Discover Santa Barbara
See where the locals love to hangout!Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbra blends big-city culture with the relaxation of a quiet little beach town. Whether it’s a family vacation or a weekend getaway for two, Santa Barbara offers plenty to do—from relaxing on the beach, romantic dinners to kid-friendly offerings.
Food Haven
In Santa Barbara, there’s no better way to enjoy a meal than by pairing it with seaside views and the splendor of the great outdoors, and Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant offers excellent food with a view. Featuring a double-sided bar looking out over the harbor, they don’t disappoint. If you are looking for more of a family vibe, check out the Santa Barbra FisHouse. They have a huge tropical fish tank, an open kitchen, and patio dining. The FisHouse is one of Santa Barbara’s best seafood restaurants.
Adventure
Santa Barbara is an epicenter of outdoor adventure. The mild climate makes it possible to play outside all year long. A must-do adventure is with Santa Barbara Adventure Company and their Channel Islands Sea Cave Kayak tour. First, you’ll take a ferry ride out to the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary, known for its incredible SCUBA diving and snorkeling! Once the ferry drops you at Santa Cruz Island’s Scorpion Anchorage, you will explore the marine ecosystem on a 3-hour guided kayak tour in and around the island’s sea caves. If you’re up for it, there will be enough free time after kayaking to do some snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
History
A few minutes from downtown is Santa Barbara’s greatest historic landmark, the Old Mission Santa Barbara. It was established in 1786 by the Franciscans, and on the grounds, you will find the beautiful Mission church, a historic cemetery and mausoleum, a museum, and gardens. As you stroll the grounds, be sure to pause on the steps leading from the church to take in the stunning view of the Pacific before setting up a picnic lunch on the lawn or in the rose garden. Also, just behind the Old Mission is the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, home to the only planetarium in Central California featuring live multi-media shows.
Relaxation
After your adventure, take a day to relax. Check out Leadbetter Beach for an afternoon of sunbathing, watching swimmers and surfers catching a wave. Leadbetter has white sand, grassy areas, and picnic tables for a quick lunch. Wrap up the afternoon with a walk along State Street and indulge in some handcrafted ice cream from McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream. A visit to Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without experiencing sunset, and the best spot for that is Butterfly Beach. So spread out your blanket on this beautiful stretch of sand for prime viewing. When you're done exploring the city for the day, come back and relax at one of our many Santa Barbara Motel 6 locations.