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Santa Barbara Activities & Attractions

Explore the Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Discover the best things in Santa Barbara! From beaches to wine tasting, family fun – explore top local activities near our vacation rentals. Santa Barbara is known as “The American Riviera” for a reason — and when you stay with Haller Coastal Homes, you are perfectly positioned to explore it all. From the palm-lined beaches of West Beach and the scenic Miramar coastline to the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this coastal paradise is full of unforgettable experiences just minutes from your vacation rental.

Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway, Santa Barbara offers something for everyone. Discover iconic attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo, the historic Mission, and Stearn’s Wharf. Wander through the Funk Zone’s local art galleries and tasting rooms or rent bikes and cruise along Cabrillo Boulevard for sunset views you won’t forget.

Looking for family-friendly activities? Check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, paddle board from West Beach, visit the giraffes with a gorgeous beach backdrop at the Santa Barbara Zoo  or spend the day exploring tide pools. For active travelers, hiking Inspiration Point or Cold Spring Trail rewards you with sweeping views of the Pacific and coastline.

Our local recommendations don’t stop there. We’ve curated a collection of Santa Barbara’s best attractions and experiences right here on our site — and we include our favorite picks inside each vacation rental for easy access during your stay. From beach days and boutique shopping to food tours, wine country excursions, and unforgettable outdoor adventures, there’s always something new to explore.

Santa Barbara Mission

Probably Santa Barbara’s most famous attraction, the beautiful Santa Barbara Mission was founded in 1786 and is considered the “Queen of the missions.” It is home to a community of friars and has an active parish. Visit the museum and gift shop and explore 12 acres of peaceful gardens.
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10 Best Beaches

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Santa Barbara’s beaches as one of the main attractions. After all, this is the American Riviera. Unmatched natural beauty abounds and there is no shortage of beach spots to surf, tan, shop and relax. Check out this list of 10 of the best beaches in Santa Barbara.
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Moxi, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

This hands-on museum is a hit with kids and an ideal spot to take young, inquisitive minds for an afternoon of interactive experiences in science and creativity. The museum calls itself a space for fun first and where learning happens in the process.
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State Street Shopping and Restaurants

No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a stroll – or many – down State Street. Shop, grab lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants, enjoy an ice cream cone and while you leisurely walk down this pedestrian friendly street that finishes at the beach.
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Stearn’s Wharf

Where State Street finishes, Stearn’s Wharf begins. There is an abundance of activities on the pier to enjoy, from light fishing, shopping, wine tasting, restaurant-going, and of course, enjoying the breathtaking coastline views. Make time to visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History – Sea Center, located right on the pier.
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Resort Pass - Day Passes at Hotels

Looking to spend a day at a resort pool nearby? Discover Resort Pass! Enjoy amenities at a top resort, then retreat back to your own vacation rental to relax. Download the App!
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Landshark Tours – 90 minute land and sea adventure

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Santa Barbara, you’ll no doubt have witnessed the Land Shark driving down State Street full of happy party-goers on their way back from a 90-minute land and sea tour. This amazing boat/vehicle has the ability to go on both water and sea and is a popular activity for private parties.
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Santa Barbara Natural History Museum

Visit the museum that Albert Einstein visited himself and said, “I can see that this Museum has been built by the work of love.” Founded in 1916, these beautiful grounds aim to connect people to nature. It covers all aspects of natural history, from mammals to marine life, astronomy to paleontology and more.
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Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Home to 27,000 works of art, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art even includes classical antiquities and Impressionist masterpieces rivaled by few other museums on the West Coast. Art lovers will appreciate the museum shop where one can buy art replicas, jewelry, books and more. There’s also a museum café.
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Santa Barbara Bowl

Whether you’re with your sweetheart, friends or chaperoning your youngster to their first rock concert, an evening at the Santa Barbara Bowl is one to remember. This outdoor amphitheater offers an unforgettable night of music under the stars and hosts some of the world’s most famous musicians. Check out the website for show listings and dates.
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Skater’s Point

Santa Barbara indeed has something for everyone – skaters included. Skater’s Point is right on the beach and is free! There is no vertical ramp but there is a small bowl. Check out Skate Saturday’s, which are Saturday morning hours when kids 12 and under have the park to themselves.
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Santa Barbara Zoo

Famous the world over, the Santa Barbara Zoo is known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos. Located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens across the street from the ocean, it is home to more than 500 animals.
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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is considered a living museum. They offer docent-led tours for a relaxing and refreshing afternoon of enjoyment spent on the Garden’s 78 acres filled with the diversity of California’s diverse flora.
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10 Best Day Hikes

Enjoy a day hike through the Santa Ynez Mountain trails with vistas of the ocean on the horizon. Our backyard offers a range of hiking trails for the seasoned or novice hiker. Get in your uphill workout or opt for an easy-going hike and enjoy a picnic.
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Santa Barbara Tasting Tours – Food Tours in Downtown SB & Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours

Eat and drink your way through Santa Barbara; you’re on vacation! These intimate tasting tours offer guests a glimpse into the town’s best cafés, bakeries and eateries. Foodies will love the options: Choose from Downtown food tours, wine tours or a Funk Zone food tour where guests explore off the beaten path food outlets in the hip corner of Santa Barbara.
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