Shannon & Manish
Things To Do
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. Surfboard shapers, winemakers and up-and-coming chefs all practice their crafts here.
The Santa Barbara Zoo
One of the most charming zoos in all of America! Make your reservation early: https://reservations.sbzoo.org/Info.aspx?EventID=3
Santa Ynez Valley and Los Olivos Wine Tasting Tour
Take a note from the movie Sideways and head out to the San Ynez Valley, Los Olivos and Solvang for a day of wine tasting. Be sure to make a reservation if possible but there are so many wineries you can't go wrong! https://winecountrygetaways.com/wine-regions/santa-barbara/the-sideways-wine-trail/
Cold Spring Tavern + Hike
A former stagecoach shop from the 1860's turned roadside restaurant staple! We recommend starting your morning off with a hike at nearby Lizard's Mouth or Red Rock Trail followed by lunch at Cold Springs.
Explore Los Padres National Forest
If hiking and swimming in natural ponds are your thing, check out Red Rock and the surrounding trails at Los Padres. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=11093
The Lark Santa Barbara
One of the most sought after restaurants in Santa Barbara and adjacent to The Funk Zone. Make a reservation post tasting rooms.
An Afternoon Visit to Montecito
Keep company with the likes of Prince Harry, Megan Markle, Oprah and Ellen with a pit stop in Montecito, just a 5 minute drive from Downtown Santa Barbara. Visit The Honor Bar for lunch or a cocktail and the best spot for people watching in town! Head on down to Butterfly Beach afterwards for a quieter and more remote beach outside of Santa Barbara.
A Foodies' Guide to Santa Barbara
There are so many good restaurants and bars and we could never even begin to tell you where to start but this Eater guide is a solid recommendation. Make reservations where possible, it's a busy time of year!
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Experience Old Mission Santa Barbara. There’s no better way to experience the history and grandeur of Old Mission Santa Barbara than with a self-guided tour. Situated on 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Mission grounds include the beautiful Mission church, Historic Cemetery and Mausoleum, a nine-room museum of historical artwork and artifacts, and multiple lush gardens.
Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf has fun recreation, great restaurants, and amazing creatures at the Sea Center. https://stearnswharf.org/
Take a Stroll along State Street
The State Street thoroughfare is lined with towering palm trees and is home to many one-of-a-kind shopping spots. A fun activity to do here is perusing through the local produce at the Farmer’s Market.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
This 78-acre living museum features over 1000 plant species and incredible views of the West Coast. Some standout attractions at this botanical garden include an authentic Japanese teahouse garden, an enormous sandstone boulder named Blaksley Boulder, and canyon slopes.
Day Trip to the Channel Islands
Just off the mainland of Southern California, you’ll find the tropical oasis known as the Channel Islands. With the islands being so isolated, they contain rare animals, plants, and archaeological resources you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Some of the islands are so incredibly remote that they require a permit to visit, such as San Miguel Island