Why Go to Santa Barbara
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera, and with its palm-lined waterfront, red-tiled Spanish Colonial architecture and mountains rising behind the coast, it's easy to see why. Back in the early 1900s, it nearly became the movie capital of America, when Flying A Studios produced more than a thousand silent films here, but the industry moved to Los Angeles, and locals are happy it did.
Today Santa Barbara offers relaxed elegance, with upscale dining, boutiques and beautiful beaches. Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Queen of the Missions, climb the clock tower of the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse for views, and stroll State Street and Stearns Wharf. Wine lovers can sample local pours in the Funk Zone's tasting rooms or head to the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, made famous by the movie Sideways. The neighboring town of Montecito is known for its celebrity residents, but Santa Barbara itself is welcoming for every budget, with the University of California, Santa Barbara nearby keeping things lively.
Santa Barbara is about 90 minutes from Los Angeles and a highlight of any Pacific Coast Highway trip. I'll plan your stay, wine tastings and coastal drive.
BEST FOR
Couples, wine lovers, beachgoers and architecture fans
BEST MONTHS
March–May and September–November
EXPLORE
Downtown State Street has shops and restaurants; the Funk Zone features tasting rooms and galleries; the waterfront includes Stearns Wharf; Montecito offers a quieter upscale setting.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Santa Barbara
North America › West Coast › USA › California
Spanish-style streets framed by mountains and the Pacific
Mountain & Alpine
Wine
Architecture
Beach
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Combine Stearns Wharf, the waterfront and the Funk Zone on foot; visit the Old Mission and courthouse on a separate historic-city loop.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Walk out toward the end of the pier for changing views of the harbor and coastline.
Stearns Wharf
This historic wooden pier extends into the Pacific with seafood spots, shops and mountain-and-coast views.
Check whether tower access is available before visiting for a city panorama.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
A Spanish Colonial Revival landmark features ornate architecture and landscaped gardens in the heart of downtown.
Respect worship services and check visiting hours before touring interior areas.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
The landmark mission is known for its twin bell towers, gardens and layered California history.
Combine the harbor with a visit to the Maritime Museum.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Fishing boats, waterfront restaurants and maritime exhibits make this working harbor a worthwhile stroll.
Explore on foot and arrange a safe ride if sampling wine.
Funk Zone
A creative neighborhood near the waterfront is filled with tasting rooms, murals and independent businesses.
A luxury hotel near the waterfront and Funk Zone galleries and tasting rooms. Its position is ideal for travelers who favor walking between restaurants, State Street and coastal attractions. Check room location and parking fees.
Hotel Californian
Funk Zone / Waterfront
Hotel Tags
A luxury beachfront resort in Montecito, southeast of downtown Santa Barbara. Suits guests seeking a resort-centered coastal stay rather than a walkable downtown base. Confirm resort access and transfer plans.
Rosewood Miramar Beach
Montecito / Miramar Beach
Hotel Tags
An expansive oceanfront resort in the Goleta area, well suited to guests looking for a quieter coastal retreat. A car or arranged transfer is useful for central Santa Barbara sightseeing.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Goleta / Coastal Bluffs
Hotel Tags
A hillside luxury retreat above central Santa Barbara with a more secluded atmosphere. Check transport, room layout and the walkability of surrounding steep streets.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Riviera / Santa Barbara Hills
Hotel Tags
A resort-style hotel opposite East Beach, practical for waterfront activities and access to downtown and the Funk Zone. Review exact room view, parking and resort charges.
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
East Beach / Waterfront
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Santa Barbara
High 71°F · Low 50°F · Rain 1.3 in
Shorter days make museums and heritage visits practical; plan around weather. For a destination-specific November plan, consider Santa Barbara Mission.
The mild coastal climate works for visits throughout the year. Summer brings busy beaches, while spring and autumn can be especially pleasant for walking and outdoor dining.
Best Times to Visit Santa Barbara
WHEN TO GO
06
Driving and Coastal Day Trips
A car is useful for wine country and more remote trailheads. Plan parking and check seasonal wildfire or road advisories.
05
Bicycles and Waterfront Paths
The waterfront has bike-friendly routes and rentals. Stay in marked lanes and follow shared-path etiquette.
04
Taxis and Rideshares
Licensed taxis and app-based rides help reach Montecito and attractions beyond central downtown. Verify the pickup location, especially near the waterfront.
03
Local MTD Buses
Santa Barbara MTD operates buses on selected city corridors. Consult the current route planner before relying on a beach or mission connection.
02
Sightseeing by neighborhood
Combine Stearns Wharf, the waterfront and the Funk Zone on foot; visit the Old Mission and courthouse on a separate historic-city loop.
01
Arriving & airport transfers
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is west of downtown. Amtrak also serves the city; State Street, the Funk Zone and waterfront are convenient for walking, while a car helps with foothill gardens and wine-country excursions.
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is west of downtown. Amtrak also serves the city; State Street, the Funk Zone and waterfront are convenient for walking, while a car helps with foothill gardens and wine-country excursions.
Getting Around Santa Barbara