What to do with Two Days in Santa Barbara? 48 Hours Itinerary

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Santa Barbara has always been on my travel list. A city with sunshine, beaches, good food, and that laid-back SoCal vibe everyone talks about. When I finally got the chance to spend two days in Santa Barbara, I was very excited. After coming off a longer California road trip, I wanted something that felt relaxed, but still full of fun things to do.

Spoiler alert: Santa Barbara delivered.

Santa Barbara is a gem in California, just an hour and a half away from the famous city of Los Angeles. Over the decades, it’s become a hometown for countless celebrities, Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres both have homes here, and even Meghan Markle and Prince Harry chose this city to raise their kids.

But what really makes Santa Barbara special is that over the years, it seems to have become everyone’s favorite. If there’s one thing I can promise you, it’s that Santa Barbara is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, offering a much more serene and peaceful neighborhood.

But that’s not the only reason Santa Barbara has become a favorite among A-listers. There are so many more. To give you a sense of the region’s rich history and stunning scenery, I’ve put together a two-day Santa Barbara itinerary based on my own visit.

Whether you’re coming for the celebrity sightings, the beautiful views, or the laid-back vibe, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your stay.

MY 2 DAY ITINERARY FOR SANTA BARBARA

Day 1: Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, Santa Barbara Zoo, Funk Zone

Morning

Tour The Old Mission Santa Barbara

I decided to start my trip with some grounding energy by visiting one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic historical landmarks: the Old Mission Santa Barbara. This place holds deep significance for the Native American communities who have lived here for generations. The massive white walls, golden pillared entrances, and domes on either side of the terraces. Surrounded by Mediterranean flora, the Mission is an absolute must-see.

Stepping inside, I was struck by the serenity and sacred atmosphere. Golden light filters through the windows, illuminating the colorful ceilings and filling the church with a peaceful, reverent glow.

The Mission has stood as a symbol of history and welcome for decades, earning its nickname, “The Queen of the Missions,” thanks to its stunning beauty. For me, there was no better place to begin my Santa Barbara visit and connect my body and soul to the spirit of the city.

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

Once I started feeling more grounded, I couldn’t resist diving into Santa Barbara’s modern art scene. My next stop was the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a place famous not only for its impressive modern art collection but also for its striking architecture and unique atmosphere.

If you’re lucky during your visit, you might catch a live jazz performance right inside the museum. Several bands play there from time to time, adding an unforgettable touch to the experience. The art collection isn’t limited to American works; it also spans European and French revolutions, offering an incredible journey through history and creativity.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 PM. Keep in mind, it’s closed on national holidays and every Monday.

After taking in all that culture, I stopped for lunch at Benchmark Eatery, which is just a short walk from the museum. The food was delicious, and the views of State Street made it the perfect midday break.

Afternoon: Take a stroll through the Santa Barbara Zoo

After lunch, I was ready for some time in nature, far from the city noise. The Santa Barbara Zoo was the perfect next stop. As I wandered through the grounds, I learned about the zoo’s fascinating history. These acres were once owned by a tea and coffee merchant, but today they serve as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species from around the world.

Walking through the zoo, I found myself face-to-face with Gibbons, Snow Leopards, Giraffes, and Gorillas. There were also some delightful surprises, like African Lions and Fennec Foxes. It was amazing to witness the connection between humans and nature in such a unique setting.

Evening: Stop by Funk Zone for Drinks

As the first day drew to a close, I found myself craving a local drink at golden hour. There’s no better spot for this than the Funk Zone. A lively neighborhood at the lower end of State Street, right in front of the waterfront. The graffiti-covered walls and streets lined with local shops make it easy to pick up unique souvenirs as you wind down your evening. Sipping wine at the Funk Zone, I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos, perfect for sharing on social media.

To end the night, I treated myself to dinner at The Lark, a luxurious five-star restaurant just a short walk away. It was the perfect way to cap off an amazing first day in Santa Barbara.

Day 2: Lotusland of Santa Barbara, Country Courthouse, The Valley Project, Stearns Wharf, Goleta Beach Park

Morning

Take a leisurely stroll through Lotusland of Santa Barbara

On my second day in Santa Barbara, I made sure to visit Lotusland. One of the top ten gardens in the world. Spanning over 37 acres, this lush paradise is filled with vibrant vegetation, tranquil ponds, and Japanese-style water features.

What makes Lotusland even more special is its unique history. The land was once the private estate of Madame Ganna Walska, a renowned opera singer who bought the property in 1941. She personally designed the gardens, curating the diverse plant collections and creating the charming water features that make Lotusland so enchanting today.

Exploring the winding paths, I could truly appreciate her vision and the serene beauty she brought to life.

Admire the County Courthouse

At first glance, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse might look like just another building in the city. White walls and brown, sloping roofs like so many others. But as soon as I stepped inside, I was transported to a completely different world filled with art and culture. The courthouse consists of four buildings, including an iconic clock tower, creating one impressive complex.

Although it still functions as a courthouse, some areas are open to visitors. There can be restrictions on access to the interior due to ongoing renovations or pandemic guidelines, but even if you can’t explore every corner, the exterior is stunning and absolutely worth a visit. I found the architecture so beautiful, it’s definitely an Insta-worthy spot in Santa Barbara.

Afternoon

Check out the Valley Project

Santa Barbara is full of great spots to taste wine, but The Valley Project really stands out. What makes it special is that they don’t just sell a variety of wines. They’re directly connected with the vineyards just outside the city. If I had to recommend one place for fresh wines straight from the farms, this would be it.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during wine tasting hours, you’re truly in for a treat. The Santa Barbara community is incredibly welcoming, and during these hours, you’ll often hear locals sharing stories about the city’s history and their family traditions.

There’s something magical about sipping a glass of fresh wine while listening to tales that have been passed down through generations.

Visit the Stearns Wharf

For those who love scenic views and tranquil beaches, Stearns Wharf is an absolute must on your Santa Barbara itinerary. I took a long, leisurely walk along the wooden bridge, with the sea and sand stretching out on either side. Halfway across, I treated myself to some delicious snacks at one of the little eateries nestled on the wharf.

Standing on the wooden boards, gazing at the water, I felt completely surrounded by breathtaking mountains and endless rows of palm trees.

The cool ocean breeze was especially soothing at golden hour, as the sun dipped low and left me with the perfect touch of warmth. For me, Stearns Wharf felt like pure paradise, a truly out-of-body experience that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful escape.

Evening: Chill at Goleta Beach Park

While Stearns Wharf offers a more refined, scenic experience, Goleta Beach Park is where I truly let loose and embraced the energy of the coast. If you love feeling the sand between your toes and the sea breeze in your hair, this is the place to be. I spent time meditating by the water as the tides swept over my feet again and again—a truly grounding experience.

Goleta Beach Park is perfect for adventure-seekers. I tried out some of the water activities available, like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, which added a fun, active element to my trip.

Since this was my last day in Santa Barbara, I also took the opportunity to sunbathe and enjoy some mouthwatering barbecue right on the beach. With the park spanning over 29 acres, I never had to worry about finding a quiet spot to relax. It was the perfect way to end my Santa Barbara adventure.

THINGS TO KNOW- HOW DO I PLAN A 2 DAY TRIP TO SANTA BARBARA?

Where to stay in Santa Barbara?

In my experience, the coolest places to stay in Santa Barbara are right in the downtown area. I loved being so close to the beach, shopping spots, and an array of eateries, from laid-back food trucks to upscale restaurants. Just keep in mind that because of the central location, staying downtown can be a bit pricey.

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, you can still find great options along West Beach, which is less than a 2km walk from downtown.

Here are my top recommendations for a comfortable stay in Santa Barbara:

Budget (up to $100):
I stayed at the Castillo Inn at the Beach in West Beach and found it to be a fantastic choice for budget travelers. The rooms were clean, cozy, and well-equipped with all the necessary amenities. There are also family rooms available, and the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly.

Mid Range ($100-$150):
If you want a little more comfort, the Best Western Plus is a great option. Its central location makes exploring the city easy. The rooms are spacious and come with convenient amenities like a mini refrigerator, coffee maker, modern bathroom, and ironing facilities. The hotel also has an outdoor garden, wellness center, swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant with room service.

Luxury ($150+):
For a true splurge, I recommend El Encanto, a world-class boutique hotel just a 5-minute drive from central Santa Barbara. My room featured a minibar, a fireplace, a comfortable seating area, and gorgeous garden views. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, a swimming pool, fitness center, top-notch spa services, restaurant, and bar. They even provide babysitting and childcare services. If you want to treat yourself, a stay at El Encanto is worth every penny.

How to get around Santa Barbara?

Getting around Santa Barbara was a breeze for me thanks to the city’s MTD buses. They’re reliable and can get you just about anywhere you need to go. I also found that exploring the streets by bike was a fun and memorable way to see the city.

Santa Barbara is one of the most bike-friendly places I’ve visited in California, and finding a rental bike was super easy.

If you’re after the ultimate convenience or want to save time, booking an Uber or Lyft is always an option too. I used ride-shares a couple of times when I was in a hurry, and it made getting around effortless.

So there you have it. My personal two-day itinerary for Santa Barbara! I hope you have as fantastic a time in this beautiful city as I did. If you have any questions or want to share your own tips, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Safe and happy travels!

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