Destination, Santa Barbara

Storm in Santa Barbara, California

I’m off to Santa Barbara, California to learn a little more about the arts & culture there, something beyond the beach. Last time I was there it was during a huge storm, so I’m hoping for a little sunshine on this trip. Some of the things on my list to do are:

  • The Lark
  • Lotusland Tour
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art
  • The Hitching Post II
  • Whale Watching
  • Riding the Trolly
  • Lobero Theatre
  • El Presidio Neighborhood
  • Coastal Hiking
  • Stand Up Paddle boarding

Do you have any other suggestions for things to eat, see, or do in Santa Barbara? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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Responses to “Destination, Santa Barbara”

  1. You HAVE to visit the wharf and go shopping downtown. I love it.

  2. Linda Doll

    That sounds like such fun!! Are you taking the family along, going solo or just with Steve??? Hope you have great weather and discover some fun places! Love you!

  3. Wow, I love seeing my favorite blogs post about my hometown! Your list is pretty good, and you said youwere here before so on MY list there may be some stuff you already hit up, but it never hurts to check it out again!

    Shop – State Street is the best shopping area. There is a free shuttle that runs every 30 minutes from Paseo Nuevo (downtown mall) to the La Cumbre Plaza mall. On Sundays there is a morning-early afternoon open air art showcase and market right on the waterfront.
    See – Tour the Mission. Take the stairs up to the top of the Courthouse, great photo spot. Walk along the waterfront and stop by the wharf and the harbor, then take a nice walk along the breakwater. And of course, go to the beach! Carpinteria has Butterfly Beach and at the end of Cota Street is East Beach.
    Eat – The Shop on Cota and De La Guerra is an amazing brunch spot. Sambo’s on Cabrillo has a great breakfast. Harry’s on Upper State and Joe’s on Lower State have the best drinks, along with The Pickle Room on Canon Perdido. For dinner, try Olio E Limone and Nardonne’s for Italian, China Palace for Chinese, Edomasa for Japanese, and Los Agaves, Lito’s and Rudy’s for Mexican.
    Do – the Botanical Gardens is a great area for a quick hike. The Natural History Museum and the Historical Museum are lovely little spots for learning more about SB and California. Down at the beach there are places to rent fun bikes and surreys that are hilarious to ride around. The Funk Zone is full of wine and art, it’s easy to spend 3-4 hours walking around and wine tasting, and the Zoo is a fun treat for kids.

    I really hope you have another great trip here, and that my mini travel guide is of some help, haha!

  4. I don’t know anything about most all of those things so I’m eager to read more! I’ve only been in Santa Barbara for a few brief visits. I loved watching sunset from the Mission (the hills turned pink!) and some quiet beaches we visited south of the city. I want to go back and explore more!

  5. Eat brunch at Scarlett Begonia, get ice cream from McConnell’s, and walk Butterfly Beach.

  6. Shoot I wish I saw this before hand! I lived there for 3+ years! Your itinerary looks great, but I have to wonder if you visited The Sacred Space? It’s an amazing place just past Montecito!

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