There are tons of weekend trips near Santa Barbara. Whether you make a whole two-day adventure out of it or just do a quick day trip, here are some of my favorite nearby destinations around the American Riviera.
What’s near Santa Barbara?
Cool places close to Santa Barbara include Ventura, Ojai, Solvang, the Channel Islands and more. Any of these places make for great day trips from Santa Barbara, CA. There are many things to do near Santa Barbara for every type of traveler. Whether you are looking for hiking, boating, wine tasting, sunbathing, or city breaking, this guide has got something for everyone.
If you’re interested in a day trip to Santa Barbara itself, check out this one-day itinerary.
1. Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country due to its relatively remote location. To visit Channel Islands National Park, you’ll need to catch a ferry from Ventura or Oxnard. If you are looking for boat trips in Santa Barbara or nearby, a trip to the Channel Islands is a great option. Once you reach the park, you can explore one (or more) of five pristine islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara.
Some of the activities on the islands include hiking scenic trails, kayaking through sea caves, or snorkeling in waters teeming with marine life like sea lions, seals, and moray eels. Visitors often get to see many of the endemic plants and animals like the island fox. There are also many bald eagles on the islands due to a preserve. Learn more about how to visit the Channel Islands here.
2. Ventura
Located just about an hour south and along one of the most scenic drives near Santa Barbara is Ventura.
Ventura, California features a vibrant surfer haven with tons of natural beauty as a coastal town tucked into the hills. For one, the Ventura Pier is perfect for leisurely strolls and sunset views. Surfer’s Point is known for its consistent waves and visitors can even take surfing lessons. Hikers often enjoy the scenic trails of Ventura Botanical Gardens and other free hillside trails. The historic Mission San Buenaventura, a Spanish mission dating back to 1782, is part of the California Camino Real mission trail. Downtown Ventura has charming boutiques and lots of bars and restaurants.
Some of my favorites are Tiki Girl for cute clothes and the Taj Cafe for Indian. In the evening, be sure to check out the VenTiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai and the Bank of Italy for cocktails.
3. Solvang
One of the most popular day trips from Santa Barbara is Solvang.
Solvang, a Danish-inspired village in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, draws in visitors with its “European” charm. The city is dotted with Danish windmills. Stroll through Solvang’s quaint streets lined with half-timbered buildings, bakeries, and boutique shops. Amazing Danish pastries can be found at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. You can also check out the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, honoring the famed Danish author.
While Solvang attracts people for its sweet treats and windmills, wine enthusiasts will enjoy the many nearby wineries like Rusack Vineyards.
4. Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is the best places to go for wine tours near Santa Barbara. Tucked away up past the mountains in California’s Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley is a pretty region known for its vineyards, rolling hills, and small, walkable towns. Most day trips to Santa Ynez revolve around wine tastings at world-class wineries or savor great farm-to-table restaurants like S.Y. Kitchen.
Los Olivos is one of the most popular hubs for wine tasting shops packed in close walkable proximity. There’s a cute cupcake shop mixed in with all the wineries here called Enjoy Cupcakes.
The most popular and largest dedicated wineries with vineyards in the valley include Sunstone, Roblar, and Gainey.
Related: Two Days in Santa Barbara
5. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, located in SLO county and just about an hour and a half north of Santa Barbara, offers many attractions for visitors. You could hang out on its famed sandy beaches or try out some water sports like surfing, SUP, and kayaking.
Pismo Beach is also known for the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, a haven for off-road enthusiasts where you can drive your vehicle across the sand. In Pismo, there’s the Monarch Butterfly Grove, cute pier, short easy coastal trails, and a classic beach town downtown area. Nearby, be sure not to miss Ventana Grill for an amazing dinner with wall-to-wall views of the sea.
One of my favorite things near Pismo Beach is the Sycamore Mineral Springs. This is a can’t miss relaxing experience.
6. San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a cute inland town known for its Spanish Mission and Cal Poly SLO university campus. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa dates back to 1772. Visiting this laid-back town as a day trip should include visiting the downtown shops and restaurants. Downtown you can also find the famous SLO gum alley, similar to (albeit smaller than) the one found in Seattle. You could also hike Bishop Peak for panoramic views, learn about foraging in the area, or relax at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. SloDoCo Donuts is a great stop for a little treat. Eat at the Black Sheep for incredible mac n’ cheese and head to Scout for a coffee pick-me-up.
A visit to SLO is another great option for road trip from Santa Barbara, especially in the spring when everything is so green. Along the drive north you’re sure to see lots of horses and wildflowers.
Related: Top 8 Cafes in Santa Barbara
7. Paso Robles
Found 2 hours north of SB, Paso Robles is known for its world-class vineyards. It has a vibrant downtown with tons of tasting rooms, stylish boutiques, and eateries. If you’d like to check out some history, there is the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum. Another fun thing to do on a day trip is to soak in Franklin Hot Springs. With its scenic countryside, award-winning wines, Paso Robles make a great romantic trip with a partner or a girl’s weekend getaway. It really is a quintessential California experience.
While the Santa Ynez Valley is a little bit closer, Paso Robles is another great wine drinker destination and offers other activities near Santa Barbara. A bit unexpectedly, there is a great tiki bar in Paso Robles called Cane Tiki Room.
8. Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a truly calming and quaint California coastal town. The biggest draw here is the Morro Rock, a volcanic plug rising dramatically from the ocean on the beach. Morro Bay also has picturesque harbor, cruising with fishing boats and waterfront (primarily seafood and burger fare) dining. Here in the bay you’ll also likely find the famous locals – the sea otters that raise their babies in the safe waters. You can also sometimes catch sea lions swimming through.
A road trip through SLO County could easily include a stop at Morro Bay. If you really like sea animals, fun bike tours, and chill coastal towns, Morro Bay is perfect for you.
9. San Simeon
San Simeon is the furthest destination from Santa Barbara on this list at about a 2.5-hour drive (150 miles), but it is well worth the effort. San Simeon is a coastal town most known for the historic Hearst Castle and Elephant Seal Point. A visit to Hearst Castle, the opulent estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, requires a little bit of planning as the park system manages the site. You’ll need to purchase tickets to see the home. The tour is mostly a guided historical walking tour although there is a bit done from a trolley like vehicle that drives you around the more immense property.
One of my favorite things here is the Elephant Seal Vista Point, where thousands of seals gather on the beaches. You could easily hit this spot before or after Hearst Castle. The Hearst Ranch Winery nearby is a good spot to relax with sweeping sea views too.
10. Santa Ynez Mountains
One could spend a day meandering through the Santa Ynez Mountains along the 154 Highway. This winding road will take you up in elevation and offers some great views. The Santa Ynez Mountains also have a wide array of activities from hanging out at a historic bar to hiking the trails. Tucked away like a hidden gem in Santa Barbara, the historic Cold Spring Tavern is famous for its tri-tip sandwiches and live music on the weekends. It is historic due to its role as a stagecoach stop in the late 19th century. Nearby you can also see the Chumash Cave Paintings.
For outdoor adventurers, there are many opportunities for camping, rock climbing, and hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, which has some overlap with Los Padres National Forest. Inspiration Point Trail is the most popular for its panoramic views.
11. El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach is perhaps the simplest day trip drive on the list as it is only 20 miles north on a straight, easy drive up the 101 Highway. It draws in visitors with its pristine coastline and quiet ambiance. Here you could sunbathe on the beach, stroll along the picturesque coastal bluffs, or picnic at the state park facilities. Hikers can hike the nearby El Capitan Canyon Trail for lovely ocean views.
You could also try to score a camping reservation here, although it will take some careful planning as they fill up quickly. If you secure a campsite, it makes for a perfect weekend trip near Santa Barbara. With its natural beauty and recreational activities, El Capitan State Beach offers a peaceful escape.
12. Gaviota State Park
Similar to El Capitan, Gaviota State Park is very close to Santa Barbara. However, it is just a bit further north. One of the best things to do here is to hike the Gaviota Peak Trail for panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains- plus there are several cool wind caves here to climb through and around. The Wind Caves hike is only 2-3 miles and gains about 500 feet of elevation, making it a good day trip hike as it is not too strenuous. Gaviota State Park also offers beach access and limited camping.
13. Ojai
Ojai, a charming town down south of Santa Barbara, offers a variety of attractions and activities. Many flock to Ojai for its retreats, usually centered around wellness, spas, and yoga. However, there are other things to do here as part of a day trip as well. First, downtown Ojai is full of art galleries, boutique shops, and local restaurants. My favorite spot to eat here is actually located a bit out of the main downtown drive though. Head to Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta for great outdoor dining in a charming location. You could also take a pottery class in Ojai.
The famous Bart’s Books is also found here. Bart’s Books is a second hand, mostly outdoor bookstore. It was also the filming location for a few scenes in Easy A with Emma Stone. Ojai also features a handful of wineries like Topa Mountain Winery.
14. Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains, just north of Malibu, offer amazing views and recreational opportunities. There are many trail networks that connect here. You could park in the free, dirt lot located next to Highway 1 and catch the Chumash Trail (a steep start) and climb to Mugu Peak. There is also a paved, paid lot where you can find the start of the Ray Miller Trail. This is my personal favorite. Despite its proximity to Malibu and Los Angeles, these trails and parking lots are never too crowded. I used to hike here quiet frequently.
15. Malibu
Located about an hour and a half south (70 miles) of Santa Barbara, Malibu is famous for its coastal beauty and cultural attractions. Visitors typically start by seeing the iconic Malibu Pier where you can also find the popular Malibu Farms restaurant. Not far from the pier is the famous and pricey Nobu Malibu with an incredible outdoor patio. Nearby Zuma Beach or El Matador State Beach are great spots for sunbathing and swimming.
If you prefer to hike, the scenic trails of Solstice Canyon or Point Dume offer amazing vistas. The Getty Villa, showcasing ancient art and architecture amidst lush gardens, is found just off highway 1. Up in the mountains behind Malibu is the famed Mulholland Dr and a noteworthy biker bar and restaurant called the Old Place – a unique spot definitely worth the trip.
16. Los Angeles
A list of Santa Barbara day trips would be incomplete without mention of Los Angeles. There could be any number of things to see and do in Los Angeles. It really depends on how many things are still on your LA bucket list.
If this is one of your first times in the city, start with a visit to the iconic Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. You could also head downtown to eat at the famous Grand Central Market or get some great tacos at Sonoratown.
Many head to LA to see other sights like the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre. Los Angeles boasts a pretty cool Chinatown. Be sure to see the Chinatown Central Plaza and get French dip sandwiches from nearby Philippe The Original. A foodie should also visit Koreatown for Korean BBQ and many other great options.
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
Budget hotels in Santa Barbara:
Unfortunately, there are not very many budget-friendly options for lodging in Santa Barbara. One of the cheapest (but decent) options in the area is Motel 6 in Goleta which is located right next to a cute coffee shop, Dune, as well as a Trader Joe’s and Walgreens. The airport is in Goleta (although technically the City of Santa Barbara) and is a slightly more budget friendly area. That said, it takes about 10-15 minutes of driving to get to the heart of Santa Barbara from Goleta depending on construction traffic on the 101 Highway.
Mid-range hotels in Santa Barbara:
The Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, which has older decor but a convenient location in central Santa Barbara, is a good mid-range priced hotel. If location isn’t as important, the Courtyard Marriot Goleta, offers an upgrade on renovations and decor. If you prefer a boutique style hotel, try the beachfront Hotel Milo – just steps away from the bike path and beach volleyball courts.
Luxury hotels in Santa Barbara:
Hotel Californian is a perfectly located high-end hotel within walking distance of the beach, pier, and the Funk Zone. A new boutique hotel named Drift was built in the old Santa Barbara headquarters of the Church of Scientology. This hotel has stylish, boho decor. A bit further north is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
Follow on Instagram!
This site contains affiliate links that send a small referral commission to me when you book. This supports the writing of helpful guides on this blog. They incur no additional cost to you.