This is an article that I wanted to write for a long time. It is a bit long, maybe that’s why I took such a long time to write. However, this is our favorite Southern California tour. When we have friends and family visiting from outside of California we always take them on this tour because they get to see some of the best tourist sites in SoCal. Yeah, it’s true, this tour doesn’t include Disneyland, Universal Studios or Sea World, but those are attractions that anyone would know about. Our tour hits the best things to see in SoCal apart from amusement parks. The best thing about this tour is that it can be done in one day…a full day that is.
First stop: Santa Barbara for 4 hours.
Getting to Santa Barbara
9:00 am. Start early in the morning by driving to Santa Barbara. Take the 101 freeway north and exit Cabrillo Boulevard. Just follow the road and park on the street. Try to find parking as close to State Street as possible. It is easier to find parking before getting to State Street than after. Once you parked, start walking on Cabrillo Boulevard toward State Street. You can even walk on the beach if you want…I love it !
Once you get to State Street you have a few options. You can walk on the pier and then go up State Street or choose to come back to the pier later. There two easy ways to get into town. My preference is to start walking up State Street…it’s takes a little longer but it’s fun to see all the people and the stores on State Street. The other option is to take the electric tram. For a quarter you can get up State Street very quickly compared with walking even though the tram runs slowly.
Santa Barbara, California – The Courthouse tower provides great panoramic views of Santa Barbara.
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Wether you walk or take the tram, look or ask for the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Visit the interior gardens and then start visiting the interior. Make sure you take the elevator to the top floor and go to the tower. The view from the Courthouse tower is amazing: you get to see the ocean, the mountains and of course all of Santa Barbara.
Catch the tram and go up to the Santa Barbara Mission. You can choose to visit the Mission itself or just stroll through the park in front of the Mission. It is actually a beautiful rose garden.
Things to do in Santa Barbara
- The beach. Walk, sit and admire. Read my article about the coolest things to visit in Santa Barbara.
- Walk on State Street and just look at things and people.
- Santa Barbara court house and tower. Don’t miss this one. See pictures of the Santa Barbara Courthouse.
- Santa Barbara Mission. See my pictures from Santa Barbara Mission.
- Santa Barbara Zoo optional. This will take you a while and it will prevent you from seeing all the other things on this tour. However, if you want to just spend the day in Santa Barbara, the Zoo is the perfect place. Read my article about Santa Barbara Zoo.
- Have lunch somewhere on State Street. There are plenty of restaurants.
Santa Barbara, California – Spanish style architecture abounds on the streets of Santa Barbara.
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Now it’s time to head south to Malibu. Take Cabrillo Boulevard back the way you came and get on the 101 Freeway South. It will take you about one hour to get to Malibu. Just relax and drive slower and enjoy the view ’cause you really have what to enjoy.
Next Stop: Malibu, California
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the great informative article with some very interesting ideas and points regarding the best of Southern California tourist attractions in one day trip. Amazing, I sincerely did not know or think it was possible to tour the best of Southern California tourist attraction in one day trip. With that said, this is something I’ll consider the next time I bring my family to Southern California. I must admit I find it insightful to read your article. Keep up the good work.
CJ…thanx for your note. Yep, this would make for a great day trip for your family. Yes you will be tired at the end of the day but it’s worth it. If you have more time in Southern California, you can take your time and visit more of course.