from the outside, but the atmosphere inside is so amazing when you enter. Everything is delicious, especially for those who like spice. I was surprised that the appetizer was a muffin, but I was also surprised that it wasn't sweet at all. Hospitality is also high. 8 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 United States 17:00-21:00 #USA trip #Gourmet #Gourmet trip

The best spot in Santa Barbara, Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara🌿 On Google Maps, this place is also listed as "City Court", but even reading the official website, I didn't really understand anything other than that it is an active courthouse... From the photos, it looked very nice❕, so I went, and it was so beautiful that it was far beyond my imagination🥺🫶 The elegant decoration reminiscent of Gothic, the pattern on the walls, and the tiles on the stairs are in perfect harmony with each other, even though they have a strong presence👀✨ It felt like I had entered another world🫢🤍 I was so impressed by its beauty I was stunned every time I climbed to the top of the tower, but I was surprised again😳 The rooftop was like an observation deck, and I could see the beautiful cityscape of Santa Barbara in 360 degrees🥹🌈 Admission is free, but there is a security check for luggage at the gate before entering✍️ There is a counter, but no pamphlets are distributed, so I didn't know the detailed overview until the end... It is still an active courthouse, so I am grateful that I can see a place that has not been turned into a tourist spot🥰🤍 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 United States 8:00-16:00 Closed on weekends #USAtrip #LosAngeles #USA

Best atmosphere, best ahi tuna.