Attractions

Markets and Walkabouts

First Thursday
State Street, first Thursday of every month

A feast for the eyes, once a month, a generous selection of downtown and Funk Zone galleries open their doors after regular business hours and give free access to the public. Often accompanied by wine tastings and live performances, First Thursday is the perfect time to give yourself a free walking tour of downtown and schmooze with art patrons and wine lovers alike.

Sunday Arts and Crafts Market
Cabrillo Blvd (waterfront), every Saturday morning

A weekly display of local visual art, artisan homegoods, and handmade accessories, the Saturday market stretches out for blocks across the waterfront.  Begin at Stearns Wharf, head east towards the Hilton, and enjoy the sunshine and handmade delights.

Farmer’s Market
Tuesday evenings on State, Saturday mornings at Anacapa and Cota

A staple of the Southern California lifestyle, the farmer’s market is a beloved institution that brings together eager home cooks with local producers. A place where neighbors and acquaintances inevitably bump into each other, the Tuesday and Saturday downtown markets are the perfect place to get plugged into the community! Experience SB in your own kitchen: local offerings include Oxnard strawberries (some of the sweetest in the world!), Blue Ridge wild honey, cara cara oranges, and–of course–avocados galore. You might even find a bottle of honey wine while you’re at it!

Outdoor Explorations

Waterfront activities

Want to get out on the water? There are many ways to do that. Santa Barbara Sailing Center offers boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals as well as sunset cruises and sailing lessons. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, Cal Coast Adventures offers a variety of rental and private lesson packages for beginners and novices alike.

Wine tours

Cruise out into wine country with any of Santa Barbara’s local wine tours. Tours vary by transportation and location–take a jeep through the Santa Ynez valley or bike through Los Olivos, for example.

Hiking Trails

If you’re really into living like a local, you’ll have to take at least one hike outside the city. Take a stroll uphill at Lizard’s Mouth if you’re a beginner, or hike in the mountains behind Montecito all the way to the Hot Springs.  Inspiration Point, Parma Park, and Arlington peak are all beloved trails by visitors and residents alike–just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Museums

Santa Barbara Natural History Museum
2559 Puesta del Sol (behind the Mission)

Take the kids and explore looming prehistoric exhibits or wander through the bird and mammal halls for a tour of local wildlife.  Other exhibits include an observatory, planetarium, mineral collection, and a spectacular blue what skeleton named Chad. When you’re done, don’t forget to head over and take photos by the mission or enjoy the rose garden with frisbee-wielding locals across the street.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art
1130 State (walking distance)

Possessing a wide range of treasures from ancient East Asian artifacts to Matisse to contemporary photography, the Museum of Art boasts a tidy collection of 27,000 pieces on rotating display. Peruse both permanent and visiting exhibits for a pleasant afternoon in the heart of SB’s visual art scene.

MOXI Science Museum
125 State (a block from the waterfront)

The newest addition to downtown’s collection of museums, this highly interactive science museum aims to give kids the most hands-on experience possible. Three floors of innovative exhibits explore various themes across engineering, math, technology, science, and even the arts.  Want to play without the kids? Moxi occasionally hosts after-hours wine nights or crafting workshops for adults only.

Ty Warner Sea Center
Stearns Wharf

An interactive marine education facility for the whole family.  Owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Sea Center fulfills their mission to inspire a passion for the natural world. Touch the sea stars in the Intertidal Pools or watch the sharks and jellyfish swim by!