Discover Santa Barbara: 8 Must-See Attractions

Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara, CA is a traveler's paradise. From the vibrant downtown area to stunning beaches and fascinating museums, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Barbara.

Enjoy your West Coast vacation from El Capitan Canyon or Sun Outdoors Ocean Mesa, both located just 20 miles west of downtown. These resorts provide comfortable accommodations and serve as a great home base to explore all the top attractions in Santa Barbara!

8 Things to Do in Santa Barbara, CA

1. Santa Barbara Zoo

Nestled near the water, the Santa Barbara Zoo is home to hundreds of animals. Its compact size makes it easy for families to stroll through without needing to dedicate an entire day to the visit.

2. Stearns Wharf

The most iconic attraction in Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, extends from State Street into the ocean. Here, you can enjoy expansive views, fishing spots, and a variety of eateries and shops. Don't miss out on wine tastings, outdoor dining, and visits to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.

3. Nojoqui Falls

Looking for an easy hike? Nojoqui Falls is located a few miles west of El Capitan Canyon. The trail to the waterfall is just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. Keep in mind that the waterfall is seasonal, so it's best to visit after recent rains for a spectacular view.

4. Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Located on State Street, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is a small yet elegant gallery. You'll find a collection of American paintings, primarily from Californian artists of the 20th century, as well as Asian and European paintings, prints, and sculptures.

5. Old Mission Santa Barbara

At the base of the mountains lies Old Mission Santa Barbara, established by Spanish missionaries in 1786. This popular attraction features interesting art, artifacts, and relics, along with beautiful gardens and a historic mausoleum.

6. Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park is a sandstone cave featuring pictographs from Chumash Native Americans. While you can't enter the cave, you can observe the pictographs from behind a metal grille. A local partnership also offers a virtual tour for an immersive experience.

7. Cold Spring Tavern

Cold Spring Tavern is a historic stagecoach stop that now operates as a Western saloon. Although indoor dining is currently unavailable, you can enjoy takeout from their unique menu on select days.

8. El Capitan State Beach

Another must-visit attraction in Santa Barbara is El Capitan State Beach. This beautiful expanse features soft sand, rocky tide pools, and great waves for swimming and surfing. Guests at El Capitan Canyon can easily walk or ride a beach cruiser bike from the resort to the beach.

Coastal California Camping Near Santa Barbara

An exceptional vacation experience awaits at our Santa Barbara resorts. Ocean Mesa RV Resort features RV camping along with family amenities like a heated pool and a llama farm. Meanwhile, El Capitan Canyon specializes in luxurious vacation rentals with amenities including:

• Beach cruiser bicycle rentals
• Spacious swimming pool
• Canyon Spa
• El Capitan Canyon Market and restaurant
• Hikes, wine tastings, and planned activities

There's so much to see and do in Santa Barbara. We hope you'll join us for an unforgettable vacation at our gorgeous resorts along the California coast!

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