Attractions and Places To See around Summerland - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Summerland include a historic pier, architectural landmarks, and interactive museums. The area features coastal bluffs and urban areas, offering diverse experiences for visitors. This region provides opportunities to explore historical sites and enjoy scenic views.
Best attractions and places to see around Summerland
- The most popular attractions is Stearns Wharf, a man-made monument that was completed in 1872 and named after its builder. It features stalls selling souvenirs, decorations, and food.
- Another must-see spot is Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a historical site. This working courthouse, built in 1926 in Spanish Revival style, offers panoramic views from its 85-foot tall "El Mirador" bell tower.
- Visitors also love Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, a viewpoint. This preserved open space features trails along the bluff edge, leading to a long sandy beach and offering views of the ocean.
- Summerland is known for its historical sites, natural viewpoints, and urban areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from coastal bluffs to architectural landmarks.
- The attractions around Summerland are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 highlights photos and over 40 upvotes.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Stearns Wharf
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
State Street
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
MOXI (Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation)
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
There is access to the beach just east of the pier, leading down to a long sandy beach where you can enjoy a mile of secluded walking down to Rincon Point. To the west you will need to walk through the Chevron parking lot to reach more of the Carp bluffs. These will lead you along a very pleasant set of overlooks and eventually down to the ocean's edge. From there it is a bit more than a mile to the state park. sbtrails.org/carpinteria-bluffs
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Summerland.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
One of the most beautiful government buildings in the United States, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a working courthouse. We are encouraged to explore what the grounds have in store for us. Here we find the sunken gardens where many weddings are held, an elevator to the 85-foot tall “El Mirador” bell tower with panoramic views of downtown Santa Barbara, many hand-painted rooms full of detail, and many wrought iron handrails and window coverings that make the courthouse what it is - spectacular. We open one of the many doors, behind which a court hearing is currently underway. We sit on the back bench and listen for a few minutes. Two felony handcuffed and shackled prisoners are paraded right past us.
3
0
Ignite your mind at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, Santa Barbara's unique destination for hands-on scientific and creative experiences. Located in the thriving Funk Zone neighborhood, MOXI invites kids, families and curious minds of all ages to explore more than 17,000 square feet of immersive activities. From the Giant Guitar, where you can study your favorite riffs, to the Wind Column Workshop, where you can perform test flights, MOXI's interactive approach to science, technology and art inspires experimentation and discovery.
0
0
Stearns Wharf is located in the port of Santa Barbara, California, USA. After its completion in 1872, it became the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco. Named after its builder, local lumberjack John P. Stearns, the wharf served passenger and cargo shipping on California's south coast for over a quarter of a century.
0
0
If you want a firsthand look at one of the most beautiful public buildings in the country, look no further than the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Designed in the Spanish Colonial style and completed in 1929, the fully functional courthouse is a Santa Barbara landmark with its distinctive four-sided bell tower, red tile roofs, elegant arches and verdant sunken garden and grounds. On self-guided tours, visitors can get a visual history lesson through the intricate hand-painted murals, marvel at ornate wrought iron chandeliers and climb to the top of the bell tower for incredible panoramic views of Santa Barbara and beyond.
1
0
Santa Barbara feels especially European these days thanks to the introduction of the State Street Promenade. The heart of downtown Santa Barbara's entertainment and retail district has been transformed into a sprawling 10-block pedestrian walkway between Sola and Gutierrez streets*. You can now explore, browse, shop, sip and dine while enjoying the architectural beauty, sights and sounds of State Street - without car traffic. Conditions couldn't be more ideal for a stroll!
0
0
Stearns Wharf is a storied, wooden wharf that extends from the Santa Barbara coastline. You can run along the wharf for excellent water views up and down the water.
0
0
Built in 1872 and named for its builder, Mr. Stearns, it is the oldest working wooden wharf in California
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Summerland?
Around Summerland, you'll discover a mix of historical sites, natural viewpoints, and urban areas. Highlights include the historic Stearns Wharf, the architecturally significant Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and the scenic Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve.
Are there any historical landmarks to visit near Summerland?
Yes, the area boasts significant historical landmarks. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse, built in 1926 in Spanish Revival style, is a working courthouse offering panoramic views from its 85-foot tall “El Mirador” bell tower. Another historical site is Stearns Wharf, a man-made monument completed in 1872.
Where can I find scenic views and natural beauty around Summerland?
For breathtaking views and natural beauty, visit the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve. This preserved open space features trails along the bluff edge, leading to a long sandy beach and offering expansive ocean vistas. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse also provides terrific panoramic views from its bell tower.
What are some family-friendly activities available in the Summerland area?
Families will enjoy Stearns Wharf, which features stalls selling souvenirs and food, and is a great spot for a stroll by the ocean. The MOXI (Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation) is an interactive science museum with lots of hands-on exhibits, perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Are there opportunities for cycling near Summerland attractions?
Absolutely. You can find various cycling routes around Summerland. For example, there's the moderate 31.8 km “Stearns Wharf – Butterfly Beach Santa Barbara loop” or the easy 16.4 km “Stearns Wharf – Santa Barbara Pier loop”. You can explore more options in the Cycling around Summerland guide.
What kind of running trails are available around Summerland?
The Summerland area offers several running trails. You can try the moderate 7.2 km “Carpinteria running loop via Carpinteria State Beach” or challenge yourself with the difficult 9.3 km “Romero Canyon Trail Loop”. More running routes are detailed in the Running Trails around Summerland guide.
Can I find mountain biking trails in the Summerland vicinity?
Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts have options like the moderate 16.1 km “Romero Canyon Loop Trail” or the more challenging 22.3 km “West Fork Cold Spring Trail – Montecito Creek loop”. Discover additional routes in the MTB Trails around Summerland guide.
What can I do at Stearns Wharf?
Stearns Wharf is the oldest working wooden wharf in California. Here you can stroll along the pier, enjoy ocean views, and browse stalls selling souvenirs, decorations, and food. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Is State Street worth visiting in Summerland?
State Street is a vibrant area known for its elegant shops and diverse dining options. It's a great street for strolling and exploring, offering a lively urban experience with many small highlights along the way.
Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions?
Yes, State Street is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an enjoyable experience for all visitors to explore its shops and dining. While specific accessibility details for all attractions vary, State Street provides a good starting point.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Summerland?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse experiences available. They appreciate the historical significance of sites like Stearns Wharf and the architectural beauty of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The scenic trails and ocean views at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve are also highly regarded for their natural appeal.
Are there any museums or educational attractions nearby?
Yes, the MOXI (Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation) is a fascinating science museum with three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits. It's an innovative venue that offers an engaging educational experience for all ages.
Most popular attractions around Summerland
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
