A trip to the Santa Barbara Zoo will be one full of action and lot of fun. Children especially will love the original Dentzel Carousel and the zoo train. You can also feed the animals with food specially made for them that is available in the zoo itself. If all that action makes you hungry, there's The Ridley-Tree House Restaurant, serving grilled dishes, sandwiches and salads. The zoo organizes various events throughout the year which could be the best time to visit the zoo.
Boasting 78 acres of lush, verdant land, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a place for adventurers of all ages. The garden is home to over 1,000 different kinds of native plants, and visitors can hike and walk through the area for a simple, affordable day of fun. The Garden offers tours for visitors and also hosts a range of events, from a wine and cheese lecture series to an exploration classes for toddlers and even a "Trails 'n' Tails" event for dogs and their owners. Don't forget your camera and walking shoes when you head over to explore the flower beds, trails and fields.
Covering more than 10 exhibits, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History chronicles the past of various species of birds, insects and mammals, including humans. Enter the fascinating world of natural history, which is perfectly complemented by the Sea Center, an exhibition on aquatic life. Children in particular will find this place highly educational, and for a nominal price.
Nestled alongside the busy highway, East Beach is one of the first oceanfronts to spot, upon entering the city of Santa Barbara. With its shore dotted with several swank hotels and inns, East Beach is much-frequented by tourists pouring in from different parts of the world. It remains a hub for volleyball tournaments, as its hosts multiple beach volleyball competitions every year. A well-maintained bike trail also runs parallel to its coast, making it popular with walkers and cycling enthusiasts. With a host of amenities, East Beach is a great picnicking venue.
Named after the person who built the wharf, the Stearns Wharf has served as a transport hub of waterways in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has stood the test of time and faced vagaries of the nature since its construction in 1872. Since the later 20th century, the wharf is more of a tourist destination and is one of the most popular landmarks in Santa Barbara today for dining, shopping and overall entertainment.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is located in the Naval Reserve Center and was set up in 1897 to provide coastal defense to the central coast area. Here they conducted drills, exercises and enhanced skills of troops for this division. Now converted as a museum to showcase all of what they did, and how they continued their duties and rights, you could learn about the history of maritime in a fun and interesting way! This museum has fantastic traditional and interactive exhibits about the history and future of the ocean. The Boat Model Gallery and the Survival at Sea exhibit can't be missed.
Canzelle Alpacas is an expansive farm with a big herd of alpacas, llamas, sheep, dogs and more. You can meet these friendly animals up close and even feed them, for they are used to visitors. After the tour of the farm and getting some memorable pictures, visitors can relax at the deck, with gorgeous views of the ocean, and nosh on some snacks.
A great place to explore fascinating and awe-striking artworks and paintings, Art City Stone Supplies & Gallery comprises an art studio and a stone supply store. Founded by acclaimed artist Paul Lindhard, the space welcomes to explore the exhibits on display and even purchase a few of them. You can also find remarkable stone art illustrations, which have been molded into admirable pieces. You can enjoy interacting with artists and learn about the various techniques of art. Eye-catching mosaic artworks and unique art styles allure the visitors here. Every art lover and admirer should visit this place.
Hidden off the coast of Southern California's busy mainland, this wonderful sanctuary takes visitors on an insightful journey through marine conservation efforts, which enables them to learn more about threatened species, habitats that need protection, and a host of other well-preserved vestiges of culture, history, and nature. The sanctuary comprises of and protects the waters that surround islands such as San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa. Within these waters, one will not only find rare and endangered marine species and their habitats but also cultural landmarks of the native Chumash people and age-old shipwrecks that also lie within the realm of protection of the sanctuary. Visitors can explore all this and more through a host of recreational activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
Casa Dolores is located within the 1843 Pascual Botiller's residence called Botiller Adobe house. With more than 6000 art pieces in its abode made from different materials like glass, tin, clay, etc., the collections showcase different periods from Pre-Hispanic right up to the modern day art works. The artworks are majorly focused on Mexican style and culture. The museum also stands as an event venue showcasing presentations, cultural events besides exhibiting art and setting art workshops.
Wetlands as far as the eye can see, with beautiful vistas of unique marshland plants and waterfowl, is what one can expect while visiting Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park. Geared towards conservation of endangered species such as light-footed clapper rail, Belding’s savannah sparrow and more, the park is a must see for bird watchers and those interested in learning about this unique habitat.