8 Activities
Living the Santa Barbara Life: A Day on the California Coast
Starts from
Los Angeles
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
9 hours
Length
68 km
Guide details
Starts from
Los Angeles
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
9 hours
Length
68 km
Created By:
Highlights
- Get a taste of Santa Barbara's quixotic side at its El Jardin building.
- Visit the beautiful County Courthouse.
- Drive through the enchanting estates of Montecito.
- Stroll on Butterfly Beach, showcasing Santa Barbara's favorite shoreline.
- Have a sunset dinner at Hendry's Beach.
This day trip explores the vibrant Californian culture of Santa Barbara and Montecito on the "American Riviera." These towns are known for their Mediterranean way of life, with red-tiled roofs and Spanish-inspired architecture, stately neighborhoods and daily access to sun, sand, and surf.
This trip includes stops at the beach, interesting architecture, and a beloved museum, and ends with a sunset dinner at a local's favorite quiet cove. Now this is life worth living!
This trip includes stops at the beach, interesting architecture, and a beloved museum, and ends with a sunset dinner at a local's favorite quiet cove. Now this is life worth living!
Categories
This day trip explores the vibrant Californian culture of Santa Barbara and Montecito on the "American Riviera." These towns are known for their Mediterranean way of life, with red-tiled roofs and Spanish-inspired architecture, stately neighborhoods and daily access to sun, sand, and surf.
This trip includes stops at the beach, interesting architecture, and a beloved museum, and ends with a sunset dinner at a local's favorite quiet cove. Now this is life worth living!
This trip includes stops at the beach, interesting architecture, and a beloved museum, and ends with a sunset dinner at a local's favorite quiet cove. Now this is life worth living!
Elisa Parhad
Travel Expert
- Get a taste of Santa Barbara's quixotic side at its El Jardin building.
- Visit the beautiful County Courthouse.
- Drive through the enchanting estates of Montecito.
- Stroll on Butterfly Beach, showcasing Santa Barbara's favorite shoreline.
- Have a sunset dinner at Hendry's Beach.
8 Activities
Day 1
68 km
A Hop, Skip and Jump to Paradise
This trip is an experiment in easy living. Santa Barbara, California, has an easy charm about it — it's small enough to get around without much trouble, and big enough to offer a vibrant day of arts, heritage, and beauty. Enjoy time on the beach, strolling through Andalusian courtyards, and gazing at historic sites. After all, this is America's favorite small city.
Day Itinerary
10:0030 min
Simones
Coffee Shop
Open Details
Swing by the cute town of Ventura, California, a surfer's paradise and laid-back sister of Santa Barbara. Stop in to Simones for a morning brew and pastry to get a glimpse of its charms.
46 km40 min
11:1530 min
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
Church
Open Details
Take a quick detour into the enviable enclave of the rich and famous — Montecito, California — to see this small and historic Catholic Church amidst stately estates. Somewhere in the nearby surrounding neighborhood are the homes of Oprah Winfrey and former royals Meghan and Harry, as well as Ellen DeGeneres, Rob Lowe, and Ariana Grande, among many others. You'll see why these choose this spot over anywhere else on your drive.
3 km10 min
12:001 hr
Butterfly Beach
Beach
Open Details
Take a stroll on one of the most beautiful beaches in Santa Barbara, Butterfly Beach. Heading north, with the water on your left, will bring you towards downtown Santa Barbara. With mild temperatures, a Mediterranean breeze and calm shores, it really doesn't get better than this!
6.9 km15 min
13:1510 min
El Jardin
Other Great Outdoors
Open Details
El Jardin is one of several notable buildings by architect Jeff Shelton, known for flamboyant and whimsical buildings that offer a playful break from the white stucco and red-tiled Spanish Colonial style Santa Barbara is known for.
If interested, the walking tour showcases several other similar buildings by the architect. (Sharing your email is required.)
If interested, the walking tour showcases several other similar buildings by the architect. (Sharing your email is required.)
602 m5 min
13:301 hr 30 min
Historic El Paseo Restaurants and Shops
Shopping Mall
Open Details
This is a historic courtyard reminiscent of a quaint Spanish street. It's a great place to window-shop, stroll, and get lunch, or even do a wine tasting.
The El Paseo Restaurant is the main eatery here, but there are many other options nearby.
The El Paseo Restaurant is the main eatery here, but there are many other options nearby.
3.1 km10 min
15:1545 min
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Church
Open Details
Drive through some historic neighborhoods of Santa Barbara to see the Old Mission Santa Barbara, one of California’s 21 Catholic missions, built in 1786. There is a gift shop on the premises, as well as a lush garden worth finding. Look out for Franciscan Friars — this is a working friar community, as it has been since its founding.
2.4 km10 min
16:151 hr
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
Capitol Building
Open Details
Arguable one of the country’s most beautiful public buildings, this Spanish Colonial 1929 beauty is known for its iconic clock tower and sunken gardens.
Docent-led tours and a climb to the clock tower are no longer allowed, but you can take yourself on a self-tour of the building.
Docent-led tours and a climb to the clock tower are no longer allowed, but you can take yourself on a self-tour of the building.
5.7 km15 min
17:301 hr 30 min
Boathouse
Seafood Restaurant
Open Details
Make your way to the tranquil shores of Hendry's Beach, a hidden gem nestled in the northern part of Santa Barbara. This secluded beach offers a perfect setting for a memorable seafood dinner, accompanied by breathtaking views of the ocean and the mesmerizing sunset.
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at the Boathouse, located right on the beach, where you can savor fresh and flavorful seafood dishes while immersing yourself in the serene coastal ambiance.
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at the Boathouse, located right on the beach, where you can savor fresh and flavorful seafood dishes while immersing yourself in the serene coastal ambiance.