Planning a one-day itinerary in Santa Barbara, California? I have got the guide for you!
I visited a friend over winter break in Santa Barbara and am itching to get back.
Located along California’s central coast, Santa Barbara is a popular day trip from neighboring towns like Los Angeles, Ventura, and Camarillo. Santa Barbara is an iconic, sometimes less-explored town due to its more famous neighbors.
There are so many fun things to do in Santa Barbara for couples, solo travelers, friends, and families. This lively town bursting with culture is just waiting to be explored on your next epic Santa Barbara day trip!
There is no shortage of reasons Santa Barbara is increasing in popularity and should be added to your California bucket list.
Some of the best things to do on a one-day Santa Barbara itinerary are Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center, Santa Barbara beaches, Old Mission Santa Barbara, Lobero Theater, and a quick local hike.
Santa Barbara 1-Day Itinerary
1. Stearns Wharf
Begin your day at the beautiful Stearns Wharf. It’s the longest wharf between Los Angeles and San Francisco!
Take a stroll along Santa Barbara’s famous pier, enjoy postcard-worthy views, or grab a bite at one of many small restaurants along its boardwalk.
The boardwalk itself is relatively small, so I recommend spending only one hour here. There is free access to a public bathroom house located along the pier.
Parking at the pier costs $1.25 per hour. You will get a ticket from the parking booth upon entering the parking lot and pay by providing the ticket booth cashier your ticket upon exiting.
2. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
When I first heard about the county courthouse, I was like, why would I visit a courthouse on vacation? Just wait!
The views outside, inside, and OVERLOOKING the city from above the Santa Barbara County Courthouse became my absolute FAVORITE in all of Santa Barbara!
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is my number one pick for a stop on a Santa Barbara day trip.
A security check is required to enter the building. There is no entrance fee.
⭐Popular Santa Barbara Hotels
3. Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center
Paseo Nuevo is an open-air shopping center in downtown Santa Barbara.
Visitors can browse stores, enjoy outdoor patios, and take in the Spanish-inspired architecture.
It’s a great spot for grabbing a bite, with several restaurants and cafes. The center is centrally located, making it easy to explore nearby attractions after shopping.
I recommend Paseo Neuvo because of its beautiful tiled steps and high-arched doors.
The architecture alone is reason enough to stroll through the Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center when visiting Downtown Santa Barbara!
4. Santa Barbara Beaches
After grabbing a bite to eat, relax at the beach.
East Beach and Stearns Wharf are among the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara.
Arroyo Burro Beach is known for being dog-friendly. Leadbetter Beach is popular for water sports like surfing and paddle boarding.
There is no limit to beach choices on a Santa Barbara day trip!
5. Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara provides one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic views, for free! The nearby rose garden leading up to the building is my favorite part.
Old Mission Santa Barbara was built in 1786 and serves as an active Parish church today.
⭐Popular Santa Barbara Tours
6. Lobero Theatre
The Lobero Theatre was built shortly before the 1925 earthquake hit, and survived. It is the oldest operating opera theater in California.
Simply stroll past its beautiful Spanish architecture or purchase tickets in advance to experience a show.
7. Santa Barbara Neighborhoods
One of Santa Barbara’s most highly rated neighborhoods is the Funk Zone. Comparable to Wicker Park in Chicago or Asheville in North Carolina, this eclectic and hip neighborhood brings a different side of Santa Barbara to life.
Montecito is most associated with its celebrity lifestyle. Admire humongous houses (that I myself will NEVER afford)
8. Santa Barbara Hiking
If you have extra time during your itinerary (and it’s not dark yet!), I highly recommend hiking near Santa Barbara. I hiked 15 minutes away in Ventura, California.
Explore Alltrails to learn more details about the most popular and off-the-beaten-path hikes in Santa Barbara.
Best Hikes near Santa Barbara
Rattlesnake Canyon– Hard- 4.5mi
Cold Spring Trail Loop– Moderate – 2.1 mi
Arroyo Burro Beach Loop– Easy – 1.3 mi
Conclusion
There are so many amazing things to do when spending one day in Santa Barbara!
The Santa Ynez Mountain Range sweeping over the Pacific Ocean makes this town picture-perfect.
Adding to its dramatic views are red-clay roofs and whitewashed walls signifying its historical Spanish architecture.
Can you tell I’m still enthralled by just how beautiful it is?
I can’t wait to hear about how you plan your Santa Barbara trip!
