I was incredibly lucky to live in Santa Barbara for ten years. I still go back to visit whenever I can. It's one of those rare places that always manages to exceed my memories. If you haven't yet been, you owe it to yourself to add it to your travel bucket list. There's not another place I know of in the US where the mountains run straight to the sea, where birdsong floats down jacaranda-lined streets, and art, adventure, and history are offered up on nearly every street.
I recently put together a list of favorites for my sister and brother-in-law when they were visiting for the first time. Because it's one of my favorite places though, it's hard to reign myself in! There will be another post on central coast hikes, wellness, and day-trips in the future, but for now, here are my top recommendations for a weekend on the beaten path in paradise.
Stay...
El Encanto will probably always be one of my favorite hotels. Its Old Hollywood glamour (Clark Gable was a guest during his heyday) and understated California elegance are perfection. These photos don't do it justice! I've spent time there pre- and post- renovation and it's a pure delight every time. If a stay isn't in the cards, consider making a reservation for the dining room or terrace. Whether you stop by for oysters & cocktails under the stars or a full dinner accompanied by music, you will not be disappointed.
It's worth noting that there are many other wonderful hotels downtown that are significantly less of a splurge. Opting to stay downtown or beach-side may also keep you from needing a car, depending on what you're planning to see or do.
Coffee and Adjacent Sights...
Because we're coffee aficionados (read: addicts) we pair most outings with a stop at a cafe. I am notoriously picky about my coffee so I say this with deep respect: Handlebar is one of my top three all-time coffee shops in the world. The owners are also wonderful. I've been visiting since they opened in late 2011 and go every day when I'm in town.
Handlebar Coffee Roasters (128 E. Canon Perdido or 2720 De La Vina) While both locations are great, the flagship Canon Perdido Handlebar is right off State Street and directly across from El Presidio. El Presidio doesn’t require much time but is a great way to experience a taste of local history. On the first Sunday of the month, it's also the site of Mujeres Market (worth a look for unique gifts and jewelry). It's a good stop on your way to the Santa Barbara Courthouse, one of the most beautiful places in the whole city. Be sure to take in the Sunken Gardens and climb the Clock Tower if you’re there on a clear day. The views of the mountains, over the city, and out to sea are magnificent!
Another lovely coffee/adventure pair starts with Caje Coffee Roasters, a relative newcomer but not to be missed. Their Arlington location is that rare gem that might be even better in real life than it is on instagram. Order the stunning Bella Rose iced matcha latte, and be sure to bring a friend or a book. You'll want to linger here. Caje is on your way to the Old Mission Santa Barbara if you’re headed uptown from the beach area. Speaking of which... the Mission, which overlooks rose gardens and the Pacific ocean, is not to be missed. There's a wealth to see and do inside the mission, but even if you go only to walk the grounds, it's spectacular. Should you visit in late May or early June, be sure to look for the phenomenal paintings from the I Madonarri festival; in early August, check out the Fiesta/Old Spanish Days schedule for live dance and music. After the Mission, take a walk on the beautiful trails at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (you made need a reservation, so call ahead!)
If you're in the mood for a more pastry-centered adventure pairing, you can easily combine Lilac Patisserie with a visit to the Courthouse or to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Lilac is a dedicated gluten free bakery (a major win for yours truly) though those who enjoy gluten also sing its praises. It was voted one of USA Today’s Top Ten Artisanal bakeries. The SB Museum of Art has a surprisingly vast permanent collection given its size. I have visited just to gaze at Monet's Villas in Bordighera, although there's a great deal more to see. With its elegant interior, stunning art, and rotating exhibitions, it's the perfect place to while away a sleepy afternoon.
Fresh Fish and Seaside Happenings...
Kanaloa Seafood on Chapala Street is a fish market (my all-time favorite place to buy raw ahi by the pound!) but also has poke bowls and the like. It’s a great lunch spot and is also one of the most sustainable fish markets in the States.
Santa Barbara Fishouse is a long-time favorite as well. It’s one of the only restaurants in town that serves fish fresh from the boats of local fisherman. You might need a reservation if you’re going for dinner. The Fishouse is right on Cabrillo Blvd across from the beach (if you get confused between Carrillo and Cabrillo, just remember the one with the “b” runs by the beach!)
Shoreline Cafe is another gem. This is the only spot I know of in town where you can enjoy fresh fish and cocktails with your feet in the sand. It's right across from SBCC and shares a parking lot with the college and Leadbetter beach, so parking can sometimes be tricky, but it's worth taking a few laps to find a spot. We'll often hit the beach for a few hours before or after grabbing a bite at Shoreline. For a sneak peak of the view from Shoreline, check out the restaurant's surf cam.
A friend of mine used to own the Santa Barbara Fish Market, on the harbor near Leadbetter beach. If you’re out for an early morning stroll (highly recommended!), you can sometimes see the fishermen unloading uni and other catches our front, which is quite a sight! There’s also a great little harbor walk (map to Castillo Point along the seawall), and a small beach at the end that's a good place to picnic in the summer.
If you're in the mood for fish & chips or chowder and don't mind touristy vibe, Longboard's Grill may be your jam. It used to have a floor full of peanut shells, though I haven'e been recently, so if you go, let me know. It's on Stearns Wharf, which is worth a quick stroll. You can fish from the end of the pier, or just grab an ice cream for your walk. Though you'll also find them on Lower State Street, this is a top spot for kitschy souvenirs (we have a snowglobe collector in the family so I'm always keen to know where I can find that sort of thing). You'll also find the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's Sea Center--complete with interactive aquarium--on the Wharf. It's open most days 10-5. If natural history is your vibe, be sure to check out the main location of the Museum of Natural History when you're in the Mission area.
Worth noting: Lil Toot water taxi runs between the wharf and the harbor. It's a great and unique way to get between them if you’re looking to explore both!
A bit further from downtown, the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is a local favorite for brunch or dinner right off the sand. Because it's such a great spot, it can fill up quickly so reservations are a good idea. Parking can be tricky but, as with the more laid-back Shoreline, mentioned above, is worth fighting for. Hendry's is also the only dog-friendly beach (on-leash) in town. It's a lovely beach for a stroll, is excellent for tidepooling if you time it right, and, due to its vantage point, is one of the best places to catch sunset.
Downtown/Beachfront Adventures
First...the beaches! Santa Barbara has a beach for every personality. East and West Beach are the two large beaches. They're gorgeous and easy to find. Leadbetter is a favorite for a quiet beach day (also a great place to watch kiteboarders and surfers); Thousand Steps off the Mesa offers beautiful cliffs and a stunning, secluded little beach. Hendry's, on Cliff Drive, is one of the best spots for sunset and is an excellent place to stroll with a pup (also the only dog-friendly beach in town). Heading South, Butterfly beach in Montecito is straight out of a postcard.
Check out The Funk Zone for wine tasting, art galleries, boutiques, and murals. The Loveworn shop and gallery are favorites. The Funk Zone is also home to Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co and The Lark, a beloved dinner spot with communal tables and a farm-to-table vibe. If you’re into surf history, I don't need to tell you who Al Merrick is. The flagship location of his Channel Islands Surfboards is right around the corner on Anacapa Street.
If you're keen on more beachfront activity, you'll find bike and surrey rentals off Cabrillo boulevard near State Street and volleyball nets at East Beach. There’s a path you can walk/bike/rollerblade along that runs between Cabrillo Blvd and the beach. It's great for an early morning job or an afternoon ride. To the South, you can take it all the way to Montecito (just transfer to the road after Las Aves Bird Refuge). To the North, you can take the path all the way past Leadbetter, past SBCC, and up to the Mesa. There are beautiful views both ways, so you really can’t go wrong.
If you’re looking for other activities along the beach, there’s an Arts & Crafts Market on Cabrillo Blvd every Sunday morning, and the Santa Barbara Zoo, nestled on a bluff above the beach, is absolutely charming. They occasionally host epic benefits under the stars--I met the inimitable Bruce Brown of Endless Summer fame there before he passed away (a bucket list item for me!)
Also note there is a fabulous farmers market Saturday morning from 8am-1pm off lower State Street.
Getting Around...
If you're staying downtown or by the beach, you can probably get away without a car (you may want to do some ebiking or ubering though). If you're interested in hiking, or in exploring Goleta, Montecito, or Summerland, you'll need a car (there are a bunch of rental car agencies at the airport as well as downtown. The Santa Barbara Trolley can be a fun way to see the city (check out their 90 minute tour), as can e-bikes, which you can drop at numerous charging stations around town. Remember you can usually e-bike one way and uber back if you don’t feel like e-biking roundtrip.
And finally, let me know if you have any questions or need more ideas! Hope you have the most amazing time!!
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