Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California

Old Mission Santa Barbara (Mission Santa Barbara)

Founded in 1786 and known as the “Queen of the Missions,” Old Mission Santa Barbara is a working Franciscan parish, museum and historic complex.

Visitors come to see the twin‑towered mission church, colonial‑era art and the mission museum, stroll the Mission Rose Garden and La Huerta, and view nearby mission‑era ruins and the Mission Historical Park.

Note that the church remains active for services and some interior areas may be closed during ceremonies; check the mission’s visitor pages for museum hours, tour schedules and any reservation requirements.

Official Old Mission Santa Barbara (Mission Santa Barbara) website →

Santa Barbara County Courthouse & Sunken Gardens

The 1929 Spanish–Colonial Revival Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a working government building and a celebrated civic landmark with ornate tile work, the Mural Room and the El Mirador clock tower. Visitors can tour public spaces, walk the Sunken Gardens, and (when available) climb the tower for panoramic city, mountain and ocean views.

Because the courthouse remains an active judicial complex, parts of the building may be closed or subject to security screening; verify docent‑tour times, tower access and any event restrictions on the official courthouse site.

Official Santa Barbara County Courthouse & Sunken Gardens website →

State Street / Downtown Santa Barbara (shopping, dining, galleries)

State Street is Santa Barbara’s primary commercial and cultural spine, running from the waterfront through historic downtown. The walkable avenue features white stucco facades, red tile roofs, independent boutiques, restaurants, wine bars and galleries across roughly ten pedestrian‑oriented blocks.

Key activities include strolling the promenade, visiting galleries and small museums, dining indoors or at sidewalk tables, and using lower State Street as a base for harbor or Mission trips. Expect higher foot traffic on weekends and during special events; check city or visitor resources for current closures or pedestrian configurations.

Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Waterfront

Stearns Wharf, a historic wooden pier built in 1872, anchors the Santa Barbara waterfront and offers direct ocean views, seaside dining and marine exhibits. The adjacent municipal harbor and promenades connect beaches, parks and maritime businesses; visitors enjoy sunset strolls, seafood restaurants and nearby harbor or whale‑watching tours.

The wharf and waterfront are public assets subject to weather, maintenance and city rules—check current access notes and individual business hours before visiting.

Official Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Waterfront website →

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is the city’s principal fine‑art museum, with collections spanning European and American painting, Asian art, photography and decorative arts alongside rotating special exhibitions. Housed on State Street, the museum offers gallery tours, education programs and family activities.

Because exhibitions rotate and spaces can close for installations or events, confirm current exhibition schedules, ticketing and accessibility details on the museum’s official visitor pages.

Official Santa Barbara Museum of Art website →

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a 78‑acre living museum dedicated to California native plants, organized into multiple garden sections and more than five miles of trails. Visitors follow mapped trails through coastal bluff, chaparral and oak woodland displays, view demonstration plantings and seasonal wildflowers, and learn about regional ecology and conservation.

The garden uses reservations or timed entry and has limited on‑site parking—check the Garden’s official visit page for reservation requirements, trail conditions and accessibility information.

Official Santa Barbara Botanic Garden website →

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum / Harbor area

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), located in the Waterfront Center on the municipal harbor, interprets regional seafaring history from Chumash canoeing to commercial fishing and naval heritage. Interactive galleries, artifact displays and rotating exhibitions emphasize hands‑on learning.

The museum sits adjacent to a working harbor with boat tours, kayak rentals and wharf access; check the museum’s visitor pages for current exhibitions, ticketing, parking and any waterfront advisories that could affect arrival.

Official Santa Barbara Maritime Museum / Harbor area website →

Beaches and Waterfront (Leadbetter, East Beach, West Beach)

Leadbetter, East Beach and West Beach form the downtown shoreline sequence with broad sandy beaches, a continuous promenade and parkland connecting the harbor to Cabrillo Boulevard.

Activities include walking and biking along the coastal path, swimming and beginner surfing at Leadbetter, organized recreation and lawn/event space at West Beach, and long sandy stretches and volleyball at East Beach.

Lifeguard coverage, parking, dog and alcohol rules, and reservable picnic areas vary by season—verify current beach access, parking and lifeguard staffing with City of Santa Barbara waterfront notices before visiting.

Official Beaches and Waterfront (Leadbetter, East Beach, West Beach) website →