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sea waves crashing on shore during daytime

Attractions in Santa Barbara

Sights, markets, museums and nights out in Santa Barbara, with our top choices first and then the places readers open most.

8 places

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

MuseumSanta Barbara Museum of Natural History

Santa Barbara Zoo

ZooSanta Barbara Zoo

Historic siteStearns Wharf

white and brown wooden dock on body of water during daytime

MuseumSanta Barbara Maritime Museum

BeachEast Beach

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

MuseumSanta Barbara Historical Museum

El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

ParkEl Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Historic siteOld Mission Santa Barbara

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DestinationsWhere to go, when to go and how to get around in 221 countries. Every practical fact shows the date we checked it and who checked it.Where to stayNeighborhoods walked end to end: who each area suits, how far it is from the airport train, and the hotels we would book ourselves.PlanVisas and entry rules, travel insurance, eSIMs and rail passes, explained in plain words and rechecked when the rules change.EventsFestivals, concerts and tours with confirmed dates, rooms near the venue and the fastest way on to the next city.StoriesField reports and data stories from the road. We time the queues, count the costs and say what changed since last year.