Best Santa Barbara California Travel Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Santa Barbara, California is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, scenic views, and vibrant culture. For those planning a trip to this beautiful city, there are numerous travel books available that offer valuable insights into the best places to visit and things to do. From insider tips on local restaurants and attractions to comprehensive guides on the city's history and culture, these travel books are a must-have for any visitor looking to make the most of their time in Santa Barbara. With so many options to choose from, travelers are sure to find the perfect guidebook to suit their needs and interests.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington (Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 1
Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
The Prepper’s Survival Bible:: The Ultimate Guide to Survival in Extreme Scenario. Learn Life Saving Strategies, Off-Grid Living, Food and Water Preparedness, Built Shelter , Busch Craft & Knot Tying Cover #TOP 2
The Prepper’s Survival Bible:: The Ultimate Guide to Survival in Extreme Scenario. Learn Life Saving Strategies, Off-Grid Living, Food and Water Preparedness, Built Shelter , Busch Craft & Knot Tying
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands Cover #TOP 3
The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Santa Barbara California Travel Books

Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington (Travel Guide)

Anderson, Ian
Dec 20, 2022
Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon & Washington (Travel Guide)

Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip is a comprehensive travel guidebook for those who want to explore the scenic beauty of the Pacific coast. With flexible itineraries, driving tools, and local expertise, this guidebook provides everything needed to plan a perfect road trip. The book includes 48 easy-to-use maps, site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route. The author, Ian Anderson, shares his love of the open road and provides practical tips for travelers. Overall, this book is a perfect guide for anyone planning to embark on a road trip along the Pacific coast.

The Prepper’s Survival Bible:: The Ultimate Guide to Survival in Extreme Scenario. Learn Life Saving Strategies, Off-Grid Living, Food and Water Preparedness, Built Shelter , Busch Craft & Knot Tying

Clark, William J.
Feb 21, 2023
The Prepper’s Survival Bible:: The Ultimate Guide to Survival in Extreme Scenario. Learn Life Saving Strategies, Off-Grid Living, Food and Water Preparedness, Built Shelter , Busch Craft & Knot Tying Cover
The Prepper’s Survival Bible:: The Ultimate Guide to Survival in Extreme Scenario. Learn Life Saving Strategies, Off-Grid Living, Food and Water Preparedness, Built Shelter , Busch Craft & Knot Tying

The Prepper’s Survival Bible is an ultimate guide for anyone who wants to be prepared for extreme scenarios. The book covers everything from basic survival skills to advanced techniques, including off-grid living, food and water preparedness, shelter building, bushcraft, and knot tying. With detailed instructions and practical tips, readers will learn how to thrive in any situation. The book is an essential guide for outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, and anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected situations. Overall, The Prepper’s Survival Bible is an informative and comprehensive guide that stands out for its detailed instructions and practical tips.

The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands

Fagan, Brian
International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
Sep 27, 2001
The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands Cover
The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands

The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands is a comprehensive and authoritative guide for sailors and powerboaters planning to cruise the California coast from Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, including the offshore islands. Brian Fagan, an experienced sailor, provides historical background, information on local weather and cruising conditions, passagemaking strategies, and photographs of all ports and anchorages. This guide is a must-have for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and spectacular cruise in one of the most extraordinary and challenging cruising areas in the world.

The Prepper's Ultimate No Grid Bible: A Complete Collection of Tips and Tactics To Survive When Grid Goes Down, Disaster Preparation, Make Your Home Self-Reliant (The Prepper's Ultimate Bibles)

Hiding, Lesley
Oct 1, 2022
The Prepper's Ultimate No Grid Bible: A Complete Collection of Tips and Tactics To Survive When Grid Goes Down, Disaster Preparation, Make Your Home Self-Reliant (The Prepper's Ultimate Bibles) Cover
The Prepper's Ultimate No Grid Bible: A Complete Collection of Tips and Tactics To Survive When Grid Goes Down, Disaster Preparation, Make Your Home Self-Reliant (The Prepper's Ultimate Bibles)

The Prepper's Ultimate No Grid Bible is a comprehensive guide to surviving in the absence of electricity and other essential services. It covers various aspects of emergency preparedness, such as food storage, water supply, medication, security, and alternative electricity. The book provides practical tips and tactics to help readers keep their loved ones safe even in the most adverse situations. The guide is an excellent resource for those who want to become self-sufficient and learn how to cope with emergencies without relying on external help. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any prepper's library.

Scenic Driving California's Pacific Coast: Including San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, and Redwood National Park

Green, Stewart M.
Jun 15, 2022
Scenic Driving California's Pacific Coast: Including San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, and Redwood National Park Cover
Scenic Driving California's Pacific Coast: Including San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, and Redwood National Park

Scenic Driving California's Pacific Coast is a must-have guidebook for anyone planning a road trip along the 1,100-mile stretch of Highway 1. The book is filled with stunning photographs and detailed information about charming seaside communities, making it easy to find the best places to eat, stay, shop, and play. Whether you're looking for a short day-trip or an extended tour of the entire coastline, this guidebook has got you covered. Author Stewart M. Green has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of California's Pacific Coast and presenting it in a way that is both informative and visually appealing.

#TOP 6

Singapore Math Kindergarten Workbook: Numbers, Counting, Addition, Subtraction, Measurement, Shapes, Time + more of Worksheets | 101 Pages of ... Math Activities for Kids Ages 4-6

Publishing, GloryWork
Apr 14, 2021
Singapore Math Kindergarten Workbook: Numbers, Counting, Addition, Subtraction, Measurement, Shapes, Time + more of Worksheets | 101 Pages of ... Math Activities for Kids Ages 4-6 Cover
Singapore Math Kindergarten Workbook: Numbers, Counting, Addition, Subtraction, Measurement, Shapes, Time + more of Worksheets | 101 Pages of ... Math Activities for Kids Ages 4-6

If you're looking for a fun and engaging way to teach your child the basics of math, the Singapore Math Kindergarten Workbook is a great choice. Based on the mastery-focused approach of the Singapore math method, this workbook is designed for kids ages 4-6 and covers key mathematical skills such as counting, addition, subtraction, shapes, and time. With over 100 pages of activities, including tracing, comparing, and measuring, this workbook is a great resource for parents looking to get involved in their child's education. Overall, this workbook is an excellent tool for parents looking to help their child build a strong foundation in math.

Lonely Planet Coastal California (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet
Cavalieri, Nate
Atkinson, Brett
Bender, Andrew
Benson, Sara
Bing, Alison
Bonetto, Cristian
Quintero, Josephine
Vlahides, John A
Harrell, Ashley
Jade Bremner
Lonely Planet
Mar 20, 2018
Lonely Planet Coastal California (Travel Guide) Cover
Lonely Planet Coastal California (Travel Guide)

Lonely Planet Coastal California is a comprehensive guidebook that provides up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. It offers insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots. The book covers San Francisco, Marin County, Bay Area, San Jose, Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Coastal Highway 1, Redwood Coast, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Disneyland, Anaheim, San Diego, and more. This guidebook is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled. Overall, it is an excellent resource for travelers who want to discover the beauty of California's coast.

Thе Prеppеr’s Survival Biblе: [12 in 1] A Powerful Guide to Protect Your Loved Ones from Any Worst Scenario | The Best Life-Saving Strategies to Survive Off-Grid Living

Shelter, Jason
Sep 17, 2022
Thе Prеppеr’s Survival Biblе: [12 in 1] A Powerful Guide to Protect Your Loved Ones from Any Worst Scenario | The Best Life-Saving Strategies to Survive Off-Grid Living Cover
Thе Prеppеr’s Survival Biblе: [12 in 1] A Powerful Guide to Protect Your Loved Ones from Any Worst Scenario | The Best Life-Saving Strategies to Survive Off-Grid Living

The Prepper's Survival Bible is a comprehensive guide that covers various aspects of survival, including prevention, protection, and recovery. It equips readers with the necessary skills and tools to keep their loved ones safe in the event of a disaster. The book covers topics such as long-term survival, wilderness survival, food and water preparedness, bunkering, and off-grid living. It also provides insights into different worst-case scenarios such as economic collapse, grid down, natural disasters, nuclear attacks, and more. Overall, The Prepper's Survival Bible is an excellent resource for anyone interested in emergency preparedness and survival.

#TOP 9

Insiders' Guide® to Santa Barbara (Insiders' Guide Series)

Westbrook, Leslie
Insider's Guide
Mar 6, 2012
Insiders' Guide® to Santa Barbara (Insiders' Guide Series) Cover
Insiders' Guide® to Santa Barbara (Insiders' Guide Series)

Insiders' Guide to Santa Barbara is a comprehensive travel guide for visitors and residents alike, written by a local insider, Leslie Andrea Westbrook. The book covers everything from the best restaurants and accommodations to recreation and relocation tips. The 5th edition includes a full-color insert, making it even more visually appealing. Leslie's extensive experience as a writer shines through in her engaging and informative prose, providing readers with a personal and practical perspective on Santa Barbara and its surrounding areas. Overall, Insiders' Guide to Santa Barbara is a must-have for anyone looking to explore this picturesque California city.

Up and Down California in 1860-1864: The Journal of William H. Brewer, Fourth Edition, with Maps

Brewer, William H.
Farquhar, Francis P.
Bright, William
University of California Press
Feb 1, 2003
Up and Down California in 1860-1864: The Journal of William H. Brewer, Fourth Edition, with Maps Cover
Up and Down California in 1860-1864: The Journal of William H. Brewer, Fourth Edition, with Maps

The book "Up and Down California in 1860-1864: The Journal of William H. Brewer, Fourth Edition, with Maps" is a collection of lively and detailed letters written by William Brewer during his four-year journey with the first geological survey of California. The letters describe the state's spectacular beauty and provide a vivid picture of California in the mid-nineteenth century. This fourth edition includes a new foreword by William Bright and a set of maps tracing Brewer's route. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in California's history and its natural wonders.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best month to visit Santa Barbara?

The best time to visit Santa Barbara is from March to May or from September to November. Temperatures are fairly mild year-round, hovering in the 60s and 70s, but traveling in early spring or fall ensures you won't be fighting crowds and rates will be less expensive.

2. Is Santa Barbara worth visiting?

Santa Barbara is a quintessential beach town, packed with outdoor activities and brimming with wine tasting rooms and restaurants spread out around town. Sandwiched between the San Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is an ideal vacation for people of all ages.

3. What is Santa Barbara most known for?

Photo Credit: Instagram @zarzoso Santa Barbara is best known for its broad, sandy beaches, and whether you're looking to catch the perfect wave or the perfect sunset, there are plenty from which to choose.

4. Is Santa Barbara worth a day trip?

One of those nearby getaways is Santa Barbara — at only 90 miles from LA, it makes for the ideal day trip. A small and active city nestled between the Santa Ynez mountains and the Pacific ocean, you might need some pointers on how to make the most of a single day in the coastal city.

Editor's Notes

During our santa barbara california travel book research, we found 295 santa barbara california travel book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,702 customer reviews through our big data system to write the santa barbara california travel books list. We found that most customers choose santa barbara california travel books with an average price of $18.60.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.