Santa Barbara accommodation from NZ$157

Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara accommodation near State Street, the main thoroughfare, puts you near high-end chain retail department stores, small luxury boutiques and heaps of eateries. Indulge in Latin cuisine, listen to a weekend jazz band or grab a sushi snack while you walk to the beach—in Santa Barbara, you have a choice of waterfronts!

The white sand makes East Beach the area's most popular, but Leadbetter and Hendry's are equally beautiful and less crowded. You'll see why Santa Barbara is considered California's Riviera: the high mountains clustered by the city's edge. You can surf or kayak before retreating to your accommodation in Santa Barbara to get ready for a wine tour.

For the city's best views, you'll have to go to church…or be on a mission. The Santa Barbara Mission was established in 1786 and still draws visitors because of its architecture. Take a self-guided tour and eat a picnic lunch on the grounds. Although going to court might not usually be on your to-do list, check out the Santa Barbara Courthouse. It rivals the Mission for its beauty and vista-like view. Built in 1929, the courthouse has Spanish-style tiles, large murals and historical artefacts.

Getting to & Around Santa Barbara

Rent a bike or inline skates for the true Santa Barbara experience. Public buses run through the city and there's a hub near the Amtrak station—a perfect to pair a Santa Barbara visit with one of our Los Angeles holiday packages. Want to expand your California getaway? Book Los Angeles accommodation and head south to Tinsel Town—Santa Monica Boulevard awaits!