My Photography Gear<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhile there\u2019s no requirement or need to shoot in Santa Barbara with multiple lenses, I like to use the different focal lengths to push my bounds of creativity. Here are the camera and lenses I typically use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Canon 5D Mark 3 Camera Body<\/a><\/li>
- 16-35mm f\/2.8L III USM Lens<\/a><\/li>
- 24-70mm f\/2.8L II USM Lens<\/a><\/li>
- 70-200mm f\/2.8 VR S Lens<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Now, let’s get into the best Santa Barbara photo spots!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/butterfly-beach.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nButterfly Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is my favorite beach to visit in Santa Barbara. With this stretch of the beach away from the regular tourist areas, the beach is popular but not overwhelming. While most people will stick to the beach area, there\u2019s a plant section to compose beautiful flower photography<\/a> if you continue walking up the bike path. Lastly, for those looking to do photoshoots, this spot is perfect. The setting sun hits the beach perfectly during golden hour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/open-ocean-750x1024.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOpen Ocean<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSanta Barbara is a prime spot for whale watching, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. If you love the ocean or sea life, spending an afternoon whale watching is highly recommended. There are a couple of different options that leave from the Santa Barbara Harbor daily. We were blown away on my most recent trip as multiple whales came up to the boat. This unique case required a 24-70mm lens to capture the whales up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Sb-harbor.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSanta Barbara Harbor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of boats, reflections, or both, this is a great place to switch up your photography. The best photo location will be in the bottom right quadrant of the harbor as you\u2019re looking at it. This is where the water will be most calm and provide the best reflections. I\u2019d recommend visiting in the early morning or as the sunsets, so you\u2019re not interrupted by boats coming and going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SB-Courthouse-768x1024.jpeg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSanta Barbara Courthouse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhether or not you plan to tie the knot, the courthouse is a magical place and one of the best architectural buildings in Santa Barbara. Styled after the Mission, you\u2019ll find yourself craning your neck to see the intricate details on the walls and ceilings. I live close, so I get to walk by it nearly every day. However, the allure hasn\u2019t worn off. In my view, it\u2019s one of the must-visit places in Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SB-mission.jpeg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSanta Barbara Mission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince 1786, the Santa Barbara Mission has been a staple in the community. It\u2019s a stunningly beautiful landmark that temporarily takes you back two centuries to how life was lived before cars, metro areas, and technology. I\u2019d recommend taking the $15 tour to learn about the history and see the church. It took us about an hour to learn all we could. As for taking photos, you can walk around the outside for free and snap pictures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/lizard-mouth-rock.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nLizards Mouth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAbout 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, Lizards Mouth Rock is an easy-to-reach destination with views of the ocean and coast below. The hike is about 1\/3 of a mile, and then you walk on giant boulders to the overlook. It\u2019s a favorite for sunsets, so be prepared for crowds. Although, it shouldn\u2019t be too bad if you go on a weekday. In addition to the coastline, you\u2019ll have a clear shot of Channel Islands National Park on the horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/sterns-wharf.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSterns Wharf<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSterns Wharf is full of shops, restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center \u2014 making it a favorite among tourists. Some may like to shoot the pier, but I find the best shots are on the wharf looking back at the mainland with Chase Palm Park in the foreground and the Santa Ynez Mountains rising in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/SB-Botanical-Gardens-768x1024.jpeg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSanta Barbara Botanical Gardens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe botanical gardens is one of the coolest parts of the town and home to more plants and trees than you can wrap your mind around. It\u2019s accessible to visit year-round and should take up to two hours of your day. The best part was learning the history of how it came to be, and the rare plants from the Channel Islands found nowhere else on Earth. The cost to visit is $16 per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/1000-steps-beach.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n1000 Steps Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1000 Steps Beach is near Shoreline Park on the bluffs and leads you down to the coast away from the crowds. I\u2019ve found this area to be a fantastic sunset location. You should get the physical sun setting over the ocean most of the year to create magical moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Chase-palm-park.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nChase Palm Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWith hundreds of palm trees lining East Beach, this seems to be the city\u2019s go-to running, walking, and hangout spot. I can\u2019t blame them \u2014 it\u2019s beautiful. This is best shot at sunset as the sun sets behind the palm trees, giving you a great opportunity for sun flares and other dramatic images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/hot-springs.jpg\")
Photo by Alec Sills-Trausch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHot Springs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis is the only hike on the list, but the Santa Barbara Hot Springs are a popular trail for visitors and residents. The hot water is natural, but generous locals have built up the pools. In all, it is an easy-to-moderate hike of four miles round-trip. I would stay away on the weekends as it\u2019ll be insanely busy. I\u2019d also suggest going at sunrise or sunset to enjoy peace and quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you prefer the mountains or water, you\u2019ll find something to enjoy in Santa Barbara. The incredible weather and 280+ days of sun each year allow you numerous opportunities to get out and photograph some genuinely mesmerizing locations! I can\u2019t all but guarantee you will love your time on the coast and the amazing Santa Barbara photo spots listed here. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There are few places like Santa Barbara in the United States. Known for its surfer vibes, fantastic wine, and all-around magical weather, the life on the coast is a 10 out of 10. Plus, thanks to a population of less than 100,000, it doesn\u2019t have the traffic or urgency of a big city. Since moving […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11111166,"featured_media":82360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17770,17781],"tags":[2153,18074,689,695],"class_list":["post-82337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-photography","category-travel-photography","tag-landscape-photography-2153","tag-santa-barbara","tag-street-photography-689","tag-travel-photography-695"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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Now, let’s get into the best Santa Barbara photo spots!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is my favorite beach to visit in Santa Barbara. With this stretch of the beach away from the regular tourist areas, the beach is popular but not overwhelming. While most people will stick to the beach area, there\u2019s a plant section to compose beautiful flower photography<\/a> if you continue walking up the bike path. Lastly, for those looking to do photoshoots, this spot is perfect. The setting sun hits the beach perfectly during golden hour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Santa Barbara is a prime spot for whale watching, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. If you love the ocean or sea life, spending an afternoon whale watching is highly recommended. There are a couple of different options that leave from the Santa Barbara Harbor daily. We were blown away on my most recent trip as multiple whales came up to the boat. This unique case required a 24-70mm lens to capture the whales up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a fan of boats, reflections, or both, this is a great place to switch up your photography. The best photo location will be in the bottom right quadrant of the harbor as you\u2019re looking at it. This is where the water will be most calm and provide the best reflections. I\u2019d recommend visiting in the early morning or as the sunsets, so you\u2019re not interrupted by boats coming and going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not you plan to tie the knot, the courthouse is a magical place and one of the best architectural buildings in Santa Barbara. Styled after the Mission, you\u2019ll find yourself craning your neck to see the intricate details on the walls and ceilings. I live close, so I get to walk by it nearly every day. However, the allure hasn\u2019t worn off. In my view, it\u2019s one of the must-visit places in Santa Barbara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 1786, the Santa Barbara Mission has been a staple in the community. It\u2019s a stunningly beautiful landmark that temporarily takes you back two centuries to how life was lived before cars, metro areas, and technology. I\u2019d recommend taking the $15 tour to learn about the history and see the church. It took us about an hour to learn all we could. As for taking photos, you can walk around the outside for free and snap pictures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, Lizards Mouth Rock is an easy-to-reach destination with views of the ocean and coast below. The hike is about 1\/3 of a mile, and then you walk on giant boulders to the overlook. It\u2019s a favorite for sunsets, so be prepared for crowds. Although, it shouldn\u2019t be too bad if you go on a weekday. In addition to the coastline, you\u2019ll have a clear shot of Channel Islands National Park on the horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sterns Wharf is full of shops, restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center \u2014 making it a favorite among tourists. Some may like to shoot the pier, but I find the best shots are on the wharf looking back at the mainland with Chase Palm Park in the foreground and the Santa Ynez Mountains rising in the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The botanical gardens is one of the coolest parts of the town and home to more plants and trees than you can wrap your mind around. It\u2019s accessible to visit year-round and should take up to two hours of your day. The best part was learning the history of how it came to be, and the rare plants from the Channel Islands found nowhere else on Earth. The cost to visit is $16 per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000 Steps Beach is near Shoreline Park on the bluffs and leads you down to the coast away from the crowds. I\u2019ve found this area to be a fantastic sunset location. You should get the physical sun setting over the ocean most of the year to create magical moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With hundreds of palm trees lining East Beach, this seems to be the city\u2019s go-to running, walking, and hangout spot. I can\u2019t blame them \u2014 it\u2019s beautiful. This is best shot at sunset as the sun sets behind the palm trees, giving you a great opportunity for sun flares and other dramatic images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the only hike on the list, but the Santa Barbara Hot Springs are a popular trail for visitors and residents. The hot water is natural, but generous locals have built up the pools. In all, it is an easy-to-moderate hike of four miles round-trip. I would stay away on the weekends as it\u2019ll be insanely busy. I\u2019d also suggest going at sunrise or sunset to enjoy peace and quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you prefer the mountains or water, you\u2019ll find something to enjoy in Santa Barbara. The incredible weather and 280+ days of sun each year allow you numerous opportunities to get out and photograph some genuinely mesmerizing locations! I can\u2019t all but guarantee you will love your time on the coast and the amazing Santa Barbara photo spots listed here. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There are few places like Santa Barbara in the United States. Known for its surfer vibes, fantastic wine, and all-around magical weather, the life on the coast is a 10 out of 10. Plus, thanks to a population of less than 100,000, it doesn\u2019t have the traffic or urgency of a big city. Since moving […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11111166,"featured_media":82360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17770,17781],"tags":[2153,18074,689,695],"class_list":["post-82337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-photography","category-travel-photography","tag-landscape-photography-2153","tag-santa-barbara","tag-street-photography-689","tag-travel-photography-695"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nButterfly Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Open Ocean<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Santa Barbara Harbor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Santa Barbara Courthouse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Santa Barbara Mission<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lizards Mouth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sterns Wharf<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1000 Steps Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chase Palm Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hot Springs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n