Santa Barbara Attractions

There are a number of celebrated attractions in Santa Barbara, as well as hidden gems that will make your vacation truly unforgettable. From the intrinsic beauty of the beaches and parks to the celebrated fine arts scene and exceptional wineries, there is something for everyone in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is only 90 miles north of Los Angeles and possesses a Mediterranean charm that integrates the old with the new. It's a small city with an intimate character defined by unique architecture and engaging atmosphere.

Fine Fare . . . Equally Fine Wine
Indulge your palette in the world-class restaurants and wineries of Santa Barbara, many of which feature Northern Italian cuisine, locally caught seafood and fine wines from blossoming local Vintners. The county is rapidly becoming known as a superior region for growing Rhone varietals, and the production of fine Syrahs and Cabernets.

Framed by beautiful rolling coastal mountains, Santa Barbara enjoys such a benign climate in large part because of its southerly orientation on a large point of the California Coastline. Offshore, the Channel Islands provide a protective barrier to the prevailing south swell while coastal mountains block storms from the north. Beautiful beaches call for long, relaxing, walks and encourage the enjoyment of tide pooling at the minus tide. Commercial operations offer Horseback riding, whale watching, and helicopter tours or take a day trip to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

World-Class Attractions and Activities
At the foot of Santa Barbara's main street, State Street, you will find Stern's Wharf, the 1800's working pier that was for many years a central hub of trade and commerce in Santa Barbara. Today the wharf offers a number of Santa Barbara attractions including great seafood, curio shops, a fortune teller, The Museum of Natural History's Sea Center and Captain Don's Whale Watching excursions that embark from the end of the pier. From these large tour boats, you can experience the annual Gray Whale migrations as well as the resident Blue Whales, Sea Lions and Dolphins that call the channel home.

Santa Barbara hosts a continuous stream of special events year-round including Art, Wine, Music and Film events that draw artists and visitors from all around the world.

The Queen of the Missions hosts the IModinari Street Painting Festival every April. In June, the Summer Solstice Festival brings out the local color for a Mardi-Gras-like parade that tends toward the outrageous with giant paper maché floats and characters in costume. August brings in huge crowds for the Annual Fiesta, a Santa Barbara tradition since 1928 that stands the whole town on its ear with parades, wonderful food, music, and celebration in the streets. During this week of revelry, city dignitaries and the local populace don Spanish costume to celebrate the origins of the city and it's rich Spanish heritage.

For additional information visit the Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau.