Free & Cheap Things to Do in Santa Barbara, CA

  • The list below includes 58 free or cheap things to do in or near Santa Barbara, California, including 55 different types of inexpensive activities like Bars, Natural History Museums, Botanical Gardens and Nature & Wildlife Areas.
  • From Cabrillo Bike Path to Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Santa Barbara and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Goleta, Ventura, Montecito and Ojai.
  • The list below includes 58 free or cheap things to do in or near Santa Barbara, California, including 55 different types of inexpensive activities like Bars, Natural History Museums, Botanical Gardens and Nature & Wildlife Areas.
  • From Cabrillo Bike Path to Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Santa Barbara and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Goleta, Ventura, Montecito and Ojai.
Showing 41-50 of 207
0.0 Miles
Young children learn basic music skills through play in this internationally acclaimed program.
7.7 Miles
- 3 votes
Movie Theaters 225 N Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
A movie theater with three auditoriums, Fairview Theatre displays first-run feature films with all digital projection and sound. The theater also offers stadium seating and 3D movies as well as a snack bar with food and drinks.
7.8 Miles
89% 81 votes
Farms & Ranches 598 North Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
The Fairview Gardens in Goleta, California is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to urban farming and agriculture appreciation. It hosts a variety of programs for kids, teens and adults. Free self-guided tours are available without a reservation, and large groups may reserve guided tours.
8.9 Miles
71% 7 votes
Parks Los Carneros Rd at Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
Home to a lake, Lake Los Carneros Park provides water access for fishing along with a walking trail around the lake's perimeter. The park offers mountain views, access to the Stow House and Railroad Museum and wildlife viewing opportunities.
9.0 Miles
Specialty Museums 300 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
At the South Coast Railroad Museum, tourists can learn about the history and technology of the railroad industry. The location contains the Goleta Depot, which was a county railroad stationhouse built in 1901.
10.0 Miles
75% 4 votes
Parks 7050 Phelps Road, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
Girsh Park offers a Multi-Sport Field that is set up for youth baseball, adult softball, soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, dog events and rugby. The park is also used for summer camp, The Lemon Festival and Wags and Wiskers dog event.
10.1 Miles
37% 19 votes
Movie Theaters 7040 Marketplace Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
A branch of the Metropolitan Theatre chain, Camino Real Cinemas is a movie multiplex that shows first-run films. All theaters feature stadium seating and digital video and sound. The theater offers matinees and discounts.
10.5 Miles
100% 22 votes
Kayaking 111 Verona Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
Aquasports Day Trips offers kayaking services and island trips for its clients. The main point of attraction seems to be the exploring of the island's sea caves.
10.9 Miles
94% 82 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas Ellwood Mesa, Goleta, CA MoreLess Info
Coronado Butterfly Preserve houses a range of butterfly species. Surround yourself with thousands of butterflies, and great views of the beach.
11.2 Miles
87% 214 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 7701 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA MoreLess Info
Kids and adults are always delighted by a visit to the Goleta Butterfly Grove. The Grove features dozens of butterfly species and thousands of individual butterflies. They do not bite or sting.
19.2 Miles
82% 66 votes
Parks Hwy 1, North of Ventura, Ventura, CA MoreLess Info
From its location at the mouth of the Ventura River, Emma Wood State Beach is popular with anglers who often catch perch, bass, cabezon and corbina, as well as people who often spot dolphins just off the rocky shore. This beach offers several camping areas.
Showing 41-50 of 207
HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Santa Barbara AREA?
ADD A NEW ATTRACTION TO TRIPBUZZ!