Quick Summary:

  • Where is Santa Barbara located?
    • Santa Barbara is located on California’s central coast, between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
  • Why is Santa Barbara a great starting point for day trips?
    • Santa Barbara is an excellent starting point for area day trips to some of the most picturesque and naturally stunning coastal and valley towns.
  • What coastal activities can visitors enjoy near Santa Barbara?
    • Explore the coast to the north and south for beautiful sandy beaches perfect for surfing, strolling, or swimming.
  • What outdoor adventures are available inland?
    • Head inland to explore the Los Padres National Forest and the mountainous regions of San Rafael and Santa Ynez.
  • What is special about the valleys near Santa Barbara?
    • The valleys at the foothills of these mountains are home to some of California’s most loved wine-growing regions.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Ventura ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ventura | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© htrnr/stock.adobe.com

2. Anaheim ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Anaheim | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© napa74/stock.adobe.com

3. Avila Beach

Category: Beaches
Avila Beach | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© juancat/stock.adobe.com

4. Bakersfield

Bakersfield | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© David/stock.adobe.com

5. Channel Islands

Romantic Islands
Channel Islands | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Bram/stock.adobe.com

6. Douglas Family Preserve

Category: Kids & Family
Douglas Family Preserve | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Connor/stock.adobe.com

7. Gaviota State Park

Category: Activities
Gaviota State Park | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© htrnr/stock.adobe.com

8. Hearst Castle

Romantic Castles
Hearst Castle | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© jerome DELAHAYE/stock.adobe.com

9. Hollywood

Hollywood | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© BRIAN_KINNEY/stock.adobe.com

10. Lake Cachuma

Category: Activities
Lake Cachuma | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© ssmalomuzh/stock.adobe.com

11. Los Padres National Forest

Category: Activities
Los Padres National Forest | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Stefany Hedman/stock.adobe.com

12. Malibu

Malibu | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Alex Krassel/stock.adobe.com

13. Morro Bay

Morro Bay | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Gabriele Maltinti/stock.adobe.com

14. Ojai

Ojai | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Wendy G Weatherup/stock.adobe.com

15. Old Mission Santa Barbara

Category: Food & Drink
Old Mission Santa Barbara | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Bill Perry/stock.adobe.com

16. Pismo Beach

Category: Beaches
Pismo Beach | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Bon/stock.adobe.com

17. Point Mugu

Category: Activities
Point Mugu | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Jennifer Jean/stock.adobe.com

18. San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Cayetano/stock.adobe.com

19. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Category: Activities
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Janelle/stock.adobe.com

20. Santa Barbara Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Santa Barbara Zoo | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© NChoochat/stock.adobe.com

21. Santa Maria Valley

Santa Maria Valley | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© csfotoimages/stock.adobe.com

22. Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Chuck Place/stock.adobe.com

23. Solvang

Solvang | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© Michael Flippo/stock.adobe.com

24. Sycamore Springs

Category: Activities
Sycamore Springs | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© brainsil/stock.adobe.com

25. Venice

Venice | Day Trips from Santa Barbara, Southern California
© ingusk/stock.adobe.com

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