Skip the crowded downtown scene and head to Mission Canyon for the massive blue whale skeleton outside. Spend 90 minutes roaming the oak-lined creek paths and the planetarium. It feels more like a nature park than a stuffy museum. Most people pair this with the Santa Barbara Trolley Tour to manage transport easily. Visit on a weekday morning to dodge school groups and actually hear yourself think near the butterfly pavilion. Bring comfy shoes for the trails.
Get your bearings with a classic open-top bus tour of the city. · See the skyline sparkle from the water on this evening cruise.
Walk across the world's most famous orange suspension bridge. · See the whole city in one day with a comprehensive guided tour. · Visit the historic waterfront for sea lions and sourdough bread.
