Best Things To Do In Santa Barbara In A Weekend
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase through my affiliate link. Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.
With it’s famous red-tile clay roof tops, beautiful Spanish architecture and Mediterranean tiles infused throughout the city, white sandy beaches, towering palm trees and laid-back California coastal vibes, Santa Barbara is one of the best places for a weekend getaway!
From award-winning wineries in the Funk Zone to incredibly delicious fare (along with shopping, beach activities, and more), there’s no shortage of things to do in Santa Barbara to make the most out of your coastal getaway!
Pin this post to save for later!
The Best Time To Visit Santa Barbara
Anytime is really a good time to visit Santa Barbara! Thanks to being on the coast and the warm California sun, temperatures are pretty mild year-round.
Although temps usually stay around the 60s and 70s year round (depending on which month you go), March to May or September to November are typically the better months to visit. If you plan to travel in the early spring or fall, you can avoid the crowds, hotter temps and inflated rates!
Where To Stay In Santa Barbara
The Kimpton Canary Hotel (Luxury)
I stayed at the boutique hotel, the Kimpton Canary, during my visit to Santa Barbara, and the hotel was lovely!
My favorite things about the hotel were the Spanish-style decor and vibes, amenities and, of course, the insanely gorgeous rooftop–seriously, I could’ve spent hours up there! (Just wait till you see the rooftop pool!)
The hotel is within walking distance to several shops and restaurants, and we walked almost everywhere we went from the hotel while we were there!
Hotel Californian (Luxury)
This luxury Santa Barbara Hotel is in the perfect location in downtown, right in the heart of the trendy Funk Zone, and across from Stearns Wharf.
Hotel Californian boasts classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Moroccan influences that will truly captivate you!
There’s also a luxurious spa, upscale dining at Blackbird (cocktails & bites) and Goat Tree (more on the Goat Tree below!), as well as another gorgeous rooftop pool!
When I was planning my spontaneous trip to Santa Barbara over Labor Day weekend, Hotel Californian was unsurprisingly booked up well in advance. However, next time I visit Santa Barbara, this is for sure where I want to stay!
It is in the PRIME location and walkable to everything! You definitely don’t need to rent a car if you stay here!
Other Luxury Hotels In Santa Barbara:
- Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara
- Rosewood Miramar Beach
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort & Spa
- El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel
Best Mid-Range Hotels In Santa Barbara:
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara
- Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- Harbor House Inn
- Santa Barbara Inn
Best Budget Hotels In Santa Barbara
Airbnb In Santa Barbara
- Casa Castillo – Unit 1
- The Coastal Cottage Studio
- Seaside Escape
- West Beach Studio With Beach Vibes & Cruiser Bikes
- Great Cottage Near State Street
- Private MicroStudio Near State St, Beach & Funk Zone
- Downtown Private Gem
- Beachy Cottage Near State Street
- Beach Bungalow One Block Away From West Beach
Best Downtown Santa Barbara Restaurants
Breakfast + Brunch In Santa Barbara
Goat Tree (Brunch or Lunch)
The Goat Tree is Hotel Californian’s gourmet café offering fresh, local fare (with a hint of Mediterranean influence), delicious pastries and baked goods, coffee, cold pressed juices and more.
We had brunch here my first morning in Santa Barbara, and it did not disappoint! I loved the laid-back ambiance and al fresco seating, plus everything we ate was SO good!
Be sure and book a reservation in advance, as it’s a popular restaurant and Hotel Californian’s guest usually take priority.
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Located on Hendry’s Beach (duh), the Boathouse hosts one of the best restaurant views in Santa Barbara and is a brunch hot spot!
Serving delicious Bloody Marys and Mimosas alongside some incredibly fresh seafood, it’s not wonder the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach is one of the best places for brunch in Santa Barbara.
State Street Coffee
This cozy little coffee shop right across the street from the beach (and Stearns Wharf) grew to be a favorite of mine over the weekend I spent in Santa Barbara.
Whether you just need a great coffee or espresso or you want to grab a quick (but delicious) bite to eat before heading out on the town, this is the place to do so!
Offering everything from artisanal coffees, freshly baked croissants and muffins, breakfast burritos and bagels to healthy cereals, granola + yogurt, State Street Coffee is a great place to start your day!
Lighthouse Coffee
If you’re staying at the Kimpton Canary Hotel like I did, Lighthouse Coffee is right around the corner and the perfect place to grab a coffee and quick breakfast!
The coffee and avocado toast were delicious, and they had several other breakfast options to choose from like muffins, scones, bagels and cinnomon rolls!
Hook & Press Donuts
Hand-crafted, gourmet donuts and espresso from Hook & Press Donuts are another yummy way to get that sugar-filled kick start to your day!
I didn’t get a chance to visit and I was super bummed about it, but just look at that photo! You know they’re good.
Lunch Spots In Santa Barbara
Brophy Bros.
Located on the dock at Stearn’s Wharf, be sure and grab a table overlooking the harbor at Brophy Bros. to eat some of the best seafood in town!
Their clam chowder is known for being incredible, and I absolutely loved the Fish N’ Chips!
The Mill
Originally constructed in 1904, The Feed Mill has been restored with a modern twist and now hosts a specialty restaurant, Potek Winery, Third Window Brewing Co., boutiques, coffee shops and even some design studios.
The Mill is the perfect place to grab lunch, sip some wine or craft beer and take a stroll!
Lucky Penny
Located in the popular Funk Zone, Lucky Penny is a hot spot to grab some artisanal wood-fired pizza!
Not craving pizza? Lucky Penny also has locally sourced fresh garden salads, sandwiches, sweet treats, coffee, beer wine and the deliciously popular frozé!
Best Dinner In Santa Barbara
The Lark
Honestly, every single meal I had in Santa Barbara was outstanding, but The Lark was probably my absolute favorite experience overall.
The restaurant is situated in the perfect location, in the heart of the Funk Zone (Santa Barbara’s arts/entertainment district with tons of surrounding wineries), and they source only the finest quality (locally and responsibly grown) seasonal ingredients! The quality of the food, in combination with the enchanting ambiance, makes for a PERFECT evening!
[grilled sourdough, goat cheese mousse, hazelnut, caramelized onion jam, lemon basil, saba]
[crispy fingerling potatoes, preserved peppers, squid ink aioli, cilantro]
[grilled sweet corn, Au gold cherry tomatoes, garlic, Serrano chili, shaved bottarga, preserved lemon, old bay breadcrumbs]
[roasted maitake mushrooms, summer squash, pea tendrils, cippolini onions, lemon beurre blanc, squash blossoms]
If you can’t tell from the photos, the food was just as divine as it looked! Better yet, though, the flavors were unreal! Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, surrounded by incredible cuisine that boasts flavor for days, has unashamedly made me a food snob (lol), and I can wholeheartedly say the fare at The Lark did NOT disappoint!
NOTE: Dishes at The Lark are served family style & intended for sharing! Also, some of the main plates may remain on the menu, but the ingredients used will be seasonal and new/exciting dishes are always being added!
Toma Restaurant
This premier waterfront restaurant has been consistently rated as Santa Barbara’s #1 restaurant, dedicated to offering an incredible culinary experience characterized by locally-sourced ingredients and outstanding service.
Located on the West Cabrillo Boulevard waterfront, Toma Restaurant & Bar serves up a unique and delicious array of traditional and modern dishes in the charm of it’s old-world rooted, historic building.
We sat at a table outside, and the atmosphere was so romantic and charming I seriously felt like I was somewhere in Europe!
Not to mention the food was incredible! You cannot go wrong dining here!
Loquita
If you’re craving authentic, Spanish food in a gorgeous Mediterranean atmosphere, then dining at Loquita is a MUST!
Dine here for delicious hot and cold tapas, wood-fired grilled meats and seafood, and some of the best paella I’ve ever had!
I also love that the wine list is comprised almost entirely of Spanish wines, with the option of some local hand-selected wines from the area that pair with the cuisine.
{roots farm marble potatoes, brava sauce, hot pimentón emulsion, roasted garlic aioli, parsley}
{wild gulf jumbo prawns, brava, garlic, brandy, lemon, grilled ciabatta}
{Seafood Paella – grilled local fish or squid, hope ranch mussels, wild jumbo gulf prawns, lobster stock, lemon aioli, bottarga}
{dulce de leche, raspberry vanilla, chocolate}
Tre Lune
A friend of mine who is a flight attendant and travels to Santa Barbara frequently (@layoverswithlauren on Instagram), highly recommended Tre Lune Ristorante as one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara!
The hand-made pastas and flavorful, high quality Italian cooking with transport you back to your last trip to Italy.
Things To Do In Santa Barbara:
Go Wine Tasting at Some of the Best Wineries in Santa Barbara:
With so many incredible wineries and tasting rooms to choose from in Santa Barbara, it’s hard to narrow down where to go! Here are some of my favorites to help get you started:
Grassini Family Vineyards (Tasting Room)
The Grassini Family Vineyards tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara is a perfect choice for an incredible wine tasting experience!
“Borrowed and adapted from 17th century southern European approaches, the winery itself is embedded in a prominent hillside with the rear opening into naturally cooling wine caves. The caves ensure humidity and temperature control, while using a fraction of hydrocarbon or electrical energy sources. This practice dates back to Roman times, when wine was stored in catacombs to take advantage of the naturally cool temperature underground.” (via Grassini Family Vineyards)
Their approaches to real winemaking, as said above, are what makes an outstanding wine stand apart from all the rest.
Melville Winery (Tasting Room)
Melville Winery produces incredible cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah grown in their estate vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. This is a must-visit tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara, in the perfect location! (It’s right next door to The Goat Tree restaurant I mentioned above!)
Au Bon Climat (Tasting Room)
Au Bon Climat (which translates to “a well-exposed vineyard”) produces internationally-recognized Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc wine from grapes grown in California’s Santa Barbara County.
The winery itself is located on the world-famous Bien Nacido Vineyard and was listed on Robert Parker’s Best Wineries of the World in both 1989 and 1990!
Do Some Shopping
Located in the Funk Zone neighborhood, The Blue Door was probably my favorite shop I stumbled upon! It is a vintage and modern collective, situated just a block from the sea, that has an array of expertly sourced vintage pieces and locally handmade goods. Don’t miss this spot!
After exploring what the Funk Zone has to offer, stroll down State Street for the ultimate shopping experience. You could easily spend a whole day there exploring all the shops, restaurants, wineries and cafés.
Take A Stroll On The Santa Barbara Boardwalk
Partake In Some Fun Outdoor Activities
Visit Some Breweries or Taprooms
Lama Dog Taproom + Bottle Shop
Lama Dog is a cool Taproom in the Funk Zone neighborhood that has 20 revolving craft beers on tap, small lot wine on tap; including Lama Dog Wine; and keeps the bottle shop full of craft beer from around the world!
Grab a scoop (or two) of McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
California’s original and finest ice cream since 1949!
Made from scratch, the old-fashioned way, with only the finest ingredients available–from Central Coast, grass-grazed milk & cream to organic, cage-free eggs.
Plus, they NEVER use any stabilizers, preservatives or fillers (natural or otherwise).
What Are You Waiting For?
Are you ready to experience one of the best towns in California?
This ultimate little beach town really has something for everyone, and I hope my weekend guide to Santa Barbara has everything you need to help plan the ultimate weekend getaway!
SHOP MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Related Posts
Leave A Comment