Santa Barbara Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Santa Barbara, California - CA, USA)

Aside from Santa Barbara's natural beauty, the city itself hosts a variety of tourist attractions that are of historical and cultural interest.

Early Spanish influence is evident in many buildings, most notably the County Courthouse and El Presidio State Historic Park.

Santa Barbara's State Street and Stearns Wharf provide a glimpse of local happenings and tourist attractions, while the winery and museum offer a taste of the sophisticated side of Santa Barbara. Situated between the mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara is an attractive and fascinating destination for both American and international tourists.

El Presidio de Santa Barbara

Address: 123 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93101-2250, USA
Tel: +1 805 965 0093
El Presidio State Historic Park houses some of the only remains of original mission structures which are scattered along the coast of California. Dating from 1782, El Presidio was originally a military stronghold established by the Spanish and now houses Santa Barbara's oldest building, El Cuartel (the second-oldest building in the state), a historical museum featuring a small scale model of a Spanish colony. Guided tours are available.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 16:30
Admission: donation

Santa Barbara Winery

Address: 202 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93101-1806, USA
Tel: +1 805 963 3646
Located in downtown Santa Barbara, this winery produces all white varieties for the various local labels, the most notable blends including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah (a new red variety in the region). The mild climate and ocean breeze assist in creating a unique blend of grapes, as well as beautiful surroundings for the tasting room just two blocks from the beach and State Street. Attractions include guided tours of the distillery and barrel room, providing a sampling of the year's best assortments.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens

Address: 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93103, USA
Tel: +1 805 962 6310
The Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens are known to be one of America's best small zoos with over 600 animals including giraffes, gibbons, sea lions, exotic birds and elephants. Situated next to the ocean, the views are fantastic and the changing exhibits make this a frequently visited destination.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors; children under two free

State Street

Address: State Street, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93101, USA
State Street is the heart and soul of Santa Barbara with miles of boutiques, historic sites, plazas, theaters, cafés and eateries. The Old Town features many classic houses and unique restaurants, while Paseo Nuevo and La Arcada (malls) offer an extensive assortment of unique shops and services. The tree-lined strip is bisected by Stearns Wharf and also hosts the Santa Barbara Art Museum. Top tourist attractions here include the Electric Trolley, which travels the length of the promenade, and various recreational rentals, such as rollerblades, roller skates and bicycles.
Open hours: daily, business hours vary
Admission: free

Stearns Wharf

Address: Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California CA, 93101, USA
Completed in 1872 and touted as the longest deep water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara's most visited destination and California's oldest working wharf. The pier is home to a variety of specialty shops and fine dining venues, as well as docked cruise liners offering tours and fishing boats unloading the daily catch. Beautiful beaches stretch in either direction as the pier juts into the blue Pacific, providing dramatic views and striking sunsets.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free