THINGS TO DO
Sightsee!
Santa Barbara is known for being a laid-back beach town that blends it's historical Spanish influences, wine country, and new wave of art and food culture. You can experience some of these influences at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, which is a Franciscan mission that was built over 200 years ago. The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a beautiful example of Spanish-Moorish architecture that has been preserved for all to enjoy.
Santa Barbara is also home to great beaches, and some to check out are Butterfly Beach, Shoreline Park, and Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. Stearns Wharf is the quintessential tourist spot with great views, souvenir shops, and the best seafood in Santa Barbara at The Santa Barbara Shellfish Company!
Don't forget to check out State Street! Here you'll find loads of shopping, eating, and drinking.
Eat!
Whenever we visit Santa Barbara, we always look forward to what we're going to eat! There are a ton of good options in Santa Barbara, but below you'll find some of our favorites.
The Lark is the new school standard for dining in Santa Barbara that mixes local ingredients with traditional techniques. If you're looking for a good brunch spot, The Shop Kitchen serves comfort food in a building that was formerly an auto repair shop. If you've got a sweet tooth, then Helena Avenue Bakery and Crushcakes are going to be your go-to spots. Finally, if you want to get a little fancy, you can't go wrong with Bouchon.
Drink!
Because Santa Barbara is tucked in between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Coast, it is a great winemaking region. This is evidenced by the various tasting rooms and working wineries throughout the city. You can also participate in various wine tours.
If you wish to indulge in a different type of adult beverage, there are many bars and lounges in Santa Barbara's Funk Zone and State Street areas. They have a wide range of places to choose from, including the tiki bar themed Test Pilot, the music filled Red Piano, and the trendy cocktail lounge The Good Lion.