Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara offers a little bit of everything and then some. If you’re seeking adventure, hike the trails of the Santa Ynez Mountains or kayak alongside sea lions in the harbour. If you wish to unwind, lounge on pristine sands, indulge in a world-class spa or stroll through lush gardens at Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens.
And Santa Barbara’s beaches? They’re calling your name. Surf, paddleboard, or just kick back with your toes in the sand. As the day winds down, make your way to Stearns Wharf for a sunset that’s pure magic.
For the history buffs and culture crew, Santa Barbara delivers. Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish colonial treasure from 1786, or climb the clock tower at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse for panoramic city views worth every step.
And if wine is your love language, you’re in luck. Santa Ynez Valley is just a short drive away, waiting for you to sip on world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at top-notch wineries. We’ll raise a glass to that.
San Francisco to Los Angeles via SLO CAL - With Oahu Beach Stay
San Francisco, Los Angeles & Hawaii 19 Days
- San Francisco
- Carmel Valley
- Pismo Beach
- Santa Barbara
- Los Angeles
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5+ Tickets & Activities
Accommodation
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Internal Flights
International Flights
- Best For:
- Road Adventures
- Beach Retreats
- Speciality Tours
- Best For:
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- Beach Retreats
- Speciality Tours
- San Francisco
- Carmel Valley
- Pismo Beach
- Santa Barbara
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South to North Cali Foodie Tour with Napa Wine Region
North & South California 19 Days
- San Diego
- Santa Barbara
- Monterey
- Napa Valley
- Sacramento
- + 8 more
- Accommodation
- International Flights
- Car Hire
- 5+ Tickets & Activities
Selected Meals
- Best For:
- Road Adventures
- Adult Friendly
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- San Diego
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Wines & Coastlines with Sophie Morgan - Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara
Vineyards & Coastlines with Visit California - Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara
- Los Angeles
- Santa Ynez
- Los Alamos
- Santa Barbara
- Accommodation
- Car Hire
- International Flights
- Best For:
- Beach Retreats
- Accessible Travel
- Speciality Tours
- Best For:
- Beach Retreats
- Accessible Travel
- Speciality Tours
- Los Angeles
- Santa Ynez
- Los Alamos
- Santa Barbara
- Accommodation
- Car Hire
- International Flights
Inn by the Harbor Santa Barbara Inn by the Harbor
Based on 966 reviewsInn by the Harbor Inn by the Harbor
- Charming Spanish-inspired boutique hotel
- Conveniently located just a few blocks from the beach
- Family-friendly hotel with various types of accommodations and amenities
- Complimentary continental breakfast and evening wine & cheese reception
- Complimentary beach cruiser bikes for exploring the area
- Best For: Beach Holiday, Family Holiday, Honeymoon, Multi Centre
Harbor View Inn Santa Barbara Harbor View Inn
Based on 1855 reviewsHarbor View Inn Harbor View Inn
- Exclusive access to Santa Barbara's pristine beaches
- Complimentary on-site parking for all guests
- Luxurious spa facilities for a full range of treatments
- Oceanfront rooms with panoramic views of the harbour
- Family-friendly programmes, amenities and activities
- Best For: Beach Holiday, Multi Centre, Twin Centre
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Santa Barbara Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Based on 4482 reviewsHilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- Stunning 24-acre beachfront resort
- Large outdoor pool and hot tub
- Multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars
- On-site wine tastings
- Spa
- Best For: 2027 Holidays, Beach Holiday, Multi Centre, Short Break, Twin Centre
Nature Track is a nonprofit organisation committed to making the outdoors accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. At the heart of NatureTrack’s accessibility efforts is Freedom Trax, a revolutionary...
The Santa Barbara Catamaran Sunset Cruise is an enchanting experience that promises tranquility, breathtaking views, and encounters with marine wildlife. Imagine setting sail on a Catamaran Sunset Cruise off the coast of Santa Barba...
The Santa Barbara Trolley Tour offers an immersive journey through the enchanting American Riviera. Step aboard a trolley for a 90-minute escapade blending history, beauty, and sheer delight through the sun-soaked streets of Sa...
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Santa Barbara Holidays FAQs
Santa Barbara Holidays FAQs
Santa Barbara Holidays FAQs
While it is not entirely necessary to have a car when visiting Santa Barbara, it will allow you greater freedom to explore the area and nearby vineyards. If you wish to hire a car, speak to our Travel Specialists, who can arrange your car rental tailored to your preferences and group size.
Santa Barbara is approximately 95 miles from Los Angeles.
Popular day trips from Santa Barbara include Solvang, Santa Ynez Wine Country, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, Santa Monica, and Los Angeles.
Santa Barbara offers a year-round destination with its sunny climate and warm, mild weather. Summer is peak beach season, although it’s also high season, which means more crowded and inflated prices. For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn may be the best of both worlds. Winter would be the best budget-friendly option, although it’s more rainy and is more cool.
Must-see attractions in Santa Barbara include Stearns Wharf, East Beach, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Superior Court of California County of Santa Barbara, The Funk Zone, and Leadbetter Beach.
Santa Barbara lies in the Pacific Time Zone, which is 8 hours behind the UK.
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