Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the beauty of the wildlife is matched only by the lush grounds and sweeping views. Located just two miles from State Street, this 30-acre park is home to more than 146 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Some of the Zoo’s most famous residents include penguins, giraffes, anteaters, gorillas, and a flock of native California condors.

Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds, and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology. Newly renovated in 2018, the Museum boasts state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for all ages, paired with the Central Coast’s only planetarium, on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard.

Located near lower State Street and Santa Barbara’s famed waterfront, The Funk Zone is one of Santa Barbara’s most vibrant and evolving neighborhoods. Once a manufacturing hub and industrial area where artists, surfboard shapers, and pioneering urban winemakers originally set up shop, the walkable 13-block area is now home to some of the city’s best restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, breweries, boutiques, creative collectives, galleries, hotels and more.

You could spend days tasting your way through The Funk Zone’s 16 wineries—pick up an Urban Wine Trail map to plot your course. Beer lovers, wet your whistle at Figueroa Mountain Brewery Co., Brass Bear Brewing & Bistro, Lama Dog Taproom, and Topa Topa Brewing Co. If you prefer something stronger, try the hand-crafted gin, vodka, and bourbon at Cutler's Artisan Spirits - Santa Barbara’s first post-Prohibition distillery.

Nestled between Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor, West Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Santa Barbara. This 7.5-acre beach is surrounded by a wide sidewalk and bike path, making it easily accessible from the shops, hotels, restaurants, and historic landmarks in downtown Santa Barbara.

Due to its close proximity to the harbor, West Beach is a popular spot for watersports like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Its robust sandy coastline allows for plenty of out-of-water fun such as beach volleyball, sandcastle building, and sunbathing.

Ganna Walska Lotusland, also known as Lotusland, is a non-profit botanical garden located in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, California. The 37-acre garden is on the historic estate of Madame Ganna Walska. Lotusland Botanic Garden is open to the public by reservation only, with walking tours 1½ to 2 hours long. We recommend you purchase tickets in advance of your trip.

Enjoy authentic Mexican food for any meal of the day.

A staple breakfast spot in SB. Get here early as the line is often out the door.

Check out Bluewater Grill for delicious seafood and a spectacular ocean view.

Highly recommend for lunch or dinner - be sure to make a reservation.

Off the beaten path, Arnoldi's is an old-school Italian restaurant. Great for large groups.

The best sandwiches in town! A fast-casual sub shop - call ahead to order and enjoy your lunch on the beach or on the road.

McAuley and Danny's favorite brewery in town. Elevated pub fare with a full bar.

Fun fact: McAuley and Danny celebrated their engagement here with friends and family!

Cute cafe with a twist on the classics.