A perfect weekend in Santa Barbara
We want to kick things off with a weekend guide for a place that is very special to us both… Santa Barbara. We have had very different experiences in Santa Barbara - Zahra having a part-time home and getting married there, and Jenna going to College there - but one thing we both agree on is that Santa Barbara is truly our heaven on earth!
We have spent several years exploring everything Santa Barbara has to offer, and while it would be impossible to share every one of our favorite spots (there are SO many) in just one post we're starting off with a guide to “The Perfect Weekend in Santa Barbara” .
Friday — Arrival Day
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re visiting Santa Barbara for a special occasion or just want to splurge, The Rosewood Miramar Beach or San Ysidro Ranch are our top picks for you. The Rosewood is our favorite hotel in Santa Barbara, located right on the beach in Montecito with beautiful bungalow rooms, an amazing hotel pool, and several different drinking and dining options. It’s also home to two of our favorite Montecito stores–The Goop Store and the Webster. San Ysidro Ranch is also in the tony Montecito neighborhood and the perfect hotel for a romantic vacation with a little more privacy, picturesque grounds and the amazing Stonehouse Restaurant. Santa Barbara has a few other luxury hotels that are a bit more affordable than these options including the Hotel Californian (great location right in downtown Santa Barbara), The Ritz Carlton, Bacara and El Elcando, A Belmond Hotel. There are also lots of more reasonably priced places, including the Montecito Inn right in the heart of Montecito’s Lower Village.
YOUR FIRST EVENING — EXPLORE THE FUNK ZONE
Once you’ve settled in to wherever you are staying for the weekend we recommend grabbing a drink in what is known as the “Funk Zone” which is in downtown Santa Barbara. Two of our favorite spots are the Pearl Social Club and Test Pilot. As you’re wandering around the Funk Zone you’ll come across a multitude of other little bars and wine tasting rooms–you really can’t go too wrong here! After drinks head to one of these nearby spots for dinner: The Lark for an amazing farm to table experience or their sister restaurant Loquita for the best paella you’ve ever had. If you’re craving Mexican food, Jenna’s favorite in the area is Flor de Maiz (try the shrimp tacos) which is right across from the waterfront, while Zahra prefers Santo Mezcal which makes the BEST spicy margaritas.
Saturday
EXPLORE MONTECITO
Start your Saturday with one of Montecito’s scenic hikes. A favorite of ours is Hot Springs Canyon which is a moderate 3.7 mile loop featuring some incredible hot pools. Wear a bathing suit under your hiking clothes and bring a towel if you think you’d like to get in (you should!).
After all that morning exercise, grab breakfast at Jeanine’s in Montecito. The breakfast quesadilla is a fave but everything is great there. After that, explore the cute shops along Coast Village Road (Whisky and Leather is Jenna’s favorite) all the way to the Montecito Country Mart which is home to some very gorgeous and unique clothing, homeware and beauty shops. If you need to refuel while you’re at the Country Mart stop in for a snack at Merci Montecito. Their gluten-free breaded chicken is the best we’ve had, and the chocolate chip cookie is a must.
By now you’re probably ready for some beach time–so head to Butterfly or Miramar beach to soak in some rays. Grab a late afternoon cocktail at the Beach Bar at the Rosewood Miramar before you go get ready for dinner. Have dinner at Lucky’s or the Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch, favorites of Montecito locals. If you prefer a plant-based option, head to Oliver’s which has incredible vegan food in a beautiful setting.
If the day hasn’t worn you out already, you can catch some great live music in Montecito either at the Manor Bar at the Rosewood or at Local on Coast Village Road.
Sunday
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA
After a morning stroll along the beach head out to brunch at the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach–but prepare to wait in line as they don’t take reservations. If you prefer to make a reservation in advance try Scarlett Begonia on Victoria Street downtown (famous for their cinnamon bun).
For the afternoon, rent bikes and explore the Urban Wine Trail (an area of wine shops/tasting rooms in the Funk Zone) or ride along the Santa Barbara waterfront, exploring East Beach, the Wharf and the Marina. If you get hungry Jenna recommends grabbing a drink and snack at Biergarten while Zahra is obsessed with the burger at Third Window Brewing.
For dinner check out Zaytoon for fabulous Lebanese dishes served in a large outdoor garden patio with fire pits or Bettina in Montecito for the freshest salads and thin crust pizza. If you’re avoiding gluten don’t worry, Bettina has the best gluten free crust we have ever tasted!
There is so much more to see and do in Santa Barbara, but in one short weekend it’s hard to cover it all. Check back as we’ll be creating many more posts about this magical place.
Paella at Loquita
Oliver’s in Montecito
San Ysidro Ranch
“Sunset in Montecito” Cocktail at the Rosewood Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach
Hot Springs Hike
Flor de Maiz
Loquita Cocktails