Things To Do
The Funk Zone, Downtown Santa Barbara
Check out one of Santa Barbara's most vibrant and evolving neighborhoods! This is one of our favorite areas to go wine tasting because of the mix of great wines, beautiful art and culture. With over 15 wineries and wine tasting rooms, breweries serving craft beers, innovative restaurants, art, and shops you could spend an entire day in this area. Some of our favorites tasting rooms are Melville, Riverbench, Deep Sea Tasting Room, Margerum and State & Mason. If you don't feel like leaving the Bacara, they have a wine tasting room on-site where you can try various wines from the region as well!
Shop & Eat Your Way around Downtown Santa Barbara
The main shopping street in Santa Barbara is Union Street and State Street, both running all the way to Stearns Wharf. It has a Mediterranean feel, with Spanish Colonial buildings with red tiled roofs, white stucco walls, enchanting courtyards and lush landscaping. This palm lined street has a wonderful selection of restaurants, boutiques, galleries and wine tasting rooms. Our Favorite Restaurants: Loquita - Spanish Tapas The Lark - California Costal Lucky Penny - Casual Pizza Santo Mezcal - Mexican (great skinny spicy margs!) Barbareno - Farm-to-Table Freshness The Boathouse at Hendry's Beach - Incredible Seafood, no reservations Helena Ave Bakery - Cutest Cafe
Santa Barbara Trolley Tour
Trolley tours are the best way to see Santa Barbara. One fare takes you to special spots throughout Santa Barbara such as Stearns Wharf, East Beach, the Santa Barbara Zoo and the Harbor! 90 minute tours run from the Visitor Center located at 1 Garden Street at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Check our Hours for tour dates and times!
Santa Barbara City Bike Tours
See Santa Barbara from a city, electric, or mountain bike! You will meet up with your Santa Barbara Bike Tour guide and see Santa Barbara’s beauty on a 2-hour casual ride. When you arrive you will pick your choice of beach cruisers, hybrid bikes, and hardtail mountain bikes. This leisurely bike tour can vary but is typically coastal with some inland stops at some of Santa Barbara’s famous landmarks and views. Furthermore, our Santa Barbara Bike Tour guides each provide their own fascinating insights into Santa Barbara’s history, claims to fame, and hidden gems that they will be excited to share with you!
Condor Express Whale Watching
Enjoy an afternoon on the Pacific Ocean chasing whales and dolphins on a beautiful Catamaran with one of the many whale-watching tours. They have a fully galley with breakfast and lunch options as well as a complete bar and a DJ or live band!
Lizards Mouth Rock
Take in the natural beauty of the California Coast and hike a short distance to the "Lizard's Mouth" for breath-taking views of the Santa Barbara coastline and surrounding area. This is a 0.5 mile out and back trail with essentially no elevation gain perfect for the whole family. You can also hike the numerous trails in the surrounding Los Padres National Forrest for more adventure.
Santa Ynez Wine Country
Take a day trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, just a short 45 minute drive from the venue. With over 120 (mostly boutique) wineries in the region, the Central Coast is one of our favorite wine regions! Check out Melville, Babcock, Brick Barn, Roblar, Brave & Maiden or The Hilt. Our favorite restaurants are Bar La Cote, Bell's and SY Kitchen in this area. Downtown Solvang offers over 20 wine tasting room within walking distance of shopping and restaurants as well.
Sandpiper Golf CLub
Book a tee time at Sandpiper Golf Club, an inspiring combination of beauty and challenge. With breathtaking ocean and mountain views from every hole, it's a very memorable experience!
Lotusland
Touted as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, Lotusland spans 37 acres along the hillside of Montecito. Join for Tai Chi, Yoga, Meditation or Twilight Hour. Must book reservations in advance. Who knows, maybe you'll bump into Oprah or Harry & Megan!