Santa Barbara gets better and better with every visit. This travel guide comes after my second trip to Santa Barbara this year to visit one of my very close friends who recently moved there from NYC. I am completely enamored by the flowers growing everywhere (hello, bougainvillea!), the Spanish colonial architecture throughout the city, and the endless sunshine. You could definitely say I’m California dreamin’.
In this travel guide, I will share my tips for where to stay, what to eat and drink, and things to see and do in scenic and sunny Santa Barbara.
Table of Contents
STAY
I haven’t actually stayed at a hotel in Santa Barbara, BUT there are plenty of hotel chains, charming inns, and Airbnb rentals to choose from. If you have a big budget, look to the Rosewood Miramar or Hotel Californian, if you are on a tighter budget, explore Airbnb rentals in the Funk Zone or Downtown. Outside of Santa Barbara, you may find options in nearby Montecito, Goleta, Summerland, or Carpinteria. I have been fortunate enough to always stay at my friend’s house in Montecito, which is an absolutely stunning location with scenic walking trails and mountainside views looking out at the ocean.
EAT
The dining scene in Santa Barbara does not disappoint. There are many farm-to-table options and a range of cuisines. The vibes and ambiance are impressive, too (see: ABOUT ME – vibes are just as important as the food on Jetset with Jasmine).
As always, I highly recommend making some dinner reservations in advance of your travels – check out Resy.
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
Helena Avenue Bakery
This counter-service bakery is perfect for a sit-down brunch or for a to-go picnic. I recommend that you order the breakfast sandwich on handmade brioche and the vanilla chai spiced french toast to share with the table. WOW. And come back in the afternoon for a wine tasting – the space is shared with Santa Barbara Wine Collective.
La Paloma Café
This place is iconic to Santa Barbara – it originally opened 37 years ago! You can really come here any time of day (brunch, lunch, happy hour, or dinner).
Brunch bubbly, anyone? 
This corner and sign are iconic in SB. 
Chilaquiles, please!
LUNCH & DINNER
The Lark
You NEED to make a reservation because 1) it’s super popular 2) the food is incredible (farm fresh and served family style) 3) the indoor and outdoor seating options are equally stunning.
Montecito: The Honor Bar, Los Arroyos
Two solid spots in Montecito located on Coast Village Road. This area is also great for boutique shopping.
The Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
An absolutely magical experience. Make a dinner reservation, arrive early around dusk to see the rose garden, and order as much as possible because everything that I ate here was delicious. An ideal setting thanks to the rose garden, twinkle lights, and soft guitar music played live from the patio.
Rose Garden at San Ysidro Ranch 
Patio at The Stonehouse 
Maple Glazed Salmon at The Stonehouse
DRINK
COFFEE
Low Pigeon, Dune Coffee Roasters, Handlebar Coffee Roasters, Dart Coffee Co.
Low Pigeon 
Handlebar Coffee Roasters 
Dart Coffee Co.
COCKTAILS & WINE & BEER
Miramar Beach Bar at Rosewood Miramar, Test Pilot, The Good Lion, The Pearl Social, Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Melville Winery, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Disclaimer: I haven’t been to all of these places, but I did the research for you, so let me know if you go!
SEE AND DO
Santa Barbara is great for all kinds of travelers – the beach bum, the wine lover, the foodie, the explorer, the shopaholic, etc. Keep reading to find the perfect activities to complete your itinerary.
EXPLORE THE FUNK ZONE
A trendy neighborhood located near the beach. Here you’ll find wine tasting rooms (read about the Urban Wine Trail), breweries, restaurants, boutiques (check out The Shopkeepers and The Blue Door), and colorful murals. The area is very walkable – walk down State Street and detour through the black and white patio at Hotel Californian, then continue straight toward Stearn’s Wharf to catch a sunset sail (book Celebration Cruises).
Figueroa Brewery 
Hotel Californian 
Sunset Cruise
HIT THE BEACH
Santa Barbara’s coastal location offers plenty of beaches. Go for a swim and a tan during the day or to adore the sunset in the evening.
A few recommendations: Summerland Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Miramar Beach.
Summerland Beach 
Butterfly Beach 
Miramar Beach
TAKE A HIKE
For breathtaking views and a workout, take a hike! You will be in awe of all of the flowers, succulents, and fruit trees growing naturally along the trails, and the view is always best from the top.
A few recommendations: Inspiration Point, Romero Canyon Trail, Buena Vista Trail
On my next visit, I am hoping to get out to Solvang and Ojai, as well as visit some of the wineries in the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys. Are you California dreamin’ yet?
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The weather is always perfection with temperatures hovering in the 60s and 70s year-round. For fewer crowds and lower prices, consider March to May or September to November.
If you stay exclusively in Santa Barbara, you could plan for a long weekend trip. If you plan to explore the suburbs, I recommend five to seven days for your trip.
GETTING AROUND
There are many options for getting around. Santa Barbara is super accessible by foot, and the year-round gorgeous weather gives you no better excuse to enjoy a sunshine stroll to get from A to B. If you are looking to be a bit more active, the city is also very bike-friendly (some hotels even offer them complimentary). Additionally, the Santa Barbara MTD (Metropolitan Transit District) is a solid public transportation option. Of course, having a car is ideal if you plan to visit any of the suburbs.
To/From SBA: The MTD #11 bus stops at the airport and at the Transit Center in Downtown Santa Barbara. Takes approximately 45 minutes.
To/From LAX: The Airbus conveniently stops at all LAX terminals and at several places in the Santa Barbara area. Book in advance. Takes approximately two and a half hours.
PACKING
If you have gotten this far in my Santa Barbara travel guide, then surely you have figured out that the weather is amazing. You can leave your puffer coat at home, but do pack some lighter layers (especially for the evenings) – think sweaters, sweatshirts, and/or a denim jacket.
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in Santa Barbara.
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