How to Spend One Day in Santa Barbara
Looking for the best way to spend one day in Santa Barbara? Look no further. This itinerary was carefully crafted in the three months after we moved to Santa Barbara. We used our experiences and information shared by our neighbors and colleagues to create this customizable game plan for the perfect day trip to Santa Barbara.
Our intention is to help you maximize your time, get outdoors, and experience both the well-known and low-key Santa Barbara spots. Below, you won’t find a list of the top 50 things to do in Santa Barbara. That would be overwhelming. Instead, you’ll find a reasonable plan designed to help you experience the culture and natural beauty of Santa Barbara in a short amount of time.
Our itinerary provides recommendations for primary activities throughout the day, including all three meals. It’s meant to be structured enough for you to use as a game plan, while still providing the freedom and flexibility for you to call a few audibles.
We hope you enjoy your one day in Santa Barbara. It’s an incredible place to be, even for just a day.
Pre-Travel Guide: One Day in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a popular destination on California’s central coast. It’s known for its natural beauty, famous residents, and Spanish colonial history. The town is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, so there is no shortage of things to do and places to see!
Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! The city is known as the “American Riviera”, a fitting nickname that alludes to the gorgeous French and Italian Rivieras. Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and dramatic topography make it a draw for everyone. You’ll see everyone from wealthy retirees and nomadic van-lifers to offshore oil rig workers and cruise ship day trippers. And that’s because Santa Barbara has a little something for everyone. It’s got history, good food and wine, and a national park right off shore!
Is One Day in Santa Barbara Enough?
Is one day in any place truly enough? Well, maybe in some places, you don’t need more than a day. But Santa Barbara takes much longer than a day to experience fully. Still, that’s no reason you shouldn’t visit for a day and see what the city’s all about. A well-planned day in Santa Barbara can include a perfect sampler of what the city has to offer.
Besides, even if you only have one day this time, you’ll be back!
How Many Days do You Need in Santa Barbara?
We designed our Santa Barbara itinerary so that you’ll still experience all the things a longer trip would provide. For example, you’ll go to the beach, eat good food, and see the touristy areas. But you’ll also get off the grid a little bit, enjoy beautiful views from higher up, and appreciate historic architecture.
But if you’re seriously considering a longer trip, I think it’s well worth it! Santa Barbara’s an incredible place. A long weekend or even a full week would be a good amount of time for a longer trip to Santa Barbara. We’ve got plenty of ideas for those who want to spend more time in Santa Barbara. Check out our list of the best Easy Hikes in Santa Barbara!
There are many aspects of the city to explore during a longer trip. The local history and culture is its own itinerary in itself: the Old Mission, Courthouse, and El Presidio are beautiful places. The cuisine is top-notch, especially the authentic Mexican food in the Milpas neighborhood.
Then, there are the outdoor activities available in Santa Barbara, which include things like hiking, sailing, whale watching, surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Still, there are other great options like going to the Moxi Museum, Sea Center, Botanic Gardens, or Los Olivos—a nearby wine country town!
Right off Santa Barbara’s coast is Channel Islands National Park, comprised of 5 different islands. Visitors who plan ahead can arrange ferry rides from nearby town of Ventura to access these remote and beautiful islands. Both day trips and overnight camping excursions are allowed there!
Is Santa Barbara Worth a Day Trip? — Drive Times
For day trippers, I recommend a drive time that is 90 minutes or less from your point of origin. If you’re trying to drive more than 2.5 hours to get to Santa Barbara in the morning and then drive 2.5 more hours to get home, you are going to most likely face an exhausting day and potentially unsafe drive home.
If you are not already in close proximity to Santa Barbara, consider a longer trip. Or, cut some things out of the itinerary below to make it more shorter and more reasonable! Trust me: you’re going to want to enjoy your time in Santa Barbara without the time and energy constraints that come with a longer day trip drive.
If you decide to extend your day trip to Santa Barbara, be sure to secure lodging as soon as possible. Santa Barbara’s a popular destination and you’re going to want to be sure you have a place to stay!
Drive Times to Santa Barbara from Nearby Cities
| Origin | Duration | Distance |
| Ventura | 29 minutes | 27 miles |
| Oxnard | 43 minutes | 38 miles |
| Ojai | 45 minutes | 33 miles |
| Thousand Oaks | 1 hour, 10 minutes | 56 miles |
| San Luis Obipso* | 1 hour, 45 minutes | 94 miles |
| Los Angeles | 2 hours, 16 minutes | 95 miles |
| Bakersfield | 2 hours, 30 minutes | 147 miles |
How to Get to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located less than 100 miles north of Los Angeles and is conveniently bisected by US Highway 101. This means Santa Barbara is easily accessible via 101 from both the north (Central Coast/Bay Area) and the south (Los Angeles).
Other major roads to Santa Barbara include Highway 154, which provides a route from the inland areas to the north, and Highway 150, which provides a route from Ojai and beyond.
Getting to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles
From Los Angeles, 101 will take you northwest along the coast. You’ll pass through Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and Carpinteria before arriving in Santa Barbara. Depending on traffic and your location in the Los Angeles area, the drive could take between 2-3 hours.
Trip to Santa Barbara by Airplane or Train
For those traveling longer distances, Santa Barbara also has its own airport and Amtrak station! If you ever find yourself near the Santa Barbara Amtrak station, take a minute to admire the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, which is the largest of its kind in the country!
When is the Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara?
The best time to visit Santa Barbara is during the spring or fall months (March-May or October-November). During those months, the weather is perfect for outdoor recreation and Santa Barbara is generally less crowded than in the peak summer months.
If you’re not worried about the crowds, the summertime is a wonderful time to visit Santa Barbara. With an abundance of sunshine and temperatures that rarely break 90, mid-June to late September is the prime season for outdoor activities.
However, locals refer to earlier summer months as “May Gray” and “June Gloom” due to the unusually cloudy and hazy weather that often corresponds to those months. That’s just something to note if you’re thinking of a May or June trip: you run the risk of being met with less-than-ideal weather, which could obscure views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Channel Islands, and the sun setting on the horizon.
Winter in Santa Barbara means more rain and colder temperatures (though not too cold), making the winter months less ideal for an active, outdoor day trip. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have an awesome day trip to Santa Barbara during winter.
How to Get Around Santa Barbara
The best way to get around is by car, especially if you have time constraints. You’ll find that most things in Santa Barbara are only about a 10-15 minute drive away, thanks to the 101 expressway that is always conveniently accessible.
Our itinerary includes destinations like Hendry’s Beach and More Mesa Open Space that are more easily accessible by car. Parking in most places will be free, except in the waterfront and downtown areas. There is free street parking available, but paying to park in a lot may be an easier option for you.
Santa Barbara has neighborhoods that are very walkable and bike-friendly too! In fact, that will work to our advantage in the following itinerary.
One warning about driving in Santa Barbara: they love their one-way streets and four-way intersections where cross-traffic doesn’t have to stop. If you’re not particularly used to those traffic features, pay extra attention and care when driving around town — we’ve learned from experience!
Public Transit in Santa Barbara
Though Santa Barbara has a solid public transit system, it can be time-consuming and leave you with less time to do all the things you are trying to do! Waiting at bus stops? Not the best day trip activity. However, if you are traveling around the core of the city, public transit is a convenient option (if you can get it timed up well)!
Is State Street in Santa Barbara Open?
Parts of State Street in downtown Santa Barbara are closed to automobile traffic. They are, however, open to pedestrians and cyclists!
During the pandemic, Santa Barbara closed off a total of 10 blocks between Sola and Gutierrez streets along State Street and transformed the area into a pedestrian promenade. Unfortunately, GPS and navigation systems have yet to catch up to this change. So when your phone tells you to turn onto State Street, double check to make sure you aren’t trying to turn onto a street that is now closed (full Michael Scott-driving-into-a-lake mode).
Itinerary: One Day in Santa Barbara
Our hope is that this itinerary helps you successfully balance fun active/outdoor recreation with activities that allow you to experience the rich culture (and popular areas) of Santa Barbara. That way, you come away feeling like you really got to know the city.
But, at the end of the day, what you do is completely up to you. Take what you like, leave the rest, and remember—do as much or as little as you want. (That’s our little motto when we travel.)
1. Breakfast on the Beach
We’ve only got a day in Santa Barbara so let’s make it count! We’re getting started bright and early to sample the local SBBS (“Santa Barbara Breakfast Scene”–if that phrase hasn’t been used before, then I’m officially coining it). For your one day in Santa Barbara, start out at Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, known to the locals as “Hendry’s Beach”.
Grab breakfast at the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach and then take a morning stroll down the beach. With a near-constant breeze and silhouette views of the Channel Islands in the distance, it’s a beautiful place to begin your day!
Getting There: The Drive to Hendry’s is Lovely
Hendry’s is only about a 10-minute drive from Downtown Santa Barbara. Once you get off 101, the ride out to Cliff Drive via Las Positas Road is absolutely beautiful. Passing near Elings Park and the Douglas Family Nature Preserve, the route features dramatically rising hills dotted with palm trees and steep, sandy bluffs that give way to Pacific Ocean views.
There are two free parking lots at Hendry’s Beach. The front lot can fill up quickly, but we always are able to find a spot in the second lot.
Hendry’s Beach is a must-visit on your one day in Santa Barbara. It’s how a local would start their day! And for dog lovers, there’s an off-leash area where pups can freely roam.
Other Options for Breakfast
If you want to try a breakfast location that is closer to the next activity, check out Shoreline Cafe at Leadbetter Beach. There, you can enjoy breakfast with your feet in the sand (literally).
If you aren’t planning on a whole breakfast in Santa Barbara, at least visit Dart Coffee for a cup of joe and sit in their lovely outdoor garden. (I am actually there right now as I write this, sitting underneath the shade of an orange tree.)
2. Ride Bikes Along the Waterfront
You only have a day, so you’ve got to be efficient with your time. However, you also want to see the city! To accomplish both, we recommend renting some wheels! There are several ways to rent a bicycle in Santa Barbara, many of which are near the Santa Barbara Harbor—a perfect spot to begin your ride. And hey, if you’re feeling roller skates that day, do that instead! You won’t be the only one.
Getting There: Take the Scenic Drive Through La Mesa
Leaving Hendry’s, we recommend following Cliff Drive east to get to La Mesa (as opposed to returning to 101). This will allow you to experience a beautiful drive through the Mesa neighborhood of Santa Barbara.
La Mesa is a land formation that seemingly rises out of nowhere to form a beautiful landscape with steep sides and oceanside bluffs. It rivals the elevation of the hillside Riviera neighborhoods to its northeast and stands tall over the lower-lying buildings and beaches of Santa Barbara. La Mesa is the reason why Santa Barbara features so many striking bluffs along its beaches.
Turning right (or south) from Cliff Drive onto Meigs Road will take you toward the ocean, where Meigs Road becomes Shoreline Drive. This road will take you directly into the Santa Barbara Harbor area. For bonus views, stop at Shoreline Park to see sweeping views of the city and the ocean from La Mesa!
Get Some Wheels and Roam
There’s parking available at Leadbetter Beach and at the Main Harbor Parking Lot. There’s also a bicycle rental station at the harbor (which is within walking distance from the parking area). There, you can use your smartphone to check out a regular or electric bike and explore the waterfront via the Cabrillo Bike Path, which runs east from Leadbetter Beach (adjacent to the harbor) all the way to Butterfly Beach! Of course, you don’t have to do the entire path. The waterfront is yours to explore!
Renting bicycles is a popular activity in Santa Barbara, so consider making reservations ahead of time with a rental company. That may change the logistics of where you pick up your wheels, but it can make for a smoother day overall.
From the bike path, you can choose to check out a few detours. For example, you can take the Harbor Walk out to Point Castillo for picturesque views of the harbor with the Santa Ynez mountains rising in the background. You can also access Sandspit Beach from Point Castillo (pictured below).
Another optional detour to the campus of Santa Barbara City College would bring you to the Winslow-Maxwell Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the scene from a higher vantage point.
At West Beach, you’ll pass Stearns Wharf—the oldest working wooden pier in California and home to restaurants, shops, and museums! Beyond the pier, the bike path runs along East Beach, which is bordered by the gorgeous palm-tree lined Chase Palm Park.
If you’re there on a Sunday, you’ll come across dozens of local artists displaying their handiwork as part of the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show! The soft green grass in Chase Palm Park is the perfect spot to lie down on your back and look up at the palm trees as they sway against the blue sky.
For those looking to extend the ride, continue on to Butterfly Beach, a well-known Montecito beach. The total distance one-way from the harbor to Butterfly Beach is 4.6 miles long, but it’s flat and completely paved so it shouldn’t be too bad!
3. Explore Downtown Santa Barbara
If you’re feeling like moving on to the next activity, you could head back toward Stearns Wharf, pick out a spot on the beach to sit, or wander the famed Funk Zone—the commercial area centered around where State Street meets Stearns Wharf.
Better yet, ride that bike down State Street through the Funk Zone and all the way to downtown Santa Barbara (or turn in your bike and drive your car). Options in the downtown area include window shopping, grabbing a sweet treat at McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream, admiring the Spanish Colonial architecture of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and walking through La Arcada—a historic city plaza with cannons, real turtles, and fountains that will teleport you to the streets of Spain!
You really can’t go wrong in Santa Barbara.
Are the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Bell Tower open?
Yes, as of May 2022, the courthouse and bell tower are open to the public! Pandemic policies that prohibited most public access to the interior of the building have been lifted, so you can go on a self-guided tour of the courthouse and see the 360-degree view from the bell tower’s viewing platform!
4. Authentic Mexican for Lunch
One of my favorite things about Santa Barbara is the abundance of authentic Mexican food. I’m talking small, family-owned taquerias that use old family recipes and serve Mexican delicacies that I rarely saw at restaurants back home in Georgia.
And I feel so strongly about my recommended lunch spot for that I completely rewrote this entire section of the itinerary after enjoying one of their burritos al pastor. When I walked into Taqueria Rincon Alteno—a small and unassuming Mexican joint that only accepts cash, closes at 3 p.m., and claims to have the best burrito in town—I was not convinced it was worth a walk to the ATM and back.
But, I gave it a chance and it may rank as one of my best decisions of the year so far! Taqueria Rincon Alteno is a gem hidden in a plain site. The restaurant is on E. Haley Street, just steps from the popular State Street pedestrian area, and serves authentic Mexican cuisine that is affordable. We ate for under $30 (including drinks) and that’s rare in Santa Barbara.
The food is worth raving about, too. The burrito I had was not just the best in town, it’s the best I’ve had in my life. Similarly, Rebecca was extremely impressed with her two chicken tacos! I highly recommend giving Taqueria Rincon Alteno a chance for lunch when you are exploring the downtown area.
Other Options for Lunch
If you’re looking for additional options for lunch, then Milpas Street is another spot where you can find authentic Mexican food in Santa Barbara. It’s also lined by tall fig trees, distinguished by their light-colored trunks and expansive branches. Above the road, the branches merge together to form a tree tunnel. The trees make for a wonderful aesthetic.
Taqueria El Bajio has been in business for over 20 years and uses old family recipes that are absolutely delicious! Word on the street is that the crispy tacos are to die for. As for me, I got a chipotle chicken taco and it was hands down the best taco I’ve had in Santa Barbara so far. The chipotle added that little extra flavor that elevated the taco to the next level.
There are many other authentic taquerias along this road, including Tacos by Pipeye, that serve fantastic food! If you want to sample a different Mexican restaurant, we recommend sticking to the Milpas Street area for a quick, affordable, and delicious lunch. However, sticking closer to downtown for lunch means you won’t need to worry about getting your car and driving over to Milpas Street.
5. See Santa Barbara From the Water
On your one day in Santa Barbara so far, you’ve already sampled many of the things visitors typically experience: beach walks, bike rides, good food, and Spanish architecture. The morning itinerary was specifically designed to ensure you become familiar with Santa Barbara’s identity and culture.
That means there’s no need to spend your afternoon walking through museums or reading historical signs. Now, your afternoon is wide open for you to get out on the water, have some fun, and get off the beaten path!
Rent a single or double kayak, a stand-up paddle board, or a surfboard through one of the city’s outdoor adventure companies and see Santa Barbara from the water! For those who prefer more structure, there are a ton of opportunities to book a guided experience on the water like a group kayak outing, individual surfing lesson, or a whale watching cruise.
Whatever you end up doing, just be sure to plan ahead and make any reservations ahead of time! Want a fun challenge while you’re out on the water? See if you can spot any seals, sea lions, or dolphins!
6. Dinner in the Funk Zone
After an active afternoon, you’re going to be ready to eat. So just go ahead and get yourself an early dinner in the Funk Zone!
There are a ton of incredible options for you to choose from. Personally, we loved grabbing drinks and appetizers at Seven Bar & Kitchen. And we had a really fun dinner out with friends at Nook. Both made the Yelp Top 10 list of best Funk Zone restaurants!
7. Watch the Sunset at More Mesa
After dinner, it’s time for a little drive to watch the sunset from one of the best spots in all of Santa Barbara. Let’s just say I’ve got a fever. And the only prescription is More Mesa. That’s right, folks, there’s another “Mesa” in Santa Barbara.
Heading up the coast toward Goleta, you will find More Mesa Open Space. It’s a gorgeous nature preserve with beach access, hiking trails, and beautiful bluffs. It’s perfect for watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean!
More Mesa is one of the last remaining undeveloped open spaces on California’s southern coast. It provides incredible views of the Santa Ynez mountains to the north and Pacific Ocean to the south. The sunset is positioned perfectly to the east for you to admire from the bluffs or the beach.
More Mesa isn’t a secret, but it feels that way. Not as many people venture from the touristy areas of Santa Barbara to discover this hidden gem. And that’s a shame, because it’s absolutely one of the best spots in the entire area. If we didn’t feel that way, we wouldn’t recommend you use precious time to see it!
To find More Mesa Open Space, route yourself to the east entrance at 1095 Mockingbird Lane. Parking is prohibited on Mockingbird Lane. Find a parking spot along Vieja or Puente Drive and start walking down Mockingbird Lane. Soon, you’ll reach the trailhead and entrance to this beautifully preserved natural area!
Walk straight along the established path toward the ocean. You’ll come across the cutest little plank swing hanging from a tree near the steps that lead down to More Mesa Beach. (Be aware if you venture down to the beach: there is a western section of the beach known for its clothing-optional sunbathing culture.)
At that point, I definitely recommend taking a second to sit in that old swing and feel like a child once again. Take a few swings and admire the views as you overlook the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands in the distance.
Then, find a clearing along the bluff to watch the sunset. I’d recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the official sunset time! You may want to bring a headlamp or flashlight just in case it gets too dark as you walk back to your car.
Additional Options for Sunset
However, if you’re short on time and are looking for a sunset spot that is more accessible, head back to Hendry’s Beach! The sunset there is always wonderful and the beach is so full of life in the evenings. Most nights, you will see families walking the beach, surfers catching the final waves of the day, and couples enjoying drinks from the beachside bar. This is also perfect for anyone who chose a different breakfast spot and has not been able to see Hendry’s yet!
With panoramic views and what my wife has dubbed “surround-sound color”, Hendry’s is a top alternative to More Mesa for sunset.
Our favorite part about the sunset at Hendry’s is how the color of the horizon changes as you look across the sky. To the right, orange and yellow burst across the sunset sky as the final words of the dying day. Across the channel in front of us, the deep purple silhouette of the mountains of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands is just visible against the darkening horizon.
There’s a silver stripe of fog that stretches across the base of the island. It always seems to be there. Down coast to the east, night takes hold as any remaining warmth in the horizon’s color disappears into a blue-indigo dusk.
No matter which beach you’re at, the sunset in Santa Barbara is a show that’s worth being early and staying late.
8. Head Home
As you leave Santa Barbara, take a moment to appreciate an often overlooked scene: the lights of the Riviera houses as they illuminate the foothills above the city. Between the sunset, landscape, and architecture, the end of a day in Santa Barbara is truly one of my favorite experiences. It’ll surely be one of your favorite moments as well.
Looking for more ideas?
We’ve got a list of the 31 best things to do in Santa Barbara for couples. See if any of these romantic and adventurous ideas enriches your Santa Barbara experience!
Get Your Itinerary: One Day in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a place I wish everyone could visit at least once. Its reputation, amenities, and recreational opportunities are as good as any city—yet somehow Santa Barbara maintains a low-key, hidden-away aesthetic that is characteristic of a smaller town.
You’re going to have an incredible one day in Santa Barbara! We hope this itinerary helps you as you prepare. Be sure to grab your itinerary below so that you can reference it easily during your trip!
