Whether you’re a local looking for a quick getaway or a visitor seeking a taste of California’s coastal charm, spending 1 day in Santa Barbara doesn’t disappoint! Is it the pristine beaches? Historic charm? Come find out what makes this California beach town so beloved. Grab your sun hat and sense of adventure as we explore the best beaches and things to do in Santa Barbara in just one day…
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1 Day in Santa Barbara: Start Here
I lived on the west coast for years before visiting Santa Barbara. After all, California is a gorgeous state with SO much to see and do, everywhere you look there’s something. But once I finally spent some time in Santa Barbara, I realized what all the fuss was about!
Here’s my quick take on why Santa Barbara is worth visiting and how it stands out from other southern California beach towns:
- It’s a perfect blend of laid-back beach culture and upscale sophistication. You can spend your morning catching waves at world-renowned surf spots and your afternoon sipping champagne or wine at a chic waterfront bistro – all in the same day!
- The landscape is stunning, chef’s kiss! Where else can you find palm-fringed beaches, rolling vineyards, and majestic mountains all within a stone’s throw of each other?
- High rise condos and congested freeways? Nope. Santa Barbara has a more chill and secluded vibe because it’s almost 100 miles from Los Angeles and surrounded by natural forest
Can You Really See Santa Barbara in 1 day?
In my opinion, you most definitely can! So even if you’re passing through Santa Barbara as part of a larger trip, it’s definitely worth stopping to explore. While you may not be able to check off everything on this list, you can still get a good sense of the area and have a good time.
Feel free to pick and choose which of these interest you the most, and also keep in mind that Santa Barbara isn’t too geographically spread out, so getting from one place to the next won’t take more than 10-15 minutes generally speaking. One tip is to wear comfy shoes for walking or biking – I wore my high top Vans and they served me well in Santa Barbara!
1. Grab Breakfast: Best Spots in Santa Barbara
First things first, you’ll need some fuel for your day exploring the lovely Santa Barbara. Two spots I loved were Scarlett Begonia (centrally located in the main part of town) and Bree’Osh (in the nearby community of Montecito).
I’d pick Scarlett Begonia if you want to explore State Street (ie the main drag or “downtown” area) or walk to the nearby County Courthouse. They had a great menu, organic food, and a nice ambiance and patio. I had the deviled eggs and avocado toast but my favorite part was the coconut limeade – yum!
If you want more of a grab-and-go breakfast, check out the French bakery Bree’Osh. They actually have 2 locations in Santa Barbara, I loved the one in nearby Montecito and ordered quiche lorraine and headed down to Butterfly Beach a few blocks away. It’s a great way to kick off your day in Santa Barbara!
2. Pick A Santa Barbara Beach
I love to hit the beach early in the day, before it’s crowded and the sun isn’t too bright. If you need a good, packable sun hat I love mine from Scala and wore it on my trip to Santa Barbara. As far as beaches go, here are a few options to choose from, going east to west:
- Butterfly Beach is located in the upscale neighborhood of Montecito (Oprah Winfrey lives here!). I’d describe it as: small, not crowded, and dog friendly. Love the free street parking and benches to sit and enjoy the view.
- East Beach is a gorgeous wide flat beach with volleyball courts, restrooms and restaurants within walking distance. Great if you’re exploring on foot or biking around. Lovely palm trees and a kids playground nearby.
- West Beach is right in the middle of town and next to Stearn’s Wharf, this beach will be the busiest but also easiest to access with plenty of nearby parking. Least secluded on this list but conveniently located.
- Leadbetter Beach has the best views, in my opinion. You can walk up to the adjacent Shoreline Park for a little elevation gain and find BBQ grills, picnic tables and even a beachfront cafe to grab a bite to eat.
- 1000 Steps Beach is great if you want to squeeze in a quick workout. You start atop a bluff and walk down the steps (then back up). Parking is limited and the staircase pretty much ends at the ocean but it’s a unique spot! Just check the tides before you go.
- Hendry’s Beach is a great spot on the outer edge of town, great if you want to find some sea glass or shells. The beach is at the base of gorgeous bluffs and you can catch a bite to eat at The Boathouse
Need a new swimsuit for your trip to Santa Barbara? Check out my Guide to Sustainable Swimwear.
DID YOU KNOW that Santa Barbara is home to the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary? These protected areas are truly a special place for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and historic shipwrecks.
3. Explore Stearns Wharf: A Santa Barbara Icon
No visit to Santa Barbara is complete without a stroll along Stearns Wharf, the city’s historic 1872 waterfront landmark. Now, you may be thinking that this is just a pier…and I wondered the same thing. What’s different about Stearn’s Wharf is that it’s the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the oldest working pier in California, and also Santa Barbara’s most visited site.
You can walk (or drive) on the wharf, check out the unique shops and galleries, or indulge in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. As a bonus, the views are fantastic! Not only can you see Santa Barbara’s downtown area, but also the Santa Ynez Mountains and Channel Islands in the distance.
Now that you’re a few hours into your day, it’s a good idea to reapply your sunscreeen! If you need a recommendation, I have a list of Reef Safe and Biodegradable Sunscreens.
DID YOU KNOW that the Santa Ynez Mountains are unique because they run east to west? This sets them apart from almost every other mountain range in the world, as they typically run from north to south.
4. Grab Lunch & Walk Around Downtown Santa Barbara
After exploring the waterfront, venture into downtown Santa Barbara for a stroll along State Street, where charming Spanish-style architecture blends seamlessly with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and sidewalk cafes. It’s such a fun place to wander, and I encourage you to walk down the alleyways, there are so many charming touches to discover! I loved finding bronze sculptures, fountains, gorgeous architecture, flowers and plants, and benches if you just want to relax and take in your surroundings.
A few places that caught my eye were Closet Trading Company for women’s resale, Lilac Patisserie for my sweet tooth, and Urban Flea Market for quirky and vintage finds. I grabbed lunch at Sachi Ramen and it was delicious with great service. Santa Barbara Public Market is cool too, it’s a modern take on a food court with local eats.
Landmarks in downtown Santa Barbara you may enjoy are the historic Arlington Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, known for its stunning Moorish-inspired design and panoramic views from the clock tower.
DID YOU KNOW The Santa Ynez Mountains and the valleys that speckle the area are full of vineyards and wineries that create some of the most delicious wine you will find anywhere!
5. Climb the Santa Barbara Courthouse Clock Tower
I know what you’re thinking, and believe me you don’t wanna skip the Santa Barbara Courthouse! It’s truly one of the best free things you can do, and between the architecture, phenomenal views, murals and gardens, the Courthouse is a must see and a Mediterranean paradise in Santa Barbara.
It doesn’t take long to explore, but be sure to check out the Mural Room, adorned with stunning frescoes and climb to the top of the clock tower for panoramic views of the city and the sparkling Pacific Ocean beyond. This was one of my favorite things I did on my trip to Santa Barbara! The views were so fantastic, and I was happy to have my travel tripod (it fits in a carry-on bag!) to get some great photos.
DID YOU KNOW Santa Barbara has won the well-deserved recognition as “The American Riviera”?
6. The Maritime Museum in Santa Barbara
Tucked away along the waterfront, The Maritime Museum is a hidden gem in Santa Barbara and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history. From exhibits detailing the area’s Chumash Indian seafaring roots to displays showcasing the city’s vibrant fishing and maritime industries, there’s something for history buffs and ocean enthusiasts alike. I enjoyed their collection of vintage boats and artifacts, including the lens from the Point Conception lighthouse and vintage diving gear from the early days of commercial diving in the Santa Barbara area.
While you’re there, head up to the 4th floor for a fantastic harbor view from the Outdoor Santa Barbara Visitor’s Center or grab a bite to eat at Anchor Rose. They’re all located in the same building! I’d also recommend a stroll along the Santa Barbara Harbor Walk – you can’t miss it, it’s a paved pathway curving out toward the harbor right as you exit the Maritime Museum.
DID YOU KNOW Santa Barbara is considered the epicenter of commercial diving?
7. Wrapping Up Your Day in Santa Barbara
Whether you spent the day surfing the waves, exploring historic landmarks, or indulging in gourmet cuisine, one thing is for sure – Santa Barbara has captured your heart with its natural beauty and laid-back charm. I think the best way to wrap up this day in Santa Barbara is enjoying the sunset over the water. Here are my top picks for rooftop and/or waterfront dining with a view:
- Anchor Rose for harbor and marina views
- Bluewater Grill for ocean and wharf views
- Longboard’s Grill on the wharf
DID YOU KNOW that on Tuesday nights, city’s prominent State Street miraculously transforms into a flamboyant California Farmer’s Market? Check it out if you’re in town on a Tue evening
Where I’d Go The Next Time I’m in Santa Barbara…
I hope you enjoyed this list to help you plan 1 day in Santa Barbara. But what I suspect is that no matter how well your manage your time, 24 hours in Santa Barbara will leave you wanting more! Here are the places I bookmarked for myself for my next trip:
- Old Mission Santa Barbara
- Channel Islands National Park
- El Presidio Real De Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens
Can’t Get Enough California? Where To Go Next:
I love California! I have lots of other travel guides for you to check out, here are a few I think you’ll like…
- See Giant Redwoods in California: Everything You Need to Know
- Is San Diego Worth Visiting? 30 Things To Consider
- What Makes Lake Tahoe Special? 12 Things You Have To See
- Guide to Los Angeles: 5 Itineraries to Explore Today
- USA Beach Towns: A Guide to Encinitas, California
- A Local’s Guide to La Jolla, California
- 23 Unbeatable Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops
