14 Fun & Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California

Not many people know that the city of Santa Barbara was originally named La Laguna de Concepcion and didn’t actually become “Santa Barbara” until 1602. The story goes that the Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino sailed during a massive storm through the Channel islands and La Laguna de Concepcion on December 4, 1602.

That was the eve of St. Barbara’s Feast Day, a holiday dedicated to the patron saint of mariners and architecture. Thus the city was named after Saint Barbara, the patron saint.

After the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in Santa Barbara, the city became a seaside tourist town. In 1925 an earthquake damaged much of the city, so many buildings were restored in Spanish colonial revival style. In addition, Santa Barbara’s adobe character is preserved by law.

Not surprisingly, Santa Barbara’s history is ripe with Spanish influence, from Spanish revival architecture to Spanish street names and culture. In addition, you can tour buildings such as the Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara that display the Spanish colonial revival style.

Located near the Santa Ynez Mountains and referred to as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a beautiful place to visit. Just a few steps away from the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara has plenty of sandy beaches, including Hendry’s Beach, East Beach, West Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach Park, and Butterfly Beach.

There are many fun things to do in Santa Barbara, California whether you want to see blue whales, Stears Wharf, lush botanic gardens, or enjoy food walking tours.

TLDR

If you are looking for things to do in Santa Barbara, look no further. Santa Barbara has something for…