Day Trip To Santa Barbara: 1 Day in Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara is an easy day trip from nearby Los Angeles by car or train. The city has great historical attractions and lots of delicious food.
Things to See in Santa Barbara: (Jump To)
Santa Barbara is an easy day trip from Los Angeles. Depending on traffic you can be in the sleepy seaside town in 2-3 hours by car. You can also take the legendary Pacific Surfliner Train from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara in about 2.5 hours. Tickets typically start at USD$20.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Ordinarily, a visit to the courthouse means your vacation has taken a turn for the worse. That’s not the case with a visit to the nearly 100-year-old Spanish Colonial Revival building.
The visit should include an elevator ride to the top of the clock tower for a 360-degree view of Santa Barbara.
Inside the building, you will find spiral staircases, long beautiful hallways, and surprises like the Clock Gallery where you can look up at the ceiling to view a replica of the constellations of the night sky.
Don’t miss the Mural Room which (as the name implies) has murals painted on the walls and ceiling celebrating the city’s cultural past.
It is free to visit the courthouse and clock tower. Daily free one-hour tours are also offered. Check their website for details and schedules.
Stearns Wharf
Head down to the ocean for a visit to Stearns Wharf. There you will find numerous shops with some local souvenirs, candy, ice cream, and any shell-covered products your heart desires.
Walking to the end of the wharf is a great way to view the city skyline and the iconic coastal California views. Grab a table with a view at any of the restaurants for a relaxing lunch or dinner.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
We were blown away by our visit to Old Mission Santa Barbara. I think we were expecting a stuffy old church, but the mission is so much more.
Inside the grounds, you will find the mission museum, a 9-room museum filled with interesting historical pieces and artwork. There is also a quiet cemetery and mausoleum.
The grounds are beautifully landscaped. Walking through the interior courtyards and grounds is worth the stop alone.
There is also a beautiful chapel with historic artwork on display.
1000 Steps Beach
Before you scroll past this attraction because you don’t want to climb 1000 steps let me explain. The beach was named 1000 Steps Beach by locals because, after a day at the beach, climbing the (about) 150 steps up the cliff feels like 1000!
The secluded beach is a great place to spend the day sunbathing or wading in the salty water. It’s also a popular place for early risers to explore tide pools.
The high sandy cliffs make you feel like you are miles away from civilization. It’s a beautiful place to spend a lazy afternoon.
Casa de la Guerra
This historic house was built in the early 19th century and served as a cultural center of Santa Barbara before California statehood.
The home was restored to its appearance in the 1800s and now serves as a historical museum. The affordable USD$5 admission makes it worth a quick visit.
Bonus: Channel Islands
Santa Barbara is one of the best places to start a visit to Channel Islands National Park. The park consists of eight secluded islands off the shore of California. With limited services (including cellular service) the islands are a true escape to nature.
If you’re looking for more Southern California options, read our 10 things to love in SoCal.
