5 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Santa Barbara - Atlas Obscura

Unusual
Attractions
in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California

Lotusland

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

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Santa Barbara, California

Knapp’s Castle

The ruins of the castle that chemicals built.

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Santa Barbara, California

Whale House

This stunning sea creature-shaped home blends into the landscape like a fantasy villa.

Evan Nicole Brown

Added by Evan Nicole Brown

Santa Barbara, California

Lil' Toot

This nonsensical smiling boat shuttles passengers between two places they could've easily walked between.

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Santa Barbara, California

Franceschi Park

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

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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.

anhie

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.

jondi letnap

Added by jondi letnap

10 miles from Santa Barbara

Atlas Obscura Trips

Hip-Hop, Hippies, and Robots: Invention and Reinvention in San Francisco

Sep 19—Sep 21, 2019

We'll set out together, September 19-21, to explore unusual galleries, test our cocktail-making skills, and visit the city's best unofficial museum.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Hip-Hop, Hippies, and Robots: Invention and Reinvention in San Francisco

Photo by Matthieu Comoy

Explore Santa Barbara, California

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Recent Santa Barbara Activity

cmkrdonahue wants to go to Lotusland

coffeemastertia wants to go to Whale House

coffeemastertia wants to go to Knapp’s Castle

coffeemastertia wants to go to Lotusland

kaylahenness has been to Knapp’s Castle