Travel and Things to do
Getting to Santa Barbara
United and American fly into Santa Barbara Airport. Most flights into SBA will have a connection but we highly recommend flying directly into Santa Barbara.
For those of you who want to take the scenic route, there are plenty of nonstop flights into LAX. Without traffic, LAX to Santa Barbara is a scenic hour and a half drive.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Santa Barbara.
Hike
Inspiration Point for panoramic views of city and ocean. Moderately difficult
San Ysidro Trail: Mostly shaded trail with a waterfall and views of the city and ocean. Moderately Difficult
Beach
Miramar Beach: This is our favorite spot to catch some rays. Need a cocktail? Walk up to the Rosewood Miramar Beach Bar for a drink and lunch.
Butterfly Beach: Directly across from the Four Season's Biltmore.
Hendry's Beach: Our favorite place to catch the sunset (it's the only beach that faces west in SB). Hendry's is off the beaten path and more of a local hangout.
Sights:
Santa Barbara Courthouse: One of Santa Barbara's most iconic buildings. Relax in the sunken gardens or climb to the top of the bell tower for views of the city.
Old Mission Santa Barbara: Get a glimpse of Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days at the Mission.
Lotusland: One of the best gardens in the world. Tours of the estate and gardens are Wednesday-Saturday at 10am and 1:30pm. Reservations needed. www.Lotusland.org
Golf
Sandpiper Golf Course: One of the best public courses in Santa Barbara with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. www.sandpipergolf.com
Breakfast
Jeanine's at the Shore: Right across from the beach and The Wharf. One of our favorite places for coffee, pastries, and breakfast. Located at 1 State Street
Goat Tree: Outdoor dining close to the funk zone and Hotel Californian. We love the avocado toast and the french toast.
Lunch
Miramar Beach Bar: Ocean front bites and cocktails overlooking one of our favorite beaches.
The Boathouse: You've probably seen our Instagram posts from The Boathouse. Oceanfront dining at our favorite beach in Santa Barbara. We love soaking up the sun on their patio with a blood orange margarita.
The Honor Bar: The best chicken sandwich and people watching in Montecito
Los Agaves: This is usually our first stop in Santa Barbara for fast and casual dinner. We love the fajitas and the chile relleno burrito.
Corazon Cocina: Our favorite Mexican restaurant, great for a quick lunch. We recommend the Sal de Mar civiche, al pastor tacos, and shrimp tacos.
La Super Rica: A Santa Barbara staple. This run down little taco shack is cash only and will usually have a line out the door.
Dinner
The Lark: One of our favorite dinner spots in the Funk Zone. They always have a great seasonal menu. The brussels sprouts are to die for.
Loquita: Farm to table Spanish tapas with a great patio.
Lucky's: A Santa Barbara staple. Steak, seafood, and martini's with a touch of old Hollywood glamour.
El Encanto: Perfectly perched in the Riviera. El Encanto overlooks the city and ocean. The perfect spot to sip on a glass of wine and catch a sunset.
McConnell's Ice Cream: The best ice cream in town! Try the salted cookies and cream or Santa Barbara strawberry.
Oceanfront Drinks
*The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach: The best place to grab a drink and watch the sunset.
*Miramar Beach Bar: Overlooking Miramar beach at the Rosewood hotel.
Wine Tasting
The Funk Zone: Santa Barbara's growing art community filled with tasting rooms, breweries, restaurants, and boutiques. Also the largest part of the Urban Wine Trail.
*Kunin: Try some of the Rhone wines that Santa Barbara is so well known for.
*Municipal Winemakers: A fun up-cycled dive center converted into a tasting room. Fun fact: Sam took swimming lessons at this dive center, which would explain why she's such a bad swimmer.
*Figueroa Mountain Brewey: Fun taproom with live music on the weekends. Pro tip: If you need some pizza with your beer call Lucky Penny Pizza and they'll deliver to the brewery.
*Test pilot: The Funk Zone's version of a tiki bar
*Au Bon Climat: Highly recommend all wine connoisseurs making a stop here. Known for their pinot noir's.