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Santa Barbara

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Things to do in Santa Barbara

Traveller recommended attractions
Rating Name
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Ollie #1 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
5 of 5 stars 62 reviews
Owner description: This 37-acre botanic garden, the former estate of opera singer and socialite Madame Ganna Walska, includes exotics, a butterfly garden, a cactus...... more » Owner description: This 37-acre botanic garden, the former estate of opera singer and socialite Madame Ganna Walska, includes exotics, a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, a topiary and more. Visitors are limited to preserve privacy of the gardens as well as the unusual and endangered species. « less
Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  4.5 km from city centre
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Ollie #2 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 161 reviews
Designed by William Mooser III in the Spanish-Moorish architectural style, this working courthouse is surrounded by landscaped gardens and lawns.
Attraction type  Government Buildings; Architectural Buildings; Historic Sites; Observatories/ Planetariums
Distance  0.6 km from city centre
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Ollie #3 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
5 of 5 stars 20 reviews
Owner description: Home of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, The Granada in beautiful Downtown Santa Barbara is a year-round entertainment venue...... more » Owner description: Home of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, The Granada in beautiful Downtown Santa Barbara is a year-round entertainment venue featuring local and international acts on tour, including Classical and Pop concerts, Broadway musicals, Theatre, Dance and more. Built in 1924, the historic Granada underwent a $60 million restoration before reopening in March, 2008. Available for private tours. Call for information. « less
Attraction type  Theatres
Distance  0.8 km from city centre
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Ollie #4 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 44 reviews
This museum, founded in 1941, houses a prestigious and varied collection of modern and ancient art plus a special gallery for children.
Attraction type  Art Museums
Distance  0.7 km from city centre
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Ollie #5 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
5 of 5 stars 24 reviews
Attraction type  Parks
Distance  2.4 km from city centre
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Ollie #6 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
5 of 5 stars 12 reviews
Owner description: The Lobero is California's oldest, continuously operating theatre. Originally founded in 1873 and rebuilt in 1924, it is recognized as one of Santa...... more » Owner description: The Lobero is California's oldest, continuously operating theatre. Originally founded in 1873 and rebuilt in 1924, it is recognized as one of Santa Barbara's architectural jewels and a State and City landmark.It is the home stage to most of the major performing arts groups in Santa Barbara including Opera Santa Barbara, State Street Ballet, Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, Speaking of Stories, Sings Like Hell, CAMA’s Masterseries, Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, Flamenco Arts Festival, Santa Barbara Theatre, Music Academy of the West, and many others.In addition to operating the venue for the community's use, the Lobero Theatre Foundation presents 20 Lobero LIVE performances each season to enhance the performing arts environment in Santa Barbara. The Lobero Live series brings touring artists that enrich the cultural offerings available, focusing on genres which are most suitable for the hall’s intimacy and acoustics, including jazz, blues, bluegrass and folk. The Lobero Theatre has recently been named one of the best jazz venues in the world by leading jazz magazine, DownBeat. « less
Attraction type  Theatres
Distance  0.3 km from city centre
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Ollie #7 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
5 of 5 stars 15 reviews
Owner description: The Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara, California is open to the general public for tours and visitation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from...... more » Owner description: The Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara, California is open to the general public for tours and visitation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. These galleries feature original Reagan Ranch artifacts matched with state-of-the-art, interactive, multimedia exhibits that highlight the history of Ronald Reagan’s quarter-century at Rancho del Cielo and the accomplishments of his presidency.Over six hours of dynamic multimedia exhibits provide access to exclusive speeches, interviews, radio addresses, and original video presentations. The centerpiece of the gallery is a 28-foot-long interactive “timeline” that gives users the ability to explore the “Western White House” during the 1980s. Beginning in June 2012, the Exhibit Galleries will be expanding the visit hours. Please call to inquire about the new hours. « less
Attraction type  Museums
Distance  0.8 km from city centre
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Ollie #8 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 132 reviews
The world's most beautiful Zoo!
Attraction type  Zoos
Distance  2.7 km from city centre
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Ollie #9 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 153 reviews

Families with children and people who like to live history should not miss the Santa Barbara Mission. Considered the "crown jewel" of the California Missions, this site is... more »

Attraction type  Missions; History Museums; Religious Sites; Gardens; Historic Sites; Architectural Buildings
Distance  2.4 km from city centre
Ollie #10 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 201 reviews
Seven straight miles of shops.
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest; Historic Walking Areas; Scenic Drives
Ollie #11 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 12 reviews
Attraction type  Landmarks/ Points of Interest
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Ollie #12 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 13 reviews
This movie theater also hosts the Santa Barbara Symphony.
Attraction type  Theatres
Distance  0.9 km from city centre
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Ollie #13 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 36 reviews
Attraction type  Wineries
Distance  39.7 km from city centre
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Ollie #14 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
5 of 5 stars 8 reviews
Attraction type  Spas
Distance  0.2 km from city centre
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Ollie #15 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 16 reviews
Owner description: Located on the water's edge of the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum contains exciting & educational exhibits set inside of...... more » Owner description: Located on the water's edge of the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum contains exciting & educational exhibits set inside of nearly 8,000 square feet of Museum space.The Maritime Museum also offers a wide range of educational programs including docent tours, and Tall Ship tours. Admission also includes a series of films shown daily in our large screen, high-definition Munger Theater. Fun for the whole family! « less
Attraction type  Speciality Museums; Military Museums
Distance  1.7 km from city centre
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Ollie #16 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 24 reviews
Attraction type  Scenic Drives
Distance  6.0 km from city centre
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Ollie #17 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 27 reviews
Attraction type  Waterfalls; Parks
Distance  45.4 km from city centre
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Ollie #18 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4 of 5 stars 64 reviews
Garden enthusiasts will savor the nearly 70 acres of native regional plants at this popular attraction.
Attraction type  Gardens
Distance  4.3 km from city centre
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Ollie #19 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 24 reviews
Owner description: The locals call it Hendry's Beach, a place to meet for breakfast or a cocktail at sunset, stroll or jog the sandy shore, watch for whales, fish or...... more » Owner description: The locals call it Hendry's Beach, a place to meet for breakfast or a cocktail at sunset, stroll or jog the sandy shore, watch for whales, fish or ride the wild surf. « less
Attraction type  Beaches; Parks
Distance  4.4 km from city centre
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Ollie #20 of 76 attractions in Santa Barbara
4.5 of 5 stars 9 reviews
Attraction type  Wineries
Distance  0.9 km from city centre