31 Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara for Couples
There is an abundance of incredible things to do in Santa Barbara for couples! From whale watching and waterfront restaurants to surfing and sailing, Santa Barbara has it all. After months spent getting to know the locals, uncovering hidden gems, and sampling Santa Barbara’s staples, we’re happy to share this date inspiration with you!
There are typically two types of activities for couples—traditionally romantic activities (like a beach picnic) and active and adventurous activities (like a lesser-known hike)! Through this list of things to do in Santa Barbara for couples, we do our best to balance romance and adventure. Surely you’ll find a bit of each—no matter which activity you choose!
Visiting Santa Barbara?
If it’s not clear by now, we love Santa Barbara and find it to be the perfect destination for a trip at any point in the year. Let us help you find lodging for your stay in our favorite city! Click the button below for lodging options that fit every budget and group. This is an affiliate link so we will receive a small commission for any stay booked and completed at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support while we work towards our dream!
Romantic Things to Do in Santa Barbara for Couples
First up: the romantic things to do in Santa Barbara for couples.
Let’s be honest, it’s difficult to separate romance from adventure. Romance often feels like an adventure in itself. And romantic relationships are strengthened when couples try new things together! But, for the first section, we selected activities that fall more on the romance side of the spectrum. And what better place for romance than Santa Barbara?
1. Sunset Drive on Camino Cielo
Headlining this list of romantic things to do in Santa Barbara for couples: Camino Cielo, a scenic mountain road that follows the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara. The road climbs all the way to La Cumbre Peak, Santa Barbara’s highest mountain at nearly 4,000 feet elevation.
On a clear day, you will enjoy unreal views of the coastline—from Carpinteria to Isla Vista. You’ll be so high above the ocean that the islands of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa appear as independent land masses, something that isn’t always seen clearly from sea level (where they can blend together and appear as one super-island).
Even if there are low-lying clouds obscuring your view below, gloomy weather can make for one of the most magical experiences on Camino Cielo (translated: way of the sky/heavens). When the road climbs high enough and breaks through the clouds, you feel like you’re literally driving through the sky.
Camino Cielo itself is a long road, stretching around 18 miles. So choose a known point of interest in the area, like Lizard’s Rock or the nearby water tower, and enjoy a tranquil evening in the sky. Another option near Camino Cielo is the Painted Cave Sunset Terrace. It’s technically on Painted Cave Road, but it’s also a popular vista point.
2. Ride Bikes on the Waterfront
One of our favorite things about Santa Barbara is how bike-friendly the city is. Santa Barbara has several bike routes that make it easy to use a bike for recreation, exercise, or commuting. It’s no surprise, then, that bicycle riding made this list of things to do in Santa Barbara for couples!
Our favorite is the Cabrillo Bike Path, which runs from Leadbetter Beach near the harbor down to Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Along the way, the path passes Stearns Wharf, Chase Palm Park, East Beach, and the Andree Clark Bird Refuge.
The path is mostly flat, but there is an uphill stretch just before Butterfly Beach. However, the challenge soons gives way to a scenic downhill cruise that makes you feel as if you’re riding into Butterfly Beach in victory after the Tour de France.
The waterfront is always so full of life! Bikers, walkers, runners, and roller skaters can all be found riding the Cabrillo Bike Path up and down Santa Barbara’s iconic shoreline. So, grab your bicycles (or rent some) and get out there! It’s such a magical way to see Santa Barbara that we included it in our 1-day Santa Barbara itinerary.
3. Dinner on the Waterfront
There’s something about Santa Barbara’s waterfront district just after sundown.
A long line of string lights illuminate both sides of Stearns Wharf and dance across the surface of the ocean. The lights of the Riviera neighborhoods grow brighter, lighting up the foothills like wildfire. And the flames from the restaurant heat lamps dance among diners. Why not be one of those diners?
The Funk Zone—a commercial district between downtown and the ocean—is lined with restaurants, tasting rooms, and breweries. You really can’t go wrong with a dinner in The Funk Zone. It’s where all the cool people hang out.
My only caveat would be to choose a restaurant with a view. Along Cabrillo Boulevard, Flor De Maiz and Bluewater Grill are popular dinner spots. Wherever you choose, ask to sit outside so you can enjoy twilight’s light show. If you’re looking for a recommendation from a local, head to Brophy’s at the harbor! It’s more casual than Bluewater Grill and was recommended to us by a local named Jack with a really great mustache.
4. Picnic at Mission Rose Garden
Even if you’ve seen other missions in California before, it’s worth visiting California’s “Queen of Missions” in Santa Barbara. The Old Mission was built by the Spanish in 1786 and has survived major earthquake damage in the years since! It also has a colorful rose garden that is perfect for a picnic for two.
The site of the Mission was a great choice by the Spanish. It is built atop a hill near the Riviera foothills, providing sweeping views of the Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands, and the Pacific Ocean. Lush green grass and architecture inspired by the ancients contribute to a lovely aesthetic that will help you connect with one another and the world around you.
If you time it up so that you’re there when the golden hour begins, you won’t regret it! My little brother observed that there was a “rainbow going across the sky” during sunset. The colors from the sunset stretch across the sky, creating a spectrum of orange, blues, and purples across the horizon.
A few alternatives for a picnic include Shoreline Park, Douglas Family Preserve, and Chase Palm Park. For a sandier experience, East Beach has plenty of space and is a popular spot. Butterfly Beach is more narrow, but you have a better chance of spotting some dolphins in the surf!
5. Dress Up for a Polo Match
Alright, I know it’s posh (as is using the word posh). But aren’t you just a little bit interested in attending a polo match? If anything, it’s an excuse to thrift a statement hat, sport your “derby attire”, and enjoy a sunny afternoon outdoors.
Sunday matches at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquetball Club can be an entertaining and memorable activity for couples. People have a fun time dressing up for the affair in seersucker, flowy dresses, and bright colors. (I think of Andy Bernard’s Garden Party, but perhaps I’m off base.)
And you never know when you may spot our Montecito neighbor Prince Harry, who plays on a club team there! Though it’s tricky to purchase a ticket intentionally to see Harry’s team, it’s possible to catch his team, Los Padres, in action during the 12-goal season in 2022 (and possibly again in the future).
6. Walk the Gardens of Lotusland
If you’re looking for something to do today or this weekend, Lotusland probably isn’t it. It books in advance and has a limited public tour season, so it’s important to plan ahead for this one! The public tour season is usually between the months of February and November.
Lotusland is the former home of a well-known opera singer and Santa Barbara resident known as Madame Ganna Walksa. She developed her property over decades into a magical 37-acre botanical wonderland, now known as Lotusland. Today, the property is managed by a nonprofit foundation and preserves Lotusland for the people of Santa Barbara. It features 25 different gardens and it takes about 2 hours to tour them all!
Try to plan ahead for Lotusland. Tickets are made available for dates two months in advance, so call or visit their site as soon as you know you’re interested in visiting! It can be a fun date on your calendar that you and your person will be able to look forward to with excitement.
7. Sunset Walk at More Mesa
When visiting Santa Barbara, most visitors have the pleasure of seeing the Mesa. After all, you can see its beautiful hills rise up between the city and the ocean from Highway 101. However, most visitors never hear about More Mesa. That’s right—there’s More Mesa!
More Mesa Open Space is one of the last stretches of undeveloped coastline in southern California. And it’s right here in Santa Barbara! Well, technically it’s outside the city limits in “Noleta”—the unincorporated part of the county between Santa Barbara and Goleta. But it’s a short drive up 101 to find More Mesa. And let’s just say the payout is huge! So huge, in fact, that More Mesa landed on our list of the Best Views in Santa Barbara. We feel that strongly about this place.
Beautiful grasslands on the top of More Mesa are carved up by sandy footpaths, perfect for trail runners or dog walkers. The path leads to a bluff, feet above More Mesa Beach, which is accessible by stairs. You can walk along the bluff, sit on a wooden swing, and watch the sunset. We think that sounds pretty romantic.
Side note: just make sure you read up on parking instructions before you route to More Mesa. You need to park in a residential area and walk down Mockingbird Lane to access the trail.
8. Visit Cold Spring Tavern
Looking for a dressy dinner date, or just some down-home BBQ on a weekend afternoon? Look no further. Cold Spring Tavern works for either! Cold Spring Tavern is a historic property, the site of a former stagecoach stop. It maintains a charming air of the nineteenth-century Old West and serves a cut of beef called tri-tip that is unique to the region.
Many visitors stop by the historic restaurant on their way through the area. But Cold Spring Tavern has several unique offerings so planning ahead will lead to a payout! Lunch is available Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:30 – 3:30 p.m. It’s more laid back and casual—a great environment to enjoy the old-time property.
Dinner is only on Friday and Saturday evenings between 5 and 8 p.m. Reservations are required for dinner! Dinner at Cold Spring Tavern is described as a “fine dining” experience, so it’s a unique place to celebrate any upcoming relationship milestones or life wins together! Cold Spring Tavern also has the Log Cabin Bar, which is open on weekends: Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
However, the local advice here? Go to Cold Spring Tavern for their Outdoor Tri-tip BBQ lunch, which is every Saturday and Sunday between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. During the BBQ events, there is live outdoor music! For dog owners, leave the pups at home and make it a date. Well, it’s not really a choice. Cold Spring Tavern says dogs can’t come to the outdoor BBQ due to health code regulations.
9. Go to a Historic Theater
Walking down State Street one night, we passed the historic Granada Theater—a signature sight on the Santa Barbara skyline. The Granada Theater is nearly one hundred years old but was restored to its former glory (and then some) in 2008.
Not too long after that, we walked by the Arlington Theater, which plays a significant role as a venue in the Santa Barbara’s annual film festival. Also historic, the Arlington Theater was built in 1931 and is designed in an ornate Spanish colonial style. The exterior portico’s ceiling shines with elaborate star lights and the interior feels like the streets of an old Spanish town.
After that, we started counting each theater we passed. We found even more theaters along State Street, as well as additional historic theaters throughout town.
Many people don’t know that Santa Barbara was the original Hollywood back in the age of silent film. Given its rich arts tradition, Santa Barbara is a perfect place to catch a movie or play at one of these beautiful venues. If you’re around in the early spring, be sure to see if you can make it to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival! It’s kind of a big deal.
10. Tour the Courthouse & Clocktower
Today, Santa Barbara is known for its Spanish colonial architecture. However, it wasn’t always that way. While examples of Spanish-era buildings still exist, most of Santa Barbara’s city center was built in the Victorian style of architecture by the early 1900s. It wasn’t until after the city was rebuilt from the earthquake of 1925 that Santa Barbara adopted the Spanish colonial style.
One of the most spectacular examples of this rebuild and revival is the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which was built in 1929. During the pandemic, visitors could only tour the exterior of the building. But now, the inside is once again open to the public. And that includes the bell tower, which has a viewing platform that offers a 360-degree view of Santa Barbara!
Free guided tours of the building, including the famed Mural Room, are available weekdays between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also choose a self-guided tour to make things more one-on-one and intimate! If you’re interested in more cost-free ways to have fun, check out our list of Free Things to Do in Santa Barbara.
For those who want to take it even further, you can actually go inside the clocktower on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 2 p.m. The Bisno Schall Clock Gallery allows visitors entrance inside the clocktower, where you can view the clock’s inner gears moving, exhibits on the history of the tower, and a closer look at a mural that tells the story of time-keeping.
11. Walk at Elings Park
Elings Park is a hidden treasure that can be easily missed. It’s situated along the western flank of the Mesa just before the land gives way to the Las Positas Road valley. The view from Elings Park is spectacular.
First, there’s the green and grassy Godric’s Grove, which is a popular wedding venue in town. Then, there are the criss-crossing footpaths of Moser’s Meadow. If you decide to go for an afternoon walk at Elings Park, you’re in for a tranquil setting that will facilitate relaxation and reflection. Oh, and you might see some paragliders!
If you want to avoid paying a parking fee, visit on a weekday! If you are looking for a few more options for short, easy walking trails, check out our post about Easy Hikes in Santa Barbara!
12. Concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl
If you’re a Santa Barbara native, odds are you’ve seen a show at the Santa Barbara Bowl. But if you’re new or just visiting, you may not know about this incredible outdoor concert venue in Santa Barbara.
The Santa Barbara Bowl is a local staple. It’s been around since 1936 and has received over $40 million in renovations since 1991! Carved out of a dry hillside in the Riviera neighborhood, the Santa Barbara Bowl is reminiscent of Red Rocks Amphitheater in the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Between February and October, the Santa Barbara Bowl hosts over 20 shows in what locals call “Bowl Season”. If you’re looking for a romantic night out with your partner, take a look at the concert lineup and consider going out for a night of music and dancing at the Santa Barbara Bowl! Even as I write this list of things to do in Santa Barbara for couples, I’m considering buying tickets for us to see Bob Dylan tonight at the Bowl!
Local Tip: locals have told us that Sections D, E, and F have the best seats in the Bowl. You can see the ocean from Section F on a clear night. And if leg room is important to you, go with Row O (within any of those sections) for more room and a short wall to rest your drinks on!
13. Drinks in The Funk Zone
A night out doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal. Plan to grab a drink or two (and maybe even an appetizer) in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, the artsy business district located along Lower State Street near Stearns Wharf.
The Funk Zone is one of Santa Barbara’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, as wine tastings rooms, breweries, restaurants, and street art proliferate. Personal favorites of ours include Seven Bar & Kitchen and Nook! Both of them even made this Yelp Top 10 list of best Funk Zone eateries.
And if you’re looking for a place for a coffee date, look no further than Dart Coffee. It’s one of our favorite places to grab coffee on a chill Saturday morning. If you go to Dart, remember to check out their outdoor garden area. It’s across the street! You can literally sit underneath the shade of a citrus tree and enjoy your cup of joe.
14. Visit the Botanic Gardens
Did you know you can see redwoods in Santa Barbara? Yep—and much more!
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is popular with both the locals and visitors. And it’s a great option for couples looking for a romantic walk! It offers 5 miles of easy walking trails through several unique gardens, each designed to represent a different California landscape. They have a grove of coastal redwoods, a cacti-filled desert, and a marvelous manzanita tree garden.
Then, there’s the lovely flower meadow with views of towering Arlington Peak. The Botanic Garden is always in season, so you can visit any time of the year! All you need to do is make a reservation using their site and you are good to go.
15. Sunset at Hendry’s Beach
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, is one of our favorite places in Santa Barbara. There is no way Hendry’s would not be on my list of things to do for couples in Santa Barbara! Sandy bluffs descend dramatically down to the beach, where the Arroyo Burro Stream meets the Pacific Ocean with each high tide.
It’s a beautiful place to grab a drink, take a walk, and watch as pelicans dive bomb into the waves. The area of the beach to the east (left when facing the ocean) is also a designated off-leash area for dogs. There’s something magical about a dog park on a beach. If you decide to be that strange person at the dog park with no dog, no one will judge you at Hendry’s.
Aim to arrive at Hendry’s about 30 minutes before sunset to enjoy the golden hour like a local! Once the sun goes down, the lively atmosphere continues under the shine of yellow string lights.
16. Yoga at Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park isn’t a secret (but it kind of feels like it).
If you consider that the waterfront areas draw the most out-of-towner’s, Shoreline Park begins to seem more like a hidden gem. That’s because it is. While tourists flock to Leadbetter Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Main Harbor, locals are taking their dogs to the off-leash Hendry’s Beach and going for walks at Shoreline Park.
No matter what day of the week it is, Shoreline Park always strikes the perfect balance. It is filled with life, yet there’s room to find stillness and serenity. In fact, it’s an ideal setting for an outdoor yoga date! So, grab those mats, pull up a yoga video on YouTube, and enjoy some free yoga with an ocean view! There are a ton of grassy areas that are perfect at Shoreline Park. The western end of the park (in the opposite direction of Leadbetter Beach and the Harbor) tends to be less busy.
Better yet? You can join one of Santa Barbara’s yoga studios for an outdoor class on the beach! Some outdoor classes supply wireless headphones so that you clearly hear the instructor. But regardless of where you find your center, you’ll likely find yourself looking out over green grass, flowering succulents, blue waves, and mountainous islands on the horizon.
17. Explore a Museum Together
Santa Barbara has an impressive offering of museums. We had a fabulous date night at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which always has an interesting exhibit on display and offers free admission on Thursday evenings. Couples in Santa Barbara certainly have their pick when it comes to choosing a museum for a date!
Then, there’s the Moxi, also known as the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. It’s famous for its interactive exhibits, which are popular with adults too. However, we recommend shooting for one of their happy hour events, where you can enjoy the museum without a kid in the building!
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is home to a real blue whale skeleton, which is on display outside the entrance to the museum, and a prehistoric forest featuring dinosaur models. They also host regular astronomy nights that are free and open to the public! The Natural History Museum also has a second location—the Sea Center—on Stearns Wharf that features exhibits on the kelp forests and underwater world beneath the Santa Barbara Channel.
Santa Barbara’s Old Mission, called the “Queen of Missions” for its architectural and botanical beauty, offers tours of its beautiful church building, cemetery, and rose garden. Along the waterfront, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum explores the over 13,000-year history of humans near the Santa Barbara Channel and offers one of the best views of the city. Then there’s Montecito’s Casa del Herrera, or “House of the Blacksmith”, a Montecito estate that is one of the finest examples of Spanish revivalist architecture in Santa Barbara.
18. McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
I’ve always been loyal to vanilla ice cream. McConnell’s changed that for me. Nowadays, I can be seen sporting a cake cone with giant scoops of flavors as ridiculous as they are delicious. I’m talking churros con leche, honey and cornbread cookies, and earl gray tea and shortbread cookies!
McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream is no joke. It’s local. It’s tasty. And it’s everywhere! When I pick up Rebecca after a long day of work, there’s a good chance she might try to convince me to walk to Mission Street Ice Cream and Yogurt for a sweet treat. I don’t put up much of a fight!
The staff at Mission Street do an incredible job of filling the ice cream cone all the way down to the bottom with ice cream—this is truly a lost art. There’s something classic about an ice cream date: walking down the sidewalk, trying to avoid ice cream from melting onto your shirt, and puzzling over how you should eat such a messy treat in front of a romantic partner.
Go have yourself a classic American date!
P.S. Mission Street Ice Cream is dog-friendly and offers free froyo pup cups! They also tend to have a larger selection of flavors. There are also two McConnell’s storefronts downtown on State Street.
19. Hammock at Chase Palm Park
Chase Palm Park is iconic. Its signature palm trees contribute to the main features that make Santa Barbara’s landscape instantly recognizable: mountains, ocean, mesas, rivieras, and that long line of Mexican fan palms along East Beach.
Chase Palm Park is one of my favorite locations in Santa Barbara. And not just because of its trees! Chase Palm Park has some of the greenest grass you can find here. That’s why it’s one of our go-to locations to just chill out. We suggest you get a hammock down there, string it between two palms, and kick your shoes off together. But don’t worry if you don’t have a hammock—we’ve been known to lay a blanket down on the ground and drift off while watching the palms.
Adventurous Things to Do in Santa Barbara for Couples
When we travel, our favorite thing to do is discover low-key, off-the-beaten-path places or things to do! We love the adventure that comes with uncovering something together, or feeling like we’ve been let in on a secret. Well, we’ve asked dozens of our Santa Barbara neighbors about outdoor hidden gems and best-kept local secrets. And now, we’re sharing those with you!
That’s the beauty of low-key travel secrets. It lies in experiencing a place—and then, sharing that knowledge, entrusting another as a steward of that place. Here are some incredible outdoor, active, and adventurous things to do in Santa Barbara for couples!
20. Climb at Rock Garden
Rock Garden is a perfect adventure for couples looking to get off the beaten path. The trail to Rock Garden hugs the ridgeline of the Santa Ynez front range near White Mountain and leads to Rocky Pine Ridge, a spine of rocks with enormous sandstone boulders. It’s a perfect place to climb around and enjoy stunning views of the Santa Barbara sunset!
Though people know about Rock Garden, the most popular AllTrails hike in the area doesn’t lead to all the way to Rock Garden. Instead, it summits White Mountain but then heads back to the parking lot. Those who find their way to the Rock Garden, though, are highly rewarded. It’s a climber’s paradise.
Well, you don’t really need to be a hardcore climber to go out and jump on top of some rocks. We definitely are not. But it’s a fun adventure that will enchant you with its views and—just briefly—transform you into a child again. At 3,600 feet above the ocean, the changing colors of the late afternoon and the visibility from the mountains make this a great late afternoon/sunset spot as well.
For those interested in visiting, we wrote an entirely separate article that has everything you need to find Rock Garden!
21. Roller Skating Party
Where we are from, roller skating wasn’t very popular. But when we moved to Santa Barbara, we loved seeing how many people strapped on their elbow pads and roller skated around town!
After further investigation, we learned that Santa Barbara experienced a roller blade renaissance during COVID-19—and the fun fitness trend is still going strong. Roller skating near the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf is also a popular activity for those looking to enjoy a sunny day and beachside views.
And if you’re looking to be social, SB Rollers hosts weekly roller skating parties in parking lot 3 at Santa Barbara City College every Sunday from 1-5 p.m. With beach views, bumping tunes, and a fun atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to get some exercise and spend some quality time together in a social setting. Last time we went, there were kids out there so it’s definitely a friendly vibe that is not intimidating! So grab your skates, throw on some bright colors, and go blading in Santa Barbara as a couple!
Pro Tip: for a groovy photo op, find the Chromatic Gate.
22. Kayak or Paddleboard in the Harbor at Sunset
Getting out on the water together is one of the most romantic and adventurous things you could do in Santa Barbara as a couple, especially at sunset. You feel like you’re on a mini-adventure together and get to see so much life up-close! Here’s some inside info to consider when you go.
After getting out on the water, many people choose to head straight to sea. Let me tell you why they’re missing out. An employee at the rental outfitter we used recommended we paddle around the perimeter of the harbor. Along the shallow sides of the harbor, we spotted crabs, starfish, sea slugs, and bat rays! Octopus and small, docile Mako sharks have also been spotted in the harbor. We even were visited by a seal who wanted to show off his new catch. It was such a fun way to begin the experience!
After that, leave the harbor and check out Sandspit Beach—the shape-shifting beach near the mouth of the harbor. It’s a fun place to sunbathe, have a snack, watch boats go by, and admire a view of the city that is exclusive to the water.
From there, paddle out to the green half-mile buoy to see if there are any sea lions slumbering in the sun. If you want to go even further, there’s another buoy at a mile that usually has some larger, more mature sea lions. The waves further out make for a fun workout, though you may get a little wet!
When you come back into the harbor, look out for birds, seals, and sea lions along a white platform. Time this activity up with golden hour and you’ll have the perfect blend of adventure and romance!
23. Go Surfing at Rincon Beach
Rincon Beach is famous for its breaking waves. It’s the most iconic beach you could surf in Santa Barbara. If you’re surfers, grab your boards and get on the water together!
For those without experience or equipment, you can always take a lesson and/or rent gear with one of Santa Barbara’s adventure outfitters! We took beginner’s lessons when we learned to surf and it was such a fantastic experience. We never felt unsafe or alone. And learning the basics and riding our first waves came more naturally than we thought it would!
It’s possible that your lesson may be at a different beach. We learned to surf at Mondo’s and it was such a comfortable experience. If you’re a beginner, just know that Rincon tends to attract advanced surfers so know your surfing etiquette or choose a different beach. Santa Claus Beach and Hendry’s Beach are two solid alternatives that are popular with everyday surfers.
Regardless of location, surfing in Santa Barbara will make you feel like a true Californian. Why not do it together?
24. E-Bike to Gibraltar Rock
Couples in Santa Barbara need to take advantage of the stunning bike route that leads up to Gibraltar Rock. But save yourself from effort and rent an e-bike for this one. If you’re a hardcore cyclist, you may laugh at the prospect of riding an e-bike. But for the rest of us, that’s the only reasonable way we would ever consider riding a bike to Gibraltar Rock!
Gibraltar Road is steep and serpentine, quickly climbing from the Riviera foothills into the towering Santa Ynez Mountains. By the time it reaches Gibraltar Rock, the road is narrow and unpainted. But the views throughout the climb are worth the journey, which is why the route has become a favorite for cyclists looking for a difficult uphill workout.
For a couple looking for a fun afternoon, go with an electric bike! The additional assistance from the electric motor will make your ride up easier and more enjoyable—as a date should be. This resource can provide additional information to help you tackle this route with confidence, including advice on where to begin your ascent.
There are several lookout points on the way up to Gibraltar Rock, which itself is a destination. Gibraltar Rock is a large rock formation famous among rock climbers of all skill levels. It’s also a beautiful place to climb up on a rock and enjoy views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean.
As you can imagine, the ride down the mountain is a big reason why this activity is so much fun! Please be sure to wear a helmet and exercise caution around curves. Cars can appear quickly from around a curve and there are rarely guardrails, so just be safe!
25. Sunset at Franceschi Park
One of the most unique views of Santa Barbara is from up in the Riviera foothills. Chasing that view had to make our list of things to do for couples in Santa Barbara. Franceschi Park is a public space on the former property of a notable botanist. Located off Mission Ridge Road, the park is a favorite sunset spot for those looking for an easy place to route to and park quickly. That means Franceschi Park is a perfect option, even after a workday!
From the park, there are panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the ocean. Those looking to earn the view can park along Dover Road and take the Mission Steps up to Franceschi Park. The views get better the higher you climb!
There’s also a hidden gem to find at Franceschi Park, a stone head perched on the ridge above Mission Ridge Road. We didn’t know about it and we weren’t looking for it. But we came across this giant bust while exploring a footpath that originated at Franceschi Park.
If you’re looking for an outing with a bit of mystery, go to Franceschi Park and see if you can find it! I’ll just leave this random string of numbers and letters here … 34°26’25.5″ N 119°41’53.4″ W
26. Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park
Of all the activities on this list of things to do for couples in Santa Barbara, this one likely requires the most planning ahead of time. It also may require some flexibility, as your day trip is at the mercy of the marine forecasts for the Santa Barbara Channel. However, this is a day trip worth making the effort for!
If you’re fortunate enough to be in the Santa Barbara area, you are blessed with a near-constant view of the Channel Islands off the coast. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll make every effort to go visit those islands!
When you look out at the Channel Islands from Santa Barbara on a clear day, you likely will see the islands of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa. These three islands are the closest and most frequently visited islands among the five that comprise Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands are accessible year-round, though Anacapa Island closed for dock construction in February 2022 and has yet to reopen (as of June 2022).
Santa Rosa Island is accessible from March to November. There’s also Santa Barbara Island and San Miguel Island, though they are much further away and more difficult to visit. Island Packers, based in nearby Ventura, offers ferry trips to the islands. There are also private outfitters that provide snorkeling, kayaking, and other recreational offerings for visitors to the islands.
Whether you kayak a sea cave at Santa Cruz Island or hike on Santa Rosa, you’re destined to see the natural beauty of the “Galapagos of North America” up close and in person. And I’m sure you’ll find a neat sticker in the national park gift shop. I always do.
27. Hike at San Marcos Foothills Preserve
When Rebecca and I first moved to Santa Barbara, we technically lived in Noleta—the no man’s land between Santa Barbara and Goleta I mentioned earlier. The best part about living there was that we were encouraged to check out some more low-key spots in the area that ended up being hidden gems.
One of those gems is the San Marcos Foothills Preserve, a 200-acre natural preserve that has miles of trails and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. On the San Marcos West Mesa Loop Trail, we came across the most lovely shade tree. It was right in the middle of a large field. It provided relief from the sun—something we took for granted back in our heavily wooded home of Georgia—and a place to relax and watch the wind blow across the yellow grasslands.
If you’re looking for some peaceful quality time, perhaps grab a novel and go sit underneath this sprawling oak tree together.
28. Take Paragliding Lessons
Before you count this one out for being a little too extreme, know that the recommendation is coming from a guy who was afraid of roller coasters as a kid (and still is). So you don’t need to be an extreme sports junkie to take paragliding lessons! You just need an open mind and willingness to give it a try.
We took a day of lessons for beginners and got to fly in the air within an hour of beginning. Still, our instructor was sure to prioritize instruction and safety before any sort of guarantee. Because of the great instruction we got from Chris at Fly Above All, flying wasn’t even scary.
We felt safe and competent. We were in constant radio communication with Chris while in the air. And we felt more free and calm up there than anything else! Paragliding lessons are obviously much more expensive than other activities on this list of things to do for couples in Santa Barbara, but they are worthwhile.
Here’s to continuing to step out of our comfort zones. Keep trying new and exciting things together!
29. Whale Watching Cruise
Below the waves of the Santa Barbara Channel, there’s a hidden underwater forest. That forest, a vast underwater network of kelp, supports abundant animal life. And that life, teeming just below the waves, is apparent even from our limited perspective. All it takes is getting out on the water—something many visitors to Santa Barbara don’t make time for.
That’s why a whale watching cruise in Santa Barbara is unique in its own right. People go whale watching all the time, but Santa Barbara’s a special place when it comes to whale migration. Whales are visible year-round as a variety of species, including blue whale, swim through the Santa Barbara Channel.
With a federal marine sanctuary protecting 100-foot tall kelp forests and a national park in the vicinity, whale watching in Santa Barbara becomes much more. The whales that migrate through the Channel use the protective layers of kelp to hide their young calves from predators.
When we went in April with Rebecca’s mom, we saw the ocean surface boiling over with life. Sea lions and seals panicked when humpback whales breached a little too close for comfort. Birds swarmed down to feed as vulnerable fish were pushed to the surface of the water by larger predatory fish. Sea lions danced with their fins up along the surface of the water like synchronized swimmers.
Life is everywhere in the Santa Barbara Channel. And when you set sail from Santa Barbara’s harbor, you see it everywhere. That’s why we recommend taking a whale watching cruise out in the Santa Barbara Channel! For a twist, don’t just take a regular whale watching cruise. Book a sailboat! It makes for a more unique and intimate experience than a larger boat!
Also, book a longer cruise and one with a morning departure. That gives you much more time to see wildlife in a serene setting with smoother waters, not yet interrupted by peak day time marine traffic.
30. Hike to Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point is the hike that nearly every local has probably done, even non-hikers! That’s because Inspiration Point lives up to its name, drawing all who are able to gaze upon the sea from the mountain’s point of view.
There are several possible routes to Inspiration Point, a stunning rocky vista point nestled beneath Arlington Peak. The most popular is the Inspiration Point Trail, an out-and-back trail that follows a segment of Tunnel Trail westward and briefly connects with Jesusita Trail. That hike is a 3.4-mile journey.
For those looking for additional views, consider the longer route to Inspiration Point via Jesusita Trail. This hike features gorgeous ocean views as you ascend—something not possible for those who take the shorter trail. The longer trail allows you to complete the hike in 7.55 miles or extend it as long as 7.95 miles.
Local advice: those who seek out Historic Inspiration Point are in for some extra inspiration and additional privacy.
31. Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo
Because of its location on the coastline, the Santa Barbara Zoo features beautiful natural habitats that have views of the Santa Ynez range and the Pacific Ocean. It makes for a scenic journey as you stroll the habitats and exhibits of the zoo. It takes about two hours to take it all in, but it makes for a low-key date activity that still feels a bit more adventurous and wild!
Reservations are required so plan ahead. But before picking a date, check out the zoo’s upcoming events for any special events that may interest you. For example, the After Hours at the Zoo events every Wednesday night during the summer is a perfect opportunity to enjoy live music, tri-tip BBQ, and drinks with your date!
Conclusion: Things to Do in Santa Barbara for Couples
We have absolutely fallen in love with this place in our time here, largely due to the abundance of fun things to do in Santa Barbara for couples! It’s the perfect blend of paradise, adventure, and romance that has us in disbelief with every sunset.
This list of things to do in Santa Barbara for couples is the culminating work of our time exploring the American Riviera and it includes each romantic and adventurous activity we’ve discovered here. It’s our hope that, among these things to do in Santa Barbara for couples, you and your partner find inspiration and information that helps you find romance and adventure together in a new way.
For more inspiration, check out our article about How to Spend 1 Day in Santa Barbara. You can also grab the itinerary cheatsheet below!
