Santa Barbara County Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and local customs of Santa Barbara County, California with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Santa Barbara County
- List of Places to Visit in Santa Barbara County
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Barbara County
- Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara County: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Barbara County
- Food and Drink Scene of Santa Barbara County
- Where to Stay in Santa Barbara County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Santa Barbara County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Santa Barbara County
- Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara County
- Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Barbara County
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Santa Barbara County: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Santa Barbara County
- Where to Go Next from Santa Barbara County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Santa Barbara County
Nestled in the heart of the Central Coast of California, Santa Barbara County offers a wealth of exciting experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for cultural attractions, natural wonders, outdoor adventures, or simply a place to relax and unwind, Santa Barbara County has something to offer.
List of Places to Visit in Santa Barbara County
If you’re planning a trip to Santa Barbara County, here are some of the must-see attractions you shouldn’t miss:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art
- Santa Barbara Historical Museum
- Mission Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
Natural Attractions of Santa Barbara County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Santa Ynez Mountains
- Channel Islands National Park
- Refugio State Beach
- Arroyo Hondo Preserve
- Butterfly Beach
Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Barbara County
For outdoor enthusiasts, Santa Barbara County offers a range of hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best:
- Cold Spring Trail
- Romero Canyon Trail
- Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
- Jesusita Trail
- San Marcos Pass Trail
Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara County: Activities and Tours
From wine-tasting to whale-watching, there are plenty of exciting activities and tours to enjoy in Santa Barbara County. Here are some of our favorites:
- Wine-tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley
- Whale-watching tours
- Visiting local farmers markets
- Exploring the downtown area
- Taking a sunset cruise
Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Barbara County
If you have a week to explore Santa Barbara County, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santa Barbara, explore downtown area |
| Day 2 | Visit Mission Santa Barbara, tour historic homes in Montecito |
| Day 3 | Take a wine-tasting tour of the Santa Ynez Valley |
| Day 4 | Go hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains |
| Day 5 | Spend the day at Refugio State Beach |
| Day 6 | Visit Channel Islands National Park |
| Day 7 | Take a sunset cruise and enjoy dinner by the beach |
Food and Drink Scene of Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is known for its thriving food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Santa Maria-style barbecue
- Fresh seafood
- Local produce, such as avocados and strawberries
- Chumash bread
- Tri-tip beef
Local Beverages
- Wine from the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley
- Craft beer from local breweries
- Freshly squeezed citrus juices
- Margaritas
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, there are plenty of places to stay in Santa Barbara County. Here are some top picks:
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara: A luxurious beachfront resort
- Hotel Santa Barbara: A historic hotel in the heart of downtown
- HI Santa Barbara: A budget-friendly hostel for backpackers
- San Ysidro Ranch: A romantic hideaway in the mountains
- The Fess Parker: A family-friendly hotel with beach access
What to Buy in Santa Barbara County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, here are some options:
- Handmade pottery and ceramics
- Santa Barbara lavender products
- Local wines and craft beer
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Surf and beach gear
Local Culture and Customs of Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by the native Chumash tribes as well as Spanish and Mexican settlers. To fully appreciate the local culture, visitors should:
- Respect the land and natural resources
- Learn about the local history and traditions
- Support local businesses and artisans
- Participate in cultural events and festivals
Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara County
The best time to visit Santa Barbara County is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Summer can be crowded and hot, while winter can be rainy and chilly.
Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Barbara County
Do:
- Explore the local wineries and breweries
- Visit the historic missions and museums
- Spend time outdoors hiking or at the beach
- Shop at local farmers markets and artisan fairs
- Dine at local restaurants featuring fresh seafood and produce
Don’t:
- Litter or damage local natural resources
- Disrespect local customs and traditions
- Overindulge in alcohol or drugs
- Leave valuables unattended
- Ignore warning signs or beach closures
Safety and Health
Safety in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is a relatively safe destination, but visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:
- Lock your car and keep valuable items out of sight
- Don’t leave belongings unattended on the beach
- Use caution when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities
- Be aware of your surroundings and follow posted warnings
Health in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County has a high quality healthcare system with several hospitals and clinics. Visitors should:
- Have a comprehensive travel insurance policy
- Get vaccinated before traveling if necessary
- Bring necessary prescription medications
- Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
Getting to Santa Barbara County: Transportation Options and Logistics
Santa Barbara County is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane. Here are some options for getting to and around the area:
Airports Near Santa Barbara County
- Santa Barbara Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- Burbank Airport
Bus Stations Near Santa Barbara County
- Santa Barbara Transit Center
- Greyhound Bus Lines
Other Options
- Amtrak train service
- Car rental companies
How to Get Around in Santa Barbara County
The easiest way to get around Santa Barbara County is by car, but there are also several public transportation options available, including:
- Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses
- Santa Ynez Valley Transit (SYVT) buses
- Amtrak trains
Where to Go Next from Santa Barbara County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re looking to explore more of the Central Coast, here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:
- Solvang: A charming Danish village
- Ojai: A bohemian artists’ enclave
- Big Sur: A dramatic stretch of coastline
- Hearst Castle: A historic mansion and grounds
- Monterey: A scenic coastal city with a world-famous aquarium
Conclusion
Santa Barbara County truly has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and thriving food and drink scene, this Central Coast destination is not to be missed.
