Guide to Santa Barbara

I spent five days in Santa Barbara a little while back, and I feel like I made it to see quite a few places, especially ones that were local to Santa Barbara. I loved all of your suggestions, and I’m really impressed with the general sense of community I felt while in Santa Barbara. I’m sharing everything I did in this huge Guide to Santa Barbara, and to be honest I enjoyed every single activity, though I did have some obvious favorites.

Eat

The Lark
Every bit of food here is artisanal, seasonal, and local.
131 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Finch & Fork
Hand crafted cocktails and American comfort food.
31 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Isabella Gourmet Foods
A boutique artisan grocery steps away from State Street.
5 East Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

The Hitching Post II
Featured in the movie Sideways, and according to Sunset Magazine, the World’s best BBQ.
406 East Highway 246, Buellton, California 93427 (www)

On The Alley
Simple, honest food. Had a great breakfast burrito.
117 Harbor Way Santa Barbara, California 93109(www)

Cielito
Mexican eatery features local, seasonal cuisine, a raw bar & cocktails in a chic, airy venue.
1114 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Hungry Cat
Sustainable local fish & shellfish, a raw seafood bar, cocktails. The hamburger I had was beyond dreamy, try it.
1134 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Drink
Santa Barbara loves it’s wine culture, and there are plenty of places to stop in for a taste.

Grassini Family Vineyards
El Paseo, Suite 6, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Wine Collective
131 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Terravaunt
35 Industrial Way, Buellton, California 93427 (www)

Margerum Wine
813 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Jamie Slone Wines
23 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Happy Canyon Wine
30 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

See
Santa Barbara Courthouse
Grab some lunch and enjoy it on the lawn.
1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Butterfly Beach
Dog friendly and perfect for watching the sunset.
Butterfly Beach Montecito, California 93108 (www)

El Presidio Neighborhood
A neighborhood full of locally owned shops and eateries.
Anacapa Street & De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101(www)

Santa Barbara Public Market
Everything in the way of handcrafted, regionally sourced and sustainably made food and wine.
38 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

The Funk Zone
An artsy, funky neighborhood. Has a busy nightlife.
Anacapa Street and Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

State Street Shopping
I fell in love with the k.frank store here, so much goodness!
State St Santa Barbara, California 93101(www)

Do
Lotusland
One of my favorite stops, full of botanical wonder.
Cold Springs Rd, Montecito, California 93108 (www)

Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Go on a docent-led tour to optimize your experience.
1130 State St, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Whale Watching with Condor Express
Even if you don’t see many whales, the dolphins are a lot of fun.
301 West Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara Harbor, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Santa Barbara Fitness Tours
Rent a Stand Up Paddleboard and have a blast.
Stand on West Beach near Wharf, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Casa Del Herrero
Beautiful Spanish / Moorish inspired estate and gardens.
1387 E Valley Rd, Montecito, CA 93108 (www)

Lobero Theatre
California’s oldest, continuously-operating theater founded by José Lobero in 1873. 
33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (www)

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
Teen Paranormal Romance is the current exhibit and is worth a view if you are in the area.
Paseo Nuevo, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (www)

Stay

Canary Hotel
I stayed here and absolutely loved it’s uniqueness and ties to the city.
31 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (www)

Four Seasons Biltmore
Stopped in for a quick bite before watching the sun set at Butterfly Beach. Food and service were perfect.
1260 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (www)

Bacara Resort and Spa
Enjoyed brunch and the Chumash nature walk here. Food and walk were a wonderful balance.
8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117 (www)

This trip to Santa Barbara, including this activity were part of an invitation I received from Visit Santa Barbara to learn more about the arts and culture in Santa Barbara. While this trip, and post were sponsored, all words and photos are my own.

Do you have any favorite places to add in Santa Barbara?