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Santa Barbara Attractions & ActivitiesSightseeing
Our Sightseeing category provides a feast for the eyes. Why? Because most all of our selections are famous places that you can view and take pictures of to show everyone back home. Landmarks, sculptures, historic homes, historic districts, cemeteries, water fountains, and statues are just a hint of the sights we've selected.
Breakwater at Santa Barbara Harbor
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Intended to minimize the effect of wave action on pricey yachts, this curved stone shield was originally a joint venture funded by the city of Santa Barbara and Max Fleischmann of yeast fame. In 1925, he contributed money to the cause, and the city constructed the first phase of the breakwater (which was expanded in later years). Incorporating...
Dolphin Fountain at Stearns Wharf
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: State St, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA
Sleek dolphins leap and arc above a water-filled basin in this sculpture that welcomes visitors to Stearns Wharf at the base of State Street. Officially known as Santa Barbara's Bicentennial Friendship Fountain, the dolphin fountain was created in 1982 by local artist Bud Bottoms. Legend claims that the dolphin is cousin to Santa Barbara's early...
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: Chapala St and Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Brought to the West Coast as a seedling from Moreton Bay, Australia, this stately fig tree was planted in its current location in 1877. More than a century later, the specimen has taken to its new home decidedly well and is one of the city's oldest residents. In excess of 75 feet tall, the tree's branch span goes beyond 167 feet. At one time,...
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: Garden St and Cabrillo Blvd, Visitors Center, Santa Barbara, CA
Ideal for city newcomers and visitors who want a quick overview, this intriguing self-guided walking tour hits many of Santa Barbara's main cultural and historical attractions. The route explores approximately twelve blocks of urban territory and is self-guided, so you can take as long as you need. (Maps are available at the visitors center.)...
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93121
Perhaps the city's most recognizable landmark, this circa-1929 structure illustrates the beauty of Spanish Revival architecture. Although it functions as a working courthouse, the building welcomes visitors to view its impressive details. Among them are murals, tilework, beamed ceilings, decorative painting, ornate woodwork, and wrought iron...
Santa Barbara County Wine Country
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: Santa Barbara, CA
Thanks to a unique synergy of climate, soil, and terrain, Santa Barbara County is well-suited to wine-making. And although efforts in viticulture are relatively new here (prospering in the last 25 years or so), results are impressive, especially with pinot noirs and chardonnays. These days, more than 60 wineries populate the county, and many of...
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA
These no-effort trolley excursions are an ideal way to take in the city of Santa Barbara and all its allure. Tours deliver ninety-minute forays into the city and are narrated with interesting facts about sights, attractions, and local history. Stop-offs range from Stearns Wharf to the Old Mission and include the Courthouse and area...
St. Barbara Parish – Old Mission
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: 2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
A joint effort of Franciscan vision and Chumash Indian labor, this graceful structure dates from 1786, although it was reworked until the 1830s. Referred to as "Queen of the Missions," the Santa Barbara building was tenth of the twenty-one missions built in the now-state of California. It features twin bell towers and affords outstanding views of...
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: Cabrillo Blvd and State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Built in 1872 to handle incoming freight and passengers, Stearns Wharf is one of the coast's oldest wooden piers. These days, following renovations in 1982, the wharf is a magnet for tourists, who come to gaze out on the Channel and shop its various venues. Eateries also share space, and you'll even catch sight of locals plying the waters for...
Category: Sightseeing - Santa Barbara Attractions & Activities
Address: Santa Barbara Channel, Santa Barbara, CA
The stretch of ocean between Santa Barbara on the mainland and the offshore Channel Islands is a favorite with migrating whales. Thanks to this natural funnel (really about 25 miles wide), folks in the area have a prime vantage point for watching the impressive mammals travel. Grey whales usually move in early spring, and blue whales migrate in...
