Things To Do
Inspiration Point
Hike to Inspiration Point for the kind of breathtaking natural encounter that will clear your mind. There are two ways to get to Inspiration Point, a beautiful outlook overlooking Santa Barbara’s coastline and the Channel Islands in the distance. The shorter option starts at Tunnel Trail, and will make for about a 3.5-mile hike roundtrip. It starts on an easy paved road for about a mile but then makes its way to a trail that is steep in parts. The other option is starting at Jesusita Trail, which is also steep in parts and stretches about 7 miles.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
If you’re the type of person who finds peace in nature, the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden should be on your itinerary. This garden, which focuses on California native plants, is unlike any we’ve been to before. Even the Redwood Section, where redwood trees were planted beginning in 1930, looks as though the trees are organically growing there. Throughout the mile-long walkway, there are plenty of spots for visitors to sit and reflect.
Stearns Wharf
If you’re looking for fresh seafood, head to Stearns Wharf in the early morning hours to wait for the fishing boats to unload their catch. You can buy straight from the boats and take your fish home with you on ice—it’s cheaper, fresher and way more fun. Although the pier (home to California’s oldest working wharf) offers wine tasting, a touch aquarium for kids and lots of shopping and dining options, avoid it after mid-morning—it tends to become a bit of a tourist trap as the day goes on.
La Super-Rica Taqueria
You can credit Julia Child’s endorsement and a Katy Perry shout-out for turning a tiny corner taqueria into a foodie frenzy. But we’d rather let the tortillas and cuts of grilled meat at La Super-Rica Taqueria do the talking. The tacos—any of them, really—are the main attraction, and you can dress up your dish with full-plate specials like a cheese-stuffed pasilla chile. Go as early as possible on a weekday (not that it’s closed on Wednesdays), if possible, to avoid the lines and secure a plastic chair on the covered patio.
Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
You could eat a lean, healthy breakfast at Jeannine’s Restaurant and Bakery, but why bother when there’s banana Kahlua French toast on the menu? The dessert-for-breakfast dish ranks among the most decadent on the morning menu, with more traditional café sandwiches for lunch as well as all-day pastries. You’ll find three locations in the area; consider trekking out of town for the cottage-like Montecito location’s fashionable patio.
San Ysidro Ranch
Enjoy dinner or brunch at one of the most iconic properties, San Ysidro Ranch Make sure to make a reservation well in advance. Located in a 19th-century citrus packing house, the Stonehouse Restaurant features a relaxing lounge with full bar service and a separate dining room with a crackling fireplace and creek side views. Chef Matthew Johnson evocative regional cuisine is prepared with a palate of herbs and vegetables harvested from the Ranch’s organic chef’s garden.
The Funk Zone
Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone has become a favorite in recent years. Over the past few decades, this district, which spans the area between the ocean and Highway 101 and is adjacent to the Amtrak station, has enjoyed an upswell of boutique tasting rooms, cafes, galleries, and shops that cater to Santa Barbara’s contemporary side. Converted warehouses and buildings decorated with graffiti murals and contemporary art pieces set the tone for this hopping section of town. Visit art galleries; shop vintage and modern home and enjoy a five-star dinner at The Lark. Walk the largest part of the Urban Wine Trail — a self-guided trail of 20+ tasting rooms representing Santa Barbara County wines — Tantalize your taste buds with an Eat This, Shoot That! food and photo tour through the neighborhood for bites of artisanal eats at Lucky Penny, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., tastes of Riverbench wines, and sips from Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, the city’s first distillery since Prohibition.
Sandpiper Golf Club
An Inspiring combination of challenge and beauty as championship golf brings you to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. With breathtaking ocean and mountain views from every hole, Sandpiper is truly a memorable experience. The championship golf course at Sandpiper has been rated by Golf Digest in the top twenty-five public golf courses in California and top 100 public courses in the Country. It was designed by William F. Bell and opened in 1972 featuring beautiful rolling fairways and challenging greens in a seaside links style layout. Sandpiper's dynamic design attracts players of all skill levels including players of the highest caliber.
Rosewood Miramar Beach
Fantastic venue for beach side cocktails or lunch with a side of shuffleboard at the gorgeous Rosewood Mirimar Cabana Bar or Beach Bar. Do not have to be a guest to enjoy theses spots. They have multiple dining options for dinner as well.
Test Pilot
A Tiki Inspired Neighborhood Bar-- Amazing cocktails, almost too pretty to drink! Live music on most weekends
The Red Piano
The Red Piano is an intimate live music venue in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara, California.
Loquita Santa Barbara
A favorite for Spanish bites. Downtown SB Loquita showcases authentic Spanish food including hot and cold tapas, wood-fired grilled seafood and meats, and seasonal paella. The Mediterranean climate and terroir of Santa Barbara County mirror that of Spain, making the translation of locally sourced produce, meats and seafood an ideal match. The wine list is comprised almost entirely of Spanish wines with exceptional local wines that pair well with the cuisine.Loquita’s cocktail list showcases Spanish vermouths, farmers’ market Sangria, hand-crafted cocktails and a rotating selection of Spain’s king of cocktails, the Gin Tonic.
Padaro Beach Grill
This casual, friendly spot is located on Santa Claus Lane, overlooking the famous Santa Claus beach! Where Food And Paradise Collide: Welcome to Padaro Beach Grill. Great food, spectacular views, friendly service and a family-style atmosphere make Padaro Beach Grill the perfect place to dine. Eat inside our restaurant or outside on the lush lawn. Explore the grounds, or enjoy a drink by the fire as the sun sets. There's something for everyone. So come on by and eat, relax, play and enjoy the perfect blend of food and paradise