Even though Santa Barbara is less than 100 miles from the bustling, busy metropolis of Los Angeles, it couldn’t feel more different. Located directly on the Pacific Coast, its a population of just 90,000 enjoys pristine beaches, tons of sunshine, and beautiful mission-style architecture. No wonder Santa Barbara is known as California’s “chillest” city. If you’re looking to relax in the sun, Santa Barbara is the place to be. Read on for the 5 best things to do while you’re in Santa Barbara.
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Hit the Beach
Going to the beach and Santa Barbara go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s simply a must-do. East Beach is a favorite for locals and tourists alike with its swaying palm trees, postcard-white sand, and picturesque mountain backdrop near the harbor. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds and truly chill, Leadbitter Beach and Hendry’s Beach are more isolated escapes by the sea.
Visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Visiting a normal courthouse seems more like a chore than a fun activity. But not this courthouse. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse was the grandest building in the city when it was built in 1929, and remains so today. It’s Spanish-Moorish architectural style comes complete with intricate North African tile work, murals, and frescos. Oh, also it has stunning views of the entire city and the ocean to top it all off.
Explore Lotusland
Lotusland is anything but boring. It is a globally-renowned estate with 38 acres of botanical gardens that can’t be forgotten. Over 3,200 different types of plants call Lotusland home. And these aren’t just any plants, but rather they are some of the most rare and beautiful plants in existence. Lotusland’s collections of cycads, cacti, palms, and euphorbias are their specialities but they also have lotuses, ferns, water lilies, and to explore. Expect another picturesque setting here as well (can you sense a pattern here?), but remember, reservations are required at Lotusland in order to visit.
Go Sea Kayaking
Santa Barbara is a very chilled out place, but sometimes it’s nice to get out into the open ocean and get a little exercise and excitement going on. Santa Barbara Adventure Company provides just that with their sea kayaking tours of the Santa Barbara coastline. Explore isolated beaches, kelp forests, and the natural marine life (like sea lions and whales) with an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide. Plus there is no better way to see the beauty of Santa Barbara and it’s coastline from the sea.
Eat like a Local
After a long hard day of relaxing and chilling out in Santa Barbara, you’re going to want to fill up on some great local food. A can’t miss spot is La Super Rica Taqueria. This taco shop is worth waiting in the line for. The New York Times once said that this was the “Best Mexican Food in the Country” and it was a longtime favorite of Julia Child for their fresh ingredients and incredible salsas. Toma Restaurant and Bar and Los Agaves are also great restaurants guaranteed to please.
There you have it, 5 things to do while you’re in the chillest CA city. Santa Barbara is a truly remarkable city from its beaches to its restaurants and is a wonderful place to visit. If you’re thinking about visiting Santa Barbara, consider staying with PC Housing. Contact us today to find out more about our vacation rentals in Santa Barbara.