Things To Do
Pop into Local Tasting Rooms along the Urban Wine Trail
Spend an afternoon wandering the city, following the Urban Wine Trail. There are over 20 wineries serving wines from Santa’s Barbara’s seven wine regions. The majority of the wineries are in the Funk Zone, but there’s also one at the end of Stearns Wharf, which is a good place to end the day for sunset.
Admire Masterpieces at the Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art to view priceless works of art, including a large collection of Monet paintings.
Stroll Paseo Nuevo
Shop until you drop at the beautiful outdoor shopping mall. Explore a mix of national favorites and smaller boutiques.
Hike Inspiration Point
For the adventurers, explore this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Santa Barbara, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, but you'll be rewarded with beautiful ocean views at the top.
Climb the Clock Tower at Santa Barbara Courthouse
Take a self-guided tour to see elaborate hand-painted murals, ornate wrought-iron chandeliers, and climb to the top of the clock tower for an incredible panoramic view of Santa Barbara and beyond.
Explore Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Five miles of easy walking trails criss-crossing the botanical gardens for a leisurely stroll past giant redwoods, cacti and beautiful flowers, plus great views of the Santa Ynez mountains that wrap around the city.
Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara
Explore the church and on-site museum, including the original adobe wall, and be sure to head across the street to the impressive Mission Rose Gardens, home to over 1,500 rose bushes.
Catch Some Rays at Arroyo Burro Beach
This beach is much quieter than a lot of the other beaches, and you can take your furry friend here without a leash.
Grab Margs & Tacos at Santo Mezcal
Craving some delicious Mexican food and fresh margaritas? Look no further than Santo Mezcal. This restaurant is located in the funk zone of Santa Barbara and is within walking distance of Stearns Wharf.
Enjoy Seafood & Waves at Boathouse
The restaurant sits right on Arroyo Burro beach, so you will have some amazing views of the ocean. We recommend making a dinner reservation right around sunset and ordering fresh seafood for the perfect pairing.
Feast on Pizza at Lucky Penny
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, Lucky Penny serves innovative artisanal pizzas from a wood-burning oven, with locally sourced garden fresh salads, delicious hot & cold sandwiches, handmade sweet treats, beer, wine and the ever-popular Frosé.
Eat Authentic Spanish Cuisine at Loquita
Located steps from Hotel Californian, Loquita serves authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fire grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella.
Shareable Bites at The Lark
The Lark is a great spot for a delicious brunch or vibrant dinner. Tucked inside the beloved Santa Barbara Fish Market, this indoor-outdoor—it’s mostly outdoor, actually—restaurant is named after the overnight train that’s serviced this part of California for the first half of the last century.
Californian French Cuisine at bouchon
Santa Barbara Wine Country Cuisine at its finest. Fresh, local ingredients, prepared with care. Excellent wines that reflect the quality and character of the Santa Barbara region and work in concert with the cuisine. Warm, inviting ambience with incredible service at a relaxed, leisurely pace.
The Best Coffee & Pastries at Helena Avenue Bakery
This is our FAVORITE coffee & pastry spot in Santa Barbara. We recommend everything on the menu, but you can never go wrong with their delicious breakfast sandwich, seasonal pastry, or salads (definitely enjoy the patio while you munch). Helena Avenue offers rustic, organic breads, handmade seasonal pastries made from scratch and a wide variety of gourmet breakfast and lunch items made to order.