How to get to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, is a city on the central California coast, with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. Downtown, Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs reflect the city’s Spanish colonial heritage. Upscale boutiques and restaurants offering local wines and seasonal fare line State Street. This is a great place for a weekend getaway!
The scenic drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara is approximately 2 hours. You can also fly into Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). The best time to visit Santa Barbara is from March to May or from September to November. Temperatures are fairly mild year-round, but traveling in early spring or fall ensures you won’t be fighting crowds and rates will be less expensive.
Where to Stay
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
This is where we chose to stay because it was in a great oceanfront location walking distance to East Beach across the street. They also provide free bikes that you can rent and take out for as long as you’d like per day which was great! It was also 1 mile from Funk Zone District, 10 minutes from Santa Barbara Downtown, and a short walk to the Chromatic Gate.
Other hotels we looked at with unique Santa Barbara Spanish vibes were:
Where to Visit/Things to do
Santa Barbara is bustling with people, especially during the summer months. There’s a lot of activities or areas to visit in SB as well as surrounding areas that include:
Chromatic Gate:
The rainbow-hued geometric metal rectangle that stands in ARCO Circle at the corner of Cabrillo Boulevard and Puerto Vallarta is a great place for some colorful pictures!
Stearns Wharf Pier:
Enjoy the seaside sights and sounds of spectacular views of Santa Barbara from Stearns Wharf Pier, one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks. There are lots of food options including the famous lobster roll!
State Street:
This is the lively Santa Barbara Downtown area which includes Paseo Nuevo, a shopping center with tiled courtyards, fountains, restaurants, bars, and chain retailers.
Funk Zone:
This district, which spans the area between the ocean and Highway 101 and is adjacent to the Amtrak station, has plenty of boutique tasting rooms, cafes, galleries, and shops that cater to Santa Barbara’s contemporary side.
Beach:
There are numerous beaches along the coast of SB. The most popular ones are East Beach & West Beach.
Santa Barbara Adventure Company -Channel Islands:
The Channel Islands are just a short boat ride away. To get to Santa Cruz Island, you can reserve a Ferry ride in advance from Ventura. Here’s also more information on visiting Channel Islands National Park. We did a kayak tour with Santa Barbara Adventure Company.
Double Dolphin Sunset Cruise:
This Sunset Cruise was highly rated however, due to rough water conditions, it had to be canceled when we tried to go.
Winery
There are a lot of wine tours, wine shops, and vineyards ranging from all sizes. You can find all of them here.
Bike through the Beach Path
There are lots of places to rent bikes along the beach and it’s a great way to experience the small town from the coast to the downtown. Here are other options for bike tours and more adventurous mountain biking.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
This museum is for the Art lovers, rich with the history and art of SB.
Arroyo Burro Off-Leash Dog Beach
This is what dog heaven looks like. The most beautiful dog park beach for humans and their off-leash dogs! (see photo below for the Boathouse restaurant of the beach view)
Where to Eat
Santa Barbara has a wide variety of cuisine to choose from ranging in price and cuisine. Here’s a list of great ones I’ve tried and wanted to try. These are listed from most expensive to least and links to restaurants are included in the name:
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The Biltmore restaurants: At the 4 Seasons Resort. A ton of restaurants to choose from here with spectacular views, Reservations are required in advance.
The Black Sheep: Dined here and had a pre-fixed dinner which was superb! Made reservations in advance however, it was not packed at all so possible to do walk-ins.
Yoichi’s: A traditional Japanese multicourse dining experience
The Lark Very popular place so I recommend reservations and the food was delicious!
Arigato: Sushi
Bella Vista: At the 4 season resort. Italian-inspired, California-coastal cuisine while taking in panoramic ocean and island views across Montecito’s Butterfly Beach.
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Opal Restaurant: Eclectic California Cuisine.
Los Agaves: With the bold flavors of Mexico, this place creates an authentic dining experience with the innovative dishes here.
Finch & Fork: California Cuisine
Santa Barbara Fishouse: Waterfront Seafood Restuarant
Milk & Honey: Spanish Tapas Style
Lilac Patisserie: A gluten-free bakery on State Street!
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Pickles & Swiss, Sandwiches and melts on State Street.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams: On State Street -Santa Barbara’s very own and some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have!
Barbareno: Coastal California style with cute patio seating.
Santo Mezcal: Delicious modern Mexican cusine and mixology.
The Shop Kitchen: Great brunch spot.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach: Great seafood overlooking spectacular ocean views and Arroyo Burro Beach/dog park.
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