Santa Barbara County

Things to do in Santa Barbara County

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Top 10 attractions in Santa Barbara County

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CA-1
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7
4.8/5
499 reviews
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.Monterey County · 61.3 km from downtown
Solvang

Solvang

5.7
4.7/5
451 reviews
Solvangis a unique town full of Nordic charm, located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Entering the town feels like stepping into a small European city far from the U.S. West Coast, where the streets, architecture, and lifestyle all showcase a unique exotic charm. What makes this town eye-catching is the fairytale-like architectural environment, with numerous half-timbered buildings lining the streets, featuring a combination of white walls, wooden beams, and red spires. The town's street layout is compact and perfect for exploring on foot, allowing visitors to stroll while admiring the various exquisite architectural details. The town is home to many wine tasting rooms, where visitors can stop by while shopping to taste local wines and experience the unique, relaxed atmosphere of the California wine region.United States · Solvang
Waterfront
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Waterfront

5.2
4.7/5
26 reviews
The Santa Barbara Waterfront is a vibrant waterfront area that attracts visitors to enjoy the sun, sand and an abundance of activities. The area offers long stretches of coastline perfect for walking, biking or simply relaxing on the beach. Stearns Wharf is an iconic location on the waterfront, offering opportunities for dining, shopping and marine life viewing. Along the boardwalk, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a picnic or outdoor activities in nearby parks. For those who enjoy water sports, there are kayak, sailboat and stand-up paddleboard rentals available for all levels. The Santa Barbara Waterfront is a short distance from the city center and is easily accessible by foot or bike. There is ample parking nearby. Whether traveling with a family or as a solo traveler, this area offers visitors an ideal place to relax and explore.Santa Barbara · 10.6 km from downtown
Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

3.8
4.7/5
24 reviews
Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of Southern California and contains five large islands with some characteristic flora and fauna. It is possible to take a day trip by ferry from Ventura. There are many archaeological sites and remains of marine life on the island. Landing Cove Island is a very good dive site. Every winter, SanMiguel Island is home to thousands of sea lions and seals, and the view from a distance is spectacular. The scenery on each island is different and unique!Santa Cruz Island · 1.6 km from downtown
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park

3.3
Santa Barbara · 3 km from downtown
Hans Christian Andersen Museum

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

3
4.4/5
26 reviews
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is located in the beautiful fairy tale town of Denmark Village. The streets are full of buildings and shop windows. Next to the hut, there are windmills spinning leisurely and colorful. If you like fairy tales, this is definitely the place to go. The museum is organized by the Ugly Duckling Foundation, whose purpose is to promote the publication and distribution of Andersen's works around the world. The museum has a total of 18 exhibition rooms, which display a large number of manuscripts, correspondence, and paintings of Andersen's works, as well as oil paintings and sculptures about Andersen's life created by some famous Danish painters and artists.Solvang · 102m from downtown
Port of San Diego
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in San Diego Metropolitan Area

Port of San Diego

8.7
4.7/5
249 reviews
Port of San Diego is one of the main naval ports for the US Navy's Pacific Fleet. The harbor is deep and wide, with various warships such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and nuclear submarines moored year-round. Standing on the shore, you can feel the massive scale of the warships up close. A highly recognizable landmark in the port area is the decommissionedUSS Midwayaircraft carrier. It is moored by the harbor and has been converted into an aircraft carrier museum open to the public, with various retired carrier-based aircraft displayed on the flight deck. In the park next to the aircraft carrier stands the "Embracing Peace" sculpture—a giant statue based on the classic V-J Day photo, capturing the moment a sailor and a nurse kiss. In the same park, there is also a group of bronze statues depicting a pilot who has just stepped off a plane, a kneeling nurse, a wounded soldier on crutches, a veteran in a wheelchair, as well as sailors, marines, ordinary citizens, and children. Strolling through the port area, red tiles and green trees contrast with the blue sea and sky, and in the distance, you can see the Coronado Bridge spanning the bay. On the other side of the harbor, there is a large private yacht marina with a forest of masts, offering a unique coastal charm. The pedestrian area is dotted with vintage sailboats and street performers playing guitar, as well as a century-old carousel.United States · San Diego
Griffith Observatory
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Griffith Observatory

8.3
4.7/5
571 reviews
Griffith Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. This white-domed building, completed in 1935, is a classic spot in Los Angeles for watching sunsets and night views. The observation deck offers an expansive view, overlooking the Los Angeles Basin, the downtown skyline in the distance, and the Pacific coastline, while facing the nearby "Hollywood" sign. At dusk, the sun sinks toward the coastline, and as night falls, the city lights gradually fill the entire basin, creating a particularly magnificent scene. Films such as "Transformers" and "La La Land" have been shot here. The museum is packed with highlights: the Foucault pendulum hanging in the central hall swings continuously, periodically knocking down wooden pegs on its surrounding rail, visually demonstrating Earth's rotation. The dome is encircled by astronomical-themed murals painted by artist Hugo Ballin. The lower exhibition hall features a model of the solar system's planets suspended from the ceiling, while a massive photo wall spanning tens of meters displays millions of galaxies, accompanied by a statue of Einstein pointing toward it. In the central dome theater, visitors can recline in their seats and follow the live guide to explore the stars and the cosmos. During daytime visits, travelers can observe real-time solar images through the solar telescope in the exhibition hall. On clear nights, the rooftop Zeiss refracting telescope is open to the public for stargazing, and millions of travelers have gazed at the stars through it since its construction. To catch both sunset and night views in one trip, it's recommended to head up the mountain early, allowing ample time for exhibitions and waiting for nightfall. Weekends and holidays draw large crowds, often causing traffic congestion on the mountain road.United States · Los Angeles
Griffith Park
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Griffith Park

7.8
4.6/5
163 reviews
Griffith Park spans the eastern end of theSanta Monica Mountainsand is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the United States. Large areas of the park retain their original chaparral landscape, with California oaks and native sage covering the hillsides. While hiking, you may often encounter wildlife such as coyotes, deer, and even bobcats. The park was donated to the citizens of Los Angeles by Welsh-born industrialist Griffith in 1896, with the wish that it be shared by people of all races, creeds, and colors. The park brings together several unique destinations: theLos Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Autry Museum of the American West, the Travel Town Museum, The Greek Theatre open-air performance venue, and the Griffith Observatory on the mountain, while theHollywood Signitself is also located within the park. The network of hiking trails running throughout the park is one of its main features. Visitors can hike along the mountain trails to the top of the Hollywood Hills to take in views of both the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles city skyline. At sunset, golden light spills over the hillsides, and the city lights gradually twinkle on below. The park also features golf courses and equestrian trails, where you can ride along mountain paths and experience this urban wilderness at a different pace than hiking.United States · Los Angeles
The Getty
No. 5 of Night Attractions in California

The Getty

7.5
4.7/5
550 reviews
The Getty is perched on the hills of Brentwood and was funded by the estate of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The complex was designed by architect Richard Meier and features large areas of white travertine as its facade material. Visitors must take a cable car from the parking lot at the foot of the hill to the hilltop campus, where they can overlook the Los Angeles cityscape along the way. The museum's collection focuses on European art from before the 20th century, covering various categories such as paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts, while also possessing a photography collection that spans from the 1830s to the present. The museum also houses a large number of illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, as well as authentic works by European masters from the 14th to the 19th centuries, covering important art movements such as the Italian Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and French Neoclassicism. The decorative arts gallery displays furniture, tapestries, and glassware from different periods in Europe. Central Garden is another major highlight of The Getty. The garden organizes space from an artist's perspective, with a stream cascading from a height, passing through the shade of London plane trees, and flowing into a sunken plaza. In the center of the plaza is an azalea maze, surrounded by large plant sculptures with steel frames adorned with bougainvillea. The garden is planted with hundreds of species of plants, among which one can also see the bird of paradise, the official flower of Los Angeles.United States · Los Angeles

Experiences you can't miss in Santa Barbara County

Featured Day tours in Santa Barbara County

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"Coast Starlight" Scenic Train + Santa Barbara 1-day Tour | Round-trip from Los Angeles, departs even for solo travelers
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FromDKK 1,484.46
1-day tour to Los Angeles Solvang + Santa Barbara Harbor + Old Mission Santa Barbara | Admission ticket not included
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FromDKK 1,258.78
Santa Barbara City Highlights&Old Mission 1-Day via Amtrak Starlight Coastal from LA
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FromDKK 1,179.93
Los Angeles to San Francisco | Highway 1 northbound one-way private charter 1-day tour
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Duration: 10.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 1,270.82
Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 1,041.77
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
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4.5/5
· 383 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
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22 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 248.68
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
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4.7/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 6 mins
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 437.35DKK 460.37
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
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4.9/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 1–2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 380.35DKK 400.37

Featured Food & drink in Santa Barbara County

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Private Vineyard Horseback Ride in Santa Ynez Valley
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4.9/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 1,876.82DKK 1,975.61
Solvang: Wine and True Crime Tour with Drinks Included
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Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 731.67DKK 770.18
Santa Barbara: Comedian lead Food and Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 986.15DKK 1,038.06
Taco Tour Santa Barbara 200+ ️️️️️ reviews !
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 1,011.56DKK 1,064.81
Santa Barbara: Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour
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Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 1,017.96DKK 1,071.54
Solvang Valley Wine Tours w/Barrel Tasting/Chocolate Pairing
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 1,272.44DKK 1,339.42
Secret Solvang Food & Culture Tour
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 858.87DKK 904.08
Santa Ynez: Wine Shuttle
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 884.36DKK 930.91

Featured Outdoor experiences in Santa Barbara County

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Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
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4.9/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 103.44
Santa Barbara: High Ropes Adventure Course
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 407.18DKK 428.62
Santa Barbara: Trolley Tour
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4.8/5
· 61 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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96.7% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 178.18DKK 187.56
Santa Barbara: Stand-up Paddle Board Rental
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Duration: 1–1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 159.08DKK 167.46
Santa Barbara Harbor: Sunset Kayak Tour (2 Hours)
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 566.26DKK 596.07
Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 1,908.7DKK 2,009.16

Free things to do in Santa Barbara County

More ways to travel from Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County Cruises

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Private Tours in Santa Barbara County

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Group Tours in Santa Barbara County

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What travellers say about Santa Barbara County

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5OMay 1, 2026
5.0
Driving along California's Highway 1, my hands were aching from gripping the wheel for so long. The coastal section was winding and twisting, with waves crashing white against the cliffs below. I stopped by the roadside to watch the seals; those lazy guys just rolled on their backs, not moving an inch. The Big Sur Bridge was quite photogenic, but I was too busy watching the road to cross it. We kept stopping and starting, turning into every viewpoint we saw to enjoy the breeze. Just as the gas tank was almost empty, we arrived in town; a burger and a Coke were the perfect comfort food.

CA-1

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生长在海边的果果May 29, 2025
5.0
离开皮斯莫海滩,去往洛杉矶,第一站经过丹麦村,旦面全部都是丹麦建筑,也有好多丹麦人,村子挺大的,停车场很多,路边也可以临时停车,停车特别方便,有几家面包甜品很好吃,google可以查到。路边公共卫生间也很多,自驾过去很方便,适合拍照,很出片。极力推荐,每个建筑都有特色,门前种的花花草草都很漂亮。

Solvang

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野枫印象March 22, 2020
5.0
Santa Barbara is located in California, USA, not far from Los Angeles. Due to historical reasons, the buildings here are mainly Spanish and Mexican, and the buildings are very beautiful. Many wealthy people live here. In the residential area, there are green grass and red flowers in front of and behind the houses. It is a beautiful garden city. The climate here is mild, the air is fresh, the beach is soft, the sea water is clear, the trees are forested, and the flowers are fragrant. It is known as the "Paradise on the Pacific Coast."

Waterfront

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RoxrueJanuary 31, 2026
5.0
10/10 WOW!!! 🐬 I only visited Santa Cruz Island during this one day trip but I plan on returning to visit each of the 5 islands in the future! ⛴️

Channel Islands National Park

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RubylanlanJune 23, 2020
4.0
Andersen Museum ~ My childhood dream of a fairy tale prince👑. I haven't had the chance to go to Denmark yet, but I can feel the atmosphere in this small town. 🅿 You can park your car in the town and walk here. It's very close. Actually, it's more like a bookstore📖. There are some bookmarks, greeting cards, puzzles and souvenirs for sale, and more are all kinds of books. There are also some picture exhibitions, which are relatively rare, so just take a look. I walked around for a while and then came out.

Hans Christian Andersen Museum

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喜欢猫的虎October 30, 2022
5.0
The Port of San Diego was built in 1542, became a Spanish military fortress in 1769, belonged to Mexico in 1834, was occupied by the United States in 1846, was established as a city in 1850, and was built into a US naval base in 1920. After 1980, it became the main support base for the US 3rd Fleet. The eastern part of the naval base is located in the middle of the bay, with a pier line of 16.5 kilometers and a water depth of 6 to 11 meters. The western part of the base is located in the north of Coronado Island, at the entrance of the Port of San Diego, with an amphibious base and a naval air station. The headquarters of the US Navy's 3rd Fleet and many of its troops are stationed here, and more than half of the fleet's ships include

Port of San Diego

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notmaxpAugust 29, 2026
5.0
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend: Griffith observatory please

Griffith Observatory

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yangduoduo17January 29, 2021
4.0
A very suitable place to enjoy the night view of Los Angeles, you can overlook the night view of the entire Los Angeles, but it is often crowded here, so you have to squeeze out a spot by yourself~ It was a bit foggy when we came, and the weather was not very good, but you can still enjoy a good night view. It is said that this is the filming location of the movie Lalaland. Friends who are interested can come to make a pilgrimage!

Griffith Park

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学校🏫June 5, 2025
5.0
Getty Center: The art temple on the top of a hill in Los Angeles is definitely worth a special visit! Even if you are only slightly interested in art, the Getty Center is still a place that will make your trip worthwhile. It is far more than a museum, but more like a mountaintop cultural paradise that combines architectural wonders, top art collections and beautiful scenery. Core highlights not to be missed 1. The building itself is a masterpiece of art: the pure white building complex designed by the master architect Richard Meier has simple and smooth lines and a modern feel. Take the iconic cable train slowly up the mountain, full of ritual, and the city scenery of Los Angeles gradually unfolds in front of you, and you are already intoxicated before entering the museum. 2. Hall-level art collection: *The core attraction! From the manuscripts of Renaissance masters, the shocking large paintings of Rubens in the Baroque period, to Van Gogh's vibrant "Irises" (the brushstrokes are breathtaking when seen up close), Monet's charming impressionist landscapes, Cezanne's solid still lifes... The key chapters of Western art history are vividly presented here, with extremely high quality and free to visit (only parking fees are charged). 3. The tranquil and elegant Central Garden: The Central Garden designed by Robert Irving is an oasis in the hustle and bustle. The winding paths, carefully matched plants, gurgling streams and unique water platform maze are full of natural interest and design ingenuity. It is a great place to stroll, relax and relax. 4. The unparalleled viewing platform: Located on the top of Santa Monica Mountain, the view is extremely wide. Standing on the terrace, you can see the city skyline of Los Angeles, the rolling mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean. When the weather is fine, the bustling city and the magnificent nature blend at this moment, especially at sunset, the scenery is particularly shocking. Is it worth going? Without a doubt, it is highly recommended! Art lovers must pilgrimage: the quality and breadth of the collection are enough to make people linger. Architecture and landscape control will fall in love: the perfect dialogue between modern architecture and nature and urban landscape. Visitors who seek unique experiences: the top of the mountain location, the small train, free high-quality art, the beautiful garden and the view, the combination experience is unique. Practical tips: Parking is expensive (about $20, $15 after 3pm), so it is recommended to book a parking space on the official website in advance. Reserve at least 3-4 hours to enjoy the experience. Bring a camera, the sunset view is not to be missed! Summary: The Getty Center combines top art, outstanding architecture, exquisite gardening and magnificent landscapes, providing a high-quality cultural experience full of aesthetic enjoyment and spiritual relaxation that far exceeds ordinary museums. It is not only a cultural landmark in Los Angeles, but also a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles.

The Getty

Popular cities near Santa Barbara County

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Santa Barbara County?

Don't miss these attractions in Santa Barbara County: CA-1, Solvang, and Waterfront. If you like Cultural experiences, try 2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai. If you enjoy Day tours, try "Coast Starlight" Scenic Train + Santa Barbara 1-day Tour | Round-trip from Los Angeles, departs even for solo travelers.

You can give Private Vineyard Horseback Ride in Santa Ynez Valley and Solvang: Wine and True Crime Tour with Drinks Included a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include "Coast Starlight" Scenic Train + Santa Barbara 1-day Tour | Round-trip from Los Angeles, departs even for solo travelers, 1-day tour to Los Angeles Solvang + Santa Barbara Harbor + Old Mission Santa Barbara | Admission ticket not included, and Santa Barbara City Highlights&Old Mission 1-Day via Amtrak Starlight Coastal from LA. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 15, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Santa Barbara County is around DKK 248.68 – DKK 1,484.46. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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