Santa Barbara or the American Riviera is an incredible place to enjoy diverse California culture and explore the southern and central coastline during exciting day trips.
Last updated: July 14, 2025
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, a classic American city on the California coast, is a gem tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of big cities. Conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it enjoys the best of the state. From perfect coastal weather all year round to beach and upscale city culture and incredible day trips from Santa Barbara, the place is unmatched.
Sure enough, the city’s vibrant lifestyle and envious location didn’t get unnoticed, earning it the nickname of the American Riviera. But unlike its French namesake, Santa Barbara lacks direct access to neighboring countries. The diverse terrain of California, however, compensates for this shortcoming in full. Towering mountains nearby and rugged wilderness of the coast amuse locals and visitors alike, allowing for the most incredible day trips from Santa Barbara.
The natural wealth of California is often just one hour down the road. Drive less, enjoy more. Santa Barbara knows how to spice up your adventures with dozens of irresistible day trips.
THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SANTA BARBARA
1. Solvang
42 minutes away from Santa Barbara
While Santa Barbara lets you taste a piece of France on the coast of California, a few day trips to Solvang enable you to experience Danish culture at its best. Located less than an hour away, this tiny city is the embodiment of Scandinavian culture, architecture, and traditions.
Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants in the early 1900s. Pursuing better life, the Europeans landed on the American mainland, but never let their beloved Denmark escape their hearts and minds. Their full-hearted devotion to the homeland led to the establishment of a city with Scandinavian-style buildings, authentic bakeries, and shops selling European traditional costumes and textile.
Some of Solvang’s businesses such as Danish Mill Bakery and Solvang Shoe Store were established in the middle of the 20th century. Keeping up with the rich traditions of the European continent, they enhance your day trip from Santa Barbara with authentic Danish sweets and traditional Dutch clogs.
Adherence to European roots in Solvang goes beyond shopping and dining. As a proud offspring, the city remembers people who shaped Scandinavian culture and literature. Not one, but a few places in Solvang pay tribute to Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author best remembered for his fairy tales. Surely enough, none of the day trips from Santa Barbara to this charming city can be complete without stopping at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and Hans Christian Andersen Park.
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2. Santa Ynez Valley
45 minutes away from Santa Barbara
Home of Solvang, the Santa Ynez Valley offers pleasant weather and breathtaking views to enjoy during the frequent day trips from Santa Barbara. Nestled between two mountain ranges, the area creates perfect conditions for growing grapes and producing popular California wine.
No wonder, the Santa Ynez Valley is considered Santa Barbara Wine Country, where you can spend your trips sampling different wines all day long. The valley is a zealous supporter of local businesses. The majority of wineries here are family-owned with Bridlewood Estate Winery and Barbieri Winery in the lead.
The Santa Ynez Valley also caters for its non-drinking visitors. The area encompasses six distinct towns: Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang. Each of these places promises some of the most unforgettable day trips from Santa Barbara. While the towns differ in their cultures, there are a few things that unites them: exciting experiences, local eats, and, of course, wine tasting.
3. Santa Maria
1 hour 10 minutes away from Santa Barbara
Two things inspire the locals and visitors of Santa Barbara to embark on day trips to Santa Maria. For the majority of people, Santa Maria Valley wineries are the first thing that comes to mind when planning this excursion. Country roads, rolling hills, and endless rows of vines provide ample reasons to see the city in person.
The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail intensifies this experience by offering a chance to explore a thirty-mile road. Dotted with some of the most accomplished winemakers, the drive runs from Los Olivos to Santa Maria.
Santa Maria-style barbecue is the second reason to plan a few day trips from Santa Barbara. The dish centers around beef tri-tip grilled over coals of native coast live oak. Santa Maria-style barbecue, enhanced with local flavors, is a signature dish in many regional restaurants.
4. Channel Islands
The Channel Islands are an eight-island archipelago located off the coast of Santa Barbara. Five of these islands form Channel Islands National Park with its unique flora and fauna. Uninhabited at the time, the islands provided a flourishing environment to indigenous people, primarily Chumash, 8,000 – 13,000 years ago.
Wildlife: But even today the Channel Islands boasts over 2,000 plant and animal species, including whales, dolphins, and elephant seals. At the right season, you can also see blue whales, the largest animals in the world, swimming near the islands.
Flora: 150 of all the plant and animal species live and grow only in this distinct territory, earning the islands their nickname of North America’s Galapagos. This alone can be the biggest reason to visit the area during a nature-infused day trip from Santa Barbara.
Furthermore, the rugged terrain of the Channel Islands makes them a perfect destination for hikers and adventurous travelers. Accessible only from the water, some hidden caves on Santa Cruz entice kayakers and snorkelers.
While the Channel Islands look like the most incredible one-day excursions right off the coast of Santa Barbara, you need to plan your trips in advance. The islands can be only accessed by park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) or planes (Channel Islands Aviation).
5. Malibu
1 hour 10 away minutes from Santa Barbara
From hidden coves to favorite sandy and rocky stretches of land… This is how you would describe your day trip from Santa Barbara to Malibu. Located a little bit over an hour down the road, this popular destination on the California Coast invites you to join a crew of the most experienced beach dwellers.
The area entices with over a dozen of popular summer destinations. Home of some of the riches and most famous, the iconic Southern California city is also a favorite with surfers and photographers. The latter are especially fond of El Matador Beach, Leo Carrillo State Beaches, and Point Dume Nature Preserve.
6. Los Angeles
1 hour 30 away minutes from Santa Barbara
Los Angeles, the capital of Hollywood, is among the most popular day trips from Santa Barbara. The city is diverse, and so are things you can do here. From iconic Hollywood to bohemian Venice and classic Santa Monica, Los Angeles unites various cultures and activities.
World-famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills seduces with its glamorous boutiques and shops, known for designer labels and haute couture fashion. Silver Lake, an Eastside neighborhood, also strives to put your money in the right places. But unlike Beverly Hills, it enhances your day trips from Santa Barbara with some hipster vibes, vegan restaurants, and trendy bars.
For those who long for history and art, Los Angeles presents its superior museums and galleries. The Getty Center, perched on the top of the hill overlooking the city, is arguably the most popular museum in LA. The place intrigues with vast art collections, beautiful architecture, and spectacular outdoor gardens.
Seeing the Hollywood Sign up-close is another reason to escape Santa Barbara for a couple of day trips. There are a few places that let you do it without shedding sweat. In most parts, however, you will need to hike.
7. Ventura
30 minutes away from Santa Barbara
You don’t need a full day to plan some unforgettable trips from Santa Barbara to Ventura. With only half an hour spent on the road, there is more time left for gorgeous beaches, gardens, and galleries. Due to its favorable location between the Ventura River and the Santa Clara River, the place impresses with its lush greenery and stunning surroundings.
Ventura and Santa Barbara share similar beach culture, filled with day excursions to the ocean, surfing sessions, and kayaking. Ventura Harbor Village enhances these experiences with fresh seafood and small ocean-inspired shops. Apart from the regular beach activities, San Buenaventura State Beach encourages hiking and bike riding while taking in the views of the coastline.
8. Lake Casitas
55 minutes away from Santa Barbara
Set in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest, Lake Casitas offers a slightly different environment for weekend trips from Santa Barbara. As an essential drinking water supply, the place prohibits swimming or any body contact with the water.
Nevertheless, lush greenery and rugged hills nearby provide great opportunities for hiking and camping. The area offers more than 600 campsites. Water activities, such as kayaking, boating, and canoeing, are also allowed. Remember, though, no direct contact with the water.
Interestingly enough, during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Lake Casitas hosted the rowing and canoeing competitions.
9. Ojai
50 minutes away from Santa Barbara
Nestled in the Ojai Valley surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai has a rustic feel about it. The city’s lush greenery further succeeds at hiding the place from unaware travelers.
Those who intentionally plan their day trips to Ojai from Santa Barbara get rewarded by unique art galleries and ample New Age shops. You can find works of Beatrice Wood and occasional exhibits showcasing new artists in Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts.
Frequent visitors regard Ojai as a hub of meditation, relaxation, and spas.
Last but not least, Ojai Olive Oil brings new flavors to your day trips from Santa Barbara. One of the biggest olive oil orchards in California, the place is famous for different varieties of award-winning extra-virgin oil. The company’s products can be purchased right from the shop or at farmers’ market. Olive oil tasting and guided tours of the olive groves are not to miss while spending a day in Ojai.
10. Cachuma Lake
30 minutes away from Santa Barbara
Similar to Lake Casitas, Cachuma Lake has one condition you must comply with during your day trips from Santa Barbara. Swimming or any contact with the water are prohibited. Apart from that, it is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Santa Barbara. Cachuma Lake is especially popular with hikers, campers, and birdwatchers.
Unlike some other places, suitable for short day trips from Santa Barbara, the area has tents and RV sites, yurts and cabins. Scattered throughout the park, the latter claim the most stunning locations and scenic views. The visitors usually opt for yours and cabins in an attempt to experience the glamping side of Cachuma Lake.
While Cachuma Lake is a domestic water supply with no body contact regulation, there are no restrictions for boating. A boating permit, however, must be displayed. The visitor can also use kayaks and canoes that must go through an inspection and a proper cleaning first.
11. Pismo Beach
1 hour 25 minutes away from Santa Barbara
Pismo Beach is a little coastal city suitable for relaxing day trips from Santa Barbara with a homey twist. Whether you are after fun beach activities or leisurely stroll on the beach, the place is all you have ever dreamed of. Located in Central California, Pismo Beach boasts enjoyable weather all year round. Winters usually have cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach are the most popular places in town. They gather both locals and tourists who can’t get enough of surfing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and long walks by the ocean. Dinosaur Caves Park, home of the famous concrete dinosaur that you can see from the highway, lures with its history and many sea caves.
From November through February, the residents and visitors of Santa Barbara plan exciting day trips to Pismo Beach to see Monarch Butterflies. Seeking refuge from the cold northern winters, the vibrant insects cluster in Eucalyptus trees at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove.
12. Gaviota State Park
30 minutes away from Santa Barbara
Located within a short drive away from Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Park is a stunning destination for last-minute day trips. A sandy beach, a campground, a seasonal camp store, and coastal cliffs make the place especially irresistible. Scenic hiking trails of the park and the adjacent Los Padres National Forest allow you to take in the natural beauty of the place while stretching your legs after the drive.
The highlight of Gaviota State Park is Gaviota Hot Springs. The place is nestled half a mile from the roadway along the trail to Gaviota Peak.
13. Hearst Castle
2 hours 25 away minutes from Santa Barbara
Hearst Castle is a perfect day trip from Santa Barbara for history and culture geeks. Located in the hills near San Simeon, the place is a museum like no others. The castle, formally known as La Cuesta Encantada or the “Enchanted Hill”, was built between 1919 and 1947. The historic structure manifested the vision and design of its founder, businessman William Randolph Hearst, and architect, Julia Morgan.
After William Hearst’s death in the mid 20th century, his family gave the property to the State of California. To this day, Hearst Castle embodies the opulence and style that yet have to be matched with. One of California’s most visited historic landmarks, the grandiose alcazar astounds with 165 rooms, terraced gardens, and sparkling fountains. You may need a few day trips from Santa Barbara to see all Hearst Castle is famous for.
14. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
2 hours 5 minutes away from Santa Barbara
The orange hillsides of Antelope Valley offer excellent day trips from Santa Barbara in spring. Fueled by winter rains, barren lands near Lancaster and Palmdale come alive with poppies bloom. For about four weeks, the area transformed into a mesmerizing flowery ocean. None of the other day trips from Santa Barbara come even close in comparison with this natural wonder.
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