One day in Santa Barbara, Southern California, is a journey into the world of natural beauty, Spanish Colonial architecture, and flavorful food.
Last updated: July 15, 2025
Day Trip to Santa Barbara: 12-Hour City Adventure
Location: Set between the majestic Pacific Ocean and the glorious Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Southern California. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and white stucco buildings, the city is often called the American Riviera.
History: Santa Barbara was named after Mission Santa Barbara that was established on December 4, 1786 with an intention to convert Native Americans to Catholicism. The Mission itself received its name from the early Christian Greek saint and martyr Barbara. The girl’s rich pagan father beheaded his daughter for following the Christian faith.
Despite its bloody past, Santa Barbara is a very bright and pleasant city to spend a day in (or 12 hours if you like us explore the area on a day trip from Los Angeles). White walls, tower-like chimneys, beautiful arcades and balconies are signature sights that set Santa Barbara apart from its urban neighbors.
THINGS TO DO IN SANTA BARBARA IN ONE DAY (12 HOURS)
1. Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara
One of the iconic places in Santa Barbara, Old Mission Santa Barbara attracts a great number of visitors and locals each year. A day trip to the Mission is by far the best way to learn the intriguing history of Old Santa Barbara. This white structure with Historic Cemetery and Mausoleum and beautiful gardens tell you endless tales about the conversion of Native Americans to Christianity.
2. Step Inside Santa Barbara Courthouse
Spending a day in a courthouse in Santa Barbara?.. Absolutely! Built in 1929 in Spanish Colonial Revival style, the Santa Barbara Courthouse, especially its Sunken Tropical Garden, serves as a place of gathering. Moreover, a few times a year it hosts different concerts and festivals.
The building itself deserves special attention. Original murals, big chandeliers, and hand-painted ceilings of the courthouse entice thousands of visitors from all over the world. The pinnacle of each visit to the Santa Barbara Courthouse is El Mirador Bell Tower that offers 360-degree views of the city.
Considering all this, it’s hard to believe but the Santa Barbara Courthouse is actually a fully functional government institution.
3. Spend a Day in Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
The 78-acres Santa Barbara Botanic Garden was designed with a sole purpose of preserving and showing California native plants in their natural habitat. The garden is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and a few historic sites. Here are some of the places you should check out during your day visit to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
- Mission Dam and Aqueduct was built in 1807 to supply fresh water to the Santa Barbara Mission.
- Campbell Bridge was constructed in 1941 to access the Canyon areas on the west side of Mission Creek.
- Japanese Teahouse
- Indian Steps
4. Stroll along Stearns Wharf
When in Santa Barbara, you can’t not visit its famous Stearns Wharf. Named after John P. Stearns, Stearns Wharf is a pier located in the Santa Barbara Harbor. At the time of its completion, it was the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Today it’s one of the all-time favorite places in Santa Barbara. Moreover, it’s a place where you find a full-service restaurant, gift and candy shops, and a marine museum within walking distance of each other.
5. Have a Picnic at Douglas Family Preserve
Better known by its old name Wilcox Property, the Douglas Family Preserve is a public park located on a flat-topped hill above Arroyo Burro Beach. The place was named after actor Michael Douglas who contributed $600,000 towards its acquisition.
Although the park is quite isolated, locals like to walk, hike, and jog here. Additionally, steep cliffs of the Douglas Family Preserve offer great opportunities for whale and dolphin watching.
Final Tip
From the historical Mission Santa Barbara to the entertaining Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara offers plenty of activities for your full day or 12-hour trip. Next time, however, plan for a longer trip to see more of the American Riviera or go on a road trip to explore the city’s surroundings.
