Things to do

From miles of pristine coastline to rolling hills and vibrant city streets, Santa Barbara offers a wealth of free activities for every kind of traveler. Use this curated guide to make the most of your stay wallet-free.

Arts & Culture

Santa Barbara is a vibrant city that values its local art scene, as well as its Spanish heritage. All around the city you can find art galleries, architectural feats, culturally significant sites, and modern murals. Here is a quick list to help you track down some notable sites.

Historical Sites

Downtown you can find the famous Santa Barbara Courthouse, known for is stunning Spanish exterior and sunken gardens. Enjoy a free, self-guided tour throughout the building and its grounds, and even climb up to the top of the bell tower for amazing 360 degree views of the city and ocean below. Not far from the Courthouse, is the El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. Established in 1782, this site is a Spanish-built fort that gives visitors the chance to relive history. Further down the road on State and Victoria you can find a statue of Native American heroine Sacagawea. The Old Mission Santa Barbara is free to visit, and so are the rose gardens across the street.

Art Museums & Exhibits

On Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm you can enjoy free admission to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art where you can find collections of both modern and classic art. At the Santa Barbara Public Library you can find the latest local art exhibits on display. Every Sunday you can stroll along the beachfront walkway on Cabrillo Blvd and discover local handmade arts and crafts at the Arts & Crafts Show, and at the Taste Maker’s Market you can explore a gourmet pop-up market. Another market to check out is the Mujeres Makers Market, a monthly pop-up market that supports women of color vendors.

While you’re downtown, check out a prominent piece of art called the Chromatic Gate on the corner of Cabrillo Blvd near East Beach. These brightly-colored arches are set against the backdrop for the Pacific and make for a good photo-op. To see vibrant arts and murals, take a stroll through the Funk Zone, a hub for eclectic arts and businesses.

Architecture Tours

If architecture and history is your thing, you’ll want to take the historic Red Tile Walking Tour, a self-guided tour throughout historic downtown. The Jeff Shelton walking tour is a shorter, colorful tour that takes you to 5 iconic locations designed by the architect. Stearns Wharf is another great place to stroll and take in some of the best views of the city. Near State street on De La Guerra is El Paseo, or “street in Spain” where you can window shop and imagine you’re in a different place.

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

There are many beaches in Santa Barbara county to choose to spend your day at. Whether you seek an afternoon of sunbathing, a stroll along the shore, or a refreshing swim, all of these beaches are perfect for day well spent. Goleta Beach, Leadbetter Beach, and Devereux Beach are great for walking and exploring tide pools. Thousand Steps Beach and Mesa Lane Beach are both local secrets, while East Beach, Butterfly Beach, Arroyo Burro, and Summerland Beach are more popular and family friendly.

Surfing

If you brought your surf board, check out some of Santa Barbara’s well-known surf spots. For beginners try out Leadbetter Point off Cabrillo Blvd, and for more advanced surfers check out Sands Beach in Goleta, Hammond’s Reef in Summerland, or Rincon Point in Carpinteria. Find a comprehensive list of surf spots here.

Trails

Santa Barbara is full of trails that allow you to take it the beauty of the city from different perspectives. You can bike ride mountainous trails with stunning vistas, stroll along the boulevard to look out for wildlife, or even drive through the lush Santa Ynez mountains. We recommend leisurely rides along Cabrillo Blvd or Channel Drive, but you can find a list of Santa Barbara’s most popular biking trails here. Lots of locals recommend hiking as a must-do activity in Santa Barbara. Our favorite trails are Inspiration Point, Hot Springs Trail, and Romero Canyon. Here is a list of some more popular hikes in the area.

If you want a more relaxing experience, take a scenic drive to the Chumash archaeological site Painted Caves, cruise down Shoreline Drive along the coast, take in views of the coast on E Camino Cielo, or road trip through Foxen Canyon Road to experience the beauty of the Santa Barbara wine country.

Parks & Gardens

The Rose Garden at the Old Mission is one of the most popular gardens to visit and have an afternoon picnic. On the Riviera, Alameda Park has a Kids World Park for children play and climb, while Franceschi Park and Parma Park are large grassy areas with trails to explore. The Santa Barbara Orchid Estate has over 100 varieties of orchids to enjoy, Butterfly Grove in Goleta is popular for its monarch butterflies, and from June to July Clairmont Lavender Farm is in bloom. Enjoy a day trip to the Lompoc Flower Fields when they’re in bloom in the summer. For more recommendations of parks and gardens read our blog here.

Find more free activities here.

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, Montecito is a seaside enclave that feels like a well-kept secret, where coastal charm meets relaxed California luxury. From boutique-lined streets and 5-star dining to quiet hillside estates, there is plenty to discover in just a day’s worth of exploring.

Find a list of our vacation rentals located in Montecito at the end.

Coffee & Brunch

There is no shortage of charming cafés and breakfast eateries located throughout Montecito. If you’re looking for a quick coffee and snack to-go, we recommend trying Renaud’s Patisserie and Bistro, Bree’osh Bakery Cafe, and Honor Market all dotted across Coast Village Road. Down the street at the Montecito Country Mart, try Merci Montecito for delicious coffee and gluten free options and Caffe Luxxe for espressos and artisanal brews. In Montecito village we recommend Pierre Lafond or Montecito Coffee Shop. If you’re more of a smoothie and juice person, try the famous Blenders in the Grass or Juice Ranch Cafe.

For a sit-down brunch experience Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery is a local favorite complete with the cutest patio area on Coast Village Road. Lilac Montecito is a newer spot on the scene, great for European and Californian inspired dishes that are always gluten free. For a refined dining experience, try The Revere Room located inside the Rosewood Miramar Hotel.

Shopping

Coast Village Road is a shopping hub with tons of boutiques and galleries dotting its street. For women’s apparel you might try Whiskey + Leather, an eclectic spot for trendy and sustainable items, or even Montecito Collective, K. Frank, Johnny Was, Allora by Laura, or Angel Montecito, among many others. Civilianaire Clothing is a cool stop for American-made men’s and women’s apparel that features pieces inspired by Montecito and its local beaches. Besides clothing, you can find great jewelry pieces from places like Gorjana, and home decor at True Love Always, Legacy, and Lily. Keep an eye out for art galleries as well.

Nearby at the Montecito Country Mart you can find adorable boutiques like Poppy Marché, Dôen, and Hudson Grace. Even the Post Office here carries one-of-a-kind Montecito merchandise like tote bags and sweaters.

Lunch

After exploring the shops and boutiques of Montecito, settle in for some lunch at one of the town’s upscale bistros or sandwich stops. At the Country Mart Panino is renowned for their salads and sandwiches, while Alma Fonda Fina is great for Mexican cuisine. Honor Bar is loved for their Californian cuisine and is a great stop for a mid-day drink in the adirondack chairs along Coast Village Road. Next door, Honor Market makes great pizzas. Another great place to try is Los Arroyos for great Mexican food. For an upscale experience with an ocean view, stop by Miramar Beach Bar at the Rosewood.

Nature & Attractions

Montecito’s coastline is as serene as it is scenic. Butterfly Beach is the local favorite—perfect for a morning stroll, a mid-day sunbathe, or catching golden-hour views with the Channel Islands on the horizon. It’s just steps from the Four Seasons Biltmore, making it effortlessly elegant yet laid-back. For a quieter vibe, Hammonds Beach offers a more secluded shoreline, ideal for picnics or peaceful reflection by the waves.

Nature lovers will find no shortage of beauty in Montecito’s lush trails and garden escapes. Lotusland, a 37-acre botanical wonder, blends exotic gardens with artistic landscaping and is a must-see for plant lovers. For hikers, Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a local gem, leading to naturally warm pools tucked into the hills. And if you’re up for a short but scenic trek, the Ennisbrook Trail offers a shady, creekside stroll through oaks and sycamores.

Stroll through the historic Upper Village, where you’ll find artisan boutiques, local galleries, and cozy cafés. Architecture lovers will appreciate Casa del Herrero, a preserved 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival estate offering guided tours of its intricate interiors and gardens. Or, simply drive through Montecito’s winding, palm-lined lanes where sprawling estates and ocean views create a postcard-worthy backdrop.

Wine Tasting & Dinner

Stop in at Montecito’s only wine tasting room- Folded Hills Tasting Room. This wine bar serves up their finest blends, all hailing from their homestead near Santa Ynez.

Whether you’re looking for a meal to take home to your rental or a 5-start dining experience, Montecito boasts a plethora of restaurants that are sure to please everyone in your party. Some of our favorite fine dining eateries on Coast Village Road include Tre Lune (a classic Italian spot), Lucky’s (a famed steakhouse), Ca’Dario (authentic Italian), and Local Montecito (Californian cuisine). Clark’s Oyster Bar is a newer restaurant, serving coastal American classics and seasonal bounty from the Pacific ocean. Caruso’s at the Rosewood Miramar Beach is a Michelin-starred restaurant right by the ocean at Miramar Beach. It serves a seasonal farm-to-table menu, with fresh, local ingredients and beautiful views.

Montecito Rental Properties

Beachfront Bungalow

5 Guests | 2 Beds | 2 Bath

Learn More

Cielitomar

8 Guests | 4 Beds | 3 Bath

Learn More

Montecito Oaks

8 Guests | 4 Beds | 4 Bath

Learn More

Sweet Spot of Montecito

6 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

Learn More

The Cottage at Miramar

5 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

Learn More

The Mesa is a coastal neighborhood in Santa Barbara that perfectly embodies a laid-back beach lifestyle. Its name, derived from the Spanish word for ‘table,’ reflects the area’s broad expanse of land that stretches from the harbor to Arroyo Burro Beach, right along the ocean’s edge. This neighborhood offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility, with an abundance of peaceful outdoor spaces, all just minutes from the Funk Zone and downtown Santa Barbara.

Dive into the ultimate Mesa Neighborhood guide of shops, eateries, beaches, parks, and properties that showcase the best it has to offer – where coastal charm meets everyday convenience.

Shopping & Dining

Cliff Drive is the backbone of The Mesa, with most of its shopping plazas, restaurants, coffee shops, and neighborhoods branching off from it. The Mesa Shopping Center is dotted with lots of shops and local businesses, offering a convenient location to shop for all you might need. Lazy Acres is an upscale grocery market that features health-focused products and even local goods from Santa Barbara and Montecito. Not far away is Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone which is home to many art galleries and boutiques, and Paseo Nuevo is a little further away on State Street and is the main destination for shopping.

The Mesa is home to one of our favorite oceanfront dining spots – Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Located on the shores of Arroyo Burro Beach, known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, this restaurant is popular for brunch and dinner. Here you can enjoy an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere that specializes in fresh, locally sourced seafood and California coastal cuisine. Shoreline Cafe is another beachfront spot open for brunch and dinner, offering casual vibes and blend of Mexican and seafood fusion. If you’re looking for a quick snack, we recommend trying Blenders, a classic smoothie and juice staple in the community. Sam’s To Go is another community staple for sandwiches, and Lighthouse Coffee is a great cafe for your morning brew.

Beaches

Shoreline Park Beach is the largest in the area, found in the East Mesa Neighborhood near the city college. This is the perfect beach for day spent with family as it has restroom facilities, picnic benches, and a park nearby. Not only this, but it has lots of room for sand and water activities.

Probably the most popular beach in the area is Arroyo Burro Beach, or Hendry’s Beach. This lively beach is home to the Boathouse restaurant and is just below the Douglas Nature Preserve, nestling it amongst lots of nature trails. Here one can bask in the sun, try their hand at surfing, or just walk along the shore.

With the neighborhood lining the coast, there are many access points to beaches throughout the Mesa that are more low-key. Mesa Lane Beach is a secluded, narrow stretch of beach nestled below the West Mesa Neighborhood. At low tide one can enjoy soft sands for sunbathing, tide pools for exploring, and an area for dogs to roam off-leash. Mesa Lane Beach offers a serene, scenic escape.

Thousand Steps Beach is in the East Mesa Neighborhood and is a hidden gem located off Santa Cruz Boulevard. Also an off-leash beach for dogs, this beach is a great spot for water activities and long walks along the shore. Access the beach via the steep staircase built in the 1920s, which can also be considered your workout of the day!

Parks & Trails

Shoreline Park Beach is not only a great beach to visit, but has a large grassy expanse as well. The picnic tables, nearby Shoreline Cafe, and bike trails are perfect for a day spent outdoors with sweeping ocean views. Please note dogs are on-leash at the park, but allowed off leash on the west side of the beach.

Douglas Family Nature Preserve is a cherished 70-acre coastal park in the Mesa neighborhood, offering panoramic ocean views and a variety of recreational activities. Over three miles of trails meander through coastal sage, grasslands, and oak woodlands, providing stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot migrating monarch butterflies, various birds, and marine life from the bluffs.

For the more adventurous, Elings Park is a haven for paragliders, sports enthusiasts, and avid hikers alike. This park offers six tennis courts and 5 athletic fields, from a BMX track to even remote controlled car and airplane fields. Adding to the excitement, almost everyday you can catch a glimpse of paragliders taking off from this point. ALso, there are often large community events hosted here. Lastly, Elings Park is home to over nine miles of trails suitable for walking, biking, or equestrian riding.

Mesa Neighborhood Rental Properties

Mesa Sanctuary

6 Guests | 4 Beds | 2.5 Bath

Learn More

Mesa Beach Escape

6 Guests | 4 Beds | 2 Bath

Learn More

Santa Barbara Retreat

5 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

Learn More

Mesa Gem

8 Guests | 2 Beds | 2 Bath

Learn More

Mesa Jewel

6 Guests | 3 Beds | 1.5 Bath

Learn More

Adventures at Arroyo Burro

6 Guests | 3 Beds | 2 Bath

Learn More