Santa Barbara County is one of the most diverse destinations on California's Central Coast. From the beaches and historic streets of Santa Barbara to the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, the Danish-inspired village of Solvang, and the communities surrounding Santa Maria, there is something here for nearly every type of traveler.
Located along California's Central Coast, Santa Barbara County combines beaches, wine country, outdoor recreation, historic attractions, restaurants, shopping, small towns and luxury getaways within a relatively compact region.
Whether you're planning a Santa Barbara weekend getaway, searching for the best things to do in Santa Barbara County, looking for a romantic destination, or exploring the 805 region, this guide will help you decide where to go and what to do.
Santa Barbara County at a Glance
Santa Barbara County stretches from the Pacific Ocean into the Santa Ynez Mountains and inland valleys. Its communities offer dramatically different experiences, making the county particularly appealing for road trips and weekend adventures.
Popular destinations include:
- Santa Barbara
- Montecito
- Goleta
- Carpinteria
- Summerland
- Santa Ynez
- Solvang
- Los Olivos
- Los Alamos
- Buellton
- Lompoc
- Santa Maria
The county also provides access to Channel Islands National Park, located offshore in the Santa Barbara Channel.
That variety is one of the biggest reasons Santa Barbara County is such an appealing part of the 805.
Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara County
If you're searching for things to do in Santa Barbara County, you have plenty of options.
You can spend the morning at the beach, tour a historic mission, hike in the mountains, visit a winery, explore a small town and finish the day at a local restaurant overlooking the Pacific.
Here are some of the most popular experiences to put on your list.
1. Explore Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is the county's best-known destination and an excellent starting point for exploring the region.
The city is known for its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, beaches, restaurants, shopping, historic sites and mountain backdrop. Visitors can easily combine a day at the beach with sightseeing, dining and exploring downtown.
Popular areas to explore include:
- State Street
- Stearns Wharf
- Santa Barbara Harbor
- The Funk Zone
- El Presidio
- Downtown Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara's waterfront
- Local museums and galleries
The Funk Zone is particularly popular with visitors interested in restaurants, wine tasting, breweries, galleries and shopping.
2. Visit Santa Barbara Beaches
Santa Barbara County is home to a wide variety of beaches and coastal areas. The coastline provides opportunities for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, walking, biking and simply relaxing beside the Pacific Ocean.
Popular beach areas include:
- East Beach
- West Beach
- Leadbetter Beach
- Butterfly Beach
- Goleta Beach
- Carpinteria State Beach
- Summerland beaches
For a classic Santa Barbara experience, combine a beach visit with a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.
Best Santa Barbara Beach for Families
East Beach is a popular choice for a traditional beach day because of its location near the waterfront, parks and other amenities.
Best Beach for Sunset
Butterfly Beach in Montecito is a popular location for watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Best Beach for Outdoor Activities
Leadbetter Beach is popular for water activities and enjoying Santa Barbara's coastal setting.
3. Discover Santa Barbara Wine Country
One of the biggest attractions in Santa Barbara County is its wine country.
The Santa Ynez Valley is home to vineyards, tasting rooms, restaurants and small towns that make excellent destinations for a day trip or weekend getaway.
For visitors who don't want to travel far into the vineyards, Santa Barbara also has an urban wine scene with tasting rooms closer to downtown.
Popular wine-country destinations include:
- Los Olivos
- Santa Ynez
- Solvang
- Ballard
- Buellton
A Santa Barbara County wine trip can be as simple as visiting a few tasting rooms or as elaborate as spending an entire weekend exploring vineyards, restaurants and boutique accommodations.
4. Spend a Day in Solvang
Solvang is one of the most recognizable small towns in Santa Barbara County.
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is known for its Danish heritage, bakeries, shops, restaurants and distinctive architecture.
Visitors can walk through the village, stop at Danish bakeries, shop at locally owned stores and explore nearby wineries.
Solvang was established in the early 20th century by Danish immigrants and remains one of the most distinctive destinations in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Things to Do in Solvang
- Explore downtown Solvang
- Visit Danish bakeries
- Shop local stores
- Visit Mission Santa Inés
- Taste local wine
- Explore nearby vineyards
- Enjoy Danish-inspired food
- Take a Santa Ynez Valley road trip
5. Explore Los Olivos
Los Olivos is a small Santa Ynez Valley community that has become a popular destination for wine tasting, dining and weekend getaways.
Its walkable downtown makes it easy to spend several hours moving between tasting rooms, restaurants, boutiques and galleries.
Los Olivos works especially well as part of a Santa Ynez Valley wine tour.
A typical day could include:
- Breakfast in the valley
- Winery visits
- Exploring downtown Los Olivos
- Shopping at local boutiques
- Dining at a local restaurant
6. Visit Goleta
Goleta sits immediately west of Santa Barbara and offers a more relaxed alternative to some of the area's major tourist destinations.
The city combines beaches, agriculture, outdoor recreation, shopping and dining. Goleta Beach, nearby foothills and local nature areas make the community particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to do in Goleta include:
- Visit Goleta Beach
- Explore local parks
- Hike nearby trails
- Visit the Butterfly Preserve
- Bike along coastal paths
- Explore local restaurants
- Shop at local centers
- Explore the area around UCSB
Goleta is also a convenient base for travelers who want to explore both Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.
7. Visit Montecito
Montecito is one of Santa Barbara County's most recognizable communities and is known for beautiful residential neighborhoods, boutique shopping, restaurants, beaches and luxury accommodations.
Visitors can explore:
- Coast Village Road
- Butterfly Beach
- Local boutiques
- Restaurants and cafés
- Scenic residential areas
- Nearby hiking trails
Montecito is a natural choice for travelers searching for luxury Santa Barbara hotels, romantic getaways and upscale restaurants.
8. Hike Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is an excellent destination for hiking because the region combines mountains, coastline, forests and canyons.
The Santa Ynez Mountains rise behind Santa Barbara, creating opportunities for hikes with views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding communities.
Popular outdoor areas include the Santa Ynez Mountains and nearby Los Padres National Forest. Activities throughout the region include hiking, mountain biking, camping and other outdoor recreation.
The region offers everything from relatively easy coastal walks to challenging mountain routes.
9. Explore Channel Islands National Park
One of the most unique experiences available from Santa Barbara County is visiting Channel Islands National Park.
The national park includes five islands:
- Anacapa Island
- Santa Cruz Island
- Santa Rosa Island
- San Miguel Island
- Santa Barbara Island
The islands offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, camping and wildlife viewing.
Because the islands are separated from the mainland, visiting them can feel like entering a completely different California environment.
How to Visit Channel Islands National Park
Trips to the islands can be arranged through ferry services, guided excursions or private boats. Transportation options vary by island, season and weather conditions, so visitors should plan ahead.
For travelers interested in Santa Barbara whale watching, the waters surrounding the Channel Islands are also an important destination for marine wildlife.
10. Go Whale Watching
The Santa Barbara Channel is home to a remarkable variety of marine life.
Whale-watching trips can provide opportunities to see dolphins and different species of whales throughout the year.
Whale watching is one of the best activities to add to a Santa Barbara itinerary if you're looking for something beyond beaches and wine tasting.
11. Explore Santa Barbara's History
Santa Barbara's history is another major reason to visit the region.
The area has a deep Indigenous history associated with the Chumash people, followed by Spanish settlement and the development of the communities that exist today.
Historic attractions include:
- Old Mission Santa Barbara
- El Presidio de Santa Bárbara
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Historic adobes
- Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Historic architecture and cultural attractions remain an important part of the Santa Barbara County experience.
12. Discover Santa Barbara Restaurants
Santa Barbara County has a diverse food scene ranging from casual Mexican restaurants and cafés to upscale dining, wine bars, seafood restaurants and farm-to-table establishments.
Some of the best areas to explore food include:
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers restaurants, cafés, wine bars, seafood and waterfront dining throughout the city.
The Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is a popular area for restaurants, breweries, tasting rooms and casual dining.
Montecito
Montecito is a strong choice for upscale dining and sophisticated restaurants.
Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is ideal for combining wine tasting with restaurants and locally focused food experiences.
Solvang
Solvang is a natural choice for Danish bakeries, European-inspired food and casual dining.
Best Weekend Getaways in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is particularly well suited to weekend trips because you can create very different itineraries depending on what you want to experience.
Santa Barbara Weekend Getaway
Best for beaches, restaurants, shopping, history and nightlife.
Day 1: Explore downtown Santa Barbara, State Street and the Funk Zone.
Day 2: Spend the morning at the beach, visit the waterfront and explore local attractions.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Montecito or Goleta before heading home.
Santa Ynez Valley Weekend Getaway
Best for wine, food, small towns and relaxation.
Day 1: Explore Solvang and nearby wineries.
Day 2: Visit Los Olivos and Santa Ynez.
Day 3: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and explore additional tasting rooms before returning home.
Santa Barbara and Wine Country
For first-time visitors, combining the coast and wine country provides one of the best ways to experience the county.
Spend two nights near the coast and dedicate one day to the Santa Ynez Valley.
This gives you access to beaches, wine, restaurants, small towns and outdoor activities in one trip.
Best Places to Stay in Santa Barbara County
Where you stay depends heavily on the type of trip you're planning.
Stay in Santa Barbara
Best for travelers who want easy access to beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, historic attractions and waterfront activities.
Stay in Montecito
Best for luxury travelers, romantic getaways, upscale dining and boutique accommodations.
Stay in Goleta
Best for families, outdoor activities, access to Santa Barbara and travelers looking for a quieter atmosphere.
Stay in Solvang
Best for wine-country trips, couples, weekend getaways and small-town experiences.
Stay in Los Olivos or Santa Ynez
Best for wine tasting, food-focused trips, relaxing weekends and exploring vineyards.
Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
Spring
Spring is a great time for outdoor activities, gardens, hiking and exploring the wine country.
Summer
Summer is popular for beaches, outdoor dining, festivals and coastal activities.
Fall
Fall can be an excellent time for wine-country trips, hiking and enjoying the coast.
Winter
Winter offers a quieter experience and can be particularly appealing for weekend getaways, restaurants, wine tasting and coastal escapes.
Weather can vary between the coast, mountains and inland valleys, so check local conditions before planning outdoor activities.
Santa Barbara County for Families
Families have many options throughout the county.
Popular family activities include:
- Santa Barbara beaches
- Goleta Beach
- Museums
- Channel Islands adventures
- Hiking
- Biking
- Whale watching
- Parks
- Solvang
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- Waterfront activities
Goleta also offers a range of family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities.
Santa Barbara County for Couples
Santa Barbara County is a popular destination for romantic getaways.
A couples itinerary could include:
- Beach walk in Santa Barbara
- Lunch downtown
- Wine tasting
- Sunset in Montecito
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight stay
- Day trip to Los Olivos or Solvang
The combination of beaches, wine country, restaurants and boutique accommodations makes the region especially well suited to weekend escapes.
Free Things to Do in Santa Barbara County
You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the region.
Some experiences can be enjoyed for little or no cost, including:
- Walking Santa Barbara beaches
- Exploring downtown
- Walking State Street
- Visiting public parks
- Hiking
- Biking along the waterfront
- Exploring Solvang
- Watching the sunset
- Visiting public gardens
- Exploring Goleta's outdoor areas
Santa Barbara County Road Trip Ideas
One of the best ways to experience the county is by car.
Coastal Road Trip
Carpinteria → Summerland → Montecito → Santa Barbara → Goleta
This route focuses on beaches, coastal scenery, restaurants and shopping.
Wine Country Road Trip
Santa Barbara → Buellton → Solvang → Santa Ynez → Los Olivos
This route focuses on wineries, restaurants and small-town experiences.
Full Santa Barbara County Adventure
Santa Maria → Lompoc → Solvang → Los Olivos → Santa Ynez → Santa Barbara → Goleta → Carpinteria
This longer itinerary lets you experience the differences between northern Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley and the South Coast.
Why Visit Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County offers ocean, mountains, wine country, historic communities and outdoor recreation all within one region.
You can surf in the morning, hike in the afternoon, taste wine before dinner and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
For visitors exploring California's Central Coast, Santa Barbara County is also an important part of the larger 805 experience, connecting naturally with Ventura County to the south and San Luis Obispo County to the north.
Whether you're looking for a Santa Barbara vacation, weekend getaway, wine-country trip, beach vacation, family trip, romantic getaway or Central Coast road trip, Santa Barbara County offers plenty of ways to build an unforgettable itinerary.
Santa Barbara County FAQ
What is Santa Barbara County known for?
Santa Barbara County is known for its beaches, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, wine country, Santa Ynez Valley, Channel Islands, outdoor recreation, restaurants and historic attractions.
What are the best things to do in Santa Barbara County?
Popular activities include visiting Santa Barbara, relaxing at the beach, wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, exploring Solvang and Los Olivos, hiking, whale watching and visiting Channel Islands National Park.
Is Santa Barbara County worth visiting?
Yes. Santa Barbara County offers a combination of beaches, mountains, wine country, restaurants, historic sites and outdoor activities that makes it one of California's most diverse Central Coast destinations.
What towns should I visit in Santa Barbara County?
Popular communities include Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria, Summerland, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Buellton, Lompoc and Santa Maria.
How many days do you need in Santa Barbara County?
Three days is a good starting point for experiencing Santa Barbara and taking a day trip into the Santa Ynez Valley. A longer stay allows more time for wine country, outdoor activities, beaches and the county's smaller communities.
What is the best part of Santa Barbara County?
It depends on what you're looking for. Santa Barbara is ideal for beaches, restaurants and attractions; Montecito for luxury; Goleta for outdoor activities; and the Santa Ynez Valley for wine, food and small-town experiences.
Explore More of the 805
Santa Barbara County is only one part of California's 805 region.
Continue exploring in805.com for guides to Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County, including the best restaurants, beaches, attractions, things to do, local businesses, events and weekend destinations throughout the Central Coast.
Published August 7, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)