Old Mission Santa Barbara
The 'Queen of the Missions'.
Santa Barbara
The 'American Riviera', with red-tiled roofs and a Spanish mission between mountains and the Pacific.
After a 1925 earthquake the city rebuilt in Spanish style. Stearns Wharf has great views, and vineyards from the film Sideways are in the hills behind.
- Best Time
- April to October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 2 hours from Los Angeles by car or Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner.
What to See
3 of 4 are freeCounty Courthouse
A Spanish-Moorish gem with a clock tower view.
Funk Zone
Tasting rooms and galleries by the beach.
Stearns Wharf
California's oldest working wooden pier.
Know Before You Go
- Weekends get busy with visitors from LA.
- Book early in summer.
Where to Stay
Stay near State Street.
Where to Eat
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If You're NearbyMission Santa Barbara
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The "Queen of the Missions", the best loved of California's 21 Spanish missions, with twin bell towers, a rose garden in front and the Santa Ynez Mountains behind.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the California list.