Welcome to Santa Barbara, CA...
the American Riviera on the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Your Santa Barbara scavenger hunt adventure starts at the famous Stearns Wharf and takes you from beautiful ocean views to the downtown art, architecture, and historic sites of the city. Your route shows you the hidden historic gems of Santa Barbara and uncovers the city's secrets.
Set between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara earned its "American Riviera" nickname for its Mediterranean climate and red-tiled Spanish Colonial architecture. Rebuilt in a unified adobe style after a 1925 earthquake, its graceful downtown and historic wharf make a scavenger hunt in Santa Barbara, CA the perfect way to soak up one of California's most beautiful seaside towns.
Points of Interest Along Your Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt
Stearns Wharf
The oldest working wharf in California, Stearns Wharf has stretched into the harbor since 1872. Its wooden planks offer sweeping views of the coastline, mountains, and downtown Santa Barbara.
Arlington Theatre
This spectacular 1931 movie palace is a Santa Barbara landmark, designed to evoke a Spanish village complete with a starry ceiling. It remains a beloved venue for films and live performances.
Santa Barbara Public Library
This handsome downtown library has served the community for over a century. Its Spanish-style architecture and central location make it a fitting stop on your historic Quest.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Widely considered one of the most beautiful public buildings in America, this 1929 Spanish-Moorish masterpiece features hand-painted ceilings and a clock tower with panoramic views. Its sunken gardens are a downtown treasure.
La Arcada
This charming Spanish-style courtyard is lined with boutique shops, cafes, and whimsical public art. Its fountains and tiled passageways capture the romance of old Santa Barbara.
State Street
The vibrant main artery of downtown, State Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and adobe-style storefronts. Its palm-shaded sidewalks make it the lively heart of the city.
Casa de la Guerra
Built in the 1820s for the commander of the Presidio, this historic adobe was once the social center of early Santa Barbara. Now a museum, it offers a window into the city's Spanish and Mexican roots.
So enjoy one of the most beautiful seaside towns without a flight to the Mediterranean. This self-guided adventure lets you explore at your own pace as you...Play the Santa Barbara scavenger hunt tour game, See the Sights, and Experience Santa Barbara in a whole new way!
FAQ: Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt
Have questions about our scavenger hunt in Santa Barbara, CA? Here are answers to the most common questions from players before they hit the streets.
How Long Does the Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Take?
Most teams complete the Santa Barbara scavenger hunt in 2.5 to 3 hours, covering about 2.25 miles at a relaxed walking pace. A couple of stops have limited hours, so if you start after 4:00 PM you may need to skip two questions, but the game is self-guided so you can go at your own pace either way.
Where Does It Start and End?
Your adventure begins at Cabrillo Blvd. and Garden St., near Stearns Wharf, and ends at State St. and Ortega St. downtown. The route uses the Santa Barbara Shuttle for a couple of short hops (about $0.50 per one-way fare), so bring a little change.
Is the Santa Barbara Scavenger Hunt Good for Families and Groups?
Absolutely. One $49 game covers a team of 2 to 5 people, and the 17 challenges and 5 bonuses are designed so kids, parents, and friends can all pitch in. It is a favorite for family outings, date days, and getaways along the American Riviera.
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