There’s so much to see and do in the Santa Barbara area, you might not know where start. This visitor’s guide will help you make the most of your time there.
Are you itching to get away from your cramped office and hectic life for a few days? There’s no denying the benefits a good vacation can have on your physical and mental health.
But where should you go? Well, there’s no denying that California is full of amazing travel destinations just waiting to be explored. Among them is the Santa Barbara area.
Of course, you’ll need to do a little planning to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch. And I’m here to help! Keep reading to discover 6 tips to help you make the most of your upcoming vacation to Santa Barbara.
1. Get Out of the City
There’s no denying the allure of Santa Barbara. The city is full of amazing architecture, world-class restaurants, and tons of things to do. You could easily fill up a one or two week vacation without leaving the city.
However, doing so means you’ll miss out on tons of stunning views and adventures. Channel Islands National Park is a beautiful archipelago where you can hike, snorkel, and even kayak through a cave.
The Santa Barbara area is also great for whale watching as humpbacks, killer whales, blue whales, and gray whales seek passage through the coastal waters.
2. Think About Transportation
Of course, planning the logistics of your trip can be just as important as planning your activities.
Luckily, that’s easy when you travel to Santa Barbara. Trolleys, buses, and water taxis are all available to transport you around the city. If you want a more unique experience, rent a bike or take a pedicab.
Of course, if you took a road trip to get to Santa Barbara, driving in the city is a breeze and can save you some money.
3. Try the Wine
While you may think of Napa Valley as being the king of wine-making, you’re missing out if you don’t try the wine in Santa Barbara.
Visit a winery or vineyard, like Coquelicot Estate Wines & Tasting Room, to learn about winemaking and to try some amazing local wines. Plus, you’ll get some great Instagram shots with the most picturesque backgrounds.
4. Catch a Show
Are you a fan of live shows? Then you can’t miss seeing one when visiting Santa Barbara.
The Santa Barbara Bowl may only have 6,000 seats, but that hasn’t stopped some big-name musicians from playing there. Be sure to check the schedule far in advance, so you can secure tickets if your favorite band is playing.
Of course, live shows are more than just concerts. Plays, musicals, dance performances, and classical musicians can all be seen at the Granada Theatre.
5. Pick the Right Time of Year
It’s no secret that the Santa Barbara area experiences gorgeous weather all year long. But there’s still a little change in temperature throughout the year.
If you’re set on visiting the beach, you may want to plan for a summer vacation. The ocean is too cold to swim in during other seasons without a wetsuit. However, early spring and late fall have fewer crowds, cheaper rates, and the ocean is still usually pretty warm.
6. Know the Beaches
Speaking of hitting the beach, make sure you research the different beaches before your trip. Each beach has its own unique personality.
For example, West Beach is perfect for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding while Goleta Beach is a popular spot for cookouts, and Rincon Beach is great for surfing.
What to Know Before Visiting the Santa Barbara Area
If you have an upcoming trip to the Santa Barbara area, you’ll want to do a little planning first. Just follow these tips to make the most of your Santa Barbara vacation.
Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Visit my blog for other great destinations in North America and beyond.