Santa Barbara Day Trip: Must-Try Activities

Escape to Santa Barbara for an unforgettable day trip filled with sun, sand, and scenic beauty! Start your adventure with a delicious breakfast in the trendy Funk Zone, followed by a refreshing bike ride along the stunning coastline. Explore the Urban Wine Trail, discover local art, and soak in the breathtaking ocean views from Stearns Wharf or Butterfly Beach. End your perfect day with a memorable sunset cruise or a delightful dinner overlooking the Pacific. Discover the magic of Santa Barbara – plan your day trip today!

Important information

• Start your day with breakfast in the Funk Zone, trying places like Cajé Coffee or Jeannine’s.
• Explore the coast by renting beach cruisers or taking a sunset sailboat cruise.
• Visit the Funk Zone for wine tasting, local art, and dining.
• Enjoy the beaches, especially for sunset viewing at Leadbetter or Butterfly Beach.
• Explore diverse attractions: Santa Barbara Mission, County Courthouse, Botanic Garden, or the Museum of Art.

The Perfect Itinerary for a Santa Barbara Day Trip

Start your Santa Barbara day trip with a delightful breakfast and coffee in the Funk Zone. Popular spots include Cajé Coffee and Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery. For a healthy and organic vegetarian option, visit the Green Table. If the weather permits, dine al fresco.Next, rent beach cruisers and explore the beautiful coastline. It’s an enjoyable and active way to see the area. Wine lovers can sample local wines along the Urban Wine Trail. For a truly special experience, take a sunset sailboat cruise.End your perfect day with a memorable dinner. Choose from a variety of restaurants in the Funk Zone, or dine at the elegant Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch.

Start with a Sunrise Beach Walk

Begin your day with a refreshing walk along Santa Barbara’s stunning beaches. The gentle climate makes a sunrise stroll truly special. For breathtaking ocean views, visit East Beach. Butterfly Beach offers another fantastic seaside experience. Leadbetter Beach is also a great choice for enjoying the coastal scenery.

Visit Main Attractions in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a diverse range of attractions. History enthusiasts can explore the historic Santa Barbara Mission, known as the “Queen of the Missions”. For breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Art lovers will appreciate the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and the vibrant Funk Zone, a dynamic arts district showcasing local talent. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, featuring over 1,000 native plant species. For a unique shopping experience, stroll down State Street and explore Paseo Nuevo.

Discover Arts and Culture at Local Museums

Santa Barbara pulsates with artistic energy. Art enthusiasts should not miss the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, showcasing a diverse collection from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. For a different perspective, explore modern and contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. History buffs will find the Santa Barbara Historical Museum equally compelling, with exhibits detailing the city’s rich past, including the Chumash people and Spanish colonial era.

Enjoy a Scenic Bike Ride Along the Coast

Experience the beauty of Santa Barbara’s coastline with a refreshing bike ride. Choose the scenic, three-mile paved path from the Andree Clark Bird Refuge to the Santa Barbara Harbor, offering stunning ocean views and sailboat sightings. Rent a beach cruiser and enjoy a leisurely ride. Or, opt for the shorter, equally scenic route from Stearns Wharf to the harbor, passing by landmarks such as the Chromatic Gate while enjoying the invigorating ocean air.

Explore the Funk Zone for Wine Tasting and Craft Breweries

Discover the Funk Zone, a unique district nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Highway 1 in Santa Barbara. This vibrant hub seamlessly blends art, culture, and a thriving wine and beer scene. Explore the Urban Wine Trail, featuring over 20 tasting rooms offering a diverse selection of locally produced wines. Numerous craft breweries add to the area’s allure, integrating perfectly with the artistic atmosphere of converted warehouses and colorful murals. Unique shops further enhance the Funk Zone experience. Raise a glass at Pali Wine Company or explore the offerings at The Valley Project.

Indulge in Local Cuisine at Top Restaurants

Looking for a memorable dining experience in Santa Barbara? Here are a few suggestions:

Relax at Leadbetter Beach

Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara is the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day, offering a relaxing setting to enjoy the sunset. Alternatively, catch the same stunning view from the conveniently located Shoreline Beach Cafe, right on the sand.

End Your Day with an Ocean Sunset

Santa Barbara is known for its breathtaking Pacific sunsets. Several locations offer particularly spectacular views, including Stearns Wharf, Butterfly Beach, and Leadbetter Beach. For a unique experience, consider a sunset cruise with Double Dolphin or a delightful dinner overlooking the ocean at Shoreline Beach Cafe.

Essential Activities for a Santa Barbara Day Trip

Discover the diverse day trip options in Santa Barbara. Explore Stearns Wharf, a local landmark, or visit the fascinating Santa Barbara Zoo. Discover the wonders of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. Hike the scenic Santa Ynez Mountains, kayak or paddleboard on the ocean, or embark on a thrilling whale watching tour. Indulge in local flavors at the Urban Wine Trail and Funk Zone, offering delightful wine tasting and dining. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise, visit the tranquil Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, or stroll down State Street, the vibrant heart of downtown. Art enthusiasts should visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Don’t miss the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse and its picturesque gardens.

Hiking the Cold Spring Trail Loop

Experience breathtaking coastal and city views on Santa Barbara’s popular Cold Spring Trail Loop. Its diverse terrain and lush scenery make it an ideal choice for nature lovers.

Outdoor Recreation: Surfing, Golfing, and More

Santa Barbara is an outdoor paradise. Surfers flock to Leadbetter Beach, while golfers can choose between Sandpiper and Glen Annie. The Santa Ynez Mountains offer a network of hiking trails, and the coastline is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. For a more adventurous experience, try rock climbing. Santa Barbara offers a variety of outdoor activities for all skill levels, from surfing and golfing to hiking and kayaking.

Experience Sunset Kayaking

Experience the magic of a Santa Barbara sunset from a kayak. Paddle the calm waters and witness breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s a memory you won’t soon forget.

Enjoying Santa Barbara’s Scenic Vistas

Descend the stairway to One Thousand Steps Beach for breathtaking ocean views and stunning coastline photos. The vast Pacific’s natural beauty stretches before you. For a unique perspective, embark on a Double Dolphin sunset cruise. Witness Santa Barbara’s coastline bathed in the vibrant hues of the setting sun, revealing the city’s beauty from the water.

Ocean Views from One Thousand Steps Beach

One Thousand Steps Beach is renowned for its stunning ocean vistas. This picturesque location draws visitors eager to experience the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Sunset Cruise with Double Dolphin

Experience a breathtaking Santa Barbara sunset aboard the Double Dolphin. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while taking in stunning coastal views. Watch the sun dip below the horizon and perhaps even spot dolphins. This unforgettable cruise offers a unique ocean perspective, the perfect end to your day.