If you’re looking for the quintessential California vacation experience then set your sights on Santa Barbara. With miles of palm tree lined beaches along the Pacific, easy access to Santa Ynez Valley wine country (not to mention a wine trail right in town) you can have a beach and wine vacation all in one trip. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a girls’ trip a weekend is just long enough to fall for Santa Barbara’s California cool. Discover the best things to do in Santa Barbara to make your weekend trip one to remember.
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How to Get to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is 95 miles from Los Angeles and takes about 1.5 hours to drive from LA (assuming the traffic is decent). Santa Barbara is located along the famed Pacific Coast Highway (also known as the PCH) and is a popular stop on this epic road trip between San Francisco and San Diego. If you’re flying you can fly directly to Santa Barbara (SBA), Los Angeles (LAX, about 96 miles away) or John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA, about 130 miles away).
Hotels in Santa Barbara
With such a prime location (I mean, Oprah has a home here) hotels in Santa Barbara tend to be on the pricier side. There are plenty of mid-range and boutique places in town but if you really want to splash out head to one of the luxury resorts just outside of town. For our girls weekend we stayed at the Hotel Milo, a cute boutique hotel with ocean views, free breakfast and a complimentary wine happy hour. The posh Spanish Revival meets Moroccan decor of the Hotel Californian makes it a favorite of celebrities needing a break from Hollywood. The Kimpton Canary Hotel offers is a great boutique property with a chic rooftop pool. If you really want to spoil yourself head to the luxurious Belmond El Encanto.
Things to Do in Santa Barbara
The Beach
In town Santa Barbara has East and West Beach, divided by Stearns Wharf. Here you can rent bikes and stand up paddleboards, walk along the beach or just sit and dig your toes in the sand. 10 minutes south in beautiful Montecito Butterfly Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in California.
State Street
State Street is the main avenue in Santa Barbara coming down from the hills and ending at Stearns Wharf. State Street is home to countless boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants. Local shops feature everything from beachwear to one-of-a-kind luxury finds and everything in between.
Mission Santa Barbara
The Old Mission Santa Barbara and it’s beautiful gardens are one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic and enduring landmarks. Originally founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscan monks the Santa Barbara Mission is known as the “Queen of Missions” for its beauty and is still an active parish today. Check the Santa Barbara Mission website for current information and tickets.
Spa
When you’re not out exploring Santa Barbara has some amazing spas to help you unwind. The Hotel Californian’s Majorelle Spa will transport you to Marrakesh with with its Moroccan inspired treatments and spaces. Float Luxury Spa is a local spa with curated menu of treatments and a serene relaxation garden. Pamper yourself in unparalleled luxury at Sense Spa at the Rosewood Miramar.
Check Out the Urban Wine Trail in the Funk Zone
While wine country around is insanely beautiful many of Santa Barbara’s best wineries have tasting rooms right in town as part of the Urban Wine Trail . Be sure to ask at your hotel for an Urban Wine Trail discount card for savings on flights and tastings at a number of tasting rooms.
Explore Santa Barbara Wine Country
The unique climate where the Santa Ynez Mountains spill into the Pacific Ocean also makes Santa Barbara one of the premier wine regions in the United States. With over 300 wineries it can be difficult to choose which tasting rooms to visit and in order to more fully enjoy the wine tasting experience it’s a good idea to leave the driving up to someone else. I experienced 3 amazing wineries on a tour with Rooted Vines Tours which included lunch and a pick up directly from my hotel.
Where to Eat in Santa Barbara
With the bounty of wine country in its backyard along with Mexican and Mediterranean influences you’ll definitely eat well in Santa Barbara. Start your morning at Helena Avenue Bakery with a breakfast sandwich on scratch made brioche or a fluffy buttermilk biscuit.
For lunch stop by Institution Ale Company for an artisanal pizza paired with one of their 20+ beers on tap or get you taco fix at Santo Mezcal, featuring modern Mexican cuisine ( I’m still dreaming about their strawberry mezcal margarita!).
For upscale California fare and a farm-to-table ethos be sure to snag a reservation at The Lark for creative small plates. Also, No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a cone or two by McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream.
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Deb says
I could really use a getaway like that right now! Looks like another great area of California to explore on our next trip. Ice cream is always a good idea! 🙂 The urban wine trail tour sounds great!
Megan Lawrence says
I’ve been to beautiful Santa Barbara once, about 25 years ago. I can definitely see it’s time to go back, I’m sure much has changed. The hotel Milo looks just beautiful, and I can’t believe we didn’t visit the Mission.
Anne Betts says
So much variety… beautiful beaches, biking, exploring wine country, and plenty options to appeal to foodies. I like it!
Go Wander Wild says
This Santa Barbara, California guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!