Santa Barbara Harbor is a bustling place where you can see fishermen selling their catch and people enjoying the waterfront views. You can also take a boat tour, visit the Maritime Museum, or rent a kayak to explore the harbor on your own.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The garden features over 1,000 species of native plants and a collection of walking trails that take you through different habitats.
Los Agaves is a vibrant Mexican restaurant with a casual atmosphere and flavorful dishes. The menu features traditional recipes from different regions of Mexico, as well as some fusion dishes. Don't miss the guacamole and margaritas!
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is an architectural gem that is both beautiful and functional. You can take a self-guided tour of the building, climb to the top of the clock tower for panoramic views of the city, or attend a concert or event in the Sunken Garden.
Stearns Wharf is a historic pier that offers a variety of activities, such as shopping, dining, and fishing. You can also visit the Ty Warner Sea Center to learn about marine life or take a sunset cruise to see the coastline from a new angle.
It is best to rent a car to explore Santa Barbara and its surroundings as public transportation is not very convenient. A car rental from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) costs around $50 per day and takes about 10 minutes to drive to downtown Santa Barbara.
If you have more time, you can visit other attractions such as the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Old Mission, or the Santa Ynez Valley wineries. If you have less time, you can skip one of the attractions and spend more time at the others. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and water, as the weather can be warm and sunny.
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is located 7 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara and has the airport code SBA. It is a small airport with several airlines offering flights to major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver. Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and shuttles.