There’s no shortage of locations to shoot in the Santa Barbara area. We’ve got everything from the mountains to the sea. Not to mention, this particular portion of California’s coast gives you both sunrise and sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Here we’ll endeavor to list some fun places to take a camera:
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Lotus Land is a fantastic place to explore.
Stearns Wharf provides magnificent views and a nice place to stroll and relax.
Figueroa Mountain is just a short drive, but well worth the effort. Especially in the Spring when you’ll find an abundance of wildflowers (if the winter rains have been good).
Butterfly Beach is a fun spot for visitors and locals alike.
Hendry’s Beach aka Arroyo Burro Beach is a County Park just at the edge of town. It’s a great place to go for a walk, enjoy the sunset, walk your dog, and take photographs.
Old Mission Santa Barbara with a beautiful park and rose garden accross the street are popular spots for locals and tourists and well worth a stop for some photographs.
The Douglas Family Preserve or Wilcox Property (as locals like to call it) is a nice place to stretch your legs and enjoy the ocean views. Bring your camera and capture some stunning sunsets.
The Santa Barbara Harbor is a distination you shouldn’t miss. There’s much to see, do, and photograph.
The Goleta Pier and Slough are fantistic spots in the winter. November through February are the best times as the sun sets behind the pier.
Just a short drive north will take you to these locations:
Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is a nice photography stop during December and January.
Piedras Blancas is a must-stop location in December and January to see the Elephant Seals and very near Hearst Castle in San Simeon. A great coastal drive to be sure.
Happy Shooting!
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