This is one in a series of stories exploring things to do in communities across Santa Barbara County. It’s a starting point for locals who want to explore, people hosting family and friends, and visitors to the area.
Do you need ideas for things to do as with family or friends in town, or explore a nearby area for a few hours?
From the zoo, to museums, to learning about local history and art, here are some options for exploring Santa Barbara.
Visit State Street
Downtown State Street offers interesting places to explore, shop and eat.
People who want to explore Santa Barbara’s history can visit the iconic courthouse at 1100 Anacapa St. The building was built in 1929 and offers a 360-degree view of the city of Santa Barbara from the top of the clock tower.
Free one-hour tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., except on court holidays. The tour is only offered at 2 p.m. on weekends and court holidays, but is closed on Dec. 25. No reservations are required.
The building is also one street over from State Street, offering easy access to restaurants, shops and other attractions downtown.
Between Highway 101 and the ocean is the Funk Zone, which is home to local wineries, breweries and some of Santa Barbara’s artists.
Take a Trip to Old Mission Santa Barbara
Another iconic sight representing some of the city’s culture and history is Old Mission Santa Barbara. Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” it was founded by Padre Fermín Lasuén in 1786. The mission still offers Mass to this day.
Visitors can tour the Old Mission’s museum, where they can view artifacts and learn the building’s history. The Old Mission features a historic mausoleum and a gift shop.
Tickets for adults ages 18 to 64 are $17. Seniors (age 65 or older) and active military pay $15 for entry. Minors ages 5 to 17 can enter for $12. Kids younger than age 5 enter for free.
Self-guided tours of the Old Mission are available seven days a week. Visitors can visit Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Final tickets for the day are sold at 4 p.m. Tours are available on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., with final tickets sold at 4 p.m.
Tour Santa Barbara’s Museums
Santa Barbara is home to a host of museums dedicated to art, history, science and the local environment.
Downtown visitors can find the Santa Barbara Museum of Art at 1130 State St., which through January will feature exhibits dedicated to 19th-century French art, Impressionists and more.
The full list of exhibits and other artwork can be found on the museum’s website. It is closed on Mondays and holidays, but is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is open until 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.
For a look at Santa Barbara’s history, people can visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The museum exhibits include information about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, local plants and animals, prehistoric history, and space science.
The museum is located at 2559 Puesta del Sol, and the Sea Center is at 211 Stearns Wharf.
Another option is MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, at 125 State St. The science-based museum offers interactive exhibits for people of all ages.
Explore the Santa Barbara Coast
Santa Barbara is renowned for its stunning waterfront and breathtaking ocean views. One of the most popular places to shop, eat and drink is Stearns Wharf. The wharf has multiple seafood restaurants that offer a place to eat with a view.
Another spot on the water is the Santa Barbara Harbor, which features a variety of seafood restaurants, a breakwater, and rentals for kayaks, paddleboards and other seagoing activities.
The area is also known for its sandy beaches, including Leadbetter Beach, West Beach and East Beach.
Farther south is Butterfly Beach in Montecito. The popular spot is a great space to surf, swim, or spend time appreciating the sunset. The area is also a popular spot for kayakers.
Visitors can even bring their dogs to the beach if they are on a leash.
The beach is a short walk from the shops and restaurants on Coast Village Road. The mile-long stretch is home to popular boutiques and restaurants.
Meet Furry and Feathered Friends
The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the most popular destinations in the city, with different animals and activities for the family. The animals range from big cats, such as leopards and lions, to giraffes and large birds of prey.
The zoo also offers its annual ZooLights event in the evening through Jan. 11, featuring thousands of handcrafted lanterns in the shape of animals and natural scenes.
The zoo is typically open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it closes at 3:30 p.m. during ZooLights.
Another option in nearby Summerland is the Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary, which is home to more than 50 rescued parrots. The nonprofit organization was formed in 2004 by Director Jamie McLeod, who saw the need for a place to rehabilitate or home unwanted parrots.
Visitors can walk through the sanctuary’s garden and visit with the birds. Docent-led tours are also available for people looking for an immersive experience, which includes stories, questions and information about the birds.
Located in Summerland at 2430 Lillie Ave., the sanctuary is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day expect Tuesdays. General admission is $15, and $10 for kids younger than 12.
Docent tours are $30 for adults and $20 for kids younger than 12.
What are your favorite local attractions or hidden gems? Let us know at news@noozhawk.com.