Santa Barbara’s nickname as “The American Riviera” isn’t just marketing speak. This coastal town truly embodies Mediterranean elegance with a decidedly California vibe. The red-tiled roofs of its Spanish Colonial architecture and pristine beaches that stretch along the coastline make for scenes worthy of a postcard, but it’s the world-class wines, innovative farm-to-table cuisine, and quirky creative community that keep this city in a constant state of evolution. Here’s exactly where to explore on your Central Coast adventure.
Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Where to Eat
Montecito was once a sleepier part of town that was relegated to the ultra-wealthy, but the food scene has really taken off in the last couple of years. Exhibit A is Alma Fonda Fina, where chef Ramón Velazquez is reimagining Baja cuisine with fresh Santa Barbara seafood and organic produce. It’s right next door to the fan favorite wood-fired pizza spot Bettina, a must for any fan of good dough. And the latest outpost of East Coast seafood spot Clark’s Oyster Bar features lobster rolls, California spot prawns, and the most perfect moules frites—all in a design-forward space by legendary architect Jeff Shelton. You don’t want to miss throwing back a Montecito oyster topped with Santa Barbara uni and kaluga caviar. And while there’s a whole lot of newness in the area, it’s hard to compete with Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch. Set within a 19th-century citrus packing house, this historic restaurant serves regional New American cuisine prepared with herbs and vegetables from the resort’s own chef’s garden, and has one of the most extensive wine programs in the world.
There’s also some incredibly diverse food on offer on State Street, including the edgy Indian fare at Bibi Ji and Sama Sama, where chef Ryan Simorangkir’s Indonesian-inspired menu features everything from sizzling satays to aromatic curries. Brand spankin’ new to the downtown scene is Dom’s Taverna, where bold Basque-inspired fare is prepared in an imported Josper oven delivered straight from Barcelona.
Other standouts throughout the city include Tamar, which serves exceptional shawarma and falafel in the Funk Zone and Lokum, which makes their own Turkish delights and sweets. Loquita and The Lark are mainstays for good reason, worth a standing reservation upon each return. And for breakfast, don’t miss Alessia Patisserie for immaculately prepared French pastries and Viennoiserie. And as far as caffeination goes, you’ll want to stop in at Dart Coffee Co. or Handlebar Coffee for expertly crafted roasts.
Photo by Santa Barbara Adventure Company, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
What to Do
If you don’t at least do one beach day, you’re doing it all wrong. Refugio State Beach provides classic California beach camping, while Arroyo Burro is the perfect spot to bring your doggo (they even have groomer-level rinse stations for sandy paws.) For the ultimate surf, head to Rincon Beach Park just north of the county line, one of California’s most famous surf breaks, or relax at the exclusive Barbara Beach Club for a more refined beach experience.
Another great way to get a glimpse of the coastal cowgirl lifestyle is on horseback. Los Padres Outfitters offers an unforgettable 90-minute beach and trail ride through the foothills of Montecito and Summerland guided by knowledgeable wranglers with well-trained horses.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town on the first Thursday of the month, stroll through the ARTS District Santa Barbara art walk. Or if the gallery scene is more your speed, stop into the Santa Barbara Museum of Art which is near some really great boutiques for window shopping.
Visit Santa Barbara
Over in the Funk Zone, you can create your own signature scent at Candle Bar 111, where 45-minute hands-on workshops let you choose a vessel, blend custom fragrances, and pour your own candle. While the wax sets, explore the countless shops, vintage stores, and restaurants that the area has become known for.
If you’re after some R&R, Float Luxury Spa provides the ultimate relaxation experience with treatment rooms named after floating elements and a secret, soothing garden. Or enjoy a leisurely browse through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Established in 1926 as America’s first native plant-focused botanic garden, it showcases over 1,000 California plant species across 78 acres of Mission Canyon foothills.
For surf culture enthusiasts, Channel Islands Surfboards is an essential stop. The company, founded by Al Merrick, has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and technology, resulting in boards that are ridden by champions and sought after by surfers worldwide.
For farmers market junkies, the Saturday morning Santa Barbara Farmers Market market is truly elite, stacking up to the level of Santa Monica’s in terms of scope and offerings.
San Ysidro Ranch
Where to Stay
Time slows while cruising down the lavender-lined driveway at San Ysidro Ranch, a California cottage-core hideaway that’s been frequented by the likes of celebrities like President John and First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Groucho Marx. Staying at “The Ranch” is truly a top tier experience, from the impeccably groomed gardens to the thoughtfully decorated cottages to the five star service and painstaking attention to the details, it’s easy to see why this legendary retreat is at the top of every luxury traveler’s bucket list.
Palihouse and Rosewood Miramar Beach also provide luxury accommodation options, each offering their own interpretation of Santa Barbara’s sophisticated coastal lifestyle. And the Hotel Californian provides easy access to the up-and-very-much-there Funk Zone neighborhood, which is packed with great spots to eat, drink, and shop.
Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours
Where to Drink
The Good Lion has a weekly rotating menu of cocktails that showcase seasonal fruits, herbs, and produce from the region’s best purveyors, complemented by California craft beers and local natural wines.
Inevitably you’ll end up tasting wine while on the Central Coast, as one should, and a must-visit is the OG of the region’s winemaking community, Au Bon Climat. Located in the historic Presidio neighborhood, the tasting room honors the legacy of late founder Jim Clendenen, who helped establish Santa Barbara County’s wine reputation with his Burgundian style wines.
Sit on the patio and soak up the sunshine while doing a tasting at Margerum Wine Co. in the Funk Zone, a small-production winery that produced wines for President Barack Obama’s White House State Dinner. Their popular Riviera Rosé is a fan favorite, but don’t sleep on their housemade amaros and vermouth.
If you’re lucky enough to stay at The Ranch, don’t miss out on a private tasting with the ridiculously talented sommeliers at the Ty Warner Wine Collective, an excellent way to further your wine education or just try something new. Their tasting specifically focused on a breadth of dynamic Central Coast wines will have you wanting to book your next trip.