Santa Barbara

Tempting beaches, world-class wineries, and lush greenery are just some of the amenities boasted by this surprisingly small town.

Santa Barbara has a reputation for attracting the wealth of California—one that’s likely perpetuated by the large number of beautiful homes here. Stroll down the beach or drive just outside downtown and you’ll find plenty to admire. The truth is, the locals are more down-to-earth than you’d expect. They’re here for the same reasons you are: convenient and artful shopping, a body of water to play in, and some green spaces in which to find Zen. All these things just happen to be located near some of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific, the forested Sant Ynez Mountains, and a particularly charming main street.

If you’re not sure what to do in Santa Barbara, just follow the locals and dive right in. Dig your toes in the white sand at East Beach and take that selfie with a backdrop of postcard-perfect palm trees. Grab your board and hang ten in the water, or skim across it on a quest to spot migrating whales. It’s all good here.

When you’re ready to come into port, make your next stop downtown. Stroll up and down State Street to get the best of Santa Barbara. Stimulate your brain with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Historical Museum, or Karpeles Museum. You’ll also find stellar places to eat in Santa Barbara on the main drag. Ask your server to fill your glass with the area’s best vintages. There are so many, you’re sure to find the perfect flavor profile to match a dish of local seafood or authentic Mexican dishes. Out of things to do in Santa Barbara? That just means it’s time to do a little shopping. Lucky for you, there’s plenty of that on State Street too.

Where can you find plenty of Santa Barbara vacation packages? Right here on Travelocity, of course. Book yours today and discover for yourself what the locals already know.

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara

What county is Santa Barbara in?

Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara County, and is the county seat. There are an additional 14 cities in the county.