Santa Barbara

 
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Santa Barbara is a year-round tourist destination renowned for its fair weather, downtown beaches and Spanish architecture. Breathtaking beaches, soaring mountains, verdant vineyards, elevated enclaves and eclectic communities are only a few of the adventures awaiting in Southern California.

More About Santa Barbara

Overview

Welcome to seaside escapes, Santa Barbara rests in the gentle crescent of the California coast. With several can't-miss beaches and must-visit attractions, Santa Barbara will fill your vacation with fun and excitement.

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Before You Go

Airport Check-In: It is recommended that you reconfirm your flight information and check in for your flights at the airline’s website 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Please bring all your final documents with you. It is important to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for all domestic flights, and two to three hours prior to departure for international flights.

Required Documents: Passports are required for international travel. You will not be permitted to depart without necessary documentation. There may be additional requirements for international travel, such as vaccinations or visas, and some countries require that passports be valid for six months or longer beyond your stay in the country. Passport and entry requirements are subject to change at any time without notice. For the most current information on passport and entry requirements, please visit the Government of Canada official website at http://travel.gc.ca. Special travel documents are required for children traveling with or without their parents. If you are traveling with children, please check with the airline or cruise line prior to departure. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you must contact the consulate of the country you are visiting.

Newlywed Information: Tickets and other travel documents must exactly match your current passport and other identification. If not, you could be denied boarding and no refund will be forthcoming. For requirements and information regarding marriages performed in a foreign country, please visit the consulate of the particular country.

Honeymoon Packages: Some hotels require you to present a marriage certificate or license for you to receive the honeymoon package. Please bring your marriage documentation with you if you are traveling on a honeymoon package.

Minors: If a minor (under 18) is traveling, please provide the appropriate travel documents for the trip. Review required documents here, https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/children-travel.

Luggage: Baggage allowances and fees vary by airline. For airline baggage fees and policies please visit https://www.costcotravel.ca/Info/Airline-Baggage. If baggage fees do apply, this cost will be additional and must be paid directly to the airline.

Duty Free/Customs: When returning to Canada the duty-free allowance may vary by country. Please visit https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs for more information.

Travel Health Information: For the most current worldwide health information, consult your family physician or https://travel.gc.ca for advice and advisories.

General Safety Tips: By taking a few simple security precautions before and during your vacation, you can help ensure that you, your traveling companions, and your valuables are as safe and secure as possible.
  • To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
  • Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
  • If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
  • For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the Government of Canada official website at https://travel.gc.ca.

Climate:
Average Celsius Temperature:
  • December through February: 18° to 19° (Winter)
  • March through May: 19° to 22° (Spring)
  • June through August: 22° to 25° (Summer)
  • September through November: 25° to 21° (Autumn)

Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.

Local Currency: U.S. Dollar

Currency Information: U.S. Dollar

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time

Local Language: English

Transportation: Rental cars, private transfers, ridesharing services, taxis and buses are available. To determine time schedules for public transportation, please inquire at your hotel.

Top Experiences

  • Channel Islands National Park : Named the Galapagos of North America, this chain of islands is the home of 2,000 plus plants and animals, many of which can only be found on these islands. Channel Islands National Park is located 22 miles off of the coast of Santa Barbara and is a place to enjoy watching wildlife, camping and kayaking.

  • Outdoor Adventuring : With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the number of outdoor activities is extensive. From whale watching, when in season, to rock climbing, hiking and surfing are available among so many other great activities.

  • Wine Tours : Wine tours offer a personalized wine country experience, all based on your budget, timing and expectations. Tours will offer your group an intimate trip to the vineyards, local winery and tasting rooms with a peek at the rugged terrain that surrounds them.

  • Santa Barbara Zoo : Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the beauty of the wildlife is matched only by the lush grounds and sweeping views. This 30-acre park is home to more than 146 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains.

  • Museums : The rich cultural history of the area is alive in the museums of Santa Barbara. From the thought-provoking works of the Museum of Contemporary Art to the educational programs at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, you’ll discover science, history, art and more within the walls of these exciting institutions.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.