Santa Barbara is nicknamed the “American Riviera.” But, to us, it might as well be the “only” riviera because as Californians, we’re biased and we love it more than any other riviera out there. We’re stuck on Santa Barbara because it’s everything you see on a California postcard but IRL—sun-kissed surfers, stunning hikes, world-class wine, local artisans, and lots of good food.
Why Downtown Santa Barbara?
Yes, State Street can be weirdly transient and a college town in certain blocks, but overall we love downtown Santa Barbara because it’s steps from the beach, very walkable, and has tons to do.
It’s almost always a good time to visit Santa Barbara, but we prefer the Spring through Fall when the water is warm enough to surf without a full wetsuit and the snowbirds haven’t yet arrived.
Whether you stop over a few days to totally get away or just have one day, it’s magical all the same. Here are the places to visit and things to do in Santa Barbara that have the Salt & Wind thumbs up!
Where to Stay Santa Barbara
Classic Luxe: Four Seasons Biltmore
The grand dame of Santa Barbara hotels is one of the most classic hotel properties in California. It’s located just south of downtown Montecito just along Butterfly Beach.
The sprawling property is California classic in every way — tennis courts, California Spanish tiles, and lots and lots of palm trees. If you don’t stay there, go for a sunset drink!
Contemporary Chic: Belmond El Encanto
If you want to get away from the mix of it all, head to El Encanto. The property is tucked in a residential neighborhood more or less behind the Santa Barbara Mission gardens, but it’s still just a few minutes from downtown.
They have some of the best views in Santa Barbara, a serene pool, and adorable cottages, making it feel like a total refuge. And, if you can’t stay there, stop by for brunch or take your mother for tea time!
Boutique Vibes: Canary Hotel
The only problem with Santa Barbara is that the lodging can get pricey, which is why I like that the Canary Hotel is such a good value. It’s located right downtown, has Finch & Fork bar (see below) downstairs, and has a rooftop view that’s worth the visit alone!
What to Watch
- Sideways – this is the film that put Central Coast wines on the map and it’s still as good as ever
Where to Eat
Healthy Vibes: Backyard Bowls
We first heard about these guys when they opened a branch of their Santa Barbara acai bowl joint in our Los Angeles neighborhood. The crew in Los Angeles is so friendly and the bowls are so fresh that we wanted to check the original.
It’s smaller and less design-driven than the Los Angeles store, but the acai bowls and smoothies are every bit as good.
Fast Tacos: Lily’s Tacos
Just off State Street is Lily’s Tacos, which is repeatedly ranked as one of the best taquerias in town. There’s usually a line out the door, but they have super fast service, and it’s very much worth the (not very long) wait.
The lengua tacos are on point, and the steamed maciza tacos (seasoned with warm spices) are some of our favorites.
Classic Mexican: La Super Rica
This is a reputation preceding its situation because La Super Rica was Julia Child’s favorite Santa Barbara taco shop, and word has gotten out.
The lines are always long, and they only take cash, but the greasy Mexican food is worth it — especially the Rajas, tacos de Adobado, and the Super Rica special.
Creative Bites: Blue Owl
This little Asian-inspired cafe is tucked right off State Street; every time we’ve gone, there’s been a wait. It’s comfort food with an Asian twist and our favorites have been the Wake n Bacon sandwich, the Red Curry Shrimp Roll, and the Banh Mi.
Chic: The Lark
Ask anyone where to eat in Santa Barbara, and they’ll most likely name The Lark, one of its sister places, the casual spot Lucky Penny, or the tapas joint Loquita. The Lark is built in homage to The Lark train, which passed through Santa Barbara back in the day, and has decor elements highlighting that history.
Some of our last meal’s top bites were the Grilled Hanger Steak, the Southern Pimento Cheese, and the Hamachi Crudo.
Classic Cali: Barbareno
Every single plate at Barbareno pays homage to Santa Barbara and California’s history. From local ingredients like avocados, quail, and figs to dishes like the Eggamuffin (their upscale twist on the Mc Muffin, which was invented in SB btw), the Oak Tagliatelle, and the Ranchero Scotch Eggs, everything they do has a nod to Central Coast cuisine.
Eclectic: Sama Sama Kitchen
Our favorite thing about State Street is that just when you’ve written it off for seeming too much like an outdoor mall, it has something totally unique like Sama Sama Kitchen. This Southeast Asian restaurant is from the crew at Shelter Social Club, who we have a total crush on.
They’ve worked to restore old hotels and just generally raise the hospitality bar in Central California, and Sama Sama is no exception. The minimal decor and laidback service mean all the focus is on the food and drink.
Where to Drink
Creative Cocktails: Test Pilot
Most people will tell you to head to the Funk Zone for wine tasting, and you should definitely do that. Also, make sure you save time for a tiki drink or two at the straight-outta-1960s-Hawaii joint, the recently opened tiki bar, Test Pilot.
Local Brew: Figueroa Mountain Brewing
We’re not gonna lie: the scene can get a bit frat-y here later in the night so do the last call elsewhere. Despite that, Fig is worth stopping by if you like good beer, especially if you can’t make it to their original location in Santa Ynez Valley.
Wine Education: Santa Barbara Wine Collective
Just as the name implies, this is a wine-tasting room that features 5 local wineries, including the classics Babcock and Fess Parker and the much-talked-about newer winery, Sandhi.
Coffee: Handlebar Coffee Roasters
This local roaster makes some seriously good espresso drinks and is a favorite among the locals (the place has been swarming with cyclists and early-morning joggers every time we’ve been).
What To Do
Channel Island Outfitters
As a beginner surfer, I love how friendly the waves are in Santa Barbara. And, if you’re a total novice, the guys at Channel Island Outfitters will take you out and get you in the water without having you spend too much time training. They also do kayak excursions out to the Channel Islands if you have time to do a day trip.
Cold Spring Creek Hike
If hiking is your thing, then Santa Barbara is your place because there are every type of hike, from waterfalls to canyons to beachside. If you have a car, head up to Cold Spring Creek, just up the hill from downtown. There are a lot of different ways to do the hike, from easy to strenuous, and on a clear day the summit provides a view of the whole city.
Make Sure To…
- Do some wine tasting in The Funk Zone
- Spend a morning in the water at The Harbor
- Visit the historic Santa Barbara Mission
- Spend an afternoon doing the Taco Trail
Day Trips
Santa Barbara’s central location in California means you can get anywhere pretty quickly. Here are a few easy day trips that we highly recommend:
- Go wine tasting In Santa Ynez
- Check out the eclectic town of Los Alamos
- Try some California BBQ
- Road trip up the historic California Highway 1
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Last updated February 2023