A SUBJECTIVE TRAVEL GUIDE TO SANTA BARBARA
Santa Barbara, often called the ‘American Riviera,’ is a stunning coastal city that combines Mediterranean charm with Californian laid-back elegance. With beautiful beaches, historic architecture, vibrant wine and food scene, and majestic mountain backdrops, the Central Coast paradise offers a idyllic escape for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether exploring the city's luxurious hotels, sampling local cuisine, wine and craft beer, or wandering through its lush gardens and historic sites, Santa Barbara is unique in its own right. Here is an insider’s take on where to stay and dine, what to do, and how to best spend your time in Santa Barbara, subjectively speaking, of course.
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA BARBARA
San Ysidro Ranch—Tucked away in the Montecito foothills of Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch is known for its luxurious cottages, beautiful gardens, and privacy. It's a favorite among celebrities and offers a tranquil escape with top-notch amenities and stunning mountain and ocean views. Insider tip: Even if you don’t stay here, go for weekend brunch at the Coachhouse Restaurant. Afterward, you can spend the afternoon meandering through the resort’s gardens and grounds.
The Riviera Beach House—Located on State Street on the edge of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, The Riviera Beach House blends contemporary design with beachy vibes in a stylish boutique hotel setting. It's perfect for travelers who want to be close to the city's vibrant art scene, tasting rooms, and the beach.
Palihouse Santa Barbara—A chic boutique hotel set in a historic building in downtown Santa Barbara, Palihouse offers an intimate and sophisticated stay with a charming courtyard and an emphasis on personalized service. Consider it the place for a unique and stylish experience in the heart of the city.
WHERE TO DINE IN SANTA BARBARA
Helena Avenue Bakery—Helena Avenue Bakery is famous for its artisanal bread, pastries, and hearty sandwiches. It's a great place to grab a delicious breakfast or lunch made from scratch with high-quality ingredients. Insider tip: Order the egg sandwich or a savory danish, which changes daily. Chef’s kiss!
Gala—Located right down the street from the Santa Barbara Courthouse in downtown Santa Barbara, Gala offers a refined dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The elegant ambiance, combined with dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients, makes it a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated and seasonally focused meal.
Tre Lune Ristorante—A beloved local spot, Tre Lune offers authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, elegant setting in quaint yet tony Montecito. It’s particularly famous for its pasta dishes and attracts both locals and celebrities alike.
The Lark—Situated in the historic Santa Barbara Fish Market building on the corner of Anacapa and Yanonali, The Lark is known for its creative farm-to-table menu, featuring seasonal dishes that highlight the best of Central Coast ingredients. The communal dining setup and industrial-chic decor add to its vibrant atmosphere. While there, be sure to check out Acme Hospitality’s other dining establishments, Lucky Penny (the best pizza) and Loquita (Spanish tapas) located a stone’s throw away.
Mony’s—While La Super-Rica Taqueria may have been Julia’s Child’s favorite, Mony's is our go-to spot for authentic, flavorful take-out tacos, burritos and homemade salsas in the Funk Zone.
La Paloma Cafe—La Paloma Café offers a vibrant menu inspired by California’s historic ranchero style. With its colorful decor and a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, it’s an ideal spot for brunch or a casual meal that bursts with Mexican flavors.
WHERE TO WINE IN SANTA BARBARA
Municipal Winemakers—Muni Wine’s quirky and casual tasting room offers a fun atmosphere and a diverse selection of approachable local wines.
Riverbench Winery—Known for its sparkling wines and picturesque vineyard setting, Riverbench Winery is a sustainably farmed winery crafting small lot wines on the banks of the Sisquoc River. Their Funk Zone tasting room offers a delightful tasting experience; be sure to try their award-winning pinot noir and sparkling cuvee.
Santa Barbara Wine Collective—Santa Barbara Wine Collective is a collaborative tasting room that showcases a curated selection of wines from some of the region's top producers. It's an excellent spot to sample a variety of local wines in a chic, communal setting adjacent to Helena Avenue Bakery.
WHAT TO DO IN SANTA BARBARA
Beach Day—Hendry's Beach (Arroyo Burro Beach) is a popular hangout for locals and their pups, who can run free in their own dog friendly zone. The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach is a lively beachfront restaurant tucked between surrounding cliffs and tide pools. Close to the harbor and Stearns Wharf, West Beach is a destination for paddleboarding, kayaking, and people-watching. Meanwhile, serene Butterfly Beach in Montecito is ideal for a peaceful stroll or a picture-perfect sunset view.
Explore Wine Country—Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley, with its rolling vineyards and charming towns, is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Discover the Danish-inspired village of Solvang, the tasting rooms and olive oil shops in Los Olivos, and Los Alamos, a charming, small town known for its historic Western ambiance and burgeoning food and wine scene. With its boutique wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and antique shops, Los Alamos offers a blend of rustic charm and modern wine country delights. Insider tip: On the way in or out of the valley, stop at Cold Spring Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop turned restaurant, for its famous tri-tip sandwich, a local delicacy.
Meander Through a Garden—Nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara, Lotusland is a whimsical garden in Montecito filled with rare and exotic plants, themed gardens and botanical wonder. Meanwhile, the 78-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases California's native plants—from redwood forests to desert cactus gardens.
Go Shopping in Summerland—A quaint coastal town just south of Santa Barbara, Summerland is known for its artisanal boutiques, antique stores (mainly Summerland Antique Collective) and elevated home decor shops (Field + Fort, Botanik, and The Well), all of which reflect the town’s laid-back, bohemian vibe. Stroll Lillie Avenue and carve out time for The Sacred Space, a serene oasis where you can find peace, meditate, and discover beautiful, handcrafted artifacts.
Catch a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl—Nestled in the hills overlooking the city, the Santa Barbara Bowl is an iconic outdoor amphitheater known for its intimate setting and incredible acoustics. It’s a must-visit for music lovers looking to enjoy live performances in a breathtaking, open-air venue.
With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere that blends luxury with laid-back charm, Santa Barbara is a dreamy destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Southern California.
For a quick and easy getaway, we’ve created a one-day itinerary to help you maximize your time in Santa Barbara, as well two day-trip itineraries to Santa Barbara wine country—just download and go! We can also curate a Santa Barbara trip personalized to your travel style and budget. Let’s get started.