Beautiful Places in Santa Barbara, CA: 12 Scenic Spots to Enjoy
Santa Barbara has long held the reputation for beauty that borders on the unreal. Tucked between the glimmering Pacific and the Santa Ynez Mountains, it’s a place where Spanish Revival architecture meets coastal vibes. This city doesn’t just offer beauty; it lives and breathes it.
Whether you’re purchasing your dream home in Santa Barbara, looking for an apartment to rent, or interested in a rental home in the city, there are countless stunning locations that are sure to leave you feeling inspired. In this guide, we’ve compiled the most beautiful places in Santa Barbara that locals return to time after time. Grab your camera and let’s get started.
1. Bike through the trails of Shoreline
Start your day by peddling along the trails of Shoreline. This coastal path winds along the edge of Santa Barbara’s Mesa neighborhood, offering panoramic views of the Pacific, a gentle rhythm of waves, and a sense of calm.
For locals like Julie Hutton, baker and owner of Rêve Patisserie, Shoreline isn’t just a trail; it’s part of daily life. “Since buying a house on the Mesa two years ago, I’ve loved spending time on Shoreline,” Julie shares. “There are so many parents like my husband and I with young kids around, and it really helped us settle. I’ve found the best moment of the day is when I take my two toddlers to Daycare at the Zoo by bike and ride the whole waterfront early in the morning. It sets the tone for the day and is always stunning.”
2. Experience Los Padres National Forest
Just beyond the coastline’s golden glow lies a different kind of beauty: wild, woodsy, and serene. Los Padres National Forest stretches across the Santa Barbara backcountry, offering a contrast to the city’s palm-lined streets. Here, the air is cooler and the beauty feels untamed.
For Jessica Foster, owner of the local handmade chocolate truffle shop Jessica Foster Confections, this forested escape holds a special place in her heart. “Santa Barbara has so many beautiful beaches and coastal views, but one of my favorite quintessential SB spots is Cold Spring Tavern,” Jessica says. “It’s a historic stagecoach stop nestled in our beautiful Los Padres National Forest. You can catch great live music and BBQ while enjoying the fresh mountain air and dappled light.”
3. Visit the historic Arlington Theater
In Santa Barbara, the Arlington Theatre stands as a cinematic jewel. Built in 1931, this Mission Revival landmark feels like stepping into a colonial Spanish town, complete with a majestic fountain, villas, and an interior that dazzles with its starry sky ceiling.
With seating for over 2,000 guests, this venue hosts first-run films, live performances, and major film festival events. Inside, you’ll find a rare Wonder Morton Organ—one of only five ever built in the late 1920s—restored and installed here in 1986.
Adding to its charm is the recently remodeled Arlington Courtyard, a chic open-air patio that contrasts the theater’s historic Spanish style with modern flair. Outfitted with fire pits, rattan lounge seating, and a full bar, it’s a favorite pre-show gathering spot and a dreamy setting for private events.
Photo courtesy of Historic Theatre Photos / Mike Hume
4. Have a staycation at Rosewood Miramar Beach
Few places capture Santa Barbara’s timeless glamour quite like Rosewood Miramar Beach. Settled along the coastline of Montecito, this resort blends luxury with unreal ocean views, making it one of the most beautiful places in Santa Barbara to spend the day.
“Santa Barbara is a top destination for many of our clients. The American Riviera coastline is a stunning backdrop for a wedding or proposal,” says Tracy of Tracy Pacana Photography. Among the many standout venues, Tracy shares that “Rosewood Miramar Beach is one of our favorite spots, with everything from luxury dining experiences to private sailing trips.”
By day, stroll through manicured gardens or lounge beachside with a glass of chilled rosé. In the evening, golden hour casts its glow across the shore. As Tracy sums it up, “Evenings are best spent watching the sunset on the beach while enjoying a glass of wine from the nearby Santa Ynez Valley.”
5. Enjoy the sunset at Goleta Beach Park
Located in the city of Goleta, just a short drive from Santa Barbara, Goleta Beach Park offers a well-rounded beach day experience. With its long wooden pier stretching into the Pacific and wide-open views of the mountains, this seaside escape feels straight out of a California daydream.
Locals come here for golden hour strolls along the shore, leisurely bike rides by the water, or shaded picnics beneath the palms. The beach’s gentle waves for surfing, grassy lawns, and barbecue spots make it a favorite for all ages. While you’re there, enjoy a moment of stillness, a beach bike ride, or an impromptu sunset photoshoot.
And if the ocean breeze stirs up a craving for something sweet? Head over to Menchaca Chocolates, a nearby Santa Barbara favorite specializing in small batch chocolate bars. You can even create your own bars and barks, then package them in personalized wooden boxes. It’s the perfect way to end a sunny day with a little touch of indulgence.
6. Take in the nature at the Botanic Garden
If you’re searching for a place that captures the quiet and soothing beauty of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is the perfect spot. Located within Mission Canyon, this native plant sanctuary offers miles of walking trails and over 1,000 unique plants. It’s a change in scenery that feels worlds away from the rest of the city.
“There’s no place that will immerse you more quickly into the breathtaking natural beauty of this coastal California town than the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden,” says travel journalist Kelley Ferro. “With over 78 acres of native plants, you can get lost wandering throughout the giant redwoods, fields of wildflowers, desert landscapes and hiking trails.”
7. See a show with sweeping views at the Santa Barbara Bowl
The Santa Barbara Bowl is one of the most enchanting places in the city to catch a live performance.
“One of my absolute favorite things to do in Santa Barbara is catch a concert at the SB Bowl,” says writer and editor Hana-Lee Sedgwick. “It almost doesn’t matter who’s playing, the venue is so special that every show feels a little magical. I love meeting up with friends for a drink at the bar on the top level, where you can look out over the city and coastline. The view is pretty incredible, especially as the sun begins to set.”
This venue isn’t just a favorite of longtime locals; it’s also a fun and unique thing to do in Santa Barbara for new residents. “There’s nothing like seeing a live concert under the stars at the Santa Barbara Bowl. It’s a favorite gathering place for locals and a magical way to spend an evening,” shares the Santa Barbara Newcomers Club, which offers its members exclusive backstage tours of the venue. Since 1956, the club has welcomed new residents with curated events that highlight the best of the city, hosting over 50 activities each month to help members connect, explore, and feel at home in paradise
8. Walk through the Santa Barbara Farmers Market
There’s no better way to ease into the weekend than with a stroll through the Santa Barbara Farmers Market. Held every Saturday morning in the downtown area, this gathering overflows with local color: fresh-picked produce, handcrafted goods, and a small-town warmth that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Locals know it’s more than just a market; it’s a Saturday ritual. “If you’re new to Santa Barbara, I recommend checking out the farmers market on a Saturday morning,” says Sandra Adu Zelli of Gipsy Hill Bakery. “Then I’d grab a coffee from Handlebar Coffee Shop on Canon Perdido Street. After that, I head around the corner to the cheese shop, and stroll a little further down to pick up bagels from Mother Dough. The perfect Saturday.”
9. Find yourself lost in lavender
Each June, Santa Barbara transforms into a fragrant dreamscape during the annual Santa Barbara Lavender Festival. Held in collaboration with Helping Hands 805, this celebration brings together over a hundred artisans, filling the air with the calming scent of lavender and the creative energy of the community.
Wander through rows of lavender-infused goods while picking up fresh-cut bouquets from local farms. The festival isn’t just about the blooms; it’s a full experience, with engaging entertainment, culinary delights, and endless opportunities to shop.
10. Smell the roses at Old Mission
With centuries of history, the Old Mission Santa Barbara is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. But just across the way, another kind of beauty blooms. The Mission Rose Garden, is a lawn dotted with thousands of fragrant roses in every hue imaginable.
Local photographer, Grace Kathryn shares her perfect itinerary, ending with an evening visit to the rose garden. “Start your day by renting bikes to explore the scenic beach bike path, then head to Stearns Wharf for fresh seafood at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company,” Grace suggests. “As evening approaches, have a sunset picnic in the Mission Rose Garden, surrounded by vibrant blooms. It’s the perfect backdrop for a memorable night.”
11. Find creative inspiration at the Santa Barbara Arts District
Located in the downtown area, the Santa Barbara Arts District radiates with the city’s signature refined culture. Centered around the iconic State Street, the Arts District is home to a mix of galleries, theaters, shops, and cafes. Here, creativity lives through every storefront and mural, inviting visitors to explore and be inspired.
Check out the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or catch an independent performance at one of the district’s theaters. The Arts District is constantly evolving, offering many forms of expression.
Film festivals
If you’re in the area during Spring, make sure to attend ILLUMINATE Film Festival, held annually in the Arts District. As the world’s premier conscious cinema event, the festival brings transformative films, inspiring speakers, and thoughtful conversations that perfectly reflect Santa Barbara’s blend of cultural richness and spiritual awareness. Walking between their beautiful venues provides a wonderful way to connect with the community while experiencing films that elevate and inspire.
12. Create beautiful art yourself
If you’re looking to experience even more of the beauty of art hands-on, visit The Art Process studio. Inspired by Santa Barbara’s natural beauty, The Art Process studio creates inspiring creativity workshops for all levels of experience. Various opportunities such as beginning painting, collage, printing and mixed media are designed to fit your needs for gatherings at your location or elsewhere.
Exploring all the beautiful places in Santa Barbara
From sunlit gardens and seaside trails to historic landmarks and summer festivals, living in Santa Barbara will allow you to relax and enjoy every breathtaking detail. Each area offers a new kind of beauty: quiet, wild, romantic, or bold.
Whether you’re planning on moving to Santa Barbara, or simply daydreaming about coastal escapes, these beautiful places in Santa Barbara prove why this city has long been called The American Riviera. So, get out there and let the city of Santa Barbara inspire your next adventure.
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