State Street
State Street is host to a multitude of fantastic restaurants, bars, retail stores and sightseeing opportunities.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
For those who thought they needed to attend an Ivy League college on the East Coast in order to see colonial relics, think again. Santa Barbara is home to an 18th century Spanish mission, which hosts visitors and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Visitors can tour the mission gardens, view artwork and admire the sweeping architecture.
Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Located on 65 acres of land in the Mission Canyon, the garden is home to 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants. There is also a wide variety of hiking trails and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Solvang
If you drive north on Highway 154, you might find yourself in Solvang, the Danish-style town full of restaurants, motorcycles and tons of tourists. The town is less than 40 miles north of Isla Vista and makes for an excellent day trip. Don’t forget to visit the llamas and ostriches on local farms.
Santa Barbara Zoo
There is a universal joy in visiting a zoo, and the Santa Barbara Zoo is no exception. The zoo features 160 different species of animals in open exhibits, which are designed to portray the animals in their natural environment.
Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands National Park sprawls across five of the eight Channel Islands off California’s coast. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, camping, snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching and photography.
Victoria Hall Theatre
A culturally historic venue constructed in 1921, it hosts a wide variety of concerts, lectures, plays and films.
Chumash Casino Resort
The Chumash Casino Resort is situated near Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley, and hosts live performances and gambling throughout the year.
Santa Ynez Mountains
Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing and glider rides while enjoying a spectacular view of the coast.
Santa Barbara’s Wineries and Vineyards
Within the Santa Ynez Valley lies Santa Barbara’s wine country, where wine aficionados can participate in a vast selection of local wine tasting and touring opportunities.
Los Padres National Forest
The National Forest stretches 220 miles along the coast of California, and offers trails for horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Santa Barbara City Waterfront
Major hotspots along this stretch of the coast include Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara’s own aquarium, the Ty Warner Sea Center. Visitors can also watch fireworks along the beaches during the fourth of July or dine at any number of fine restaurants throughout the year.
