Fil & Jess
Explore California
Where To Eat
THE FUNK ZONE Filled with amazing breweries, wine tasting rooms, tri-tip sandwiches and more! Don't miss our favorites: Shalhoobs, Topa Topa, Llama Dog, and Corks & Crowns. STEARNS WHARF | SB HARBOR The Deep Sea Family Tasting Room on Stearn's Wharf is our go-to spot to start a Friday evening. There's nothing better than having a bottle of wine with 360 degree views of SB. If you'd rather a Mai Tai and seafood, stroll over to the Harbor (you can even walk out on the jetty!). MEXICAN FOOD If you do only one thing this trip, please get Mexican food. Feeling traditional? Try Mony's in the Funk Zone (delicious & authentic) or Los Agaves (multiple locations, thank God). Feeling festive? Snag a sidewalk table at Santo Mezcal on State St. (Reese Witherspoon loves it here!) or La Playa Azul Cafe off State St. (for the strongest margs). Guacamole truly is free! check the link for a map of our recommendations ↓↓↓
Things To Do
THE FUNK ZONE If the name alone isn't enough to get you here, think "wine tasting room along an art gallery inside a brewery with a full kitchen." Yes, in the Funk Zone you really CAN have it all. Some of our favorite sandwiches, brews and bottles are nested between these patios and warehouses. STEARNS WHARF | SB HARBOR If the sea is calling you (Ivo), you can rent a boat at the SB Harbor or walk along the jetty. On the Wharf, you can stroll to the end of the pier to get a glimpse of seals and whales and dolphins (oh my!) or even visit the SB Sea Center. DOWNTOWN (STATE STREET) Start at Upper State and stroll towards the ocean, taking in the local shops, cafes and art galleries until you reach Stearn's Wharf. Walking in either direction along the beach, you have plenty of places to unfurl a towel and enjoy a true West Coast sunset. You can also rent electric bikes or buggies at the various WheelFunRentals locations!! check the link for a map of our recommendations ↓↓↓
Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley
You don't have to drive 6 hours to Napa to enjoy California's best wines. Luckily, the Santa Ynez Valley, just 40 minutes north of Santa Barbara, has dozens of wineries and is known for several different varieties. We recommend the Demetria Estate, Stolpman, Sunstone, Fess Parker, and Roblar wineries if you're having trouble deciding.
Double Dolphin Cruises
Have an open afternoon and need something to do? We HIGHLY recommend the Double Dolphin cruises to get your fill of vino, coastlines and, of course, dolphins! There are afternoon whale watching tours as well as sunset cruises, and tickets can typically be reserved the week of!
Solvang
Solvang is an adorable Danish village just 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara. Take in Pacific views as you head north on 101 and get a taste of central coast wine country on a quick day-trip. If the timing is right, you may make it here for Solvang's Danish Days or Wine Walk!
Pismo Beach Sand Dunes
Pismo Beach is about 1.5 hours north of Santa Barbara. It has its own downtown, hotels and beaches. We recommend renting ATVs and driving through the Oceano (Sand) Dunes - helmets and safety guidelines should be included in the rental package. You may even see Killer Whales off the coast!
Santa Catalina Island
Are bonito fish big? Well Dale, they're what's called a trophy fish and if you take a day trip out to the Catalina Islands you might just see one. If you're looking to recreate the Catalina Wine Mixer, you can catch ferries from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach. Island activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, and shopping. So much room for activities!
Laguna Beach
Head down to one of top beach towns in Southern California for a relaxing weekend of sun, surfing and shopping. Laguna Beach is a true gem and is as close to Los Angeles as Jess will go. Laguna has great restaurants, awesome clothing and home decor shops, and the water is even warm enough to swim in. PLEASE NOTE: If you go here, we require that you grab a quick bite to eat at Taco Loco and send us a picture!
Big Sur
If you're looking for adventure, head up Highway 1 and take in the views of Big Sur. Check out Morro Bay (approx. 2 hours from SB), park along the beach and watch the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas (approx. 2.5 hours from SB), or drive all the way up to Monterey (approx. 5.5 hours from SB). Note that you can get to Monterey in about 4 hours if you take 101 north through the valley.
San Diego
Did you know that San Diego is only 4 hours south of Santa Barbara!? It's totally worth powering through LA traffic to get to California's sunniest city. Stop in La Jolla for gorgeous beach views or travel back in time at the San Diego Mission. Spend a day at Jess' favorite place there - the San Diego Zoo - or Fil's favorite - Petco Park/the craft breweries right next door. Have dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter or shop at Seaport Village. Bonus points if you pit-stop in San Clemente for craft beers and seafood! If we haven't convinced you yet, TACOS! You can't go wrong with Mexican food here.
Palm Springs + Joshua Tree National Park
Need to unwind after the wedding? 2 hours west of LA is the desert getaway of Palm Springs. Pamper yourself in one of the many spas in Palm Springs or grab your backpack and visit nearby Joshua Tree National Park. In the park, you're guaranteed to see flora, fauna, and a starry night sky; none of which are available here in Manhattan.