On occasion, tours get canceled… Bad weather is often to blame, and other times, it’s just out of our hands. Fortunately, there are still lots of exciting things you can do around Santa Barbara! Our staff came up with some great ideas just for you:
Go Fishing!
You can fish right off of Stearn’s Wharf. Stearn’s Wharf Bait & Tackle does rentals for $10 an hour and they provide anchovies as bait and poles already hooked and weighted. Plus, you don’t need a fishing license to fish off the pier.
Rent a Party Bike
Wheel Fun Rentals offers bike rentals, including 4 wheeled bikes that can hold your whole family — what fun!
Harbor Boat Tour
Lil’ Toot is a cute tug boat that does boat tours in the Santa Barbara harbor.
Visit a Museum
- The MOXI Museum is a fun interactive museum that is great for families.
- Learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
- The Sea Center is a cool place to visit as well and they have interactive exhibits.
Favorite Hikes
Note: Santa Barbara front & backcountry trails can get very hot some days especially during the summer months. Plan accordingly by bringing lots of water, sun protection, and avoid hiking during peak sun hours.
- Rattlesnake Canyon
Length: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Description: A beautiful canyon trail that runs along creeks/waterfalls up to the top of the Santa Ynez coastal range - Cold Springs Trail
Length: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Description: Great shaded, creekside, canyon trail that leads up to great ocean views - Cathedral Peak
Length: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Description: The most technical/difficult hike that Santa Barbara offers, with some hands-on scrambling to the top. Slot at least 4 hours, lots of water and snacks; but the views are all worth the effort! - Inspiration Point from Tunnel Trail
Length: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A Santa Barbara classic with panoramic views over the city and sea - Gaviota Peak Loop
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Description: About a 20-minute drive north of Santa Barbara along the remote Gaviota coast… It’s a challenge but the ocean views are incredible on a clear day! - Douglas Family Preserve
A hidden gem with numerous easy hiking trails along bluffs with spectacular ocean and beach views
Explore Downtown
- Shop State Street and grab a bite and something to drink in the Funk Zone (a lively section of town with shops, wine tasting rooms, breweries and restaurants).
- Stearns Wharf / SB Harbor: Take a stroll along our famous wooden pier — the views are amazing! Then head over to the harbor for dinner or lunch at Brophy Bros, a Santa Barbara classic for fresh seafood.
- Visit the gorgeous Santa Barbara Courthouse featuring a sunken garden, Spanish mural room and scenic views of the city from the Clock Tower.