Doug Gibson and Taylor Blair
Things To Do
Funk Zone
Over the past several decades, the Funk Zone has blossomed into one of Santa Barbara’s most captivating districts. Situated between the ocean and Highway 101, converted warehouses and buildings are now home to a bevy of artistic and creative shops, restaurants, galleries, studios, restaurants, tasting rooms, and breweries. Surrounded by graffiti murals and contemporary art, visitors to this burgeoning sea-sized district can enjoy the quintessential Santa Barbara comforts, and be simultaneously captivated by the new and unexpected.
Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
Those seeking to gain firsthand knowledge of Santa Barbara County’s premier wines and vintners need not venture over the Santa Ynez Mountains to experience their world-renowned excellence. With more than 20 tasting rooms and a plethora of not-to-be-missed dining establishments situated throughout the Funk Zone and Presidio neighborhoods, wine aficionados and foodies may sip and savor their way through the Santa’s Barbara iconic, self-guided Urban Wine Trail.
Melville Winery Tasting Room
Visit the Melville Winery Tasting Room and enjoy some of the best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer. Melville thoughtfully considers every aspect of viticulture, allowing the local soil, fruit and unique climate to produce world-class wines on a 120-acre estate. For over three decades Melville has produced award-winning cold-climate wines that reflect the unique terroir of this iconic region. Stop by and taste for yourself.
Goat Tree
gourmet café with al fresco seating offering fresh, local fare, including superb pastries and baked goods, cold-pressed juices and coffee, seasonally curated picnic baskets, and a full breakfast menu, all with a hint of Mediterranean culinary influence. Goat Tree is the ultimate gathering ground; whether you stop in for a fresh, gourmet pastry and morning pick-me-up on your way to the office, meet up with a friend or colleague for a meal, or you crave a little something sweet.
Lucky Penny
Lucky Penny is a great place for a quick lunch and a glass of wine. Outside seating only. The same restaurant group owns Loquita, Lark, Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Helena Bakery, and La Marchands... if you come across any of these places, you cannot go wrong!
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Open Spring of 2017, the MOXI offers families and thinkers of all ages an opportunity to explore and discover more about the world we inhabit. Conveniently located on lower State Street, this state-of-the-art facility is uniquely equipped to encourage innovation through hands-on experimentation and analysis.
BLACKBIRD
Classic meets contemporary at Hotel Californian’s signature restaurant, featuring inventive cocktails and local wines paired with exquisite Mediterranean-influenced, locally sourced, and hyper-seasonal cuisine. With the Pacific Ocean & the Funk Zone as a backdrop, Blackbird offers a sleek, yet approachable atmosphere with a pulse on contemporary Santa Barbara.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Travel back in time to Santa Barbara’s earliest days at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. With its grand double bell towers, lush gardens and the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop, the Mission is one of the city’s most picturesque landmarks. Known as “Queen of the Missions” for its exceptional beauty, the Santa Barbara Mission was founded by the Spanish Franciscans in 1786. More than 200 years later, it’s still an active parish church and a vital and enduring element of Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape. History comes alive as you explore the grounds, church and on-site museum, where you’ll see fascinating 17th-century art, artifacts and re-creations of the Mission’s living quarters and kitchen, complete with an original adobe wall. Outdoors, you can admire the graceful architecture, explore the colorful gardens, and take in expansive views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
Cal Coast Adventures
Our bikes are all Electric 7 speed beach cruisers and commuter bikes! Go green and explore the fun and exciting sights in beautiful sunny Santa Barbara! If you’d like us to show you the sites we have tours of Santa Barbara available 7 days a week! Enjoy the right to pedal or not! This is by far the most fun way to see Santa Barbara! Ride the quintessential California beach cruiser all over the town with ease. If you only have a day or two to see Santa Barbara renting an electric bike is absolutely the best way to see it all!