Santa Barbara is a city where sun-drenched days fade into breezy evenings, and every spot feels like an invitation to take it easy. While many people flock to its postcard-perfect beaches and Spanish-style architecture, there’s even more beauty to be found in the spots that don’t make the guidebooks; the hidden cafes, secret gardens, and art-filled hideaways that only the insiders know about.
Whether you’re looking to purchase a home in Santa Barbara, an apartment to rent, or a rental home in the city, we’ve created a guide to the local’s favorite spots. If you’re looking to experience the city in a new light, these hidden gems in Santa Barbara will show you a side of The American Riviera that you’re sure to love. Let’s get started.
1. Soak up the sun at Fernald Point
If there’s one thing Santa Barbara is known for, it’s the city’s stunning beaches. While tourists flock to the more obvious spots, locals know that the quieter stretches of sand are just as dreamy.
“If it’s nice out, be sure to make time for a beach day in Santa Barbara,” shares the team at Considered, an open air cafe inside a ’65 VW Bus. “Fernald Point is a local favorite. We love it because it’s kid-friendly, comfortable for low or high tide, and has bathroom access.” This hidden stretch offers the perfect mix of relaxation and accessibility, ideal for a serene solo day or a laid-back outing with friends.
Before you head out, stock up on snacks and refreshments from some local Santa Barbara businesses. “Grab a 32oz jug of iced coffee from the Considered Coffee Bus, light bites and packaged snacks at The Eddy, or stop by Lazy Acres for sushi to go.”
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Here, local growers set up colorful stalls overflowing with everything from sun-ripened citrus to farm-fresh eggs and wildflowers. For many locals, it’s more than a shopping trip; it’s a weekly tradition.
“My favorite activity in Santa Barbara is going to the Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market,” says Heather Guay, founder of local cake studio, Frances Baking. “It’s our family ritual to start every Saturday with a trip to the Market. So many excellent growers and ranchers bring the best produce from their farms right here to us in Santa Barbara. My kids love eating all our strawberries as we walk around and shop for the fruits and flowers I use in and on my cakes.”
3. Experience the art of chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth, skip the usual dessert stops and indulge in something far more decadent with a visit to Twenty-Four Blackbirds Chocolate, Santa Barbara’s only chocolate factory.
Sign up for their chocolate bar decorating class or book a tour of the factory. Here, you can see how they process raw cocoa beans into their jewel-like confections and dark chocolate bars, tasting all along the way. You’ll also get a chance to get up close and personal with actual cacao trees growing in their tropical nursery onsite. It’s a rare sight in California, making this hidden gem in Santa Barbara an essential for your itinerary.
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If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience in Santa Barbara, head to The Grapeseed Company’s Scent Bar to create your own custom fragrance. Once you’ve found your perfect scent blend, you can make an organic lotion, perfume, aromatherapy mist, shampoo, candle, soap, and more with your signature scent, and even put a custom name on it.
5. Reconnect with nature at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
For a breath of fresh air and a deeper connection to the California landscape, spend a morning wandering the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Tucked in the foothills overlooking the Pacific, this living museum is dedicated entirely to native plants, making it one of the most unique things to do in Santa Barbara.
Well-groomed trails lead you through meadows, redwood groves, and canyon views that feel miles away from the city, even though you’re just minutes from downtown. It’s the kind of place where you’ll lose track of time getting lost in wildflowers and birdsong. Take some time, explore this hidden gem, and let nature be the main event.
6. Visit Santa Barbara’s Arts District
For a dose of creativity and culture, head to Santa Barbara’s Arts District. This stretch of State Street is home to contemporary galleries, boutique museums, and standout live performances. Spend the afternoon browsing exhibits, catching a show at the historic Granada Theatre, or shopping small at the neighborhood’s independent boutiques.
When it’s time to refuel, book a table at Bibi Ji, a modern Indian restaurant and low-intervention wine bar. Recently reopened across from the Granada, this restaurant combines innovative design with elevated dining. Must-tries include Barra Kebab (lamb chops), ‘Murgh’ Tikka (tandoori chicken), and Bibi Ji Dal Makhni. Their wine program features regenerative, low-intervention wines, including rare bottles like Rajat Parr’s SLO Coast Real Wine and Bolivia’s Bitoque. Don’t miss the “Happy Ending” menu from 9-10 p.m., with $10 wine pours and curated small bites.
7. Attend an event in the city
Santa Barbara may be famous for its golden beaches, but the city’s events are equally captivating. From wine tastings and art walks to film festivals, there’s always something happening here.
Film festivals
One standout is the Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival, a celebration of storytelling and creativity that brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world. It’s the kind of event that not only supports local creatives and small businesses, but also highlights the city’s creative pulse. There’s something magnetic about seeing Santa Barbara’s coastal charm paired with red carpets, panel discussions, and a cinematic lineup that’s as diverse as the community itself.
Beyond entertainment, events like this speak to the city’s identity. They reflect a place where culture and community flourish, where innovation thrives alongside tradition, and where inspiration feels baked into the scenery.
Historic celebrations
To feel the city’s spirit in full bloom, plan a visit to Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This beloved summer tradition honors Santa Barbara’s rich heritage with live music, traditional dances, markets, and a show-stopping equestrian parade. “Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is one of my favorite times of the year,” say local photographers Dustin and Courtney of Waller Weddings.
“There’s something magical about watching the city come alive with music, tradition, and community pride. One of the highlights for me is the incredible equestrian parade—seeing the beautifully dressed riders and stunning horses makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.”
Art festivals
Art lovers can’t miss the I Madonnari Street Painting Festival, held every Memorial Day weekend at the historic Old Mission. “From the Funk Zone to State Street to its waterfront and beyond, Santa Barbara provides amazing sensory stimulation,” shares travel journalist Bekah Wright. “The I Madonnari Street Painting Festival has been going strong at the Old Mission Santa Barbara since 1987. During this three-day celebration each Memorial Day weekend 150 works of chalk art grace the pavement. It’s beyond inspiring. It’s magical.”
8. Grab brunch downtown
For a late morning pause filled with sunlight, coffee, and good company, head to downtown Santa Barbara for brunch. There’s one spot that captures this scene flawlessly: Hook & Press.
Tucked into the heart of the city, this cozy cafe is a local favorite for good reason. “One of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara for morning coffee, brunch, and an unbeatable mood is Hook & Press,” shares local real estate partners, Phyllis and Tamara. “This gem embodies everything we love about living here: laid-back coastal vibes, locally roasted coffee, and the absolute best artisan donuts. It’s the perfect blend of community, creativity, and that signature Santa Barbara charm.”
9. Have a day of total relaxation
Beyond Santa Barbara’s coastline and red-tiled roofs lies a hidden oasis for those seeking something deeper. Dryshtea Sanctuary offers private retreats in the Montecito hills, blending ancient and modern practices for renewal, connection, and mindfulness. Guests can experience Cha Dao tea ceremonies, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and massage in a Mediterranean-inspired setting, surrounded by peaceful gardens. Whether you’re looking to reset, reflect, or simply take in a different side of Santa Barbara, this retreat offers a space to slow down and reconnect.
10. Take a hike with ocean views
Craving open views and a quiet moment in nature? Head to the Douglas Family Preserve, one of the true hidden gems in Santa Barbara. Overlooking the ocean in the Mesa neighborhood, this blufftop park offers peaceful trails, panoramic views, and the kind of golden-hour glow that feels straight out of a dream. Locals love it for morning walks, sunset picnics, and its off-leash dog-friendly vibe.
Finding a new side of Santa Barbara with these hidden gems
When living in Santa Barbara, it’s the city’s unexpected moments that truly shine. From scenic gardens and social events to ocean view hikes, these hidden gems in Santa Barbara reveal a place that’s full of surprises at every turn. If you’re planning on calling one of the many neighborhoods of this coastal haven home, let the lesser-known side of Santa Barbara guide your adventure. The magic is in the details; and here, they’re always beautiful.
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Sarah is a Content Marketing Coordinator at Redfin. In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking walks at the lake, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family. Her dream home is a French country-style house surrounded by nature.
