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Sure, the waterfront area holds many attractions for Santa Barbara visitors. But many of the city’s treasures lie farther away, requiring a short drive, or bus or bike ride, to get to. But it’s well worth making a journey to connect with the spirit of those who thrived in the hills many years ago — all thanks to a steady flow of water.
Water has always been a precious commodity in these parts, necessary to sustain life. Typically, seasonal rains bring creeks to life, and abundant water flows down the steep mountainsides toward the ocean. Some years, rains are scarce, and other times, as in recent winters, too much rain in a short period of time floods the town.
Head to the source of Mission Creek, where wildlife and humans have found a dependable water source since prehistoric times. The native Chumash established villages along this watershed — and you can view evidence along the banks. When the Spaniards came, they built a mission with aqueducts close to the creek. Start your journey in the hills at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in Mission Canyon. Then follow the flow down to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Old Mission Santa Barbara, where you can learn more about creekside life. (See below for details on these sites.)
Scarlett Begonia, West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786, Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Corazón Comedor, East Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Santa Barbara Public Market, West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara, Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara, Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Saint Remy, State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Arigato Sushi, State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Maiz Picante, De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Taqueria La Unica, State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Lure Fish House, State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Best Places for Breakfast in Santa Barbara
Corazon Comedor
Authentic Mexican soul food, inspired by authentic family recipes from Guadalajara, Mexico, fills this casual, high-ceilinged restaurant with delightful scents and dining displays. Your plentiful options include everything from chilaquiles and huevos rancheros for breakfast to mama’s tamales and chicken molé tacos for lunch.
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
This 78-acre garden has a stunning collection of native plants and wildlife, more than five miles of walking trails, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Check out Mission Dam, a historic site within the garden that played a vital role in the city’s water supply.
Best Places for Lunch in Santa Barbara
In addition to Maiz Picante and the Public Market (details below), you might also consider Taqueria La Unica, near Whole Foods, and Lure Fish House in La Cumbre Plaza mall.
Maíz Picante Taqueria
A tiny eatery within an easy drive or bike ride to the Mission and Museum of Natural History, Maíz Picante serves delicious, authentic Mexican street food: tacos with various fillings (beef, pork, vegan, etc.), enchiladas, burritos, aguas frescas. Try the fresh gazpacho if it’s in season.
Santa Barbara Public Market
A bustling food hall featuring a variety of vendors with options ranging from sandwiches and salads to sushi and pizza. Local favorite vendors include Empty Bowls Noodle Bar, Corazon Cucina, Ca Dario Pizzeria Veloce, Little Heart Cafecito, and Rori’s Artisanal Creamery.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, has presided over the town from its lofty knoll-top perch for centuries. It’s one of the most gorgeous buildings on the coast. Absolutely take the self-guided tour, which leads you through eight rooms, gardens, the chapel, cemetery and a courtyard with fountains. Look for fascinating art and artifacts along the way, especially the rare Native American-made altar and tabernacle in the chapel — the only ones left in the California mission system.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
This delightful creekside complex on 17 acres of oak woodland behind Old Mission Santa Barbara showcases natural history exhibits, including fossils, taxidermy, and live animals, with a focus on the local flora and fauna. Highlights include special collections focused on Chumash anthropology, local mammals (like grizzlies, mountain lions, and sea lions), and rotating exhibitions like the “Prehistoric Forest” with animatronic dinosaurs lining the banks of Mission Creek.
Best Places for Dinner in Santa Barbara
Best Places to Stay in Santa Barbara
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
A budget-friendly hotel in the Upper State area of Santa Barbara, a short drive to beaches and UCSB, known for its well-kept garden courtyard and plentiful amenities—hence, great value for the area. It has comfortable guest rooms with modern amenities, renovated in 2018, a heated outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and free parking.
