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Weekend Getaways to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara
photo © Robert Holmes / California Tourism
For a beautiful weekend on the Pacific Coast, it's hard to top Santa Barbara. The pristine city's perfect climate gives rise to a number of natural attractions worth checking out. Stroll through the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens to view breathtaking flora or hike a scenic nature trail in Los Padres National Forest. The beaches all have their own vibe. East Beach attracts the young and hip while fishing and whale watching beckon a mixed crowd to Arroyo Burro. Indoor enthusiasts will find solace touring the fine collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or poking around the old Mission. For a fresh and delicious seafood dinner, the restaurants on Stearn's Wharf can't be beat.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Where to stay
Harbor View Inn
Canary Hotel Santa Barbara
West Beach Inn
Holiday Inn Express Santa Barbara
Best Western Pepper Tree Inn
The Sandman Inn



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Outdoor recreationOutdoor recreation
Los Padres National Forest: Covering 1.75 million acres and more than 220 miles in two different counties, the land is semi-desert in the interior while the coast is lined with redwood forest.
Address: California
Phone: 805-968-6640
Free
BeachesBeaches
East Beach: Heralded as one of the best beaches in the United States, this lively, always crowded stretch of shore attracts younger crowds.
Address: East Cabrillo Boulevard & Milpas Street, Santa Barbara, California
Phone: 805-564-5418
Free
Arroyo Burro County Beach Park: The locals call it Hendry's Beach, a place to meet for breakfast or a cocktail at sunset, stroll or jog the sandy shore, watch for whales, fish or ride the wild surf.
Address: 2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, California
Phone: 805-687-3714
Free
GardensGardens
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Garden enthusiasts will savor the nearly 70 acres of native regional plants at this popular attraction.
Address: 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, California
Phone: 805-682-4726
Admission fee
For history buffsFor history buffs
Mission Santa Barbara: Visitors can tour this historic Franciscan mission that features twin bell towers and lovely gardens.
Address: 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, California
Phone: 805-682-4713
Free
MuseumsMuseums
Santa Barbara Museum of Art: This museum, founded in 1941, houses a prestigious and varied collection of modern and ancient art plus a special gallery for children.
Address: 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, California
Phone: 805-963-4364
Admission fee
On the waterfrontOn the waterfront
Stearns Wharf: Visitors can watch fishing boats unload the day's catch, enjoy spectacular sunsets and sample fare from fast food to fine dining at California's oldest working wharf.
Address: Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California
Phone: 805-564-5518; 805-897-2683
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Bouchon: Fresh, local ingredients are highlighted on this menu offering wine country cuisine. Entrees include duck, salmon and sea bass, which can be paired with selections from an extensive wine list.
Address: 9 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, California
Phone: (805) 730-1160
Things to doMore attractions
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goLists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
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What to do in Santa Barbara
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Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Harbor View Inn
Popularity index: #5 in Santa Barbara
Expedia.com To See if this Hotel Qualifies Click Through and Enter Dates
Orbitz.com View Hotel Photos, Reviews & More Compare & Save on Hotels at Orbitz
hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-434-6835
View all travel offers for this hotel
Canary Hotel Santa Barbara
Popularity index: #15 in Santa Barbara
CanarySantaBarbara.com Official Site Book at official site & save
Expedia.com To See if this Hotel Qualifies Click Through and Enter Dates
LHW.com Leading Hotels of the World -- Every Quest has a Beginning.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
West Beach Inn
Popularity index: #11 in Santa Barbara
Expedia.com To See if this Hotel Qualifies Click Through and Enter Dates
Orbitz.com View Hotel Photos, Reviews & More Compare & Save on Hotels at Orbitz
hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-434-6835
View all travel offers for this hotel
Holiday Inn Express Santa Barbara
Popularity index: #12 in Santa Barbara
HIExpress.com Free Breakfast & Internet. Book online or call 877-270-6397
Orbitz.com View Hotel Photos, Reviews & More Compare & Save on Hotels at Orbitz
InterContinental Hotels Group Click, Book & Save 10% when you book the Advance Purchase Rate.
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Best Western Pepper Tree Inn
Popularity index: #10 in Santa Barbara
Expedia.com To See if this Hotel Qualifies Click Through and Enter Dates
hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-434-6835
Orbitz.com Customize the trip you want & stay A Step Ahead with Orbitz.
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The Sandman Inn
Popularity index: #22 in Santa Barbara
Expedia.com To See if this Hotel Qualifies Click Through and Enter Dates
Orbitz.com View Hotel Photos, Reviews & More Compare & Save on Hotels at Orbitz
hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-434-6835
View all travel offers for this hotel

Recommended Reading
"Santa Barbara on the Cheap"  New York Times (free registration required), May 2, 2008
You don't need a million bucks to enjoy Santa Barbara.
"Santa Barbara: fun stuff that's free (or cheap) & easy"  Los Angeles Times (free registration required), Jan 8, 2008
From markets to museums, 16 affordable attractions and activities to experience and enjoy.
"'Secret' Santa Barbara: an eco-lover's paradise on American Riviera"  canoe.ca / Canadian Press, Oct 15, 2007
The eco-tourism industry gets top billing in this beautiful seaside town.
"Sensuous Santa Barbara"  National Geographic Traveler Magazine, Jan 1, 2001
Vibrant coastal city offers an impressive menu of first-rate sightseeing, luxury resorts, fine dining and exclusive shops.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Santa Barbara