Visit Campus Free Things to do in Santa Barbara

 

  1. View classic and modern art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.  Free every Thursday evening 5-8pm. (805) 963-4364.
  2. Butterfly Beach: This pristine beach is a favorite to visit and from which to take an iconic Santa Barbara sunset picture. A local favorite, this is a popular spot located across the street from the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort.
  3. Cabrillo Boulevard: A three-mile pedestrian- and bike-friendly path that winds from Leadbetter Beach to the Andree Clark Bird Refuge near Montecito. Enjoy handmade arts and crafts of 250+ artists at the Arts & Craft Show on Sundays.
  4. Red Tile Walking Tour: Take a walk on the red tile side on this self-guided tour with a downloadable podcast and video hosted by John O'Hurley. Take in the area's most notable architectural gems on this 12-block jaunt.
  5. Stearns Wharf: California's oldest working wharf is complete with souvenir shopping, dining options, wine tasting and the occasional wildlife spotting.
  6. Santa Barbara County Courthouse:  Don’t miss the panoramic view from the 85-foot tower of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse!  Open daily (805) 962-6464.
  7. Visit the Historical Museum and Library with free admission. (805) 966-1601.
  8. See the Moreton Bay Fig Tree.  Planted in 1877, it is the oldest of its kind in the nation, with 21,000 square foot area of shade. Chapala Street at Montecito Street.
  9. Admire roses at the Rose Garden across the street from the Santa Barbara Mission.
  10. See turtles sunning themselves on rocks, koi swimming in ponds, and beautiful flowers at the Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, 1500 block of Santa Barbara Street.
  11. Walk along Coast Village Road, an elegant shopping area in Montecito and maybe spot a celebrity.
  12. Hike Hot Springs Trail to the top and experience one of the most beautiful views in Santa Barbara, located off East Mountain Drive.
  13. Get cozy at Inspiration Point (clearly marked trail above the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden on Tunnel Road); spectacular at night.
  14. Sample fruits, vegetables, and pick up fresh cut flowers at Santa Barbara’s Farmers Market on State and Cota Streets or Coast Village Road. Tuesday evenings, Friday mornings, and/or Saturday mornings.