Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is one of the most sought after California destinations for locals and out of state visitors, alike. && for good reason! As a destination for world class dining, rich cultural museums, endless outdoor activities, pristine beaches, high quality shopping, a lively bar scene and more it’s not hard to see why Santa Barbara is an easy favorite for visitors!

In addition to all of those logical reasons to visit, there is some kind of magical sparkle that Santa Barbara has to it that you just don’t find anywhere else! You have to experience it for yourself to understand.

Here are my top recommendations for activities in Santa Barbara:

Museums:

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

• Sea Life Center- This little mini aquarium is associated with the Museum of Natural History above, but requires separate admission and is in a completely different location (located on the Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara pier).

  • I really enjoy a Stearns Wharf outing with my little ones- There is an ice cream shop and many cute eateries along the pier. It is easy to make a day of a Sea Life Center Visit .

• The MOXI

Outdoor Activities:

• Shipwreck Playground

• Miles of Pristine Coastline

• Hiking Trails- They are abundant in Santa Barbara. See AllTrails for recommendations.

• The Santa Barbara Zoo

Restaurants:

• Shoreline Beach Cafe- provides a unique casual dining experience where you can eat, not only with ocean views, but with your toes in the sand!

• El Encanto at The Belmond Hotel- upscale dining with unbeatable views of the city

• Chad’s- Casual, affordable dining with views of the beach from their patio

Airports:

SBA- See the 411 on Santa Barbara’s airport here