California has slowly grown on me over the years, mostly because of the weather (and a slight obsession with The O.C.). There are so many places to visit along the coast, but Santa Barbara should be a top contender. The beautiful beaches and eclectic downtown spots attracts all sorts of people, which can make for a fun getaway. Don't forget to trek out to the Channel Islands, one of the most unique National Parks. We had the best girls trip here and still talk about it all the time!
FRIDAY
For breakfast, Helena Avenue Bakery is hard to beat. I'm more of a savory breakfast gal, but the brown-butter cinnamon roll is delicious.
Next, wander around State Street. There's a fun vintage shop called The Blue Door that has great candles named after spots in Santa Barbara.
There are countless options on State Street for lunch, but Finney's is the place to be. Order the fried cauliflower and a fun drink and enjoy the fun atmosphere.
Enjoy a glass of wine or beer after lunch. Two solid options are the J. Wilkes Tasting Room and the Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.. Both have great patios.
If you want to wander some more, take a stroll down to Stearns Wharf. It's excellent for people watching!
Head back to your hotel (we adored the retro Best Western Pepper Tree Inn) or AirBnb to relax before dinner.
Time your trip to The Boathouse perfectly, and you can enjoy a delicious cocktail as the sun sets. I've heard the seafood dinner is worth the wait!
If you want a less fancy spot for dinner that is located on State Street, check out the Sandbar.
The Test Pilot cocktail bar has a fun atmosphere and is the perfect spot to end the night.
SATURDAY
The proper on-the-go breakfast fuel in Santa Barbara can be found at Jeannine's! There are a few locations around town. From smoothies to avocado toast, it's all delicious.
It's time for the Channel Islands tour! We opted for a whale-watching cruise with Island Packers around the Islands and we got to see a lot of sea life! If you prefer a more rigorous experience, you can hop off and kayak in the gorgeous waters or hike the rugged terrain, or even stay the night on the islands! These are absolutely a can't-miss for National Park gurus. TIP: You need a car to get to the Islands, as they are located about 90 minutes south of Santa Barbara.
If you selected a morning cruise to the Channel Islands, I would recommend grabbing food in Ventura before venturing back. I would recommend Sharky's for some quick but tasty Mexican food.
Back in Santa Barbara, relax on a patio with a pre-dinner glass of wine or cocktail. A few options include Blackbird, Folded Hills and Margerum Tasting Room.
Depending on what you are in the mood for, there are countless dinner spots in the Funk Zone and beyond! We really enjoyed our meal at The Cruisery (Santa Barbara's oldest brewery), but Seven (burgers) or Loquita (Spanish tapas) have great menus as well!
End the night with some live jazz at The Good Lion!
SUNDAY
No restaurant does brunch like State & Fig. Period. Try and get there when they first open, because they don't take reservations and the wait can get long! Other options nearby include Chad's (breakfast on the beach!) and Scarlett Begonia.
A short drive from Santa Barbara, Montecito is a can't-miss. Stop by the Montecito County Mart shops to grab a swimsuit and a beach read and then head to Butterfly Beach. My sister lived in Santa Barbara for a summer and affirmed that this beach is the best one in the area.
There are several places in Montecito for dinner, including Oliver's and Tre Lune. Grab a Cadillac Margarita before at Los Arroyos!
If you still have room in your stomach after an incredible dinner, McConnell's Ice Cream is legendary.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT TIPS
A car isn't absolutely necessary if you plan on staying in downtown Santa Barbara, but it's necessary to get around the region. Alternatively, there is plenty to do, see and eat in the Funk Zone if you don't want to rent one.
We had the incredible opportunity to tour the Ronald Reagan Ranch, Rancho del Cielo, located just outside city limits. I would highly recommend it if ever given the chance!
This region is really known for wine. Since I'm only a fan of sparkling, we didn't really explore the local wine scene. If that interests you, there are countless tasting rooms and winery tours.
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