Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Located on California’s central coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Barbara is known for its superb coastal location. There are towering mountains behind it and it faces a long stretch of shoreline making Santa Barbara a picturesque escape.
Santa Barbara is also a perfect starting point to some of the most picturesque and naturally stunning coastal destinations.
Let us explore some of the best day trips you can take from Santa Barbara.
Los Padres National Forest, California
Los Padres National Forest is a huge forest area that spans almost 2 million acres of southern and central California just north of Santa Barbara. The area encompasses almost 8,000 square kilometers of California’s forest, mountains, and countryside.
There are many mountain ranges to explore as well like the San Rafael Mountains, Sierra Madre Mountains, and Santa Ynez mountains among others.
There are lots to do for an outdoor enthusiast like climb peaks, do hiking, swim in the lakes and much more.
- Distance: 10 minutes
- Ideal for: Outdoor lovers
Malibu, California
This iconic coastal neighborhood of Los Angeles is a favorite with the rich and famous. Many celebrities come here to escape it all.
Known for its scenic beaches and world-class waves, Malibu is also a top destination for surfers who enjoy Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach and Point Dume. Only a stone’s throw away from Los Angeles, it’s a place where anyone can easily retreat to on a day trip from Santa Barbara.
If you have had enough of the beaches, then explore the many museums including the Getty Villa and Pepperdine University’s Surf Museum.
End your day by strolling at Malibu Pier at sunset where you’ll find the organic restaurant, Malibu Farms.
- Distance: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Ideal for: Beach lovers and surfers
Venice, California
Located south of Santa Barbara is Venice. The Venice Beach neighborhood sits on the Pacific Ocean just south of Santa Monica.
It was founded in 1905 by an eccentric millionaire, Abbot Kinney, and the neighborhood has retained its artsy and kinky vibe to date. This place is also famous for a long boardwalk famous for being a place where performers and artists showcase their work to entertain the crowds.
The town was originally built over canals to replicate Venice, Italy.
For an upscale experience, visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard where you can shop till you drop.
- Distance: 1 hour and 33 minutes
- Ideal for: Beach lovers
Ventura, California
Visit another classic, Californian beach town of Ventura where the Santa Clara River meets the Pacific Ocean. Located halfway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, it makes for a perfect day trip destination.
Start exploring by strolling down Main Street for locally-owned boutiques and restaurants. Other attractions to explore include, exhibits at the Museum of Ventura County and historical buildings such as the San Buenaventura Mission, founded in 1782.
The best beach in the area is San Buenaventura Beach, where you can also stroll at the wooden pier for outstanding views of the coast.
- Distance: 29 minutes
- Ideal for: Beach lovers
Point Mugu, California
Located in California’s Ventura County, Point Mugu is a small area of protected land. Point Mugu State Park extends from Pacific Coast Highway to the Conejo Valley.
An outdoor enthusiast will love this destination as there are many hiking places that you can visit including trails to the top of Mugu Peak and Boney Peak.
The State Park has five miles of coastline and is the most pristine coastline you can find. There are valley trails as well which include Sycamore Canyon and La Jolla Canyon.
- Distance: 50 minutes
- Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts
Sycamore Springs, California
The Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa is located in San Luis Obispo and makes for a great day trip from Santa Barbara. These are naturally occurring hot springs and has been attracting visitors since the 19th century.
Naturally, heated mineral waters spring forth from below and visitors can enjoy the springs in the Sycamore Resort and Spa. There are hillside hot tubs as well which can be reserved every hour.
After a day of soaking in the springs, you can end your day by dining at the Gardens of Avila Restaurant.
- Distance: 1 hour and 34 minutes
- Ideal for: relaxing getaway
Morro Bay, California
Morro Bay is a town that is located on California’s central coast. It is famous for a rock in the middle of the ocean which makes for a great backdrop to your boating and sailing adventures.
Most known for its beaches Morro Bay offers the harbor, the bay, and the open Pacific Ocean. Visitors can spend their time kayaking, paddle boating, through the calm waters.
You can also enjoy some fresh seafood caught by local fisherman and served up at a harbor-front restaurant. The city is home to many art galleries and museums, plus has a great nightlife as well.
- Distance: 1 hour and 53 minutes
- Ideal for: Kayaking
Anaheim, California
If a family-friendly day trip is on your mind, then don’t go further than Anaheim. Home to Disneyland Resort, Anaheim makes for a great day trip from Santa Barbara.
There are eight theme lands throughout the Disneyland area and you can easily spend your entire day riding roller coasters. You can also visit the Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade where there are plenty of trendy shops and restaurants.
There are Anaheim Museums as well which include the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center.
- Distance: 1 hour and 54 minutes
- Ideal for: Family fun
Hollywood, California
Hollywood remains one of the best tourist spots in California since becoming the home of America’s film industry. Start by visiting the Universal Studios Hollywood to see not only a working movie studio but to enjoy the attached theme park.
You can also visit Paramount Pictures to tour the oldest movie studio. Of course, don’t miss the iconic Hollywood sign perched atop the hill.
End your day by strolling along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to search for your favorite stars, passing by icons such as the El Capitan Theater, TCL Chinese Theater, the Dolby Theater, and more.
- Distance: 1 hour and 38 minutes
- Ideal for: Family fun
The Channel Islands, California
Group of eight islands located off the coast of Santa Barbara, The Channel Islands are a great day trip from Santa Barbara. The park offer snorkeling, sea cave exploration, wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping.
There are park centers in Santa Barbara and Ventura. The islands have a rugged landscape where the rocks can be seen jutting out into the ocean.
You can also explore the wildlife here which is unique as it has been sheltered from the mainland for millennia.
- Distance: 3-hour boat ride
- Ideal for: Seaside fun
Gaviota State Park, California
Located just 30 miles west along the coast from Santa Barbara, Gaviota State Park makes for a great day trip from the city.
The park has lots to do including hiking trails, picnic areas, RV access, and campsites. Gaviota State Park also is the location of a popular hot spring.
Visitors can also indulge in swimming, fishing, diving, or snorkeling, and surfing.
- Distance: 32 minutes
- Ideal for: Outdoor lovers
Santa Ynez Valley, California
If you are looking to escape with your beau for a romantic getaway, don’t look further than Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Ynez Valley includes the small towns of Solvang, Los Olivos, Los Alamos, Buelton, Ballard and Santa Ynez.
The wine region has a range of wineries growing grapes from across the world and producing popular and unique wines. Lying between two mountain ranges, the valley itself is beautiful offering the perfect climate for wine growing.
Visitors can take a guided tour by bike, jeep, or limousine. Apart from that, you can also enjoy spas, shopping, and restaurants.
- Distance: 42 minutes
- Ideal for: Romantic day trip
Hearst Castle, California
Hearst Castle is a historical landmark which is located two hours north of Santa Barbara along the coast. This grand castle makes for a great day trip.
Hearst Castle was built by wealthy businessman William Randolph Hearst in the mid 20th Century and the huge castle was named the ‘Enchanted Hill’.
When Hearst passed away, the castle was opened to the public and now has become known simply as Hearst Castle.
- Distance: 2 hours and 23 minutes
- Ideal for: Relaxing day trip
Santa Maria Valley, California
Located just an hour north of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley occupies the central coast from San Luis Obispo to the north, towards Gaviota to the south.
Santa Maria BBQ is a well-known specialty that you must have when you visit. It is a delicious piece of steak; seasoned with local flavors and barbecued supremely.
This region also has over 30 wine tasting rooms, wineries spanning 6 unique viticultural areas, and 13 beaches.
- Distance: 1 hour
- Ideal for: Relaxing day trip
Bakersfield, California
Head to California interiors while at Bakersfield. This inland community is at the southwest outskirts of the Sequoia National Forest.
This huge city has lots to offer to its visitors from amazing museums, to nightlife, restaurants, dining, river rafting. Museums that you can explore are Bakersfield Museum of Art, the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, and the California Living Museum.
- Distance: 2 hours and 36 minutes
- Ideal for: Family fun
Santa Barbara makes for a fantastic place to jump off to various destinations in California. The destinations last for days and there is no dearth of fun to be had.
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