Your guide to Santa Barbara

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Just north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is an ultra-chill oasis for anyone seeking a restful getaway on the Pacific Coast. This city sums up what most people love about California, from its varied landscape to the farm-fresh food. Explore the Spanish Colonial architecture, forested hikes and urban wine scene. And if that all sounds too strenuous, you’ll do fine lounging on one of the city’s golden beaches. Our guide to Santa Barbara covers it all.

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Santa Barbara highlights

Spanish influences

Balmy weather, a sparkling shoreline and distinct architecture earned Santa Barbara the nickname ‘The American Riviera.’ The mark of Spanish settlers remains in the city’s white stucco buildings with red tile roofs. Soak up Moorish details on a stroll through Santa Barbara’s compact downtown, where landmarks of the style reside.

Locavore food scene

This city boasts a mighty food scene fed by the best fish, farms and wine grapes California has to offer. Expect to find local, seasonal ingredients on most restaurant menus. Look for flights and hotels to Santa Barbara in May, when the city holds Taste of Santa Barbara, a food festival inspired by famed chef Julia Child’s love of the local scene.

Where to stay

If you want quick access to beaches, shopping and dining, look to the hotels clustered around State Street. Santa Barbara’s main thoroughfare has a mix of five-star luxury and design-forward boutique hotels to choose from. For a more bohemian vibe, consider the appropriately named Funk Zone neighbourhood, home to a growing number of art galleries and indie storefronts.

Santa Barbara: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)
High season	June - August
Low season	December - February

Things to do in Santa Barbara

Places to eat

From high-concept prix-fixe menus to hefty burritos, Santa Barbara delivers California cuisine’s greatest hits. Explore State Street and the beachfront for upscale dining, views and craft cocktails. Wander Milpas Street to sample the city’s famous taquerias. For a taste of wine country without the drive, pop into one Santa Barbara’s many urban tasting rooms.

Beaches

From spectacular cliffs to calm, swimmable surf, Santa Barbara beaches offer a range of shoreside experiences. Popular East Beach is dotted with palm trees and amenities like volleyball courts and a kid’s play area. Dogs are welcome at bluff-ringed Arroyo Burro Beach (known locally as Hendry’s Beach). And picturesque Miramar Beach is a prime spot for sunsets and sunrises.

Family-friendly things to do

The city’s great gardens and museums help keep families busy during breaks from the beach. MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is known for its interactive displays, while the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is the perfect spot for a shaded walk and a picnic. Kid’s World, one of the city’s most loved playgrounds, will tire out restless kids.

FAQs about visiting Santa Barbara

What currency is used in Santa Barbara?

While on your stay in Santa Barbara, you'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for your expenses. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to avoid any hassles with payments.

What language is spoken in Santa Barbara?

English is what you can expect to speak and hear daily. From friendly greetings to colourful local lingo, you're sure to pick up some new phrases during your city break in Santa Barbara.

How many days do you need in Santa Barbara?

A three-day trip to Santa Barbara allows time to explore the beaches, sample local food and visit the city’s boutiques and galleries. On longer stays, opt for day trips to nearby regions like the Santa Ynez Valley.

How expensive is a trip to Santa Barbara?

Top-tier hotels and restaurants also come with top-tier price tags, especially the closer you are to the water. Bargains can often be found further inland. Free activities like hiking can mitigate the cost of accommodation. And flights and hotels to Santa Barbara may be cheaper during shoulder seasons.

What is the coldest month in Santa Barbara?

Plan your Santa Barbara trip for February and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 6ºC (43ºF) is as cold as the city gets.

Is it safe to visit Santa Barbara?

Your stay in Santa Barbara should be a worry-free experience, as the city is generally seen as safe. Still, you'll want to follow some commonsense precautions. Stay alert in crowded areas and ensure valuables like your credit cards and phone are safely tucked away. An anti-theft bag or money belt comes in handy no matter where you go.

What is the hottest month in Santa Barbara?

The hottest month in Santa Barbara is August, which sees highs of 29ºC (84ºF).

When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara?

Thanks to California’s famously sunny climate, Santa Barbara is a year-round destination, boasting reliable warmth and sunshine. The winter months do get cooler and may not accommodate all-day sunbathing. To avoid crowds, try visiting in autumn or spring.

Is Santa Barbara a good place to visit?

From Santa Barbara Zoo to Santa Barbara County Courthouse, this city is filled with experiences worth your time. Start the countdown to your next adventure by researching the best things to do in Santa Barbara.

What is the rainiest month in Santa Barbara?

With an average rainfall of 90 millimetres, December is the rainiest month to visit Santa Barbara. When the clouds roll in, head indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.