Top Day Trips from Santa Barbara

It’s hard to tire of Santa Barbara’s historic architecture and easy-to-stroll downtown. However, the adorable towns, vineyard-filled valleys, and impressive state and national parks that surround the city shouldn’t be missed.

Leave plenty of time in your itinerary to explore Santa Barbara and its immediate surroundings, but also save some time for a couple of day trips in the region. There is a plethora of activities here, from deserted beaches to extraordinary vineyards. Don’t miss the renowned paradise of Ojai and off-shore islands that feel worlds away. You can even embark on a scenic train adventure to LA.

Experience the Rich Landscapes of Channel Islands National Park

Why go?: Raw nature on nearby islands.

Just visible on the horizon off Santa Barbara, this remote national park is part of an eight-island chain along the Southern California coast. Picture hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, camping, whale-watching, or simply lounging on a deserted beach amidst a raw, edge-of-the-world landscape. Rich in unique flora and fauna, the islands are home to over 150 species found nowhere else, earning them the nickname “California’s Galapagos.” Day trips to two of the five islands in the national park run almost daily.

Getting to Channel Islands National Park: Anacapa and Santa Cruz, the park’s most popular islands, are just an hour’s boat ride from Ventura Harbor, about 30 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. Round-trip excursions, with plenty of time on shore to explore an island, cost under $70 for an adult.

Admire the Beauty of Santa Barbara Wine Country

Why go?: Enjoy some of Southern California’s best wineries amidst beautiful rural scenery.

Amber-colored hills lined with grapevines and shaded by oaks, two-lane roads winding through endless beauty, and numerous wineries offering tastings create an inviting atmosphere in Santa Barbara’s wine country. With more than 100 local wineries, choices may seem daunting, so focus on Santa Ynez Valley’s small towns, including Los Olivos, Buellton, Santa Ynez, and Ballard, all within 10 miles of one another. This accessibility makes it easy to stop, taste, shop, and enjoy local cuisine.

A half-day trip allows visitors to see one winery or tasting room, have lunch, and return to Santa Barbara. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring, planning to have lunch and make several stops before heading back. Full-day wine-tasting tours from Santa Barbara typically range from $100 to $200 per person.

Getting to Santa Barbara Wine Country: Drive from Santa Barbara to Wine Country in less than an hour via rural Hwy 154.

Gaviota: A Wild Stretch of the Pacific Coast

Why go?: Experience raw Pacific beauty and a remarkable historical landmark.

Leave the upscale bustle of Santa Barbara behind, and in just half an hour, you can enjoy a wild stretch of the Pacific coast, featuring an excellent beach and the iconic trestle bridge of California history. Successor to the Central Pacific Railroad, the Southern Pacific Railroad developed the state from north to south throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

One of the company’s greatest achievements was the coastline between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The trestle at Gaviota, completed in 1900, stands over 800 feet long and 75 feet tall, soaring over Gaviota State Park, which has a wide beach isolated from the rest of the coast. Spend hours here relaxing, swimming, hiking, and surfing while watching trains traverse the bridge.

Getting to Gaviota: The state beach and trestle are just 33 miles west of Santa Barbara on Hwy 101.

Ojai: A Delightful Day Trip for Foodies

Why go?: A paradisiacal place with a fab vibe and great eats.

Hollywood director Frank Capra chose the Ojai Valley to represent the mythical Shangri-La in his 1937 film Lost Horizon. Today, Ojai (pronounced “OH-hi,” from the Chumash word for “moon”) remains a SoCal paradise, especially for those who appreciate fine organic food, new age beliefs, art, BoHo chic, or luxurious day spas. Ojai Avenue, the town’s main street, is lined with galleries, boutiques, many selling exceptional local food and wine, and vegetarian restaurants. The year-round farmers’ market (Sunday mornings) is a utopia for food lovers.

Remnants of Ojai’s hippie roots can be found in whole-grain bakeries and organic local producers. For those seeking more than just a stroll, the expansive Los Padres National Forest to the north offers hiking trails for all levels.

Getting to Ojai: Ojai is a 34-mile drive from Santa Barbara, expected to take about an hour, as the scenic Hwy 150 winds through beautiful landscapes. Great biking opportunities await once you arrive.

Explore Danish Heritage in Solvang

Why go?: Indulge in sweet treats and kitsch.

Visitors seeking kitsch can revel in Solvang, a whimsical village dedicated to a fantastical version of Denmark. Statues of the Little Mermaid and Hans Christian Andersen might be the most historically accurate attractions here, entertaining many day-trippers from Hwy 101.

For those craving fudge, taffy, pastries, and other sweets, wandering through Solvang’s charming streets is a delight. Families should consider combining a stop in Solvang with a visit to nearby Santa Ynez Valley’s wineries for a complete experience.

Getting to Solvang: Solvang is located 35 miles from Santa Barbara, and the drive typically takes around 45 minutes.

Downtown Los Angeles: The Best Day Trip by Train

Why go?: Experience the heart of LA without navigating traffic.

Embark on an early morning train to one of LA’s top sights, LA Union Station, and spend hours exploring Downtown LA, which is easily accessible on foot from the station. Begin your journey in El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the site where LA’s first colonists settled in 1781. This state park offers insights into the preserved buildings from that era. Nearby, the iconic 1928 City Hall, made famous by TV shows, stands as a historical landmark. Don’t miss the modern masterpiece, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry, boasting its stunning stainless-steel exterior.

For lunch, choose between local Mexican favorites on Olvera St., the bustling Grand Central Market with its diverse vendors, or renowned French dip sandwiches at the long-standing Philippe’s.

Getting to Downtown LA: Avoid driving; although it might seem quicker, traffic can ruin the enjoyable vibes of your trip. Instead, choose Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner for comfortable service. Experience breathtaking views of the coastline, rich fields, and unique rock formations near Simi Valley. A morning departure from Santa Barbara will have you in LA’s historic Union Station in under 3 hours, just in time for lunch. Make your day enjoyable, then catch an evening train back, perhaps for some relaxing cocktails in Santa Barbara.

This article was originally published on March 30, 2021, and updated in April 2022.