Hike to Inspiration Point for the kind of breathtaking natural encounter that will clear your mind. There are two ways to get to Inspiration Point, a beautiful outlook overlooking Santa Barbara's coastline and the Channel Islands in the distance. The shorter option starts at Tunnel Trail, and will make for about a 3.5-mile hike roundtrip. It starts on an easy paved road for about a mile but then makes its way to a trail that is steep in parts. This is a popular hiking spot among locals, but it's worth dealing with the crowds to see the beautiful view from Inspiration Point. The other option is starting at Jesusita Trail, which is also steep in parts and stretches about 7 miles.
How to get to Tunnel Trail: Drive as though you're going to the Santa Barbara Mission, continue on to turn right on Foothill Road, left on Mission Canyon Road, merge left onto Tunnel Road and continue until the road ends.
How to get to Jesusita Trail: Head east on Las Positas Road, which becomes San Roque Road. Continue on until you hit the William B. Cater Filtration Plant. The trail begins between that filtration plant and the end of San Roque Road. It can be tough to find, so good luck!