Attractions Nearby Santa Barbara, Day Trips and Excursions

(Santa Barbara, California - CA, USA)



With beautiful scenery and varied attractions, visitors to Santa Barbara won't be left longing for things to do. For a day outside Santa Barbara, there are numerous destinations worth visiting. Popular attractions and excursions close to Santa Barbara include picturesque waterfalls and hiking trails to a kitsch Danish village, an enormous vineyard and sandstone caves featuring Native American rock art.

Many of these attractions offer a quiet respite from Santa Barbara city life and provide stunning glimpses of the surrounding natural beauty.


Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

Address: Painted Caves Road, Santa Barbara, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 805 733 3713
This State Historic Park houses a sandstone cave covered with religious drawings by Chumash Native Americans, which date back to the 1600s. Situated in a serene canyon above Santa Barbara, the artwork within the rock shelter displays well preserved images of coastal fisherman.

Gainey Vineyard

Address: 3950 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, California CA, 93460, USA
Tel: +1 805 688 0558
Operating for over 40 years, the Gainey Vineyard encompasses nearly 1,000 acres / 400 hectares of rangeland, 600 acres / 240 hectares of farmland, 100 acres / 40 hectares of Arabian horse facilities and 100 acres / 40 hectares of vineyards. Attractions include the Spanish-style tasting room, which offers samples of wonderful local varieties and has picnic tables among the vineyard gardens, from where you can relax and enjoy the Santa Barbara wines. Tours of the winery and its various processing facilities are conducted daily at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge for wine tasting

Santa Barbara Channel

Address: Santa Barbara, California CA, 93101, USA
The Santa Barbara Channel offers picturesque views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Channel Islands and the city itself. Boats are available for charter at the harbor and attractions include giant California gray, blue, humpback, minke and killer whales, which are usually visible in these waters. Dolphins, porpoises, sea lions and seals are also plentiful and this is a fantastic way to spend a day relaxing atop the Pacific Ocean.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Solvang

Address: Solvang, California CA, 93464, USA
Solvang, the Danish capital of America, has long been heralded as one of the most beautiful small towns in the western US and is within easy reach of Santa Barbara. Filled with rustic charm, the old world architectural styles feature thatched and tiled roofs, and wrought iron handiwork. The flower lined streets are filled with unique boutiques with over 200 stores to browse through, while various restaurants offer traditional chocolates and baked goods, as well as coffee houses and beer gardens. Just outside of Solvang is the scenic Santa Inés Mission.

Seven Falls

Seven Falls is located in Los Padres National Forest and offers beautiful waterfalls, swimming holes, hiking trails and gorgeous sweeping vistas. Many popular trails cross over creeks, bridges and stunning waterfalls, with rocky pools inviting children and weary hikers to take a dip. The hikes are moderate (appropriate for children) and the scenic views of the entire bay are outstanding.

Stow House and Railroad Museum

Address: 304 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta, California CA, 93117, USA
Tel: +1 805 964 4407
Situated in a beautiful park close to Santa Barbara, Stow House is a sprawling two storey house that was built in 1873 and is the oldest frame house in Goleta Valley. Attractions on display within the house are period furnishings, old clothing, toys and various relics collected by the Goleta Historical Society. The nearby Railroad Museum, housed within the restored rail depot, features antique railroad artifacts, photographs and exhibits. The park is home to a 25-acre / 10-hectare lake with walking paths and picnic areas, and is a particularly serene destination.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday - 14:00 to 16:00, park open daily
Admission: free, donations welcome