The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Hidden
Santa Barbara

Discover 3 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California

Unusual
Attractions
in Santa Barbara

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The Topiary Garden at Lotusland.

Santa Barbara, California

Lotusland

Acres of natural wonders left behind by a socialite-turned-gardener.

34.4430, -119.6574

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Knapp’s Castle

Santa Barbara, California

Knapp’s Castle

The ruins of the castle that chemicals built.

34.5470, -119.8937

Added by leiris

The estate lies in disrepair.

Santa Barbara, California

Franceschi Park

The home of one of California's most important horticulturalists wilts amidst a lovely park.

34.4405, -119.6941

Added by KirstenCunningham

Are we missing something unusual in Santa Barbara?

Isla Vista, California

AlloSphere

360-degree virtual reality chamber physically immerses scientists into their data.

34.4171, -119.8481

8 MILEs FROM Santa Barbara

Carpinteria, California

Wardholme Torrey Pine

At 130 years old and 126 feet tall, it is the largest known example of the rare Torrey pine tree.

34.3981, -119.5169

Added by jondi letnap

10 MILEs FROM Santa Barbara

Happy harbor seals lounge within the rookery.

Carpinteria, California

Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve

Happy harbor seals frolic and snooze on this warm, sandy stretch of coast.

34.3926, -119.5176

Added by jondi letnap

10 MILEs FROM Santa Barbara

clutters of Monarchs

Goleta, California

Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove

A popular winter vacation destination for migrating monarch butterflies.

34.4237, -119.8914

Added by lastpearl

11 MILEs FROM Santa Barbara

Atlas Obscura Trips

Death Valley After Dark: Astronomy and Photography in the Backcountry

Dec 5—Dec 9, 2018

In the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, practice your night photography skills and immerse yourself in the sky above.

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