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 51-60 of 207
0.0 Miles
From the merchant: Nothing is more inspiring then creating Art outdoors. Gentle instruction brings out a new level of creativity in all!
19.7 Miles
94% 17 votes
Beaches Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura, CA 93006 MoreLess Info
Mondos Beach is known for its waves, which makes it a popular location for surfers. The beach is also frequented by visitors for its longboarding and stand up paddleboarding, and many people bring their dogs.
20.5 Miles
61% 76 votes
Lake 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura, CA 93001 MoreLess Info
Ventura's Lake Casitas Recreation Area is a huge park with over 400 individual campsites. It is a popular fishing destination. Visitors also hiking, birdwatching and fishing. Campsites must be reserved.
21.4 Miles
77% 83 votes
National & State Parks Goleta, CA MoreLess Info
Refugio State Park & Beach is opened for the fishing and kayaking enthusiasts. Near the palm trees are found camping sites and picnic areas.
22.1 Miles
83% 96 votes
Farms & Ranches 1800 Rufugio Road, Goleta, CA 93117 MoreLess Info
One of the few locations to offer horseback riding on the Central Coast, Circle Bar B Guest Ranch has rides lasting anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours. Not truly a dude ranch though; the operation is run out of a motel.
22.7 Miles
95% 150 votes
Bike Paths Parallel to Highway 33, Ventura, CA MoreLess Info
Cyclists get quite the workout on the Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path, which stretches between Ventura and Ojai. The smooth, paved surface is perfect for both racing and mountain bikes. Rollerbladers are also welcome.
23.5 Miles
92% 37 votes
Horseback Riding 1290 Meyer Rd, Ojai, CA 93023 MoreLess Info
Private guided trail rides through the Los Padres National Forest and Ventura River Valley are provided through the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company. Both beginners and more experienced riders are accommodated.
23.7 Miles
85% 106 votes
Horseback Riding 1128 Meyer Rd., Ojai, CA 93024 MoreLess Info
Head home on the range with Western Trail Rides, an equestrian tour company in Ojai, California. Western Trail Rides offers customized tours for riders of all abilities, interests and levels of experience. The firm also offers riding lessons.
24.8 Miles
84% 223 votes
Religious Buildings 225 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 MoreLess Info
Mission San Buenaventura is the Ninth and last California Spanish mission. It was founded by founded by Padre Junípero Serra, and still remains an active Catholic paris
25.0 Miles
45% 11 votes
Camping Site Hwy 154 Bar S, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 MoreLess Info
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains. Guests will celebrated fishing conditions that make camping at the Area during winter months rewarding.
25.1 Miles
At the Venture County Museum of History & Art, visitors have the chance to view the site's rotating collections and attend family, summer, and other educational events. The location also features a museum store for guests seeking souvenirs.
Showing 51-60 of 207
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