What to do and see in Santa Barbara, California (CA): The Best Things to do Adventurous

April 19, 2022 Leida Jutras

Nestled between the shrub-covered slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the clear blue shores of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is California at its best. Mission Santa Barbara is an example of 18th-century religious architecture, boasting beautiful grounds and a wonderfully detailed interior. Work up an appetite with a walk through Shoreline Park, then dine above the water on Stearns Wharf. Fig trees, parks, waterfalls, and botanical gardens round out Santa Barbara’s natural beauty.
Restaurants in Santa Barbara

1. Santa Barbara Surf School

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5.0 based on 129 reviews

Santa Barbara Surf School

Private Surf Lessons in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria are our specialty. We feel the best way to maximize your time is to have a surf instructor solely devoted to you, your family or friends. This insures you will be getting the most hands on practice during your time in the water. Typically our Instructors can coach up to 5 students at a time. If you want to surf privately with a larger group we will add instructors as needed. Our proven method for teaching surf lessons is one that has come together through the combined knowledge of our veteran surfers throughout Santa Barbara and the feedback we get from our students. We have carefully studied the most important steps to becoming a successful surfer, and how to make the most of your time. Which is why we’re confident Santa Barbara Surfing School will have you surfing in no time. Included: Surf Boards, Wetsuits, Leashes and Instructor. Group size discounts applied at checkout.

2. Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,516 reviews

Santa Barbara Adventure Company

The Santa Barbara Adventure Company is the premier adventure travel outfitter on the central coast. We offer Santa Barbara kayaking & Channel Islands kayaking, surf lessons, wine country tours by van or bike, mountain biking, rock climbing and team building programs. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides offer exceptional service and share with you a side of the Santa Barbara area few visitors ever get to experience.

3. Paddle Sports Center

Excellent
93%
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5.0 based on 670 reviews

Paddle Sports Center

The Paddle Sports Center is Santa Barbara's premier Kayak | SUP | Surf rental, membership, instruction, and tour center. Explore the Santa Barbara waterfront & view sea birds, sea lions, seals, dolphins, and even whales! We provide instruction and comfortable/quality gear. Our rental rates are the best in town and our local guides are extremely knowledgable about the area. We have been serving the local community for over 25 years, and we guarantee that you will have an enjoyable experience.

4. Nanco Helicopters

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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Nanco Helicopters

Nanco Helicopters is Santa Barbara's premier helicopter company. We offer helicopter tours of Santa Barbara, the Channel Islands National Park and Santa Ynez wine country. There is no better way to see Santa Barbara county than from the perspective of a helicopter. With our Professional pilots and new comfortable helicopter, we ensure you will have a flight to remember!

5. Santa Barbara Hot Rod Limo

Excellent
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5.0 based on 212 reviews

Santa Barbara Hot Rod Limo

Santa Barbara Hot Rod Limo - The HOTTEST Ride in Town! It's the most unique and fun way to explore the city! Offering 1 and 2 hour narrated city tours of Santa Barbara & Montecito. With seating for 8 people, our open-air, eye-catching, HOT ROD LIMO is the most exciting way to see all the sights of Santa Barbara.

6. Santa Barbara Art Glass

706 E Mason St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3313 +1 805-965-1541 [email protected] http://www.sbartglass.com
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5.0 based on 135 reviews

Santa Barbara Art Glass

Make something beautiful: in our private glassblowing class for two with an item to take home. A stone's throw from Stearn's Wharf rests Saul Alcaraz's studio, Santa Barbara Art Glass, where you'll discover blown glass is functional art -- and that you're capable of creating a masterpiece.

Reviewed By AndiamoItalia54

We attended Saul’s glass blowing class in Santa Barbara. It was an amazing experience - such an unusual and fun activity ! Saul did an excellent job teaching and guiding us through the art of making our own blown glass objects. My friend made a delicate bowl and I made a glass “bauble” to place in a large bowl with other objects. The furnace is very hot, so I recommend wearing lightweight clothing. There is also a shop with beautiful glass creations for sale. What an enjoyable afternoon!

7. Santa Barbara Helicopter Tours

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5.0 based on 54 reviews

Santa Barbara Helicopter Tours

A helicopter tour is one of the best activities in Santa Barbara! We invite you to take to skies above Santa Barbara with an adventurous helicopter tour or luxurious helicopter charter. Explore the “American Riviera” by air, experience the breathtaking scenery and landmarks surrounding Santa Barbara County, including: Stern’s Wharf, Santa Barbara Mission, Clark Mansion, Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, the Ronald Reagan Ranch, and Oprah Winfrey’s estate. We also offer ecotourism helicopter flights. These adventurous flights include: helicopter tours the City of Santa Barbara, Coastal and Beach Tours, helicopter Wine Country Tours of the world renowned vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley.The entire Santa Barbara Helicopters staff is committed to do its best to make your helicopter flight a safe and enjoyable experience. We guarantee lasting memories that will be the highlight of your Santa Barbara vacation. We hope you will fly with us soon; together we will create adventures and experiences that will last a lifetime.Enjoy your flight,Daniel Casey Chief Pilot of Santa Barbara Helicopter Tours - Santa Barbara Coastal Helicopter Tour - Get a perspective of Santa Barbara from inside a helicopter. In our Santa Barbara Coastal Helicopter Tour your pilot will fly the helicopter from the Santa Barbara Airport along the coast and beaches into the historical Downtown Santa Barbara area where you will have to opportunity to see Stearns Wharf, the waterfront, beaches and surrounding attractions like the Santa Barbara Mission. Approximate Route: 20 min $150 per person - Wine Country and Neverland Ranch Helicopter Tour-See the Famous Santa Barbara Wine Country and Neverland Ranch; home to the King of Pop. In addition to the Downtown Santa Barbara attractions, the pilot will fly you over the Los Padres Mountains for an aerial view of the Santa Ynez Valley Vineyards, Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, former President Ronald Reagan’s Ranch and the impressive downtown of Solvang. Our helicopter is very well equipped for in-flight wine tasting if you would like to bring your own bottle aboard this phenomenal helicopter tour.Approximate Route: 50 min $300 per person - -Luxury Helicopter Tour- Finding it difficult to choose? See it all.Join us and take advantage of our best tour; guaranteed to give you the experience of a lifetime. Combining the routes and attractions from all our flights, this helicopter tour has something for everyone to see: Santa Barbara coastline, Santa Barbara Wine Country, and Neverland Ranch. This tour is offered on a limited basis, and must be booked two weeks in advance.Approximate Route: 130miles $400 per person.

8. iSurf School

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5.0 based on 71 reviews

iSurf School

iSurf is the Central Coasts best surf school for quality and price. We have classes for everyone of all ages and skill levels. Our classes focus on giving our students the knowledge and confidence to get into the ocean and experience the unforgettable feeling of riding waves. Our Instructors have been trained to give you the highest quality experience that will focus on reading ocean conditions, proper surfing techniques, and leaving you with goals to take away from each session. We also offer frequent trips to Baja, San Diego, and Hawaii as well as bachelorette parties, corporate events, retreats, and so much more. Looking for something more? Just ask and our team will be sure to make happen.

9. Surf Happens

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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Surf Happens

Surf Happens is Santa Barbara’s premier surf school, this is our profession and our passion. We are a community based business dedicated to sharing the spirit of Aloha and the life style of surfing with people of all ages and abilities. Founded in the local waters of Santa Barbara, California in 2000, we are a complete full service surfing school offering year round private and group lessons, surfing camps for kids and adults, after school program, our womens program Surf Happens Sisters, beginning to advanced coaching, and community surfing competitions including the annual Rincon Classic.

10. Enjoy the Mountain ATV Tours and Rentals

Excellent
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Enjoy the Mountain ATV Tours and Rentals

We are the premier provider of adventure and off-road experiences in Southern California. We offer ATV Tours, Rentals, Jeep Tours, Mountain Bikes, Hiking, Geocaching and much more. With our hassle-free services, we make it easy for you and we take care of everything so that you just Enjoy the Mountain and don't have to worry about anything else. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priority.

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