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Santa Barbara, just two hours up the coast from Los Angeles, has been called the “American Riviera,” for its lush surroundings, south facing coastline, great weather, amazing Mexican foods, historic buildings and so many walkable streets.
Sounds like a great location for a Photowalks episode, right?
Santa Barbara blends Mediterranean climate, red-tile architecture, and mountain-meets-ocean beauty into one photogenic package. You probably know about the glamour of Santa Barbara, the home of the former royals (Harry and Meghan) and talk show royalty (Oprah) but there’s so much more. I always loved the history, and the way the town has kept up its unique Spanish style look with these great red tile roofs.
For this episode, we cover the “Red Tile” walking tour, visiting the most historic buildings in town, many of which are hundreds of years old and talked to historian Neal Graffy at the great Santa Barbara Historical Museum. We stopped by the all-time best photo spot in the city–raise your hand if you know what I’m talking about.
Along the way, we stopped by the cool Cat Cafe (Cat Therapy) on State Street, the block which pedestrians and cyclists are able to enjoy without vehicles. We did the Eat This, Shoot That Santa Barbara Food and Wine Tours where guide Nadia was kind enough to show some of her favorite tips for photographing food. And of course, no visit to Santa Barbara is complete with a stop into Barbra Streisand’s beloved sweet treat purveyor, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
We stayed at the Best Western Hotels & Resorts on quiet Bath Street, (a short stroll over to State and a quick drive to the historic Mission,) one of several properties in the Santa Barbara Hotel Group. Thank you Millie Matz.
Photowalks airs Sundays on Scripps News at 10 a.m. ET and replays on YouTube.
🏛️ The Red Tile Walking Tour
Santa Barbara’s signature Red Tile Walking Tour connects many of its greatest hits in a few easy blocks — perfect for a half-day stroll with camera in hand.
Start at the County Courthouse, often called the most photographed courthouse in America. Inside and out, it’s a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Revival design, from hand-painted ceilings to wrought-iron balconies. Climb the clock tower for a 360-degree panorama — arguably the best photo spot in town.
Next, visit the Santa Barbara Public Library, a quiet gem with arched windows, a tiled courtyard, and a carved wooden door you’ll definitely want to shoot. Around the corner sits the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, whose collection spans ancient to contemporary works from around the world.
Stroll through El Paseo Courtyard and the Hill-Carrillo Adobe, built in 1826 and famous for having Santa Barbara’s first wooden floor. Along this European-style lane, framed by Spanish Revival architecture, you’ll find shops, galleries, and even a bronze statue of Ben Franklin — a touch of the East Coast on the West.
For a detour with heart, stop at Cat Therapy Café on State Street. You can sip coffee while visiting adoptable cats in a cozy lounge that doubles as a rescue hub.
History buffs should add the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where in the episode local historian Neil Graffy explained how the city’s red-tile style evolved from its Spanish-mission roots into the architectural identity we see today.
Nearby, the 1937 Main Post Office stands as another textbook example of Spanish Colonial Revival elegance, its murals and tilework worth a peek.
Finish the walk at the Lobero Theatre, California’s oldest continuously operating theater, beautifully restored and still hosting performances downtown.
⏱️ Plan 3–4 hours for the full tour, starting mid-morning and breaking for lunch along pedestrian-friendly State Street.
🎭 Bonus Stop: The Arlington Theatre
Just beyond the Red Tile Tour route, The Arlington Theatre is a can’t-miss photo op. Step inside and you’re transported to a Spanish courtyard beneath a painted twilight sky — one of the most charming old movie houses in California.
⛪ The Queen of the Missions
No Santa Barbara photo itinerary is complete without the Old Mission Santa Barbara, affectionately called “The Queen of the Missions.” Its twin bell towers make it unique among California’s 21 missions — and one of the state’s most photographed landmarks. Golden-hour light here is magical.
🌊 Beaches & Coastal Views
Santa Barbara’s 25 beaches stretch along a south-facing coastline — a geographic rarity that keeps the sun over the ocean all day.
- Stearns Wharf at the end of State Street draws the most visitors, offering postcard views of the mountains and pier.
- East Beach and Leadbetter Beach are local favorites, less crowded and perfect for sunrise walks or late-day golden light.
- Shoreline Café at Leadbetter lets you dine with your feet in the sand — grab fish tacos or breakfast burritos and snap that quintessential “toes-in-sand” shot. A must-stop, along with my two favorite Mexican restaurants in town, La Super Rica at 622 Milpas Street (where there’s always a line) and Los Agaves at 600 Milpas.
Honorable mention: for sweet treats, McConnell’s Ice Creams at 120 State Street has been serving rich fare for decades, and at the other end of State, for nostalgia buffs, Mister. Softee, an East Coast tradition, has opened up a shop here as well at 920 State Street.
