Santa Barbara is my hometown, and it’s still one of my favorite places to show people. It’s small enough to explore in a weekend, but there’s a lot packed in: beaches, mountains, wine, history and some of the best sunsets in California. Here’s what I’d tell a friend to do.
1. Climb the Santa Barbara County Courthouse clock tower
Even if you skip everything else, see the Courthouse. It’s a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival building with tiled staircases, painted ceilings and a sunken garden, and the clock tower at the top has a 360-degree view of the city. It’s free, and there’s an elevator if you don’t want the stairs.
- Address: 1100 Anacapa Street
- Free docent tours: weekdays at 10:30 am and 2 pm, weekends at 2 pm (meet in the Mural Room on the second floor)
- Good to know: the building closes at 5 pm and stops admitting visitors at 4:30 pm, and there’s security screening at the entrance
Fun fact: I photograph a lot of courthouse weddings here. If you’re thinking about getting married in Santa Barbara, that’s what my wedding studio, Amora Photography, is all about.
2. Walk Stearns Wharf and the waterfront
Stearns Wharf is the oldest working wharf in California and an easy first stop. Walk out to the end, grab fish and chips or ice cream, then follow the beach path along Cabrillo Boulevard toward East Beach. Rent a bike or a surrey if you want to cover more ground.
3. Get out on the water
Some of the best views of Santa Barbara are from the ocean. Take a sunset cruise, go parasailing, rent a kayak or a paddleboard in the harbor, or head out whale watching. I’ve shot for Celebration Cruises and Parasail Santa Barbara, and both are a blast.
4. Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara
Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” the Old Mission sits above the city with a view of the ocean and a beautiful rose garden out front (the garden is free). The self-guided tour takes you through the church, museum, gardens and cemetery.
- Address: 2201 Laguna Street
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm, Sunday 12:30 to 5 pm (last tickets at 4 pm)
- Self-guided tour: $17 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military and kids
5. Taste your way through the Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is a few blocks of old warehouses between the beach and downtown, now full of wine tasting rooms, breweries, restaurants and street art. It’s walkable, so you can hop between spots for an afternoon. Go on a weekday if you can, since weekends get busy.
6. Grab a smash burger at Third Window Brewing
My personal favorite: the best smash burger in town, plus a good beer to go with it. It’s a little off the main tourist path, which is part of why I like it.
7. Hike to Inspiration Point
Santa Barbara’s mountains are right behind the city, so you can go from the beach to the trailhead in 15 minutes. Inspiration Point is one of the most popular hikes: about 3.5 miles round trip from Tunnel Road, with a steady climb and big views over the city and the Channel Islands. Go early, since there’s little shade.
8. Catch the sunset
You can’t leave without one. My two favorite spots are Butterfly Beach in Montecito and the Douglas Family Preserve on the bluffs. I put together a full guide to the best sunset spots in Santa Barbara, with tips for getting the shot.
9. Wander State Street and downtown
Downtown is full of Spanish-style courtyards and paseos, local shops, coffee and restaurants. Much of it is pedestrian-friendly, so it’s easy to wander on foot. Pair it with the Courthouse, which is just a block away.
10. Take a day trip to the Santa Ynez Valley
About 45 minutes over the mountains, the Santa Ynez Valley has rolling vineyards, ranches and small towns like Los Olivos and Solvang, the Danish-style village known for its bakeries. Book a driver or a wine tour if you plan to taste.
Where to stay
For a classic beach stay, the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort sits right across from East Beach and walking distance to Stearns Wharf (I’ve shot content there, and the lawn and pool are as good as they look). For something more central, look at hotels near the Funk Zone or downtown so you can walk everywhere.
Getting around
Downtown, the waterfront and the Funk Zone are all walkable, and bikes are easy to rent. You’ll want a car for Montecito, the hikes and the Santa Ynez Valley. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner also stops right downtown if you’re coming from LA or San Diego.
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