Santa Barbara is beautiful, especially in the sun of the summer. Often referred to as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara has glistening beaches, cliffside views, Mediterranean climate, and a tight community. Personally am a huge fan of the Mediterranean and Spanish-revival architecture that defines the vast majority of homes interior and exterior within the region. If you’re looking for a more laid back alternative to L.A, this is it my friend.

Santa Barbara Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is a great place to experience the local culture. It takes place on Saturdays near Cota Street, offering fresh produce, flowers, artisanal food products, and live music.

Sunset cruiseeeee

Enjoy a peaceful evening on the water by taking a sunset cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline. You can find several tour operators offering cruises with beautiful views of the sunset and maybe even spot dolphins or whales.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Located at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a serene escape from the city. Take a leisurely walk through the garden’s trails and discover the diverse native plant species.

Check out local breweries and wineries!

Santa Barbara County is known for its vineyards and craft beer scene. Visit smaller, local wineries and breweries to taste unique flavors and learn about the specific production processes directly from the experts.

 

Enjoy local artist’s creations at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Take a break from the beach and explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

The hours of operation are:

Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Thursday – 11 am – 8 pm
Closed Mondays and holidays

 

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

This historic park offers a glimpse into the city’s Spanish colonial past. You can take a self-guided tour, learn about the history of the area, and explore the beautiful gardens.

Lotusland

 

A stunning garden in Montecito, just outside of Santa Barbara. This botanical wonderland features a vast collection of exotic plants, including rare and unusual species.

Jesusita Trail

Santa Barbara offers beautiful hiking trails, and Jesusita Trail is the local favorite. It takes you through scenic landscapes with oak groves, ultimately with stunning views of the city and the coastline.

 

State Street shops

Cutting through downtown for 10 blocks is Santa Barbara’s most famous street. The best shops, art galleries, theaters, and attractions are going to be found here. Notably including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and some very awesome cinemas like Metropolitan Metro 4 Theatre, Metropolitan Fiesta 5, and The Arlington Theatre. Knowing me, this is what excites me the most and where I’d be found.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!