Santa Barbara is filled with beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, and incredible lookouts. Traveling through Santa Barbara offers countless opportunities to show off cool spots on your Instagram page. We’ve compiled the 7 most Instagrammable spots in the city.
7 Most Instagrammable Spots in Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Come early, and pack light. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse has tight security and a lot of stairs, but the effort is worth it. Throughout the Courthouse, there are countless rooms and spots to snap a beautiful photograph. With its Spanish architecture, it feels like wandering through a church or building in Europe. The best part, however, is getting to the top. That’s where you’ll find an enclosed balcony that offers 360-degree views of Santa Barbara. The view can’t be beat!
Stearn’s Wharf
Stroll down State Street until you hit the famous Stearn’s Wharf. This is where you’ll find several shops, restaurants, and places to sit. The Wharf is open to cars and offers 90 minutes of free parking. But the best way to access the Wharf is by foot. Stop along the way to snap photos of pelicans, and seagulls, and if you’re lucky, you might see a sea lion or dolphin making its way through the ocean.
One Thousand Steps Beach
The name is a bit misleading, so don’t be intimidated. One Thousand Steps Beach is the perfect place to go during sunset if you’re looking to snap incredible photos for your Instagram page. Constructed over 100 years ago, the stairs require extra attention for navigating. At the bottom is a tide pool, but make sure to check the levels, and don’t go swimming if the tide is high!
Santa Barbara City College Permaculture Garden
This hidden gem requires a bit of walking, but is well worth it! Santa Barbara City College has a beautiful campus that hugs the ocean. Walking through its campus, you’ll find beautiful flowers, towering trees, and sweeping ocean views. Wander even further and you’ll find the Permaculture Garden. This lookout point offers incredible views of the ocean and is filled with fragrant flowers and herbs. It’s a great place to go during sunset and is perfect for taking an amazing photo for your Instagram page.
Paseo Nuevo Strip
This iconic strip of shops and restaurants is one of Santa Barbara’s most popular places for a stroll. With several restaurants, boutiques, and sitting areas, the Paseo Nuevo strip offers several places to snap a great photo for your Instagram page. Its winding walkways, colorful buildings, and amazing archways give you the perfect backdrop for snapping an amazing photograph.
Pelican Park
Located less than 15 miles away from downtown Santa Barbara, Pelican Park in Isla Vista is one place that is worth visiting. This park sits right alongside the ocean, and just next to the park is an incredible overlook. There, you’ll find a series of stairs that lead right down to the beach. After snapping some great photos for your Instagram page, wander the shoreline north until you reach Goleta State Beach Park and relax in the sun.
Rattlesnake Canyon Park
For outdoor lovers and hiking enthusiasts, hitting up Rattlesnake Canyon Park is a must-do in Santa Barbara. Here, you’ll find a trailhead that will take you more than 1,000 feet above sea level. The trail is moderately difficult but manageable. As the name suggests, there are rattlesnakes in the surrounding areas so keep a close lookout! But the views are worth every step. Rattlesnake Canyon offers incredible views of Santa Barbara and is a great place to capture amazing Instagram photos.
Want even more inside information on spots and sights in Santa Barbara? Watch this video!
After checking out the top spots to take Instagram photos in Santa Barbara, swing over to our ITH Beach Hostel. We offer a free pancake breakfast every morning, and host travelers from all over the world.
Our Traveler’s Club is a great way to save money on all future bookings, and it’s free to sign up!
