Visit Santa Barbara

500 E. Montecito Street 93103

Why Choose Our Destination?

Santa Barbara has been considered “The American Riviera®” for over a century. A self-contained paradise conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Barbara is a vibrant community surrounded by undeveloped coastline with the Channel Islands National Park offshore and the Los Padres National Forest inland. The city’s signature red-tile roofs, white-washed buildings and lush gardens are nestled between a dramatic mountain range and the sparkling sea, evoking the topography and architectural aesthetic of the European Riviera—with a distinctly Californian twist. Equal parts earthy and glamorous, The American Riviera® is truly a place to revive. Simultaneously sophisticated and bohemian, easygoing and energetic, Santa Barbara offers big city-caliber arts and entertainment in intimate, historic venues and a robust year-round lineup of colorful events and cultural festivals. The city is celebrated for its walkability and revered for its refined collection of resorts and hideaways, well-curated shops and abundant outdoor adventures on land and at sea. Add a thriving wine country world-renowned for its pinot noir and a hyper-local culinary scene fueled by local fisheries, farms, ranches and artisan purveyors, and there’s no denying that Santa Barbara is a destination where living well has become an art form. Plan your experience at santabarbaraCA.com.

Getting Here

Santa Barbara is easily accessible via eleven nonstop flights with short durations from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). The airport is located just 10 miles from downtown offering a flyer-friendly experience with ease of access from terminal to gate. Direct flight service provided by; Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Contour Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, and United. Los Angeles International Airport is located about 90 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. Serving 69 international destinations and 87 domestic destinations, the airport offers flights on virtually every major carrier. Hollywood Burbank Airport is located about 85 miles southeast of Santa Barbara and serves 12 domestic destinations on seven major carriers. The Santa Barbara Amtrak station is serviced by the Pacific Surfliner route, which provides daily service from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, as well as the Coast Starlight route, which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, passing through the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Barbara and Sacramento.

Distance from airport

  • Santa Barbara Airport

    10 mi. from city center

  • Los Angeles International Airport

    90 mi. from city center

  • Hollywood Burbank Airport

    85 mi. from city center


Local Attractions

Outdoor Recreation

Recreation
Santa Barbara’s climate, which boasts over 300 days of sunshine every year, is a huge draw for those looking for some outdoor adventure year-round. Start the day with a hike. Go rock climbing, or take a surf lesson. Sail away, or hop in an ATV and take an open-air tour.

Food & Drinks

If you’re looking for a new way to discover Santa Barbara, plan an unforgettable foodie feast through town and indulge in unique, creative, and delectable dishes. You’ll be hard-pressed to find chain restaurants in our neck of the woods!

The Funk Zone

Over the past few decades, this district, which spans the area between the ocean and Highway 101 and is adjacent to the Amtrak station, has enjoyed an upswell of boutique tasting rooms, cafes, galleries, and shops that cater to Santa Barbara’s contemporary side.

Downtown Santa Barbara

The focal point of any trip to Santa Barbara is the downtown area, characterized by unique shopping, great food and distinctive architecture. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’re sure to find something you’ll love here.

Presidio District

Take a step back in time and discover Santa Barbara’s unique and rich history in the Presidio Neighborhood. Located in the middle of downtown Santa Barbara, this vibrant, bustling district is where Santa Barbara officially got its start.

Spa & Wellness

It can be said that Santa Barbara is a spa experience in and of itself with the sunshine, coastal breeze, friendly faces, and relaxing atmosphere. But if you want to take your rest and relaxation a step further, Santa Barbara offers plenty of spas and wellness centers to choose from.

Santa Barbara Waterfront Neighborhood

The Santa Barbara Waterfront captures that postcard-perfect view of the area’s famous coastline. Pristine beaches, palm tree-lined shores, and the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop ensure plenty of photo-worthy moments. Take a bike ride or a leisurely stroll down the Cabrillo Bike Path, which runs parallel to three beaches. It’s easy to make your way from one beach to the next while soaking up the sunshine and ocean-scented air.

Arts & Culture

You couldn’t ask for a more inspiring setting. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara has always beckoned to those with creative spirit — artists and writers, celebrities, philosophers, anyone with a passion for the arts, culture, and the good life.

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Additional Information

Santa Barbara’s stunning landscapes, picture perfect architecture and cultural riches combine to create a diverse line-up of enticing experiential offerings. Itinerary Inspiration: • Outdoor adventures on land, at sea and in the sky. • Bucolic wine country and the Urban Wine Trail. • Estates, gardens, missions, adobes and more historic landmarks. • Vibrant festivals and entertaining events. • Immersive culinary, architecture and photography tours. • Rejuvenating spa treatments and challenging golf courses. • Family fun at the Zoo, MOXI museum, Sea Center and more. • Shopping independent boutiques and galleries.