This is an absolutely beautiful beach. The waves are smooth and the costal views are mesmerizing! There's also a tasty restaurant right at the shore. Sadly, this beach is not dog-friendly.
Dog-friendly beach for anyone traveling with their pups (or just wants to watch dogs frolic). Maple has spent many hours splashing around here. There are separate on-leash and off-leash sections of the beach.
This is Santa Barbara's main street, with movie theatres, shopping, and plenty of tasty restaurants. As of COVID, they blocked off sections of the street for pedestrians to roam freely. Make sure to check out Antique Alley, they have so many fun things!
This is a newer part of Downtown Santa Barbara. Experience wine tasting, thrift shopping, eclectic restaurants, and more in this area. The Lark (where Madeleine and Thomas celebrated their 6th anniversary) and Lucky Penny are favorites.
Got a thirst for adventure? Set sail and embark on a whale-watching adventure, take a sailing lesson, or relax with a sunset "Sip at Sea" cruise.
No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a visit to McConnell's. This is the ORIGINAL McConnell's Ice Cream location. Grab a scoop and soak in the summer heat on the front patio. Thomas's favorite flavor is Sweet Cream Carmel Brownie and Madeleine's favorite flavor is Salted Carmel Chip, they meet in the middle with Santa Barbara Strawberry though.
Explore Santa Barbara's beautiful natural scenery. There are great interactive exhibits for kids and plenty of nature photo opps. Plus the awesome gift shop is a MUST for local products. Dog friendly.
Wonderful privately-owned bookstore for anyone looking to support a local business and grab a beach read!
Exceptional Italian food is the thing at this locals-only hot spot. Thomas and Madeleine always try to taste a different pasta each time they dine here. The bruschetta is super yummy! Check out their new sister wine bar, Enoteca, located next door.
No trip to Santa Barbara would be complete without a visit to Brophy's! This popular seafood restaurant boasts some of the best clam chowder in town and is located in the main harbor. Come for the fresh seafood and stay for the wonderful ocean views and sea-salt breezes.
Delicious Southeast-Asian food is the draw at this hip downtown restaurant. It was even featured in the 2024 Michelin Guide! Be sure to make a reservation, as this hot spot books up quickly. Recommended dishes are the Signature Wings, Crispy Rice Salad, and the Hot Chicken Bao.
If you're a Tiki bar fan, these tasty tropical cocktails and mocktails at this cozy spot will be sure to satisfy. The Buccaneer and Zombie are favorites, as are the Purple Mai Tai and the boozy slushies (there are N/A options too)! The bar is located in the Funk Zone, so there's lots to taste and explore.
Julia Child's favorite spot to eat at in Santa Barbara. This hole-in-the-wall taco spot is known for its cheese-filled creations, reasonable prices, and long lines (it's worth it!!). The Chile Pasilla is especially delicious!
Every Sunday, Santa Barbara makers and artisans gather along the coastline to sell their art. Beautiful pottery, paintings, jewelry, postcards, clothes, anything you could think of are for sale at this art walk. The event is free to attend and extends several blocks on E. Cabrillo Blvd, parallel to the ocean.
Catch a movie under the stars (indoors!) at this magical theatre. This is also the site of the Santa Barbara Film Festival!
If you are traveling with kids, this is a great museum for children of all ages. The exhibits are interactive and educational. Be sure to checkout the roof for a beautiful 360 view of SB!
Madeleine loves stopping at this special place on the drive up to Santa Barbara. Be sure to check out the Zen garden.
Wine taste in Santa Ynez, explore the "Danish" town of Solvang, check out the art scene in Ojai (try the strawberry shortcake at Boccali's!), and lay on the beach in Ventura. There are so many wonderful experiences to be had in Santa Barbara's neighboring cities! Most of these adventures, however, do require a car.