Vacation season is upon us, and Santa Barbara is a top destination for tourists in California and across the globe! Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for you looking to enjoy pristine beaches, beautiful weather, and amazing restaurants. With sweeping views of the immaculate Mediterranean and Spanish-revival architecture, you can experience one of the best cities the West Coast has to offer. After living in Santa Barbara for 7 years, we have taken many visiting friends and family on a tour of our beloved Santa Barbara. As a result, we have crafted the perfect Santa Barbara travel guide for anyone looking to enjoy the city for the first time!
Compared to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan towns like San Diego or San Francisco, Santa Barbara is an idyllic coastal city meant for cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway on your way to an easygoing day trip to East Beach or the Santa Ynez Mountains. Santa Barbara sees over 300 days of sunshine annually, allowing you to enjoy the fascinating natural history, fresh seafood and wine scene, and the adventure and beauty of this American Riviera.
This oceanside paradise has everything you could ask for in a perfect getaway. No matter your interests, Santa Barbara has something for everyone. The best part is, with this Santa Barbara travel guide, everything you need for your ultimate vacation is in one place. Here, you can discover the adventures you’ll go on, the cuisine and wine you’ll enjoy, the resorts you’ll lounge within, and the weather you’ll bask in. Come see what Santa Barbara is all about and enjoy a relaxing yet lively getaway!
Where to Eat In Santa Barbara
Whether you’re in need of a quick brunch at a walkable café or a sit-down seafood extravaganza, there are many eateries to choose from in Santa Barbara. We have selected a handful of stellar locations for you below! If you’re staying somewhere with your own kitchen, you can also take advantage of the fresh produce and artisan treats available at Santa Barbara Farmers Market.
SB Fish Market
With Santa Barbarba’s long history as a fishing port, there is no surprise the city has amazingly fresh seafood. Santa Barbara is known for ‘Santa Barbara Uni,” which is essentially the gonads of sea urchins. While it may sound a bit scary to try, uni has long been considered a delicacy with its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet and salty taste.
SB Fish Market is one of the best places to get fresh Santa Barbara uni as well as other sushi-grade fish. You can either get a uni tray for $20 or live uni, which comes in the iconic, dark purple shells of the sea urchin. While you are there, you should also get a tray of sashimi-grade salmon, tuna, shucked oysters, and even scallops.
The seafood is fresh, and you can take a short walk to the beach to enjoy your incredible meal. If you are a student, you can also get a 10% off discount, so be sure to bring your student IDs.
For those who are celebrating a holiday in Santa Barbara, be sure to check to see if SB Fish Market has any holiday specials. They often have unique offers, such as a $50 heart-shaped sashimi platter for Valentine’s Day.
Oku
When it comes to stunning views of the beach, Oku is the best in the city. Oku is a high-end Asian-fusion restaurant serving such, cocktails and Asian fashion dishes. Their nigiri menu includes classics such as toro, ikura, sake, tako, and more. You can also get a few of their specialty rolls, such as the crazy rich Asians roll, which has tempura lobster, A-5 Japanese Miyazaki wagyu beef, and truffle oil. It is best to make a reservation at sunset and make sure to get rooftop seating for a perfect view of the Santa Barbara beachside sunset.
Cajé
Before you hit the town or lounge by the beach, be sure to stop by Cajé, a local Santa Barbara coffee shop with multiple locations and fresh daily brunch options. Here, you’ll find a light, open space full of sunlight, house-made milks and syrups, elevated drinks and food options, and impeccable service. Oh, and by night? A hidden speakeasy that swaps out coffee and matcha for specially crafted cocktails and wine. This place truly is one of a kind.
Some other notable coffee spots include Handlebar Coffee, Dune Coffee Roasters, The Daily Grind, LOKUM, and Santa Barbara Roasting Company. Learn more about the best coffee shops and cafés in Santa Barbara here.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
The best way to start your morning or end your evening is with Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Since they don’t take reservations, you’ll want to arrive early to score a seat on their terrace facing the sea to enjoy sunrise or sunset! With locally sourced ingredients, excellent service, and exquisite plates and drinks, this oceanside haven is the perfect place to unwind.
Brophy Bros
This local, family-owned restaurant boasts views overlooking a marina and some of the best seafood around. Brophy Bros is a casual, lively place with friendly staff and a full bar. The portions are sizable, and the food itself is a source of warmth and comfort on a cooler day. When the weather is beautiful (which is most of the time), make sure to get outdoor seating which looks out at the Santa Barbara harbor.
Shoreline Cafe
We consider Shoreline Cafe a bit of a hidden gem. Located a little further out from the main Downtown SB area, Shoreline Cafe is an adorable beachside cafe that is quite literally on the beach! This is our favorite of the beachside seafood cafes and it serves some of the most amazing, classic cheeseburgers in the city. If you want to enjoy comfort food and classic seafood dishes like muscles and fried calamari, this is the place to be.
Loquita
This authentic Spanish restaurant prides itself on exquisite plating and taste to match! Situated on a cozy street corner, Loquita’s large space accommodates many visitors in both its upscale yet homey indoor space and its warmly lit Castilian patio. Some of their most popular dishes include Spanish octopus and paella. As a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant, the flavorful tapas and delightful atmosphere provide a memorable dining experience.
The Empty Bowl
Nestled in the Santa Barbara Public Market, Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar offers delicious Thai food, including sharable bites, salads, noodle soups, and noodles. One of their most popular dishes is their Khao Soi, which is a Northern Thailand curry noodle dish that is rich, creamy, and slightly spicy.
If you go during the weekday, you can try some of their iconic specials like Thai fried rice, beef shank panag curry, and pad see ew. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch outing or a perfect comfort food takeout place, this humble bar is your ideal choice; it also offers a selection of beer and wine and can make your food according to most dietary restrictions!
Toma Restaurant & Bar
Toma Restaurant and Bar is the top-booked restaurant in Santa Barbara and for a good reason! Take a sunset stroll on the beach before crossing the street to step foot into this romantic, quietly elegant atmosphere, where a versatile menu of seafood and Italian, Mediterranean, Contemporary, and Tuscan foods will greet you. With a decadent selection of fine dining, desserts, and alcohol, this spot is perfect for date night while visiting Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Craft Ramen
Widely regarded as the best ramen in Santa Barbara by locals and visitors alike, Craft Ramen offers huge, steaming bowls of flavorful ramen, and they recently added sushi to the menu as well! Whether you choose to sit at the lively little bar or on the outdoor patio, you’re sure to enjoy your meal.
Some favorites include the signature Craft Ramen dish, the Red Ramen, and the Black Ramen, all of which are vibrant, hearty options. They also have a veggie ramen if you don’t eat meat. If you happen to be in Goleta, which is just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara, you can also try Nikka ramen, which is owned by the same people. Nikka has many of the same dishes, and they use the same noodles.
How to Get Around Santa Barbara
In truth, Santa Barbara is a beloved small town. It encompasses under 20 square miles of land, yet many people call the city home. Although it is a very walkable city, there are plenty of ways to get around Santa Barbara as you continue to check off your busy itinerary!
Bus
The bus is a safe, easy, and affordable way to get around Santa Barbara. An MTD day pass costs $6, and a 10-ride pass is around $12 for adults. Many college students use the bus, as it’s a quick and safe way to get to the downtown area and other destinations. And if you’re only looking for a quick bus ride to one location, a one-way fare is just $1.75!
Bike
A bike ride across the Californian coast is a dreamy scene out of a movie, let alone a reliable and fun transportation method. Santa Barbara’s beautiful weather allows for bike use year-round, and it’s a sure way to enjoy the sweeping views of beaches and mountains. In addition, the city is very bike-friendly. BCycle electric bike rentals and Wheel Fun rentals both offer electric bikes available at various stations or docks throughout the city. Wheel Fun Rentals also rents four-person bikes, which are fun for groups of friends or families who want to explore Santa Barbara by bike.
These services are perfect for exploring the area and seeing the sites. You’re actually able to bike to most attractions; for example, you can enjoy a leisurely ride down State Street from Stearns Wharf to Old Mission Santa Barbara.
There are also many bike trails perfect for anyone from beginners to experts who are looking to visit Santa Barbara. Cabrillo Bike Path is the most popular option, running from Leadbetter Beach to Butterfly Beach and boasting a flat, easygoing trail. For more experienced bikers, try the Obern Trail to Goleta Beach Park or Mesa to Hendry’s Beach. Eilings Park also offers 9 miles of trails, and the classic trail from the Santa Barbara coast to Ventura has stunning views of the ocean and various beach towns. Just start at Leadbetter Beach and follow the path toward Stearns Wharf!
Walk
Santa Barbara has a walkable score of 89/100, so most everyday errands can be accomplished on foot. It is easy and pleasant to walk this west coast city and enjoy all it has to offer. However, if you’re looking to save time as you navigate your packed itinerary, bussing and biking are excellent alternatives. No matter what method you choose, as long as you can enjoy the natural history sites, world-class vineyards, breathtaking mountains, sparkling beaches, ample shopping, and general splendor, you’re golden!
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara boasts hotels and inns of all kinds, ranging from quaint and comfortable to spacious and luxurious. No matter your preference, you’ll find that Santa Barbara’s accommodations are all ideally located in this stunning coastal city. You’re never far from the nearest beach, mountain, or central hub!
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
At any Hilton, the service and cleanliness are top-notch. The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a prime example of this–plus, you’re delightfully situated across from East Beach on a 24-acre beachfront resort with a tree-lined pool, well-kept tennis courts, and on-site wine tastings. With a range of prices and rooms to choose from, this trusted hotel always provides a memorable getaway. It is also just one mile from the Funk Zone district, which has many cafés and restaurants, including Dart Coffee Co., Mony’s Mexican Food, The Lark, and Loquita.
Cabrillo Inn at the Beach
If you’re looking for easy beach access and quaint, cozy accommodations, the Cabrillo Inn at the beach is a delightful and affordable option for you and yours. With a heated outdoor pool, two second-floor ocean-view sundecks, and 40 ocean-view rooms, this inn is a constant sunny getaway no matter the season. It also offers Spanish Vacation Cottages for extended stays with charming fixtures and historical Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture. Some excellent nearby eateries include Convivo Restaurant and Bar, Reunion Kitchen & Drink, Stella Mare’s, and Toma Restaurant and Bar.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Wherever you find a Ritz-Carlton, you are sure to also find stunning views, endless adventure, incredible cuisine, and tranquil amenities: the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara is no exception. Tucked onto 78 acres of this coastal city, this luxury resort boasts spacious suites, three infinity-edge pools, direct access to two beaches, and a 42,000-square-foot spa. The panoramic Pacific Ocean views and impeccable service are just a couple of highlights, but be prepared to splurge for access to this impressive resort! Although you may not want to leave the resort, you’ll find splendid cafés and restaurants nearby, such as Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro, Bouchon, and Masa Verde.
Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
This hacienda-style getaway sports light and airy accommodations overlook West Beach and have local access to many landmarks and attractions. Such a premier setting is surely worth the premier price at Hotel Milo, where the staff prides themselves on their ability to ensure you connect to your incredible surroundings… and disconnect from the world beyond.
Whether you want to take surf lessons in the crystal waters, tour a renowned vineyard, hike through the looming nearby mountains, or explore the town with this hotel’s complimentary Priority Bike beach cruisers, you’re in the right hands at Hotel Milo. You can also visit some brilliant eateries like Jeannine’s at the Shore, Pearl Social, Goat Tree, Toma Restaurant and Bar, and Loquita.
Harbor View Inn
Harbor View Inn is a 4-Diamond luxury resort with an array of oceanfront accommodation options and prices. Dotted with countless palm trees and regal furnishings, this inn rests between countless attractions, beaches, and entertainment options, satisfying each desire of the ultimate vacationer in a way few places can. At the Harbor View Inn, you definitely won’t miss home. The food options are exquisite, with nearby establishments such as Jeannine’s at the Shore, Helena Avenue Bakery, Finney’s Crafthouse, Oku, and The Lark.
Santa Barbara Inn
Often considered one of the best hotels in Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Inn is a stunning hotel located just two minutes away from the beach. This Beachfront hotel has old Spanish vibes, beautiful views, and plenty of amenities, including cabanas, a jacuzzi, a pool, a swim-up bar, and a tennis court.
The Convivo restaurant is also located at the Santa Barbara Inn, and it is a popular, high-end Italian restaurant. Here, you can try classic Italian dishes such as guinzaglio, lamb meatballs, and lemon ricotta cappellacci.
Things to Do In Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a magical escape from the real world, but by no means is there a lack of adventure! From the obvious beach and mountain escapades to the lesser-known cultural attractions and renowned wine-country wonderlands, you’ll want to pack in a plethora of activities.
Try McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without getting a scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream. McConnell’s has been a Santa Barbara staple since 1949 when it was founded by a husband and wife team.
Gordon “Mac” and Ernesteen McConnell created launched their first store in Santa Barara after noticing that most dairies and creameries swapped their natural ingredients for artificial flavors and coloring. They instead decided to create ice cream the right way, only using local, grass-grazed milk and seasonal ingredients.
This family-owned ice cream shop became a huge success and was passed down for many generations. It quickly became a Santa Barbara institution and a must-visit destination for tourists.
Many decades later, people are still coming from all over to enjoy scoops of McConnell’s ice cream. With flavors like pistachio & almond biscotti, chocolate-covered strawberries, and Eureka lemon & marionberries, there is definitely a flavor for everyone!
Go Whale Watching
Experience Santa Barbara ocean life up close with The Condor Express’s whale watching tour. These tours are generally between 2-4 hours long, and you can take them any time of the year! On this tour, you will cruise through the Channel Islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel) and look for whales that are migrating or feeding in their ‘feeding zone.’ During your cruise, you will likely also see sea lions, dolphins, birds, and other wildlife.
Here are the various types of whales you can see throughout the year.
Winter and Fall – look for Southbound grey whales, humpback whales, and even killer whales. Winter and Fall are often considered the most beautiful times to go whale watching.
Spring – look for gray whales migrating from Alaska to Baja California
Summer – you can see humpback whales and blue whales feeding in the channels.
While this tour is a fun and exciting boat ride on its own, if you happen not to see any whales during your tour, The Condor Express will give you a free ticket for the next time.
Party on a Land Shark
See all of Santa Barbara from the land and the sea with a ride on the Land Shark! The Land Shark is a popular tourist attraction that doubles as a boat and a tour bus. This exciting guided tour is 90 minutes and will take you through all the must-see spots in Santa Barbara. Each ticket is $45 for adults and $30 for children under 10 years old.
The Land Shark is also available for private charter. It is especially popular among partiers college students. Private charters are available for groups with up to 40 people, and they cost $1,700 for 2 hours. These tours can be fully customized, and each vehicle has a sound system and party lights to make the experience one to remember!
Catch a Show at the Granada Theatre
Santa Barbara’s Granada Theatre is a stunning, historic theater that hosts many performing arts concerts throughout the year. Before visiting Santa Barbara, it is always a great idea to check the schedule and see if you can catch a dance performance, orchestra concert, or play. This theater was built in 1924 and is beautifully opulent with a gold and red-themed interior. With the theatre located on State Street, there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby that are open late, so you can grab a bite or drink after the show.
Visit the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show
Will you be in Santa Barbara on a Sunday? If so, you must check out the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts show. This art show has hundreds of booths set up every Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and many local artists sell and display their art. With everything from pottery to jewelry and painting, this arts and crafts show is a fun and unique activity. You can also get your steps in as you browse the art since the show is located on Cabrillo Boulevard and spans from Stearns Wharf all the way to Calle Cesar Chavez.
Follow the Urban Wine Trail
The Urban Wine Trail is a staple attraction for wine lovers and vino beginners alike. Choose from a staggering abundance of wineries like Au Bon Climat, Barbieri & Kempe Wines, Carr Vineyards & Winery, and more, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about in California wine countries. Just be sure to make reservations when necessary, and be prepared to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 for each winery tasting fee.
Go to The Beach
As a defining aspect of Santa Barbara’s beauty and allure, its beaches always exceed expectations. There are several incredible beaches you should visit while in Santa Barbara, including Butterfly Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach, East Beach, West Beach, Goleta Beach Park, Haskell’s Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Summerland Beach, and more. These beautiful beaches are some of the best ways to experience the iconic Santa Barbara sunset.
Learn more about Santa Barbara’s breathtaking beaches here.
No matter the beach, you’ll enjoy pristine white sand, sparkling blue Pacific Ocean waters, and various water activities. Since the city is on the central coast of California, it has ideal weather year-round, so you can enjoy these little havens at any time.
Visit Lotusland
With over 37 acres of thriving gardens and ornate architecture, Lotusland is a notable botanic treasure beloved by visitors and locals alike. It is widely recognized as one of the most breathtaking public gardens on Earth. Make a reservation to explore their jaw-dropping galleries and lose yourself in the wonder of nature.
Explore the Trendy Funk Zone and all its Street Art
Funk Zone is a bustling contemporary hub of restaurants, shops, cafés, tasting rooms, and galleries; it is the perfect day trip! With seemingly endless options for food, drink, and entertainment, it is a must-see section of downtown Santa Barbara within walking distance of East Beach. Even just a casual stroll through Funk Zone is entertainment in itself; enjoy colorful expanses of art that cover buildings and other structures as you window shop!
REnt an SB Buggie
SB Buggie is a fun and unique tour service in Santa Barbara, California. With the buggie you can see the entire city and enjoy the picturesque coastline. To rent a buggy from SB Buggie in Santa Barbara, the minimum age requirement for drivers is 21 years old. The passengers must be at least 4 years old. Additionally, helmets are provided free of charge and are required by law for all riders.
Go to the Santa Barbara Courthouse
This National Historic Landmark is situated in Downtown Santa Barbara and still operates as a working Courthouse. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse was completed in 1929, shortly after an earthquake struck the area in 1925, interrupting certain construction and damaging existing buildings in the process. The completion of this Courthouse helped redefine Santa Barbara’s new look as the city rebuilt, much of the surrounding area modeling itself after the Spanish Colonial Revival style of the Courthouse.
Shop State Street
In the heart of Downtown Santa Barbara, a 10-block pedestrian walkway carves out the region’s most notable entertainment and retail district. With no passing cars to worry about, a leisurely stroll down State Street is a perfect way to spend your afternoon or evening. Enjoy a number of outdoor dining experiences and local artisan markets, all on one street!
See the botanic gardens
The Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens is more than just a beautiful spot to traverse; it is the first botanic garden to focus solely on native plants. It was first established in 1926 with the aim of cohesively exploring the educational, scientific, and aesthetic aspects of gardens. Placed against a breathtaking backdrop of sunny blue skies and towering mountains, this is a must-see destination.
Catch the sunset from Stearns Wharf
Upon its completion in 1872, the Stearns Wharf became the longest deep-water Wharf between San Francisco and San Pedro. For many years, it served California’s South Coast passenger and freight shipping needs, but nowadays, people can enjoy specialty shops, restaurants, and fishing experiences along the edge of the wharf.
Santa Barbara Zoo
This zoo is open daily and is home to 146 species of insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. You’ll find the perfect family day trip at Santa Barbara Zoo; tickets are only $25 for adults and $15 for children between the ages of 2-12. However, reservations are required for general admission tickets, so be sure to book this event in advance.
Visit Old Mission, Santa Barbara
Old Mission is a living national historical landmark in Santa Barbara, and it welcomes everyone from around the world to congregate at this center for community, learning, and prayer. While you visit, you can learn about local history at the Mission Museum, take part in personal prayer at the Mission Church, roam the historic cemetery and mausoleum, or explore the lush gardens.
Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is comprised of 25,000 works of art, so you may want to set aside a day for this destination! Here, you will find pieces dating back more than 5,000 years, in addition to world-renowned exhibitions, original exhibitions, and intriguing educational programs. The classical antiquities on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art are only rivaled in the West by the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Take a day trip to wine country
The greatly acclaimed wineries and vineyards of Santa Barbara are no surprise, given the celebrated wine regions throughout California. If you can spare a day to experience one of the world’s finest destinations, Wine Country awaits. You will revel in a one-of-a-kind experience, complete with unmatched views, exquisite wine and food, and the wonderful company of fellow travelers. Choose from any of their experiences, and you’re sure to have a relaxing private 5-course luncheon or exclusive profile estate picnic and tasting! Check out our list of all the best wine-tasting rooms in Solvang.
Visit El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
With a thriving community and tourists, business comes hard work, and the SBTHP is no exception. This organization advocates heavily for preservation throughout its county to maintain a vibrant, diverse, connected community. You can participate in these goals by touring the museum, gardens, and countless other attractions SBTHP has to offer. Wherever your interests lie, SBTHP has something to tempt you!
Funk Zone Wineries
If Funk Zone didn’t already have enough to do, it is known for its generous selection of wineries. Once you have a map in hand and a group ready to explore, this excursion can take an entire half or full day. Wine selections like this only come along once in a lifetime, so peruse your options and get drinking!
Santa Barbara FAQS
When it comes to planning the perfect vacation, questions and concerns are a given. You should enter your vacation with no worries or further questions in mind. That said, our Santa Barbara travel guide has all of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Santa Barbara!
When is the best time to go to Santa Barbara?
The best times to visit Santa Barbara are from March to May or from September to November. Although the weather is fairly mild year-round, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, traveling in early spring or Fall is best if you want to avoid crowds and increased rates. Santa Barbara also has a beautiful summer, with weather ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s. If you’re planning on swimming and having a beach day, try to plan to visit during a warmer week.
Is it safe to travel to Santa Barbara right now?
Santa Barbara is an incredibly safe region to visit at all times. If there is one thing you don’t have to worry about in this city, it’s crime. If anything, the opposite is true; the Santa Barbara community is a welcoming, vibrant, and diverse center.
How to travel to Santa Barbara
There are a number of ways you can make your way to Santa Barbara for the trip of a lifetime! Amtrak train is a relaxing travel method, and the Santa Barbara Amtrak station is located in downtown Santa Barbara. It lets out two blocks away from the beach and just steps away from the Funk Zone, and with Santa Barbara’s relatively small square mileage, getting an Uber to your accommodations won’t be a problem. It is important to note that Amtrak can be an expensive option if you’re traveling from far away.
You can also Uber if you live close enough; however, this can also get pricy. Ultimately, the most cost-effective option is likely to fly into Santa Barbara airport. You could also fly into LA and drive a rental car into Santa Barbara, as the two cities are just a couple of hours apart.
Depending on where you live, some combination of flying and driving will probably be best in terms of cost and efficiency. However, if you are looking to travel in style or take your time and make some stops, the Amtrak is an excellent alternative! Learn more about transportation to Santa Barbara here.
How many days do you need to visit Santa Barbara?
Most people recommend staying at least three days to get your fill of Santa Barbara culture, sites, food, and wine. If you are adding a Santa Barbara trip onto an existing nearby trip, 2-3 days should be perfect. However, if you really want to delve into the city and take some day trips, 3-5 days are ideal.
If you are looking to extend your trip, you can also spend a day in Solvang, which is only a 40-minute drive away. Solvang is a Danish town that features incredible Danish bakeries, restaurants, wine-tasting spots, and Danish architecture. Check out our blog on things to do in Solvang for a full itinerary!
Where is Santa Barbara located?
Santa Barbara is an idyllic coastal city located in Santa Barbara County, California. Situated on the longest south-facing section of the western coastline in the United States, the glittering beaches are cradled by the Santa Ynez mountains, a steep portion of the Transverse Ranges in the Pacific Coast ranges. The Mediterranean-esque climate has led people to also refer to Santa Barbara as “The American Riviera.”
Santa Barbara is only two hours or 100 miles north of Los Angeles via U.S. Highway 101. It is also approximately 325 miles south of San Francisco.
Where does Santa Barbara airport fly to?
If you are looking to fly directly into Santa Barbara airport, note that the airport has over 20 nonstop flights daily on Southwest, United, American Airlines, and Alaska to 10 major destination hubs. You can see more information about this here to see if you can fly into one of these hubs before directly landing in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara airport is a small, yet beautiful airport located in Goleta. With little to no traffic in Goleta, and a small, easy-to-navigate airport, you can plan to arrive at the airport an hour or two before your boarding time.
