There is no shortage of ways to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather when visiting Santa Barbara. Booking vacation rentals today gets you one step closer to experiencing the beautiful beaches, world class golf, serene lake, and breathtaking mountains and other Santa Barbara activities this beautiful town has to offer.

Beaches

East Beach

This huge beach offers clean sand as far as you can see and its expansive size allows you and your family plenty of space to spread out. East Beach is famous for its volleyball courts too!

Thousand Steps Beach

This cliffside spot is a great place to get your daily steps in while exploring with your family. Thousand steps is also a great park with a huge playground and paths to walk.

Hendry’s Beach

Hendry’s Beach is a great dog friendly place in Santa Barbara.

 

Golf

Sandpiper Golf Course

This oceanfront course features a back nine all along the Pacific Ocean with friendly staff sure to make your golfing experience one you’ll remember.

Santa Barbara Golf Club

This public course is budget-friendly and still wonderful to play. The course itself is long and features gorgeous views of the mountains and a variety of palm and woodland trees throughout.

Rancho San Marcos Golf Course

This course features kind staff, a variety of wildlife, and beautiful views in the valley. While it was previously hurt by the drought, the course is on the mend and visitors are pleased to see the creeks running with water and greens restored to their former glory.

 

Mountains & Parks

Lake Cachuma

Even if nothing else on this list peaks your interest, Lake Cachuma is reason enough to book vacation rentals in Santa Barbara. This picturesque retreat is a fisherman’s paradise offering bass, rainbow trout, bluegills, and catfish. While the fisherman in your family explores the waters, go on a hike on one of the trails throughout the parks around the lake and find the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Poke around the nature center to learn about local wildlife, fauna, and the history of the land. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty offered by this valley gem.

Saint Ynez Mountains

Hike or drive your way through the youngest mountain range in California as you explore this Southern California retreat. Hike through the front country of the mountains to overlook the city and ocean, check out the crest of the mountains at Camino Cielo, or start in the back country in the Santa Ynez River Valley to explore a more down-to-earth hiking experience. As you explore these natural landscapes, make sure to plan out a stop at Cold Spring Tavern, accessible down a narrow road in the woods, to learn more about the history of the town and eat veal steak, a grilled cheese, or one of the many other favorites at this hidden spot. Enjoy these Santa Barbara activities and take your vacation to the next level.

Douglas Preserve

Great trails and dog park for the whole family.