Santa Barbara is all golden beaches and dramatic mountain ranges, the perfect blend of laid-back coastal vibes and classic California experiences. And when it comes to getting here? The Pacific Surfliner makes it as easy breezy as can be. Make the journey part of your adventure, with the Santa Barbara Train Station as your gateway. Step off the train, feel the ocean breeze, and dive into a day of exploration, where the toughest decision is figuring out which restaurant to hit up for dinner.
Things To Do Near the Santa Barbara Train Station
From outdoor fun in the sun to savor-worthy flavors by the sea, here are a few ways to make the most of your visit to Santa Barbara. The station is located in central Santa Barbara, which means the entire city is yours to explore.
Within Walking Distance
No car? No problem. These sights are all a 15-minute or less stroll from the Santa Barbara Station.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is where art and science collide. Take the kiddos to play with hands-on exhibits that teach them about essential concepts in STEM, which also happen to be a lot of fun! From building and testing your own inventions in the Innovation Workshop, to exploring the Fantastic Forces Zone, MOXI makes learning interactive and exciting for visitors of all ages.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the station. From there, MOXI is a 3-minute walk (0.1 miles).
Santa Barbara Funk Zone
Delicious food and drink meets artsy excellence in Santa Barbara’s famous Funk Zone! This stretch of converted warehouses has completely reinvented itself into a cultural hub of art, entertainment, and fresh flavors. Take a stroll through mural-adorned alleyways, discover boutiques of handmade goods, or taste test your way across the local craft beer scene. Remember, Funk Zone is a place, but also a state of mind!
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the station. From there, you’re just a 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) from getting funky.
West beach
Sometimes, going to the beach is the only real answer to life’s worries. Santa Barbara’s West Beach is the perfect place to catch some sun, watch boats sail across the horizon, and put your feet up (or, into the sand). Take a walk along beachfront pathways, take to the water in a kayak, or bring a picnic! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the public art and historical signage throughout the area.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the station. From there, West Beach is just a 5-10 minute walk (0.3 miles) down to the shore.
Just a Short Distance Away
A few of Santa Barbara’s most iconic sights are just a short drive away— we promise they’re worth every potential minute of small talk with your rideshare driver.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
History buffs, this one's for you! Old Mission Santa Barbara, often referred to as the "Queen of the Missions," was founded in 1786 and remains one of California’s most iconic landmarks. Explore its stunning architecture, including the beautiful twin bell towers and peaceful chapel, and wander through the meticulously maintained gardens and historic cemetery. You can also take a self-guided tour or join a docent-led experience to delve deeper into the stories of the Franciscan friars and Indigenous Chumash people who shaped this significant site.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the station. From there, take a 10-minute Uber or Lyft and get ready for some historic beauty!
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Looking for a little zen in your life? Let us introduce you to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a lush 78-acre haven filled with native plants, more than 5 miles of walking trails, stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, and so much more. Take a leisurely stroll through the redwood grove, marvel at the colorful wildflowers, or relax by the historic Mission Aqueduct— this garden is all yours to explore.
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the station. Next, grab an Uber or Lyft for the 15-minute drive to the gardens.
Hop on the Bus
The local Santa Barbara MTD bus system makes it easy to explore without a car—especially when you ride free with your Pacific Surfliner ticket!
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Get lost in the wonderful world of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, where you'll find everything from ancient sculptures to multimedia exhibits. Looking to dive even further into these priceless pieces? We don't blame you! Luckily, the museum offers various educational programs, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops (as well as a fantastic gift shop for all your souvenir needs!).
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the station. From there, hop on Santa Barbara MTD Line 20 for a 10-15 minute ride to the museum.
Weekend Trips & Beyond
Why not stay a while? These must-see activities are perfect for a longer or extended trip.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Animal lovers, rejoice! The Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the best around, with gorgeous grounds to explore, incredible ocean views, and more than 500 animals to meet. Located just a few miles from State Street, where the train station drops you off, it's an easy and fun stop to add to your Santa Barbara itinerary!
How to Get There:
Take the Pacific Surfliner to the station. From there, grab a 10-minute rideshare to the zoo, or take Santa Barbara MTD Route 20 for a 10-minute ride.
Station Information: Santa Barbara
Hours of Operation
The Santa Barbara Amtrak Station is open daily between 6:15 AM and 10 PM.
Santa Barbara Station Amenities
The station has a variety of amenities that are here to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible! These include an enclosed waiting area, restrooms, vending machines, checked baggage storage, and a full staff to help get you where you need to go.
Amtrak Ticket Window
The ticket window at the Santa Barbara Station is open daily during station hours (6:15 AM - 10:00 PM). Here, you can purchase tickets for your trip, modify existing reservations, and get answers to any travel-related questions with a little help from your friendly neighborhood Amtrak Ticket Window staff.
Parking
The Santa Barbara Train Station offers convenient parking options directly adjacent to the station. Short-term parking (free for the first 75 minutes) is perfect for drop-offs or quick visits, while long-term parking is available for travelers heading out for extended trips. Additional parking can be found at nearby lots within walking distance
Amtrak Train Connections
The Santa Barbara Amtrak Station is a stop along two Amtrak routes: the Pacific Surfliner (that's us!), and the Coast Starlight, which stretches from Seattle to Los Angeles.
Local Transit Options
Great news, adventurers— getting around Santa Barbara after stepping off the train is a breeze, thanks to the Pacific Surfliner’s collaboration with local transit providers! All you have to do is show your valid Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ticket to the driver, and enjoy FREE rides on Santa Barbara MTD buses!
What’s that sound? Oh, it’s just Santa Barbara calling your name! From golden beaches to awe-inspiring pieces of California history, this is one stop you don’t want to miss. Get your train ticket, and let the Santa Barbara Train Station be your first stop on an unforgettable journey.