Top 5 Tourist Spots in Santa Barbara: Must-See Attractions
When you think of California’s coast, it’s hard not to picture Santa Barbara. The red-tiled roofs, the rolling mountains behind the city, and the endless blue of the Pacific, it’s the kind of place that doesn’t just show up in travel brochures for no reason, it actually lives up to the hype.
Whether you’re into history, food, nature, or just a great glass of wine, the unique variety of Santa Barbara tourist spots have got you covered. Let’s jump into five spots you really shouldn’t miss when you visit.
A private wine tour in Santa Barbara
1. Discover Santa Barbara’s Private Wineries & Exclusive Estate Tastings
Wineries are one of the top tourist places in Santa Barbara, but they don’t have to be limited to public ones.
While Santa Barbara is well known for its incredible wines, those looking for more than the typical tasting room experience have other options while visiting.
Wine tours & tastings are anything but ordinary. This is why they’re a must-do tourist attraction in Santa Barbara! However, for a catered experience, rather than planning on visiting crowded public wineries, opt for a great wine tour instead!
Sustainable Wine Tours offers guests private access to some of the most beautiful, family-owned vineyards and boutique estates in the Santa Ynez Valley. These tours take you away from the bustle of the city and into the rolling hills where wine is made with care, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land.
Each tour is a behind-the-scenes experience where you’ll meet the winemakers and vineyard owners themselves, taste small-lot, handcrafted wines, and walk through the vines where it all begins. Many of these estates follow organic or biodynamic farming practices, ensuring that the wines you enjoy are produced sustainably and responsibly.
Tours are intentionally kept small with a maximum of eight guests. However, they can also be completely private if you opt for a private tour instead. Transportation is provided in a Tesla Model X or a luxurious Mercedes coach, making the journey as comfortable and enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy a gourmet organic picnic lunch, served outdoors in the stunning Santa Barbara wine country.
So, no standing at crowded bars or rushing through tastings! Instead, in this top choice among all the tourist places in Santa Barbara, you’ll enjoy seated, relaxed experiences that let you truly savor each wine and connect with the people behind it.
Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, this is the ultimate way to experience Santa Barbara’s world-class wines through private access, sustainable practices, and genuine hospitality.
Other Tourist Spots Worth a Visit
2. Stearns Wharf
No visit to Santa Barbara feels complete without a walk down Stearns Wharf. It’s been standing (well, with a few repairs over the years) since the 1870s.
As soon as you step onto the wooden planks, you’ll get that salty breeze and a view that makes you want to pull out your phone, but try to resist for at least a few minutes. Spend a moment just taking in this amazing part of the city before you snap some pics.
While locals come here for fresh seafood, especially the clam chowder bread bowls, tourists like to browse the little gift shops or grab some ice cream.
If you’re visiting with your kids or if you’re just a big kid at heart, the small Sea Center at the end of the pier is worth a look. Don’t miss a glimpse of an unreal sunset!
Note: Remember to bring a jacket, though, as the ocean breeze can get quite cool once the sun dips.
3. Old Mission Santa Barbara
Even if history’s not usually something that fascinates you, the Old Mission is one place that’s hard to skip. This place has been around since 1786! You walk up to it, and it won’t be hard for you to believe that this place has seen things from wars, earthquakes, and even a few Hollywood films.
Outside, there’s a rose garden that’s usually full of people picnicking or just lying in the grass enjoying the view. The inside is calm and cool, with beautiful arches and old religious art.
Pro tip: if you’re visiting in spring, the flowers are incredible. It’s also up on a bit of a hill, so you get a nice view of the city and ocean in the distance. Don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than you planned.
4. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Yes, it’s a courthouse, but the place rather looks like it belongs in a fairy tale or at least a European vacation!
The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is gorgeous, and the murals inside are unquestionably worth a look. Even the tiles on the stairs and benches are little works of art.
The clock tower is perhaps one of the best parts. You can go all the way up, and once you’re there, you’ll get a 360-degree view of Santa Barbara that’ll probably make its way to your Instagram story (if you’re into that). Even if you’re not, it’s just nice to stand there and take it all in, and you won’t regret visiting this gem among the popular tourist places in Santa Barbara.
Fun fact: Many people choose to get married in the gardens outside, which tells you how pretty it is!
5. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Sometimes you just want a break from crowds and shops and noisy restaurants and the Botanic Garden is perfect for just that.
If you’re searching for Santa Barbara tourist spots that are out of all the busy hustle of the city, this is where you need to visit. It’s neither super fancy nor overly landscaped, making it feel all natural, like you just wandered into a perfect piece of California wilderness.
There are trails that take you through redwoods, meadows, and chaparral. You might occasionally spot hummingbirds or a hawk overhead. And while you’re walking, you’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and the ocean, depending on where you are in the garden. It’s quiet, peaceful, and overall a great place to reset.
Santa Barbara has a little bit of everything. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day walking through history, spend your afternoon hiking or wine tasting, and finish with seafood by the ocean while the sun sets. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s something here that’ll stick with you long after you leave.
Sustainable Wine Tours offers wine tours in Santa Barbara with a high focus on quality customer service. Choose shared wine tours or private wine tours according to your preference and also enjoy a curated lunch with local fresh ingredients on your wine tour.