Santa Barbara in 7 days

California's 'American Riviera', where red-tile roofs, wine country and a palm-lined waterfront meet. Best time to visit: March to May and September to November. Average daily budget: $200 to $450 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Downtown / State Street, The main shopping, dining and cultural strip, walkable and lined with Spanish Revival architecture.

Morning: Santa Barbara Mission. The 'Queen of the Missions', with beautiful gardens, a museum and city views from the hill.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown / State Street, The main shopping, dining and cultural strip, walkable and lined with Spanish Revival architecture.

Evening: Stearns Wharf and East Beach. Historic pier with seafood stands, souvenir shops, and a long sandy beach perfect for sunrise or sunset.

Eat: Fresh local seafood on Stearns Wharf

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: The Funk Zone, Industrial-chic neighborhood near the waterfront with tasting rooms, breweries, street art and creative food.

Morning: Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting. Day-trip to Solvang, Los Olivos and Ballard for Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay in a country setting.

Afternoon: Explore The Funk Zone, Industrial-chic neighborhood near the waterfront with tasting rooms, breweries, street art and creative food.

Evening: State Street and the Funk Zone. Walk the main promenade for shopping, then detour to the Funk Zone for wine bars and street art.

Eat: Santa Ynez Valley wine with a farm-to-table dinner

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Waterfront / Stearns Wharf, Pier, beaches, harbor, seafood restaurants and kayak rentals along the Pacific.

Morning: The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a native-plant landscape with canyon views and a historic dam.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Waterfront / Stearns Wharf, Pier, beaches, harbor, seafood restaurants and kayak rentals along the Pacific.

Evening: Sunset at the Courthouse tower. Free access to the El Presidio courthouse clock tower for 360-degree views over red-tile roofs and the ocean.

Eat: Tri-tip sandwich at a mountain tavern or local BBQ spot

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Montecito, Upscale residential area east of downtown with quiet beaches, luxury inns and celebrity hideaways.

Morning: Lily's Tacos, a local legend for simple, perfect street tacos in the Funk Zone area.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Montecito, Upscale residential area east of downtown with quiet beaches, luxury inns and celebrity hideaways.

Evening: More Mesa, a quiet coastal bluff with trails and a secluded beach below.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Mexican street tacos and fresh agua fresca in the Funk Zone

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Santa Ynez Valley, Inland wine country with Danish-style Solvang, Los Olivos tasting rooms and rolling vineyards.

Morning: Cold Spring Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop in the mountains with live music and tri-tip sandwiches.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Santa Ynez Valley, Inland wine country with Danish-style Solvang, Los Olivos tasting rooms and rolling vineyards.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh local seafood on Stearns Wharf, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Santa Ynez Valley.

Eat: Fresh local seafood on Stearns Wharf

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Downtown / State Street, The main shopping, dining and cultural strip, walkable and lined with Spanish Revival architecture.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Downtown / State Street, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown / State Street, The main shopping, dining and cultural strip, walkable and lined with Spanish Revival architecture.

Evening: Dinner at Santa Ynez Valley wine with a farm-to-table dinner, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Downtown / State Street.

Eat: Santa Ynez Valley wine with a farm-to-table dinner

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: The Funk Zone, Industrial-chic neighborhood near the waterfront with tasting rooms, breweries, street art and creative food.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in The Funk Zone, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore The Funk Zone, Industrial-chic neighborhood near the waterfront with tasting rooms, breweries, street art and creative food.

Evening: Dinner at Tri-tip sandwich at a mountain tavern or local BBQ spot, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in The Funk Zone.

Eat: Tri-tip sandwich at a mountain tavern or local BBQ spot

Hidden gems

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a native-plant landscape with canyon views and a historic dam.
Lily's Tacos, a local legend for simple, perfect street tacos in the Funk Zone area.
More Mesa, a quiet coastal bluff with trails and a secluded beach below.
Cold Spring Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop in the mountains with live music and tri-tip sandwiches.

Getting around

Downtown Santa Barbara is very walkable, and the waterfront promenade connects Stearns Wharf to the harbor. For the Santa Ynez Valley, a car is essential. The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District buses cover the city and nearby beaches, and the electric shuttle runs along State Street. Bikes are popular along the waterfront path. If you are doing a PCH road trip, Santa Barbara is an easy stop between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo.

Safety

Santa Barbara is a safe, relaxed city. Standard beach precautions apply: strong rip currents at some beaches, cold water, and no lifeguards at secluded spots. Sun protection is important year-round. The hills can burn in wildfire season, so check conditions in late summer and fall. Downtown parking is easiest in public lots rather than street meters. Water temperatures stay cool, so a wetsuit helps for long swims or surfing.

Santa Barbara in 3 days | Santa Barbara in 5 days | Full Santa Barbara guide