One Day in Santa Barbara: A City Experience

  1. 9:00AM: Santa Barbara County Courthouse
    Located in Downtown Santa Barbara

    A beautiful building with a lot of history. Climb the bell tower for stunning panoramic views of the city and ocean.

  2. 11:00AM: Santa Barbara Museum of Art
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from the courthouse

    This museum houses a collection of European, American, and Asian art and often has interesting temporary exhibits.

  3. 12:30PM: Lunch at The Lark
    15 minutes (1.3 miles) from the museum

    One of the top restaurants in Santa Barbara, The Lark offers creative, farm-to-table cuisine in a trendy environment. Reservations recommended.

  4. 2:00PM: Santa Barbara Zoo
    10 minutes (3.2 miles) from The Lark

    A small but charming zoo with a variety of animals, including giraffes and elephants.

  5. 4:00PM: Shopping on State Street
    15 minutes (5 miles) from the zoo

    State Street is the heart of Santa Barbara's shopping district, lined with both local and national brands.

  6. 6:00PM: Dinner at The Hitching Post II
    45 minutes (30 miles) from State Street

    Featured in the movie Sideways, this restaurant offers delicious Santa Maria-style barbecue and an extensive wine list.

  7. 8:30PM: Starry Night at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
    15 minutes (6.5 miles) from The Hitching Post II

    Experience the beauty of the night sky through telescopes and learn about astronomy at this special Friday night event.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse (1.5 hours, free)
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1.5 hours, $10 admission)
  • The Lark (1.5 hours, $30+ per person)
  • Santa Barbara Zoo (2 hours, $20 admission)
  • Shopping on State Street (2 hours, varies)
  • The Hitching Post II (2 hours, $25 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $85+

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Santa Barbara Mission or hiking in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. If you have less time, skip the zoo and/or shopping on State Street.

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