Road trip from Phoenix to Santa Barbara
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Outdoor Activities
Nightlife
Museums
Spas & Wellness
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Sights & Landmarks
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All Category
Outdoor Activities
Nightlife
Museums
Spas & Wellness
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
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ITINERARY
8h 45m477 miles9 stops
1
Arizona Science Center
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
2
Stand Up Live
3
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
4
Whirlwind Golf Club
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
5
Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
6
Wild West Horse Adventures
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
7
Wiltern Theatre
The Wiltern Theatre first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931. Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, this Art Deco Landmark was renovated and restored to its original splendor in 1985, under the direction of Bill Graham Presents. Following a legendary history of performances and events, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre had its 1,200-orchestra seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that slants upward from the stage, thereby accommodating a standing-room-only configuration. The balcony still offers a thousand seats, and the flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in for more intimate performances. The venue's new capacity is roughly 2,300, depending on how the floor is set up. In October 2003, The Wiltern and LG Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics company, celebrated the renaming of the theater. Currently known as The Wiltern LG, this venue sponsorship will offer concert-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with LG Electronics' line of well-designed, groundbreaking digital products. Formerly a great place to catch more sedate acts, the Wiltern's new design makes it one of “LA's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AOL’s City Guide. Join us for love, laughter and music!
8
MagIQ Room
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
9
Paseo Nuevo
We are open! The perfect place to shop, dine, and explore! SHOP & DINE Paseo Nuevo is your premier outdoor shopping destination and the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, offering 50+ national retailers, specialty shops, and restaurants. Shop Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Aveda, PacSun, See's Candies, American Eagle, Solstice Sunglasses, and more! Wine and dine at Eureka!, California Pizza Kitchen, Panda Express, 805 Boba or Pressed Juicery. #EXPLORE the beautiful courtyards of Paseo Nuevo surrounded by sunny Spanish-style archways and architectural details and gardens in full bloom. Step off State Street to wind your way through our shopping paseos. After sunset, our romantic pathways dazzle with Moroccan lights as you meander your way to dinner, shopping or just to grab take out. And don’t miss the colorful photo-op with our famous Spanish-tile steps!
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OVERVIEW
1
Start:Arizona Science Center
Phoenix, Arizona·
4.0
(967) review
Located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center has been a hub for science and discovery for the community and visitors. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater– Arizona Science Center offers programs for all ages. For further details, please visit azscience.org.
2
Start:Stand Up Live
Phoenix, Arizona·
3.5
(91) review
50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003-2321
3
Start:Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Scottsdale, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
9051 East Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
4
Start:Whirlwind Golf Club
Chandler, Arizona·
4.0
(94) review
Whirlwind Golf Club is truly a unique southwest golf experience. The courses, clubhouse, and practice facilities are sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Named for the prominent design feature of the hand-woven basketry of the Authum tribe, Whirlwind is the work of golf course architect Gary Panks. His design weaves the spirit and legacy of this ancient land into a marvelous test of golf. The Devil's Claw course features sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering. The Cattail course complements the Devil's Claw, but lends a whole new flavor to this 36-hole masterpiece, with its rolling fairways accented by striking water features and deep canyons. Whirlwind promises a dynamic golf experience marked by spectacular landscaping, unrivaled course conditions, and genuine customer service.
5
Start:Troon North Golf Club Monument Course
Scottsdale, Arizona·
4.5
(96) review
The Monument Course, which opened in 1990, was conceived by legendary golfer Tom Weiskopf and Architect Jay Morrish. In 2007, the course underwent a major renovation project, led by Tom Weiskopf. An entirely new playing experience was created by exchanging its front nine holes with the front nine of its sibling course, the Pinnacle Course, and changing the sequence in which the holes are played. Hallmarks of the course include balance, variety and immaculate course conditions.
6
Start:Wild West Horse Adventures
Scottsdale, Arizona·
5.0
(97) review
Experience the Sonoran Desert the way it was intended, on horseback. We offer private trail rides in the Sonoran Preserve. They are maintained to provide the most exceptional experience that you'll remember for a lifetime. Let's hit the trails!
7
Start:Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, California·
4.0
(99) review
The Wiltern Theatre first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931. Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, this Art Deco Landmark was renovated and restored to its original splendor in 1985, under the direction of Bill Graham Presents. Following a legendary history of performances and events, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre had its 1,200-orchestra seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that slants upward from the stage, thereby accommodating a standing-room-only configuration. The balcony still offers a thousand seats, and the flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in for more intimate performances. The venue's new capacity is roughly 2,300, depending on how the floor is set up. In October 2003, The Wiltern and LG Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics company, celebrated the renaming of the theater. Currently known as The Wiltern LG, this venue sponsorship will offer concert-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with LG Electronics' line of well-designed, groundbreaking digital products. Formerly a great place to catch more sedate acts, the Wiltern's new design makes it one of “LA's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AOL’s City Guide. Join us for love, laughter and music!
8
Start:MagIQ Room
Los Angeles, California·
5.0
(99) review
MagIQ Room is a creative family business, a Hungarian-American “co-production”. Based upon the undisputed success of live escape games, MagIQ Room has decided to bring the activity to the next level. Game plots are more immersive and action based, with amazing theming and more difficulty levels, the adventure will be interesting for all ages.
9
Start:Paseo Nuevo
Santa Barbara, California·
4.0
(93) review
We are open! The perfect place to shop, dine, and explore! SHOP & DINE Paseo Nuevo is your premier outdoor shopping destination and the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, offering 50+ national retailers, specialty shops, and restaurants. Shop Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, Pink, Aveda, PacSun, See's Candies, American Eagle, Solstice Sunglasses, and more! Wine and dine at Eureka!, California Pizza Kitchen, Panda Express, 805 Boba or Pressed Juicery. #EXPLORE the beautiful courtyards of Paseo Nuevo surrounded by sunny Spanish-style archways and architectural details and gardens in full bloom. Step off State Street to wind your way through our shopping paseos. After sunset, our romantic pathways dazzle with Moroccan lights as you meander your way to dinner, shopping or just to grab take out. And don’t miss the colorful photo-op with our famous Spanish-tile steps!
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Phoenix and Santa Barbara?
The distance is 477 miles
What's the travel time between Phoenix and Santa Barbara?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 8h 45m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Phoenix and Santa Barbara?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Santa Barbara?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Santa Barbara
What’s the weather like in Santa Barbara?
The weather in Santa Barbara is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Santa Barbara in January
Weather in Santa Barbara in February
Weather in Santa Barbara in March
Weather in Santa Barbara in April
Weather in Santa Barbara in May
Weather in Santa Barbara in June
Weather in Santa Barbara in July
Weather in Santa Barbara in August
Weather in Santa Barbara in September
Weather in Santa Barbara in October
Weather in Santa Barbara in November
Weather in Santa Barbara in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Santa Barbara?
Plan your dream Santa Barbara trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Santa Barbara
A 2-day itinerary in Santa Barbara
A 3-day itinerary in Santa Barbara
A 4-day itinerary in Santa Barbara
A 5-day itinerary in Santa Barbara
A 6-day itinerary in Santa Barbara
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Phoenix?
We have a lot of great trip options for Phoenix! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you