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What free activities are available in Santa Barbara?
- Santa Barbara offers a number of free activities for visitors of any age, including beaches, parks, and museums.
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What outdoor attractions can visitors enjoy in Santa Barbara?
- For those who love the outdoors, the many parks and beaches are certainly highlights of the area.
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What are some popular parks and beaches in Santa Barbara?
- Popular spots include Santa Claus Beach and Alameda Park, which features an elaborate wooden playground.
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1. Old Mission Santa Barbara
The Old Mission Santa Barbara is located on thirteen acres that overlook the Pacific Ocean. The grounds of the mission consist of a stunning Mission church, the nine-room museum featuring a variety of historical artifacts and artwork, and the Historic Cemetery and Mausoleum. There are also several lush gardens, such as the La Huerta Historical Garden featuring ancient and authentic trees and plants from the Mission era. Visitors can explore the spectacular architecture of the facade of the church, as well as take in the colonial-era sculptures and art of the beautiful Mission church of the historic Santa Barbara site.
2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, Phone: 805-682-4713
2. Santa Barbara Historical Museum
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum celebrates the history of the Santa Barbara community, dating back to the Chumash up through modern day through compelling programs and vibrant exhibits, all conveniently situated in the historic heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The museum is open to visitors on Tuesdays from noon until 5:00pm and from Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am until 5:00pm. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Visitors can learn about the area’s glamorous film era, pioneering aviators, and the legendary Fiesta festival, along with many events that occured before the twentieth century.
136 East De la Guerra, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone: 805-966-1601
3. The Santa Barbara Public Market
The Santa Barbara Public Market is an urban contemporary marketplace that offers regionally and locally sourced food, beer, and wine. Nestled within a thriving cultural and performing arts district in the downtown area of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Public Market is one of the leading dining destinations in the city for both visitors and locals, as well as a place for a diverse group of merchants.
38 West Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone: 805-770-7702
4. Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Arts Museum
The Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Arts Museum, located near Santa Barbara’s waterfront, was established in 1972. The museum is open to visitors for self-guided tours of the various exhibits. Docent-led tours are offered on certain days. No reservations are required for the docent tours and visitors can enter through the museum’s front gate. There is no admission fee to visit the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Arts Museum. Private tours can be arranged by reservation.
129 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93102, Phone: 805-962-2353
5. Old Spanish Days Fiesta
The city of Santa Barbara is among the most historic and authentic destinations for tourists maintaining its Spanish roots from back to the Mission Days. These roots are showcases during the Old Spanish Days Fiesta , a festive celebration held every year during the summer season. The annual event draws in loyal and large crowds to the city each and every year to celebrate the traditions and heritage of Santa Barbara. The Old Spanish Days Fiesta is typically held the first few days of August and features a variety of fun and entertaining activities, such as parades, dancing, amazing food, and more.
129 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA, Phone: 805-962-8101
6. Potbellied & Miniature Pig Rescue & Sanctuary
The Potbellied & Miniature Pig Rescue & Sanctuary was founded in 1992 by Susan Parkinson as a rescue home for any unwanted Potbellied pigs. This sanctuary for pigs was created in response to the “pet pig craze” that started during the late 1980’s and resulted in a large number of abandoned pigs. Lil’ Orphan Hammies became a busy non-profit organization by 1994, taking care of up to 100 pigs at any given time. The sanctuary spans across five acres and features unique housing and well-fenced, spacious enclosures for pigs to nap under trees or in hay or play outdoors.
Phone: 805-693-9953
7. Coronado Butterfly Preserve
The Coronado Butterfly Preserve is located near Santa Barbara in Goleta, California, about 2 hours from Los Angeles. The grounds are home to eucalyptus grover, a habitat of native coastal sage scrub, and many birds and other wildlife that live in the urban community gem. The preserve encompasses 9.3 acres and consists of meadows, woodlands, and the Devereux Creek, along with several trails and an outdoor classroom and gathering area. While there is no admission fee to visit the Coronado Butterfly Preserve, donations are appreciated to help keep the preserve open. It is open every day, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
495 Coronado Dr, Goleta, CA 93117, Phone: 805-966-4520
8. Alameda Park
Alameda Park is one of Santa Barbara’s oldest parks. A two-block city park, Alameda includes drop-in and reservable picnic areas, a bandstand, restrooms, rare unique trees, and the Kid’s World, which is a playground spanning eight thousand square feet that features two party sites that can be reserved, slides, swings, and a castle. Kid’s World is one of the city’s most popular and largest playgrounds. The various sections of the Kid’s World playground are designed for kids ages two to twelve. Alameda Park is the site of many celebrations in the city, such as the Summer Solstice event.
1400 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone: 805-564-5418
9. Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park
The Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park is home to a small cave with walls carved out of towering sandstone boulders and featuring some of the best examples of remaining rock art created by the Chumash Native Americans. After parking, visitors can take a look at the historical sign and begin climbing around a dozen stairs up to the small cave. This cave is gated shut in order to protect the cave and the art inside. Two holes are present in the barrier, one for adults and one for kids, to give guests a good opportunity to view the cave or take photographs.
CA-154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, Phone: 805-733-3713
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and beautiful coastal scenery.
Hotel Santa Barbara – A charming downtown stay with easy beach access.
Walk along Stearns Wharf – Enjoy stunning ocean views and fresh sea air.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for beach activities.
Harbor View Inn – A stylish waterfront hotel near State Street.
Relax at East Beach – A great spot for sunbathing, volleyball, and picnics.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
The Eagle Inn – A cozy boutique hotel with a welcoming atmosphere.
Visit the Santa Barbara Mission – Explore historic architecture and scenic gardens for free.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Old Mission Santa Barbara
- 2. Santa Barbara Historical Museum
- 3. The Santa Barbara Public Market
- 4. Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Arts Museum
- 5. Old Spanish Days Fiesta
- 6. Potbellied & Miniature Pig Rescue & Sanctuary
- 7. Coronado Butterfly Preserve
- 8. Alameda Park
- 9. Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park