Here are the Top 10 activities to try in Santa Barbara, whether visiting for a day or a long-time resident.
1. Beaches: Santa Barbara boasts some of the most pristine beaches in all of California and arguably the world. Tourists fill the sand by Stearn's Wharf; to get away from the action check out Sands in Goleta or Carpinteria State Beach in the south.
2. Wine Touring: Do as they did in the movie Sideways: tour Santa Barbara County wine country. Tucked away in the hills of Santa Ynez are dozens of world-class vineyards. Tours leave daily from downtown and give you a chance to drink without driving.
3. Golfing: The weather of Santa Barbara means the golf courses are open year round, perfect for fun in the sun anytime. There are four public 18-hole courses in the area, but check out Sandpiper, the only ocean-front course between Los Angeles and Pebble Beach.
4. Parks: The abundance of green parks in the area give Santa Barbara its lush feel. Alice Keck Memorial Park Garden is a favorite spot for white-collar State Street workers on their lunch break. Lotusland in Montecito is world-renowned; although it costs money to enter, it is well worth the price to see exotic plants and flowers from around the world.
5. Polo Club: Why not check out a match at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. Only $10 for entrance on Sundays to see some of the best polo on the West Coast. If you get bored of the action, walk to the parking lot to admire the view: the Ferraris on display are sure to catch your eye.
6. Hiking: Dotting the mountainside north of downtown Santa Barbara are dozens of trail heads, many of which offer pristine views of the Channel Islands at their peaks. San Ysidro Trail, Inspiration Point, and 7 Falls are all local favorites.
7. Santa Barbara Mission: Known as the "Queen of the Missions", the Santa Barbara Mission also houses one of three Spanish California Presidios. Tours run daily (either guided or self) and are relatively cheap. The Missions were a focal point in California's 17-19th century history and are well-worth visiting.
8. Santa Barbara Zoo: Consistently ranked as one of America's small zoos, here you'll find over 500 types of animals. Since its size is small it is easily walked by all ages, and there is a train that takes visitors around the outskirts showing different perspectives of the zoo's animal habitats.
9. Day Trips: Santa Barbara is the perfect place to depart from to a number of day trips. Solvang is a Danish village about an hour north; the Danish Royal Family once visited and praised its model design. Hearst Castle, the famous vacation mansion of newspaper magnet William Hearst, lies a few more miles north and defines the word 'Grandeur'.
10. Annual Festivals: There is something going on in Santa Barbara nearly year round: Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February, Summer Solstice Parade in June, French Festival in July, and Old Spanish Fiesta Days in August are just a few of the most popular ones.
