Beaches
Santa Barbara offers some of California’s most beautiful beaches, with accessible pathways, parking, restrooms, and even beach wheelchairs available at select locations. For a full guide to wheelchair-accessible beaches in Santa Barbara, including East Beach, West Beach, Leadbetter Beach, Shoreline Park, and Goleta Beach Park, visit Santa Barbara Wheelchair-Accessible Beaches.
Attractions
1. State Street
The vibrant heart of Santa Barbara, State Street, offers a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The sidewalks and courtyards are well-maintained and flat, making navigation easy for wheelchair users. Accessible parking is available in several lots parallel to State Street, with the Plaza Garage offering the first 75 minutes free.
2. Stearns Wharf
As one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks, Stearns Wharf is fully accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy ocean views, dining, and shopping. The wharf provides accessible parking spots, and the first 90 minutes are free with merchant validation.
3. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Located on Stearns Wharf, the Sea Center is an interactive marine museum dedicated to the Santa Barbara Channel. Visitors can engage with touch tanks, explore marine exhibits, and learn about local sea life. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms on-site.
4. Waterfront Boardwalk and Art Walk
Starting from Stearns Wharf, the paved Waterfront Boardwalk stretches along the coastline, offering scenic ocean views. Every Sunday on Cabrillo Boulevard, the Santa Barbara Art Walk features over 250 local artists displaying their work, with accessible pathways throughout the event.
5. Mission Santa Barbara & Mission Historical Park
Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” Mission Santa Barbara offers a rich historical experience. While not entirely wheelchair accessible, the majority of the mission is navigable for wheelchair users. Access to the front portico is possible via a slight incline near the Parish Parking area.
Next to the mission, Mission Historical Park and the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden provide a scenic, accessible space to relax. The 10-acre park is home to over 1,500 rose plants and historic landmarks like a reservoir and aqueduct system. While the garden and grassy areas are wheelchair accessible, some older historic features may have limited access.
6. Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. The zoo features wheelchair and stroller-friendly paths, with quieter spaces marked on the zoo’s map. Manual wheelchairs are available for rent at the main gift store near the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) can also be rented, and it’s advisable to reserve them online in advance due to limited availability.
Accessible parking spaces are available in the zoo’s parking lot. The zoo participates in the Museums for All program, offering discounted general admission for guests presenting an EBT card, SNAP benefits, and a valid photo ID. Additionally, the zoo provides sensory backpacks and has designated quiet spaces for guests with special sensory needs. The zoo also hosts Autism Safari nights, a social gathering for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families.
7. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History strives to make its exhibits accessible to all visitors. Most exhibits are wheelchair and stroller accessible, with the exception of Farrand Auditorium, Space Lab, and Gladwin Planetarium. Accessible pathways and restrooms are clearly indicated on the museum’s map, with all restrooms equipped with accessible facilities.
Manual wheelchairs are available for guest use at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis in the Admissions Office. For outdoor exhibits with uneven ground, the museum offers “Jill’s Cart,” an electric cart with a wheelchair lift, to assist guests. Visitors are encouraged to call the museum in advance to request this service.
8. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is committed to accessibility, with many display areas accessible via stone-paved pathways and compact earthen trails. However, many trails may be narrow, uneven, or steep, and may not meet current ADA standards. Accessible parking is available at both the main visitor parking lot and the Pritzlaff Conservation Center entrance.
Accessible and family restrooms are located behind the Entrance Kiosk. While the Garden does not offer wheelchair rentals, guests can consult guest services for assistance. The Garden participates in the Museums for All program, offering reduced admission fees to EBT cardholders and family memberships that can be checked out with a Santa Barbara Public Library card. The Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last reservation at 4 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made online.
9. Moreton Bay Fig Tree
One of Santa Barbara’s most unique natural landmarks, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree is the oldest and largest of its kind in the United States. Its expansive canopy and sprawling roots make it an interesting stop for visitors. The surrounding area is wheelchair accessible, providing an up-close view of this historic tree.
10. Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
For wine lovers, the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail offers a unique downtown tasting experience. The trail includes multiple accessible tasting rooms spread throughout downtown Santa Barbara and the Funk Zone. Many venues are housed in historic buildings, so it’s recommended to call ahead to confirm individual accessibility features.
11. Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
One of the best ways to see Santa Barbara is on a vintage trolley tour. This guided tour explores the city’s historic landmarks and scenic spots while providing narrated insights into Santa Barbara’s history and culture. The trolleys are wheelchair accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.
12. Santa Barbara Bowl
The Santa Barbara Bowl is a historic amphitheater offering exceptional musical experiences under the stars. The venue is committed to accessibility, providing various accommodations to ensure all guests have an enjoyable experience.
- Seating: Accessible seating can be arranged in person at the Bowl Box Office or online. Contact the box office for additional accommodations.
- Shuttles: A complimentary accessible shuttle runs between the Lower Plaza and the Main Plaza from opening through closing for every event.
- Parking: ADA parking spaces are available for a fee. It is recommended to pre-reserve a space in the main Bowl lot or use the designated accessible drop-off zone.
- Assistive Listening: The entire seating area is equipped with a hearing loop system for high-quality assistive listening.
Transportation
Santa Barbara offers various wheelchair-accessible transportation options, including public buses, paratransit services, Amtrak, and accessible rideshare options. For a full guide to getting around the city with ease, visit Santa Barbara Wheelchair-Accessible Transportation.
Great tips etc for wheelchair users- hope to visit in March!
Tricia
England UK
Thank you. I am an 86 year old wanting to take a handicapped daughter on good trip. You are very helpful
I use a walker. Our seats are in section v, second row. Is there a place to park the walker ?