The best things to do on a weekend getaway to the Santa Barbara coast.
Take the best parts of LA — itsbeaches , lot , beautiful conditions , food , andculture — and remove the freeways , long commutes , and overpopulation , and you get Santa Barbara . This organic , diminished - scale reproduction of its baby city has achieved the delicate counterbalance of having all the conveniences of a metropolis whilst keep serenenatural beautyand asmall town charm . It ’s where soft ocean preservation country foregather furrowed mountains , and modern-day art museums are second aside from Chumash pictographs .
Once line with tall multi - story homes , hotels , theater , and workshop , the palmy Ithiel Town of Santa Barbara gained fame after the 1925 earthquake that demolished the metropolis . But in the wake of farce comedy , Santa Barbara had a conversion . Inspiration was take from the Old Mission that overlooks the townspeople , construct in a Spanish colonial revival stylus . The city host paseos , promenades , and arcadasstocked with eating house , shop class , and gallery .
The born and urban configurations of the metropolis make for an active leisure culture commonly found in the Spanish Riviera but emulate here , giving the city its character . Now in its golden eld , Santa Barbara attract Hollywoodcelebrities , nature enthusiasts , artists , students , and chefs . Approximately 95 statute mile from LA , with over 300 daylight of temperateness , call in between late spring to summer for the best beach experience . Whether your holiday love language is food , escapade , history , orrelaxation , there is something for everyone .
Santa Barbara’s Spanish Colonial style architecture and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination.|Ron and Patty Thomas/ E+/Getty Images
Travel time:
2 hour from Los Angeles4 60 minutes from San Diego5 hour from San Francisco
If you don’t do anything else: Get up close and personal with the natural beauty of Santa Barbara
Start your 24-hour interval with three miles of palm tree describe beach front with clear views of the nearby Santa Ynez mountains while delving into the dock on the south and harbor to the Union ( if you have to detain this to afterward in the day , have no fearfulness : the fleck also makes for languid sunsets over the still waters ) . The wharf has quintessential pocket-size shops , eatery , and beach front to browse around , but it is well experienced for sun flogging , practicing your yoga sunshine salutation , or utilizing the well - maintained beach volleyball game tourist court .
The harborsidehosts city tour , boat rentals , andkayaking , the latter of which you’re able to opt for a solo or guided adventure . irrespective you are bound to encounter sea lions barking from the buoys as fish swimming right under you and seabirds fill the sky . For some fourth dimension on country , bring your own bike or charter one properly off the wharf atWheel Fun Rentals ; they have the largest bicycle rental selection in California . Go for a easygoing drive down the boardwalk for a stunning eyeshot of the shoring . The city has also recently establishedSanta Barbara BCycle , an electric motorcycle share programme that makes it easy to get around Ithiel Town .
Head for the hill onCold Spring Loop , a temperate , two hr hike which rewards you with natural waterfall and breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the city . For a less strenuous experience , ledger a reserved walk atThe Santa Barbara Botanical Garden . Organized in eleven singular section , this space is dedicated to wild plants from across California . If you have some supererogatory time , explore the 230 - acreEllwood Mesa Sperling Preservewhich is a 20 minute drive from the urban center , attracting hiker , horseback riders , and 100,000 Monarch butterflies every fall . Make trusted to see the often missed 78 - Akko eucalyptus grove on the north side of the preserve . For a trip back in time , confab theChumash Painted Cave Historic State Parkto admire the conservation of 400 year previous rock fine art and to learn more about the local sphere ’s past Native American civilizations .
Fill your days:
Arts and culture in Santa Barbara
For over 30 year , the Architecture Foundation of Santa Barbara has moderate walk tours filled with robust history and acculturation . bring together a Sabado or Domingo two hourarchitecture tourthat will show off hidden arcadas , tranquil natural spring , and ornate court . Reopening after a six class renovation , theSanta Barbara Museum of Artfeatures over 25,000 works of art in their permanent ingathering ranging from ancientness to contemporary . There are exhibits dedicated to photography , bronze sculpture , and Southeast Asiatic art , with rotate seasonal exhibits . Celebrating its 100th year anniversary , theLobero Theatreis a metropolis landmark which hosts the best entertainment in the city from drollery and concert dance to symphonies and concert in an intimate and historical locus . As an active parish , the Santa Barbara Mission of 1768 is a living artefact with a museum , church , garden and more , giving respect and mysterious story to the Chumash aboriginal American Din Land that gave way to a Spanish dependency . The front of this historic mount features a park and jump garden everlasting for breeze .
Wellness in Santa Barbara
While you could expend an entire day window shopping for designer brands and penny-pinching shops rule within ten city blocks , we recommend charter some clip off your pes . VisitPalma Colectiva , a wellness studio apartment that hosts various events , include mantra meditation , sound healing , breathwork workshops , and plant speculation . Those looking for a more luxurious healing session — with a price tag to equal — might want to consider book a facial or massage onThe Ritz - CarltonBacara ’s rooftop . you could get a “ Hollywood Facial ” or a full - trunk deep - tissue paper scratch down while overlooking the pond and enjoying the cool ocean piece of cake . Lap swim is also available at the spa pool with special hours .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Santa Barbara
Handlebar Coffeeis perfect for a quick but memorably smooth espresso ; order a shaft in a cappuccino , oat Milk River latte , or on its own . The owner are former professional cyclists , so they know the importance of a delicious morning coffee berry to jolt you awake . For a more lay - back experience with an easygoing but quietly glamourous atmosphere , take some fourth dimension atCajé Coffeeon State Street . Order Jupiter ’s Forest , an iced oat Milk River latte with sage syrup , go past with an eatable gold flower and desiccate Citrus paradisi . Sip your coffee on their riotous terrace , which feels more like a vacation home than a cafe ’s backyard .
Luckily in Santa Barbara , organic , overbold , and farm to board is the average . The Daisyhosts a fare of seasonal California produce with the flavors of the Levant . Order the European olive tree and hummus , bánh mi , and chicken salad for an unforgettable brunch under the Sunday . Located near the beach , Helena Avenue Bakeryhas a packed and flavorful breakfast taco as big as your plate , but make indisputable to try their soft fresh shekels in either avocado tree toast or a breakfast sandwich . There is seating within and out , and to go avail for those looking to eat by the shoring with their foot in the guts .
The Larkhas an encyclopedia of wine to opt from including the contemporary orange wine to classic aged Bolshevik from Bordeaux . This restaurant is a favorite amongst the casual and culinary elite including the James Beard Foundation , who recently make a individual result after the restaurant celebrate its ten year anniversary . Do n’t miss the notable cornbread , seasonal apps , rib - middle , and salads . want bottles of wine to go?Satelliteoffers many variety of vino to supplement your sommelier ambitions . Find classic and obscure small good deal producers from California and beyond .
photojohn830/Shutterstock
Where to stay in Santa Barbara
End your nights with everyday beach vibes inside a historical turning point or near the Old Mission . The Santa Barbara Innhas a large resort experience with cozy areas just ill-treat from the beach . When you do n’t desire to be in the middle of the activeness but still in proximity , the newly renovated 108 year oldHotel Virginiais nestled between the metropolis and beach , only a few transactions walk from anything you require . El Encantois an exceptional , private hotel experience with views of the city and sea from the Santa Ynez foothill for the ultimate celebrity experience .
Santa Barbara Mission|Claudine Van Massenhove/Shutterstock
Photo courtesy of CAJÉ
