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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Barbara

Interesting fun activities

A day spent on interesting activities is the best way to break the monotony of a routine.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 1
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 2
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Spacious museum with interactive exhibits and a wet deck where children engage directly with ocean specimens. Quiet atmosphere reflects a seaside English vibe combined with spectacular harbor views from the top floor. Activities appeal to both children and adults, offering hands-on learning about maritime history.

Interactive exhibits make learning about maritime history engaging and fun for kids. The museum offers a memorable mix of education and entertainment.

Small size holds interesting artifacts and interactive displays. Staff and docents provide knowledgeable explanations that engage visitors of all ages.

People are saying

"You'll learn so much about local maritime history here."

"You get a great view from the 4th floor."

"The interactive exhibits are really fun for all ages."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 per adult, with discounts for military and first responders.

2

Free parking is available for 90 minutes at the museum.

3

Interactive exhibits include a sportfishing game and a boat driving simulation.

02
Eat This Shoot That! image 1
Tourist attraction

Walking tours combine food and drink tastings with local history and art exploration in a lively neighborhood setting. Guides share detailed stories about the area's development and culture while leading groups through unique, handcrafted establishments. The experience balances informative commentary with a casual, social atmosphere.

Activities include a variety of fun tours that mix history with engaging experiences. Food options add to the overall entertaining atmosphere.

Tours include interesting history and fun trivia shared in a casual, informative way. Guides highlight the Funk Zone and local stories while walking through town.

People are saying

"Our guide Hannah was great and knew so much about the food."

"Our guide Hannah was knowledgeable and fun, making it enjoyable."

"The tour guides here are fantastic and make the experience so interesting."

Good to know

1

The food tour includes a variety of local offerings from unique businesses.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a spot on the food tour.

3

The tour lasts approximately three hours, allowing ample time for exploration.

03
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation image 1

Three floors of hands-on science activities create an interactive environment filled with creative and engineering challenges. The rooftop offers panoramic views and lively water play, while quieter spaces provide balance amid the generally loud and energetic atmosphere. Various areas cater to all ages, making exploration diverse and engaging.

Hands-on exhibits create a fun and interactive environment for kids and adults alike. Live demos and exploratory science activities keep the experience engaging and educational for the whole family.

Engaging hands-on science exhibits offer unique experiences and workshops that appeal to kids. The museum provides knowledgeable and interesting content with strong replay value.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly, my kids could have spent hours creating in the maker's space."

"The exhibits are engaging, hands-on, and so much fun for kids."

"The exhibits here are really interesting for kids."

Good to know

1

Admission is $20 for adults and children.

2

Toddler Tuesdays offer special programming for young kids.

3

The museum does not have on-site parking available.

04
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 1

Small aquarium offers interactive touch tanks with sharks, sea stars, and anemones alongside educational programs about local sea life. Upstairs features underwater simulation and jellyfish tanks, creating an intimate and engaging experience. Setting on a pier provides beautiful waterfront views that complement the exhibits.

Interactive exhibits and touch tanks create an immersive experience that is both educational and fun. The pet a shark tank and the wet deck offer unique ways to engage directly with marine life.

Exhibits offer interesting displays that engage both kids and adults. The center combines educational content with fun, making it a place with plenty of interesting things to see.

People are saying

"It's really Kid Friendly with lots of interactive exhibits."

"This local spot has great displays of local sea life."

"The interactive exhibits here are so much fun for kids and adults."

Good to know

1

Admission is $14 for adults, but only $3 with WIC or SNAP benefits.

2

The Sea Center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks for hands-on learning.

3

Children aged 3 to 5 will enjoy the numerous touch pools available.

05
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel image 1

Hostel combines modern design with private bunk pods featuring curtains and power outlets. Natural light fills spacious indoor and outdoor areas, including a patio with fire pit that encourages socializing. The atmosphere balances quiet comfort with a lively, welcoming vibe among diverse guests.

Organizing new activities every day makes socializing easy and fun. Events like karaoke night bring people together to share songs from their countries.

Interesting activities keep things engaging here. Guests bring a relaxed vibe and unique perspectives.

People are saying

"You'll feel at home and meet amazing people at breakfast."

"The staff makes you feel like family during fun activities."

"The hosts here are super friendly and really care."

Good to know

1

The hostel hosts daily events like free breakfast, yoga, and movie nights.

2

Open mic nights and karaoke happen regularly, fostering a social atmosphere.

3

Every night features a different activity, including BBQs and game nights.

06
Antique Alley image 1
Antique store

Shop offers a wide variety of vintage collectibles and antiques arranged in a clean and organized space. Atmosphere feels genuine and special, with items ranging from vintage jewelry to antique furniture and garden decor. Visitors find a diverse selection that suits many interests.

Browsing throughout the store offers a lot of fun moments and chances to pick up unique items. The overall experience feels engaging and enjoyable.

Many odd and interesting items fill the space. Each visit reveals new curious finds that catch the eye.

People are saying

"I found so many odd and interesting things here."

"I found a specially curated vintage mall with a wide selection."

"I found browsing the store and picking up fun items really enjoyable."

Good to know

1

The store has a wide selection of vintage jewelry from Mexico and India.

2

Expect to find a variety of items, including clothes, comics, and antique furniture.

3

The store is well-organized and clean, making it easy to browse.

07
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens image 1

Spanish colonial architecture surrounds large botanical gardens filled with over 25 plant varieties, creating a peaceful oasis in the city center. Visitors enjoy spectacular views of the city from a clock tower and rooftop, while the grounds offer a historic, museum-like atmosphere.

Exploring the gardens offers a fun, free, and relaxing way to enjoy the city and learn about its history. Using Uber adds a worry-free element to the visit, making the whole experience more enjoyable.

Docent-led tours share interesting facts about the building and its courthouse history. The clock tower and gardens offer views full of history and information.

People are saying

"I loved the 360-degree view of the city and ocean."

"I found the courthouse history very interesting."

"I had a lot of fun walking and relaxing in the gardens."

Good to know

1

Admission to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens is free.

2

Free tours are available daily at 2 pm.

3

The gardens host free outdoor movies on Friday nights at 8pm.

08
Old Mission Santa Barbara image 1

Spanish Colonial architecture with twin bell towers and historic mission church creates a striking presence. Quiet, peaceful atmosphere invites inner reflection amid beautiful gardens and sweeping mountain and ocean views. Continuous use since founding adds a unique sense of living history.

Huge grounds filled with artifacts offer a fun, historical experience. Community gatherings and festivals add a relaxing, social vibe to the visit.

Historic artifacts fill the museum, offering many interesting stories about California's past. The chapel and cemetery provide unique insights into the area's history and early inhabitants.

People are saying

"This historical site is rich with California history."

"It's an interesting place with lots of history."

"I found the festival relaxing and fun, a great event."

Good to know

1

Admission is $25 for adults, with free entry during services.

2

Parking is free and easy to find in the side lot.

3

The mission hosts events and services, allowing free access during those times.

09
Night Lizard Brewing Company image 1

Original brick walls and natural edge wood tables create a rustic atmosphere with plenty of seating for a chill vibe. Live music and board games keep energy mellow and engaging, while dog-friendly patios invite a community feel with pets welcome.

Trivia nights with Black Dog Trivia bring engaging challenges and lively competition. Live music adds a fun atmosphere while trying a variety of interesting brews.

Many fun and interesting brews are available to try. The building has an interesting story worth asking about.

People are saying

"I loved trying all the unique and experimental beers here."

"I had a wonderful afternoon trying many fun and interesting brews."

"I enjoyed the trivia nights; they were a fun time."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Live music performances occur on weekends, starting at 8pm.

3

The comedy show ticket costs $10 per person.

10
Meet Up Chinese Cuisine 遇见音乐餐厅 image 1

Robot servers deliver food in a setting with retro '80s decor and a feminine interior. The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suitable for dates or dinners with friends, though noise can carry off tile walls. Round tables with lazy Susans facilitate sharing dishes.

Watching the robot waitresses adds a unique and fun element to the experience. Kids especially enjoy the robot servers moving around the restaurant.

Robot servers add a fun, interesting touch. The menu features many unique dishes with ingredients like pork intestines and pork bellies not found elsewhere on the central coast.

People are saying

"The authentic Sichuan flavors here are bold and beautifully balanced."

"Watching the robot servers was a really fun activity."

"The robot servers here are a fun and interesting touch."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily from 11am to 3pm.

2

Parking is plentiful and free for restaurant patrons.

3

Expect higher prices for authentic dishes compared to Americanized options.

11
Stearns Wharf image 1
Historical landmark

Pier offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views with a peaceful, historic atmosphere. Visitors enjoy fishing off the dock and exploring hands-on marine exhibits popular with children. The area features casual dining and souvenir shops that complement the relaxing vibe.

Fun and lively atmosphere draws people in with scenic views and a variety of food options. Driving over the water adds a unique and enjoyable twist to the experience.

A picturesque wooden pier offers many interesting sights including local businesses and a museum. The sea aquarium provides educational exhibits, and the sound of driving on the pier adds a unique touch.

People are saying

"The panoramic views of the mountains meeting the Pacific are breathtaking."

"You'll find fun activities like strolling, shopping, and eating with great ocean views."

"It's interesting to see the local businesses and the museum here."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first 90 minutes at Stearns Wharf.

2

There are various shops and restaurants with ocean views on the wharf.

3

Visitors can walk to Stearns Wharf from nearby hotels.

12
Drift Santa Barbara image 1

Hotel combines upscale casual rooms with loud live music from an on-site bar that plays until early morning. Location places guests in the heart of downtown with easy access to local attractions. Amenities include a cocktail and oyster bar and complimentary bike rentals for exploring the city.

Fun and festive amenities include surfboard rentals and bike rentals. The rental bikes add a really fun touch.

People are saying

"This Hotel's location on State Street is perfect for walking to the beach and restaurants."

"Renting the complimentary bikes for a ride to the beach is a really fun activity."

"It's in a great area with lots of food and nightlife."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a partnership with Buttonwood Vineyard, offering a buy-one-get-one-free wine tasting.

2

The hotel is located within walking distance to the beach and downtown attractions.

3

Expect noise from weddings and events that may last until 1:00am.

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