Located on the central coast of California, Santa Barbara is a beautiful city that boasts pristine beaches, breathtaking views, and a rich history. With a Mediterranean climate, the city enjoys a warm and sunny climate all year round, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive in Santa Barbara is the stunning scenery. The city is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From the famous Stearns Wharf, you can take in the beautiful ocean views and watch the waves crash against the shore. The wharf is also home to several seafood restaurants and shops, making it a great place to explore and enjoy a meal.
The city is also famous for its beautiful beaches. Santa Barbara's beaches are clean and well-maintained, and there is a beach for every taste. Some of the most popular beaches in Santa Barbara include East Beach, West Beach, and Butterfly Beach. East Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, with volleyball courts and a playground for children. West Beach is more relaxed, with a long shoreline and stunning sunset views. Butterfly Beach, on the other hand, is a secluded beach with beautiful sand and crystal clear waters.
Aside from its natural beauty, Santa Barbara is also home to a rich history and culture. The city's Spanish colonial heritage can be seen throughout the city, from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse to the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Courthouse is a must-see attraction, with its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city. The Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786, is also a popular destination for history enthusiasts, with its beautiful gardens, museum, and church.
Santa Barbara is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to several art galleries, museums, and theaters, showcasing the best of local and international talent. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is a must-visit destination, with its extensive collection of American, European, and Asian art. The Granada Theatre is another popular venue, with its beautiful interior and world-class performances.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Santa Barbara is also a great destination for foodies. The city is known for its fresh seafood, organic produce, and excellent wine. The Santa Barbara Wine Country is a short drive away from the city, offering visitors the chance to taste some of the region's best wines. The city is also home to several world-class restaurants, such as The Lark and The Black Sheep, serving up delicious and innovative cuisine.
Santa Barbara is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, rich history, vibrant culture, and excellent food and wine, the city is the perfect destination for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Whether you're looking for an adventure or simply want to unwind, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to escape to.
WHERE TO STAY
Santa Barbara, California offers a variety of options for accommodations, from luxurious beachside resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts. If you're planning a trip to Santa Barbara and looking for the best hotels to stay in, here are some top choices:
Belmond El Encanto, 800 Alvarado Pl Santa Barbara, CA 93103 - This luxurious hotel offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a heated infinity pool. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with some featuring private patios or fireplaces. The hotel also has a spa and fine dining restaurant.
Kimpton Canary Hotel, 31 W Carrillo St Santa Barbara, CA 93101 - This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The rooms are stylishly decorated, with some featuring fireplaces or balconies. The hotel also offers a rooftop pool and bar with stunning views of the city.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, 8301 Hollister Ave Santa Barbara, CA 93117 - This Mediterranean-style resort is located on 78 acres of oceanfront property, featuring two miles of sandy beach. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, with some featuring fireplaces or ocean views. The hotel also offers multiple restaurants, a spa, and multiple pools.
Hotel Californian, 36 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93101 - This stylish hotel is located in the Funk Zone, a trendy neighborhood known for its art galleries and wine tasting rooms. The rooms are chic and modern, with some featuring private balconies or fireplaces. The hotel also offers a rooftop pool and multiple dining options.
Rosewood Miramar Beach, 1759 S Jameson Ln Montecito, CA 93108 - The Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel is a luxurious and elegant beachfront resort located in Montecito, California. The hotel offers a prime location on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains and just steps away from the famous Miramar Beach.
WHERE TO EAT
Santa Barbara, California is known for its vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants offering delicious cuisine ranging from fresh seafood to farm-to-table fare. Here are some of the best restaurants to try in Santa Barbara:
The Lark, 131 Anacapa St Ste A Santa Barbara, CA 93101, website: https://www.thelarksb.com - This trendy restaurant in the Funk Zone serves up seasonal and locally sourced dishes in a beautiful industrial-chic space. Try the crispy brussels sprouts, bone marrow, or wagyu beef carpaccio.
Loquita, 202 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, website: https://www.loquitasb.com - This Spanish-inspired restaurant in the Funk Zone features a menu of tapas, paellas, and charcuterie boards, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the grilled octopus or the garlic shrimp.
Brophy Bros., 119 Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109, website: https://www.brophybros.com - This seafood restaurant on the Santa Barbara waterfront is a local favorite, offering fresh fish and shellfish dishes, as well as stunning views of the harbor. Try the clam chowder or the grilled swordfish.
Sama Sama Kitchen, 1208 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, website: https://samasamakitchen.com - This Southeast Asian restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara offers a menu of creative and flavorful dishes, such as chicken adobo, crispy pork belly, and coconut curry noodles.
The Black Sheep, 18 East Cota St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, website: https://www.blacksheepsb.com - This farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara offers a menu of elevated comfort food, such as fried chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and short rib poutine.
Jane, 1311 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93101, website: https://www.janesb.com - This upscale bistro in downtown Santa Barbara offers a menu of French-inspired dishes, such as escargot, beef bourguignon, and chocolate souffle.
Toma Restaurant & Bar, 324 West Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93101, website: https://www.tomarestaurant.com/#tomarestaurant - This waterfront restaurant offers Italian-inspired cuisine and stunning views of the harbor. Try the grilled calamari, lobster ravioli, or osso buco.
Loquita Santa Barbara | Authentic Spanish Restaurant
Outdoor dining at this Michelin-mentioned restaurant is a real treat. Tapas courses offer creative sharing plates for every taste. The restaurant provides a Santa Barbara casual feel. You can dress up or wear jeans and a light sweater for those cooler nights. The menu is simple, but the food has layers of flavor, texture, and is fresh. Its a great place to enjoy a beautiful relaxing evening or a celebration with a glass of sangria or two!
WHAT TO DO
Known for its stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural scene, Santa Barbara offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or just relaxing on the beach, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Barbara. Here are some of the best activities to try:
Visit the Santa Barbara Mission - This historic mission is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, with beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. Learn about the history of the mission and the city's Spanish colonial past. Website: https://www.santabarbaramission.org/tours
Explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - This 78-acre garden features a variety of native plants and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Website: https://sbbotanicgarden.org
Relax on the Beach - Santa Barbara has a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from, including East Beach, West Beach, One Thousand Steps, Mesa Lane Steps, Arroyo Burro Beach and Butterfly Beach. Our favorite is Arroyo Burro Beach (also known as Hendry's Beach by the locals). The beach is also known for its dog-friendly policy, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends to enjoy the sand and surf. The beach is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and picnicking, and is also home to a restaurant (Boathouse at Hendry's Beach) with ocean views. Website: https://santabarbaraca.com/plan-your-trip/beaches-parks/ (Restaurant website: https://boathousesb.com)
Take a Wine Tasting/Food Tour - Santa Barbara is known for its world-class wineries and vineyards and amazing food. Take a guided tour of the area's top wineries and sample some of the best wines in the region. We enjoyed our walking wine tasting/food tour with The Taste of Santa Barbara Food Tour. Website: https://www.tastesantabarbarafoodtours.com
Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo - This family-friendly zoo features a variety of exotic animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Take a train ride around the zoo or feed the giraffes by hand. Website: https://www.sbzoo.org
Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Art - This art museum features a variety of exhibitions and collections, with a focus on American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Website: https://www.sbma.net
Hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains - The mountains surrounding Santa Barbara offer a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, with stunning views of the city and the ocean. Website: http://santabarbarahikes.com/hikes/frontcountry/
HIDDEN GEMS
Santa Barbara offers many hidden gems for visitors who are looking to explore the city's rich history and natural beauty. Here are some hidden gems in that are worth checking out:
The Santa Barbara Courthouse: This historic courthouse features beautiful Spanish-style architecture and is surrounded by lush gardens. Visitors can take a free tour of the courthouse and climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the city.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center: This small aquarium is located on Stearns Wharf and offers interactive exhibits and touch tanks that showcase the local marine life.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: This peaceful garden is located in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains and features a variety of native plants and flowers. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the garden or participate in a guided tour.
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum: This museum is located on the waterfront and features exhibits that highlight the city's maritime history. Visitors can learn about the local fishing industry, shipwrecks, and the development of the Channel Islands.
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum: This museum is located in a historic adobe and features exhibits that showcase the city's Spanish and Mexican heritage. Visitors can learn about the early settlers, the local Chumash Indians, and the city's rich cultural history.
The Douglas Family Preserve: This scenic park is located on the bluffs above Arroyo Burro Beach and offers stunning views of the ocean and the city. Visitors can hike the trails, watch for dolphins and whales, and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Miramar Beach & Hammond’s Beach: Hammond’s Beach and Miramar Beach are smaller, lesser-known Montecito beaches that are completely open to the public. However, many people don’t know about them! [re-word]
Miramar Beach sits right in front of the famed Rosewood Miramar Hotel and other beachfront properties. To visit, park at the end of Eucalyptus Lane where it meets Edgecliff Lane. There is a small public parking lot and additional street parking available. If you walk east along the beach, it’ll lead you to Fernald Point Beach and Shark’s Cove, a secluded and hard-to-access spot that is off the beaten path!
As long as it’s not high tide, you can walk west all the way to Hammond’s Beach and, beyond that, Butterfly Beach. If the tide is high, there is a short walking trail just before Edgecliff Lane that will get you to Hammond’s Beach. Once there, you’ll enjoy more seclusion, fewer tourists, and unbeatable views of the Channel Islands across the water. Hammond’s is also a popular spot for surfers when the tide is rising and the ocean swells are just right!
Either of these two beaches will give you a more exclusive and low-key experience, away from the crowds of more popular Santa Barbara beaches!
