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Santa Barbara Museum – The Santa Barbara Museum is small but is one of the region's most beautiful museums. The museum offers a wide variety of exhibits and information about the area's history, wildlife, marine life, geology and culture. Visitors will want to see the 72-foot blue whale skeleton. This is also home to the area's only planetarium and observatory.
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens – Featuring over 1,000 species of rare plants that are found throughout the state of California this botanical garden is located on 65 acres of land. After strolling through the many gardens travelers can take a hike along the 5 1/2 miles of trails, which cross through canyons, meadows and finally crosses the historic Mission Dam.
Old Mission – This mission was the tenth of the 21 first Franciscan mission in the state and continues to be the most beautiful mission in all of California. Offering visitors many historical insights it is also the epicenter of the cities many cultural and religious activities. Many special events are hosted here throughout the year. The mission offers tours and a wonderful little gift shop.
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Casa De Seville - Casa De Sevialla is one of the area's best sops for classic American cuisine. Guests cal select from dishes such as lamb chops, steak and seafood. Dating back to 1926 it is also one of the region's oldest restaurants and offers a rich historical environment.
Cold Spring Tavern - Travel back to the early 1900's at a sport where many stagecoaches once stopped and enjoy a delicious meal. Cold Springs Tavern is reminiscent of the Old West with old stone fireplaces and a turn of the century tavern feel. The menu offers a wide smattering of American dishes. One Wednesday nights visitors can listen to the sounds of lie music in the traditional log cabin that is located right next door.
Chuck’s of Hawaii - Chuck’s of Hawaii has been serving exceptional food for so many years that it has become a Santa Barbara tradition. Home to the first California salad bar diners can also select from steak and grilled fish selections. The dining room is very intimate accented by dim lighting and deep rich colors.
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Leadbetter Beach - Enjoying the many beaches of Santa Barbara would not be complete without a visit to Leadbetter Beach. Known for being one of the best swimming and family beaches in the area visitors can enjoy white sandy beaches and many grassy picnic areas and barbeque pits that line the beach area.
West Beach - Just a stone throws away from Motel Row guests can easily walk to West Beach from their hotel room. The beach is situated in between the wharf and the marina. Although it is so close to Motel Row visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the quietness that seems to encompass the beach.
East Beach , East Beach, with its palm-shaded lawns and sparkling sand is often the first beach to be seen when entering Santa Barbara. This popular beach boasts of its world famous volleyball tournaments that are hosted each year.
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Santa Barbara Zoo – Home to over 700 species of animals and the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens the Santa Barbara Zoo is the perfect daytime activity for the entire family. The zoo offers a wide selection of creatures’ great and small to see and also features an enclosed carousel and two trains that visitors can take a ride on.
Goleta Depot Railroad Museum – Locates just 7 short miles from the city of Santa Barbara visitors to the Goleta Depot Railroad Museum will enjoy learning more about the historical role that the railroad depot played in the history of old time America. Visitors can browse through many different exhibits and the old trains will fascinate children.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum - Visitors are in for a treat at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. This unique museum is continually adding new displays and exhibits that portray the effect of the ocean on the local community. There are many artifacts and exhibits to look through. The museum also offers a theatre.
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