Things To Do
The Funk Zone
The Funk Zone is an area of downtown Santa Barbara featuring a number of restaurants, bars, and shops. Some of our favorite spots include, Helena St. Bakery, Shalhoob's, Santo Mezcal, Llama Dog, and Loquita. You can also rent bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals and bike along the boardwalk.
Stearns Wharf
Take a walk along the pier to get a 360 view of Santa Barbara. Check out Deep Sea Winery for a glass of wine on the rooftop overlooking the water, or Santa Barbara Shellfish Company for the city's best seafood.
Beaches
- East Beach and Leadbetter Beach - accessible from downtown Santa Barbara - Butterfly Beach in Montecito - our favorite spot and perfect for long walks - Hendrys Beach - if you end up here check out the Boathouse for brunch/lunch
Hikes
- Cold Spring Loop: 2.1 mile loop, ~1hr 20 mins - Hot Springs Canyon Trail: 2.6 mile out-and-back, ~1-2hrs - Rattlesnake Canyon Trail: 4.9 mile out-and-back, ~2.5-3hrs - Inspiration Point Trail: 3.5 mile out-and-back, ~2hrs
The Old Mission and Rose Gardens
For history buffs, the Santa Barbara Mission is worth visiting. Built in 1786, and often called the "Queen of the Missions," it was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions established in California. The mission played a role in the Spanish colonization process by serving as a religious and cultural center, aiming to convert the local Chumash people to Christianity. The Mission is considered a significant engineering achievement of the combined efforts of Indian, Spanish, and Mexican artisans. The grounds also contain a historical museum, a cemetery, and beautiful gardens.
Cold Spring Tavern
If you're looking for a place to stop for lunch between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez, consider stopping by Cold Spring Tavern - a hidden historic gem tucked away in the San Marcos Pass serving Tri-Tip sandwiches and other American fare.