Santa Barbara is a laid-back beach town Garden of Eden. Thanks to its perfect location less than an hour north of Los Angeles along the iconic Highway 101 and straddling the Los Padres National Forest, CA, there is no better way to kick back from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It is nestled exquisitely between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, CA. Outdoor lovers will also appreciate the myriad of activities available in the way of coastal walks, gorgeous bouldering sites, and hidden hot springs.
Things to See and Do in Santa Barbara
If this is your first foray into the charming lady that is Santa Barbara, CA, start your vacation exploring State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, which is the town’s main drag. You will find so many great shops, art galleries, and unique finds right here. At the end of State Street is Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA, which offers incredible views of the water; this is also where the Museum of Natural History. Santa Barbara, CA is located.
If you can schedule your trip for the Old Spanish Days Fiesta Week, Santa Barbara, CA, you won’t be disappointed. The city comes alive with music, color, and cuisine.
You can’t forget some of the tourist things to do that include:
- The Old Mission Santa Barbara, CA
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara, CA
- El Presidio de Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
- East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA
- Whale Watching, Santa Barbara, CA
But my favorite, of all the things to do in Santa Barbara, is people watching. Find a place downtown or near the pier, and just sit and enjoy the eclectic mix of humanity.
Get Off the Beaten Path in Santa Barbara
If it's great hiking you’re after, the Santa Ynez Mountains do not disappoint. Just a few minutes outside of town, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders all get equal opportunity to hit the trails. The best time to enjoy these pursuits is early Spring through early Autumn, where you will discover a bevy of waterfalls, swimming holes, and natural waterslides.
Some great trails to check out are Cold Spring Trail, Santa Barbara, CA and Elwood Mesa. Cold Spring is located near Montecito and a great place to start, whether you are a beginning or seasoned hiker. Choose from several loop trails or thru-hikes that offer panoramic vistas, scenic waterslides, and even benches to take breaks here and there.
For the true adventures, hike up to Montecito Peak via the trail’s East Fort. It is a heart-pumping 2,700-foot climb, but the views at the top are well worth it.
For a beautiful hike that is not as strenuous, check out Elwood Mesa in Goleta, CA. With its accessible network of trails going along scenic bluffs, enjoy views of the Pacific on one side and Goleta Valley on the other. Bring a picnic lunch for an incredible afternoon of leisure.
Another great spot that is not over-run by tourists is Lotusland Botanical Gardens, CA, a 37-acre botanical garden that includes exotic plants, a cactus garden, a butterfly garden, and more. For the bookworm, independent booksellers are hard to find these days but take comfort in Chaucer’s Bookstore. There is a wide selection of books to browse, with areas in which to have a quiet read.
What to Eat in Santa Barbara
For a town of this size, there is a mind-boggling array of eating and drinking options, and foodies will no doubt find solace in everything from Japanese, to Chinese, to Italian, to fancy Californian fare, and even gourmet grilled burgers. State Street alone will have you busy for at least a couple of days as you explore all of your options.
Lilly’s Taqueria, Santa Barbara, CA is a favorite cheap meal that had my taste buds singing. Authentic street tacos are their forte, available on steamed or grilled corn tortillas. For a real treat, head 20 minutes out of town towards Cachuma Lake and stop at the tiny Cold Spring Tavern. This remote, ramshackle eatery looks harmless, but don’t be fooled – this place is popular, so you may want to make reservations.
One of my favorites is Los Agave Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA. It’s Mexican fare is excellent, but the drinks and vibe are exhilarating. Don’t go if you want to relax. The place is hopping.
For a great mix of healthy and hearty, go to Mesa Verde Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA – they serve vegetarian meals that are as delicious as they are varied. The street tacos are my favorite. Wash them down with a cold beer (or beverage of your choice); it’s just like a warm hug from a best friend.
And since we are right on the coast, you can be sure that the seafood here is among the best in California. Head to Brophy Brothers Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA to indulge in the freshest catch of the day, where their specialties range from swordfish to salmon to clams. Their cocktail menu is also superbly crafted.
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara
As this is without argument a hot spot throughout the Spring and Summer season, it’s best to book early or wait until later in the year. Nevertheless, you cannot go wrong with The Wayfarer Hotel, Santa Barbara, CA; ideally located a short walk from State Street in the trendy Funk Zone. This gleaming white-washed property with its Spanish tiled roofs is so California! And the rooms are a wonderful mix of rustic and modern – and the price is right!
Glamping is on the rise, and in SoCal there’s no better way to do it than at El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara, CA. With a short walk to the beach, choose to lay your head in one of their cabins, yurts, or safari tents. With a market and a spa on-site, you don’t have to stray far to have every need met during your stay.
For the ultimate treat and something completely indulgent, stay at The Whale House, Santa Barbara, CA. Blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, it’s like staying inside a fantasy sea-like creature and it’s located just outside Santa Barbara. You can book this as a vacation rental, but don’t be surprised if you get a few visitors, even if they’re only there to drive by for a look!
Santa Barbara is the perfect place for sunny leisure in Southern California. It’s ocean breezes, and laid-back atmosphere is the ideal spot to rest and recharge.
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 