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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Barbara's best

Interesting places

Somewhere interesting that rewards your curiosity instead of just showing you what everyone else has already seen.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 1
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 2
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum image 3
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Spacious museum offers interactive exhibits and a wet deck for hands-on ocean learning. Quiet, seaside vibe pairs with spectacular harbor views. Knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with engaging explanations.

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."

"I found the museum's interesting artifacts and interactive displays really engaging."

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
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens image 1

Spanish colonial architecture and botanical gardens create a peaceful city oasis. Docent-led tours reveal courthouse history and facts. Climb the clock tower for spectacular city views and a museum-like experience.

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."

"The historical architecture here is beautiful and elegant."

"I found the courthouse history very interesting."

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.

03
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center image 1

Small aquarium on a pier offers interactive touch tanks with sharks and sea stars, blending fun and learning. Upstairs features underwater simulation and jellyfish tanks for an engaging experience. Beautiful waterfront views enhance the visit.

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."

"You can pet sharks and stingrays; it's really interesting!"

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.

04
Eat This Shoot That! image 1
Tourist attraction

Walking tours offer local history and art exploration in a lively neighborhood. Guides share fun trivia and stories about the Funk Zone while visiting unique spots. Experience blends food and drink tastings with casual, social vibes.

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."

"I learned so much history from my awesome tour guide."

"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.

05
Night Lizard Brewing Company image 1

Original brick walls and natural edge wood tables create a rustic atmosphere perfect for relaxing. Many fun brews offer unique tastes to explore. Dog-friendly patios add a community feel where pets are welcome.

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."

"This local spot has a friendly atmosphere and fun conversations."

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

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.

06
Old Mission Santa Barbara image 1

Spanish Colonial architecture with twin bell towers stands out. Quiet gardens and sweeping mountain views create a peaceful spot for reflection. Historic artifacts and a chapel offer unique insights into California's past.

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."

"The ocean and mountain views here are incredible."

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

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.

07
Antique Alley image 1
Antique store

Shop boasts vintage collectibles and antique furniture in a clean, organized space. Visitors enjoy curious finds and odd items that spark interest. Atmosphere feels genuine and special, appealing to diverse tastes.

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.

08
The Blue Door image 1
Antique store

Three-story vintage home offers a curated atmosphere with eclectic antiques and mid-century modern furniture. Unique, well-curated antiquities spark interest and invite spending. Dog-friendly space encourages leisurely exploration of constantly changing estate pieces.

Well-curated selection of interesting antiquities draws attention. Unique pieces invite spending more money.

People are saying

"I found a nice selection of vintage furniture and clothing here."

"I found great vintage furniture and art at this thrift store."

"I found interesting pieces near the edge of the table."

Good to know

1

The store has three floors filled with unique vintage items.

2

Expect a wide range of prices, with some items under $50.

3

The store operates on a consignment basis, showcasing various styles.

09
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara image 1

Spanish Colonial Revival architecture shines with historic murals and tile carvings. Gardens and a large lawn create an elegant atmosphere perfect for weddings. A 360-degree observation deck offers panoramic views of city, sea, and mountains, adding unique charm to this active courthouse.

An older structure still actively used as a courthouse adds a unique charm. The building's continued function makes it more interesting than expected.

People are saying

"The panoramic views from the clock tower are breathtaking."

"The courthouse gardens are beautiful and well-maintained."

"The building's architecture is interesting, full of history and intricate art."

Good to know

1

The courthouse is free to visit.

2

Parking is free on side streets within a 2-3 minute walk.

3

Getting upstairs in the tower is free.

10
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel image 1

Hostel offers private bunk pods with power outlets and curtains for comfort. Spacious indoor and outdoor areas, including a patio with fire pit, create a lively social scene. Guests enjoy interesting activities and a relaxed vibe with diverse perspectives.

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 beds are super comfortable with curtains for privacy."

"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.

11
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation image 1

Three floors of hands-on science create an interactive space with creative challenges and workshops for kids. Rooftop offers panoramic views and lively water play, while quiet spots balance the energetic vibe. Activities suit all ages and spark curiosity.

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 rooftop offers a beautiful view of Santa Barbara."

"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.

12
Meet Up Chinese Cuisine 遇见音乐餐厅 image 1

Robot servers create a fun, unique dining experience in a warm, retro '80s setting with feminine decor. Sharing dishes is easy at round tables with lazy Susans. Menu offers rare pork dishes like intestines and bellies, adding to its distinct charm.

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."

"The robots serving Chinese food were a blast to watch."

"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.

13
Stearns Wharf image 1
Historical landmark

Pier offers breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere with historic charm. Visitors enjoy fishing off the dock and exploring hands-on marine exhibits that engage children. Casual dining and souvenir shops add to the relaxing 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.

14
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.

People are saying

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

"The attached cafe and bar made the stay feel like a European holiday."

"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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