Santa Barbara boasts up to 300 days of sunshine every year and fall is one of the best times to visit to enjoy an array of outdoor activities. Although the water is a little cooler in fall, you can don a wetsuit and still enjoy a variety of water sports at the Arroyo Burro Country Beach or simply soak up the sun and picnic or barbeque in Shoreline Park. The lower fall humidity makes this the ideal season to visit some exceptional gardens, which include the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the Ganna Walska Lotusland (which is bursting at the seams with exotic plants from all over the world) and Casa del Herrero, a beautiful example of 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, set in an 11-acre garden.

If you prefer museums to gardens you can tour the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, all of which are great for families. Art lovers can visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art which showcases American, Asian and European artworks, and round off their day at the historic Lobero Theatre. Foodies can enjoy visiting local vineyards on a Sustainable Vine Wine Tour, tasting local specialties on a Santa Barbara Tasting Tour or exploring the many restaurants at Stearns Wharf.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.