County guide

Things to do in Santa Barbara County

12 outings for families, couples, seniors and groups. Every listing links to its source. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go.

Every listing links to its source · Updated

Map of Santa Barbara County outings

12 of 12 outings have a mapped location. Tap a pin, then its name to jump to the listing.

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Free and Budget-Friendly in Santa Barbara County

Free entry, free admission days and free hours from every section.

1 pick
Section: Free and Budget-Friendlyart museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Free First ThursdaysIndoor

Santa Barbara's art museum; timed-entry reservations are recommended, and First Thursday evenings are free.

Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm; 1st Thursdays 11am-8pm; closed Mon and Nov 3, Nov 11 and Nov 26
Cost
Adults $15, seniors (65+) $10, youth (6-17) $6, under 6 free; free 1st Thursday 5-8pm
Dogs
No pets or emotional support animals.
Where
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Family Outings in Santa Barbara County

Family-friendly events, hands-on activities and outings for all ages.

5 picks
Section: Family Outingsmuseum

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Indoor

Hands-on STEAM museum on lower State Street, with Toddler Tuesday mornings and accessible backpacks at the front desk.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; Toddler Tuesday 9am-noon; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas
Cost
Adults (13+) $25; children (2-12) $20; under 2 free; EBT cardholders $3 (up to 4)
Where
125 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Section: Family Outingshistoric site

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Self-guided tours of the historic mission and its Mission Museum.

Hours
Self-guided tours Mon-Sat 9:30am-4pm, Sun 12:30-4pm; closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Cost
Self-guided tour: adults (18-64) $17, seniors (65+) $15, youth (5-17) $12, under 5 free; Museums for All (SNAP EBT) $3
Where
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Section: Family Outingsmuseum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Indoor

Natural history museum with changing exhibitions; the Butterflies Alive! special exhibit is an extra $3.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; closed Nov 7 and Thanksgiving, closes 4pm Dec 5
Cost
Adults (18-64) $20; seniors (65+) and teens (13-17) $17; children (2-12) $15; under 2 free; SNAP/CalFresh $5
Where
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Section: Family Outingszoo

Santa Barbara Zoo

Hilltop zoo with the Zoo Train, an open aviary and puppet shows; wheelchair and stroller-friendly paths are marked on the map.

Hours
Fall/winter daily 9:30am-5pm (last entry 4pm); closes 3:30pm on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas
Cost
Adults (13+) $39.95; children (2-12) $29.95; under 2 free; save $2 per ticket online; parking $11 per vehicle; wheelchair rental $7/day
Where
500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA
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Section: Family Outingsaquarium

Sea Center on Stearns Wharf

Indoor

Hands-on regional aquarium on Stearns Wharf with moon jellies, a two-spot octopus, a Wet Deck and a life-size gray whale model.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; opens noon Nov 8; closed Thanksgiving
Cost
Adults (18-64) $17; seniors (65+) and teens (13-17) $15; children (2-12) $13; under 2 free
Where
211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA
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Date Ideas in Santa Barbara County

Evenings out, views and classes for two.

1 pick
Section: Date Ideasart museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Free First ThursdaysIndoor

Santa Barbara's art museum; timed-entry reservations are recommended, and First Thursday evenings are free.

Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm; 1st Thursdays 11am-8pm; closed Mon and Nov 3, Nov 11 and Nov 26
Cost
Adults $15, seniors (65+) $10, youth (6-17) $6, under 6 free; free 1st Thursday 5-8pm
Dogs
No pets or emotional support animals.
Where
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Senior Outings in Santa Barbara County

Senior discounts, accessible venues and community centers.

6 picks
Section: Senior Outingshistoric site

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Self-guided tours of the historic mission and its Mission Museum.

Hours
Self-guided tours Mon-Sat 9:30am-4pm, Sun 12:30-4pm; closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Cost
Self-guided tour: adults (18-64) $17, seniors (65+) $15, youth (5-17) $12, under 5 free; Museums for All (SNAP EBT) $3
Where
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Section: Senior Outingsgarden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Pets OK

Native-plant garden in Mission Canyon with trails for various endurance levels; reservations are required.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last reservation 4pm)
Cost
Adults $23; seniors (60+), military and students $18; youth (3-12) $14; under 3 free; Museums for All $3; leashed dogs free
Dogs
Leashed dogs welcome and free.
Where
1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Section: Senior Outingsart museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Free First ThursdaysIndoor

Santa Barbara's art museum; timed-entry reservations are recommended, and First Thursday evenings are free.

Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm; 1st Thursdays 11am-8pm; closed Mon and Nov 3, Nov 11 and Nov 26
Cost
Adults $15, seniors (65+) $10, youth (6-17) $6, under 6 free; free 1st Thursday 5-8pm
Dogs
No pets or emotional support animals.
Where
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Section: Senior Outingsmuseum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Indoor

Natural history museum with changing exhibitions; the Butterflies Alive! special exhibit is an extra $3.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; closed Nov 7 and Thanksgiving, closes 4pm Dec 5
Cost
Adults (18-64) $20; seniors (65+) and teens (13-17) $17; children (2-12) $15; under 2 free; SNAP/CalFresh $5
Where
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Section: Senior Outingszoo

Santa Barbara Zoo

Hilltop zoo with the Zoo Train, an open aviary and puppet shows; wheelchair and stroller-friendly paths are marked on the map.

Hours
Fall/winter daily 9:30am-5pm (last entry 4pm); closes 3:30pm on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas
Cost
Adults (13+) $39.95; children (2-12) $29.95; under 2 free; save $2 per ticket online; parking $11 per vehicle; wheelchair rental $7/day
Where
500 Niños Drive, Santa Barbara, CA
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Last checked Oct 22, 2026Report a problem with Santa Barbara Zoo
Section: Senior Outingsaquarium

Sea Center on Stearns Wharf

Indoor

Hands-on regional aquarium on Stearns Wharf with moon jellies, a two-spot octopus, a Wet Deck and a life-size gray whale model.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; opens noon Nov 8; closed Thanksgiving
Cost
Adults (18-64) $17; seniors (65+) and teens (13-17) $15; children (2-12) $13; under 2 free
Where
211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA
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Pet-Friendly in Santa Barbara County

Places whose official source says dogs or pets are welcome.

5 picks
Section: Pet-Friendlystate beach

Carpinteria State Beach

Pets OK

Terraced bluffs, dunes and a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping, plus the Tomol Interpretive Play Area where kids learn local history through outdoor play. Oct 22-28: heavy equipment in the day-use area; beach stays open

Hours
Day use sunrise to sunset
Cost
Vehicle day use $10
Dogs
Dogs allowed in the campground and day-use area; not on the beach.
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Section: Pet-Friendlyhistoric site

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Pets OK

Restored mission with historic buildings, a visitor center and park trails.

Hours
Historic buildings 9am-4pm; visitor center Tue-Sun 10am-4pm; trails 6am-sunset; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's
Cost
Vehicle day use $6
Dogs
Dogs allowed on the multipurpose trail or road; not in historic buildings or the visitor center.
Where
2295 Purísima Road, Lompoc, CA 93436
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Section: Pet-Friendlystate beach

Point Sal State Beach

Pets OK

Remote beach near Guadalupe reached on foot from Brown Road, with exceptional coastline views and Lion Rock offshore; swimming is not recommended due to rip currents and no lifeguards. No picnic tables, toilets or other facilities; no motor vehicle or bicycle access and no camping.

Hours
Sunrise to sunset; Vandenberg Space Force Base may close access at any time
Dogs
Dogs allowed on the trail; not on the beach.
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Section: Pet-Friendlygarden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Pets OK

Native-plant garden in Mission Canyon with trails for various endurance levels; reservations are required.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last reservation 4pm)
Cost
Adults $23; seniors (60+), military and students $18; youth (3-12) $14; under 3 free; Museums for All $3; leashed dogs free
Dogs
Leashed dogs welcome and free.
Where
1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Outdoors and Nature in Santa Barbara County

Parks, trails, beaches, gardens and nature reserves.

5 picks
Section: Outdoors and Naturestate beach

Carpinteria State Beach

Pets OK

Terraced bluffs, dunes and a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping, plus the Tomol Interpretive Play Area where kids learn local history through outdoor play. Oct 22-28: heavy equipment in the day-use area; beach stays open

Hours
Day use sunrise to sunset
Cost
Vehicle day use $10
Dogs
Dogs allowed in the campground and day-use area; not on the beach.
Source for Carpinteria State Beach (opens in new tab) ↗
Last checked Oct 22, 2026Report a problem with Carpinteria State Beach
Section: Outdoors and Naturehistoric site

La Purisima Mission State Historic Park

Pets OK

Restored mission with historic buildings, a visitor center and park trails.

Hours
Historic buildings 9am-4pm; visitor center Tue-Sun 10am-4pm; trails 6am-sunset; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's
Cost
Vehicle day use $6
Dogs
Dogs allowed on the multipurpose trail or road; not in historic buildings or the visitor center.
Where
2295 Purísima Road, Lompoc, CA 93436
Source for La Purisima Mission State Historic Park (opens in new tab) ↗
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Section: Outdoors and Naturestate beach

Point Sal State Beach

Pets OK

Remote beach near Guadalupe reached on foot from Brown Road, with exceptional coastline views and Lion Rock offshore; swimming is not recommended due to rip currents and no lifeguards. No picnic tables, toilets or other facilities; no motor vehicle or bicycle access and no camping.

Hours
Sunrise to sunset; Vandenberg Space Force Base may close access at any time
Dogs
Dogs allowed on the trail; not on the beach.
Source for Point Sal State Beach (opens in new tab) ↗
Last checked Oct 22, 2026Report a problem with Point Sal State Beach
Section: Outdoors and Naturegarden

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Pets OK

Native-plant garden in Mission Canyon with trails for various endurance levels; reservations are required.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last reservation 4pm)
Cost
Adults $23; seniors (60+), military and students $18; youth (3-12) $14; under 3 free; Museums for All $3; leashed dogs free
Dogs
Leashed dogs welcome and free.
Where
1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Museums in Santa Barbara County

Art, history and science museums, with hours and prices from each source.

4 picks
Section: Museumsmuseum

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Indoor

Hands-on STEAM museum on lower State Street, with Toddler Tuesday mornings and accessible backpacks at the front desk.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; Toddler Tuesday 9am-noon; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas
Cost
Adults (13+) $25; children (2-12) $20; under 2 free; EBT cardholders $3 (up to 4)
Where
125 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Section: Museumshistoric site

Old Mission Santa Barbara

Self-guided tours of the historic mission and its Mission Museum.

Hours
Self-guided tours Mon-Sat 9:30am-4pm, Sun 12:30-4pm; closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Cost
Self-guided tour: adults (18-64) $17, seniors (65+) $15, youth (5-17) $12, under 5 free; Museums for All (SNAP EBT) $3
Where
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Section: Museumsart museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Free First ThursdaysIndoor

Santa Barbara's art museum; timed-entry reservations are recommended, and First Thursday evenings are free.

Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm; 1st Thursdays 11am-8pm; closed Mon and Nov 3, Nov 11 and Nov 26
Cost
Adults $15, seniors (65+) $10, youth (6-17) $6, under 6 free; free 1st Thursday 5-8pm
Dogs
No pets or emotional support animals.
Where
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Source for Santa Barbara Museum of Art (opens in new tab) ↗
Last checked Oct 22, 2026Report a problem with Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Section: Museumsmuseum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Indoor

Natural history museum with changing exhibitions; the Butterflies Alive! special exhibit is an extra $3.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; closed Nov 7 and Thanksgiving, closes 4pm Dec 5
Cost
Adults (18-64) $20; seniors (65+) and teens (13-17) $17; children (2-12) $15; under 2 free; SNAP/CalFresh $5
Where
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Food and Markets in Santa Barbara County

Farmers markets, food festivals, cooking classes and food halls.

1 pick
Section: Food and Marketsmarket

Santa Barbara Saturday Farmers' Market

The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers' Market Association's main downtown market, run by local growers since 1983; CalFresh EBT accepted.

Hours
Saturdays 8am-1pm
Where
Carrillo Street and the 900-1000 blocks of State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
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Rainy Day and Indoor in Santa Barbara County

Indoor outings for wet or cold days.

4 picks
Section: Rainy Day and Indoormuseum

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

Indoor

Hands-on STEAM museum on lower State Street, with Toddler Tuesday mornings and accessible backpacks at the front desk.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; Toddler Tuesday 9am-noon; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas
Cost
Adults (13+) $25; children (2-12) $20; under 2 free; EBT cardholders $3 (up to 4)
Where
125 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Section: Rainy Day and Indoorart museum

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Free First ThursdaysIndoor

Santa Barbara's art museum; timed-entry reservations are recommended, and First Thursday evenings are free.

Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm; 1st Thursdays 11am-8pm; closed Mon and Nov 3, Nov 11 and Nov 26
Cost
Adults $15, seniors (65+) $10, youth (6-17) $6, under 6 free; free 1st Thursday 5-8pm
Dogs
No pets or emotional support animals.
Where
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Section: Rainy Day and Indoormuseum

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Indoor

Natural history museum with changing exhibitions; the Butterflies Alive! special exhibit is an extra $3.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; closed Nov 7 and Thanksgiving, closes 4pm Dec 5
Cost
Adults (18-64) $20; seniors (65+) and teens (13-17) $17; children (2-12) $15; under 2 free; SNAP/CalFresh $5
Where
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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Section: Rainy Day and Indooraquarium

Sea Center on Stearns Wharf

Indoor

Hands-on regional aquarium on Stearns Wharf with moon jellies, a two-spot octopus, a Wet Deck and a life-size gray whale model.

Hours
Daily 10am-5pm; opens noon Nov 8; closed Thanksgiving
Cost
Adults (18-64) $17; seniors (65+) and teens (13-17) $15; children (2-12) $13; under 2 free
Where
211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA
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