This Santa Barbara itinerary was both easy and difficult to create. It was easy because there is just so much to do in this coastal town just 90 minutes north of LA. Where it became difficult is trying to figure out how to fit it all in.
Santa Barbara experiences 300 days of sun and is nestled between both the ocean and mountains. Besides scenic views, this makes it the ultimate playground for all types of outdoor activities. And while small with only about 90,000 residents, it has attracted Hollywood elite for decades so you’ll find a lot of restaurants, art, and culture.
Did I mention how cute Santa Barbara is? The city is made up of whitewashed buildings, intricate tile details, and metalwork. The area was inhabited by the Chumash Tribe before Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo arrived in the mid 1500s. As a result, you can feel that rich history in the city’s architecture.
All in all, a weekend in Santa Barbara is the perfect getaway for all ages and interests. And because it’s only a short, affordable flight from Seattle, it’s especially perfect for escaping the dreary weather in the Pacific Northwest.
To make it easier for you, I’ve put together this Santa Barbara itinerary to help you explore the best of the city. From must-see attractions to off-the-beaten-path hidden gems, here’s how to spend your time in Santa Barbara, California!
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Santa Barbara Itinerary
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Day 1: Soak up the beach vibes
Santa Barbara is best known for its beaches, so make sure to spend at least one day of your Santa Barbara itinerary enjoying the beautiful views and vitamin D!
Start your day at Dune Roasters
Dune Coffee Roasters has a few locations around Santa Barbara, so it’s a great spot to kick off your Santa Barbara itinerary. You’ll find excellent coffee sustainably sourced directly from farmers and roasted in house. There are also pastries, toasts, and granola perfect for a quick breakfast.
Relax on the beach
Given its prime coastal location, there are a ton of great beaches to visit in Santa Barbara. West Beach and East Beach flank either side of the Stearns Wharf Pier, which is centrally located at the end of State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. I prefer East Beach because it tends to be quieter away from boat docks, but they bleed into each other so there’s no wrong choice.
Another popular beach to the south is Butterfly Beach. It requires a drive or bike ride, but it offers beautiful views and possibly celebrity sightings. Or head north to Arroyo Beach (also known as Hendry’s Beach) for a dog-friendly expansive shoreline.
Get lunch at Metropulos Fine Foods
You’re probably hungry after spending a few hours lounging. If you stayed on West or East Beach, make the short walk a few blocks away to Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant. This gourmet food shop has a ton of goodies perfect for a picnic.
You can curate a charcuterie-style lunch of fine meats, cheeses, nuts, and the like, or order one of their deli sandwiches to enjoy on one of their outdoor bistro tables. If you go the sandwich route, they’re most famous for their gyro sandwich, but they only offer it until 3 pm.
If a gyro isn’t in the cards for you, try The Italian Job. It’s a satisfying cold sandwich with salami, mortadella, coppa, capocallo, onion, pepperoncini, tomato, sharp provolone cheese, mixed greens, Italian dressing, and garlic aioli.
Bike along the coastline
One of my favorite things I did on my Santa Barbara itinerary was rent an e-bike. So after lunch, rent one of your own. Wheel Fun Rentals is located just a block from the beach and has e-bikes, which is a great option if you want to go farther.
Here is Santa Barbara’s official bike map. You can definitely take your bike into the city, but don’t skip biking the paved Cabrillo Bike Path that runs along the beach. It’s 4.5 miles long and runs from Leadbetter Beach to Butterly Beach.
Note that there are some junctions on the path. For example, the path along the beach side of the road ends, so you’ll need to cross the street to continue along the path. Similarly, you need to make a right off the path onto Channel Drive to get to Butterfly Beach. Santa Barbara is pretty chill, though, so you shouldn’t have trouble with car traffic.
Stop for pics at Chromatic Gate
As you bike along Cabrillo Bike Path you’ll notice a colorful archway. That’s Chromatic Gate, a public art installation built in 1991 by Austrian-born artist, Herbert Bayer. He lived in the area for 10 years, so he’s a bit of a local legend. His masterpiece is a great spot to take fun pics for the ‘gram!
Get dinner at Bettina
You can continue on the Cabrillo Bike Path toward Bettina, which is a bit east of Butterfly Beach. This pizzeria is Michelin recognized and is always featured in foodie magazines. It’s no wonder, as head chef Brendan Smith used to work at the famed Roberta’s in NYC.
They specialize in handmade dough that’s fermented for 48 hours. This results in a pronounced sour tang in the crust and great texture.
Some of the pies change with the seasons. For example, I got a white pie with pistachio, lemon, and sausage. It whisked me back to Sicily with it’s bright and nutty flavors. I was alone, or else I would have also ordered their amazing looking pastas and salads too. Come hungry, as everything on the menu here looks good!
Finish the night with dessert at Rori’s
Rori’s Artisan Creamery has a few locations around Santa Barbara, one of which is next door to Bettina’s. You’ll find extra creamy ice cream made with local California Central Coast dairy.
I love how they have interesting flavors like black pepper pistachio, cinnamon toast cereal crunch, and lemon curd. The flavors are bold, so you’d be hard pressed not to recognize what you’re eating in a blind taste test.
My favorite flavor is the Cup ‘O Joe Spinelli. It’s a deep espresso coffee ice cream with a touch of chocolate!
Day 2: Explore the Funk Zone
This hipster neighborhood near the water is full of cute boutiques, breweries, wineries, and restaurants.
Walk along State Street toward the Funk Zone and pop into local boutiques
State Street is the main commercial street that runs through Santa Barbara. It goes all the way to the water, and a good portion of it is only accessible to pedestrians. This makes for a fun vibe, so plan to spend a few hours combing the street and popping into shops of interest.
As you get closer to the water you’ll enter the Funk Zone neighborhood. It’s an area where warehouses have been repurposed into artists studios and tasting rooms. It has a great vibe thanks to street art and a bunch of people buzzing about.
You got a glimpse of the Funk Zone yesterday when you went to Metropulos Market, but now is when you should really take your time exploring. As you do, keep your eye’s peeled for these spots.
- Tondi Gelato – A spot north of the Funk Zone perfect for a sweet treat.
- sbmidmod – An awesome little mid century modern vintage store.
- The Blue Door – A pricey, but inspiring antique mall.
- Santa Barbara Farmers Market – There are markets on different days.
- Dart Coffee – Great little stop of a pick me up.
Go wine tasting
No Santa Barbara itinerary is complete without wine tasting. The city is near the Santa Ynez Valley, a popular wine region on the Central Coast. Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail has more than 20 wineries around the city. The Funk Zone alone has around 10, so you’re in a prime spot for sampling.
Since I was by myself, I could only make it to Fess Parker. But it left enough of an impression to make me want to come back. They make exceptional Rhône and Burgundian varietals, so stop in for a flight to get a sense of Santa Barbara County’s terroir.
Get lunch at a Mexican restaurant
California is known for having great Mexican food and Santa Barbara is no exception. There are a few top-notch Mexican spots right in the Funk Zone that would make a perfect lunch.
Mony’s Mexican Food is a casual spot tucked on a side street near sbmidmod. Some say they’re better than the famed La Super-Rica (more on them on day 3). Sample some of Mony’s tacos and decide for yourself!
Flor de Maiz is a fancier spot with a seafood focus. Their ceviches make for a refreshing bite on a hot day. Not as into fish but still want fancy? Try Santo Mezcal instead.
Sample some beers
As you take it slow in the Funk Zone, the next obvious activity for your Santa Barbara itinerary is beer tasting. There are a bunch of breweries tucked in alongside the wineries, so you can switch between the two to please all palates.
Brass Bear Brewing is a hidden gem a bit off the main drag toward the ocean. You’ll find a small, but focused menu of craft beers ranging from IPAs to blondes. There are also bites and a rotating taps of cider and wine.
Llama Dog is a great option if you want to try a bunch of different craft breweries under one roof. This bright and cheery bottle shop curates brands from around California, with a tap list that changes daily.
Next door is Ventura, CA expat Topa Topa Brewing Company. Their Santa Barbara location is laid back and casual with a ton of space to spread out.
Grab dinner at Loquita
When you’ve had your fill of drinking and shopping, head to dinner at Loquita. This Spanish restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio that will transport you to the tile-lined streets of southern Spain.
It’s part of the same restaurant group that includes The Lark, Helena Avenue Bakery, and La Paloma Cafe where Julia Child used to frequent. So all of this is to say, you know it’s good.
You can expect a bunch of tapas and Spanish staples like paella on the menu. It’s quite pricey, but the food is well executed. I particularly enjoyed the croquetas and octopus I got, and the table next to me was gushing over the broccolini and paella. The key is to get a bunch of small plates to try as much as possible!
Day 3: Walk around downtown
Santa Barbara has a cute downtown area with great shops, so make sure to carve out some time for exploring the areas farther away from the water.
Get breakfast at Alessia Patisserie
Alessia Patisserie was probably my favorite place I ate in Santa Barbara. The baked goods are as tasty as they are beautiful, and the cafe menu is hearty, which isn’t typical at bakeries.
At the staff’s recommendation I got the pistachio cream croissant and had to stop myself from moaning as I ate it. The flavors were so interesting and somehow the shell and creamy custard didn’t interfere with the flakiness of the pastry.
Breakfast wise, don’t miss their toasts. I had one with mushroom and hollandaise sauce, sort of like a play on a Benedict. It was huge and held me through a long morning of walking around the city.
Pick up coffee at Handlebar
Handlebar Coffee Roasters has a location next door to Alessia so stop in and grab some coffee to go. They focus mostly on Central and Southern American beans, which are generally known for being brighter and medium bodied. This is my preferred style of coffee, so if it’s yours too, don’t miss Handlebar!
Check out the historic fort and mission
El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park is right across the street from Alessia and Handlebar. It’s a 5.5-acre park that’s home to the last Spanish fortress, or presidio, founded in Alta (upper) California. It dates back to 1782, with two of the original fort adobe buildings still standing.
Walk around the grounds snapping pictures of the historic space. It’s small, so if you want even more history visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Here you can take a self-guided tour through the pretty grounds and chapel.
While historically significant, it’s important to remember the grim story behind missions. Spanish Franciscan monks arrived in Santa Barbara in the 18th century on a mission-building journey through upper California. They built 21 missions, including the Old Mission Santa Barbara that was called the “Queen of the Missions”. While this moniker romanticizes it, mission inherently were cultural genocide.
They were created as way to assimilate natives to colonial ways of life. It ripped families apart and resulted in both catastrophic death and a loss of native traditions. So while the buildings are nice, keep in mine the somber reality of why they’re in Santa Barbara.
Catch views from the Courthouse
The Superior Court of California in Santa Barbara has a fun surprise: there’s a free rooftop lookout! And even better, there’s an elevator! I was fully expecting to have to walk up hundreds of steps as you do in Europe, but this this gorgeous viewpoint is accessible.
In general the Courthouse has gorgeous grounds. You’ll actually see locals picnicking in the lawn, which blows my mind because that is just not a thing in Seattle. It’s a fun place to soak up the ambiance, so carve out some time to sit and relax after you snap pictures from up high.
Enjoy lunch at Norton’s
I’m a Jersey Girl, so give me a New York-style deli and I’m happy. Norton’s fits the bill as one of the only spots in the city to get authentic deli sandwiches like I grew up eating on the east coast. The pastrami is the must get here, with thinly sliced meat that’s somehow still juicy but with a crispy bark.
Browse local shops
You’ll be on upper State Street, so this is the perfect time to explore the boutiques and attractions in this part of downtown Santa Barbara. Pop in stores that looks interesting, keeping an eye out for these spots:
- Santa Barbara Company – This store near the courthouse curates California-made gifts. I got pistachios here that I now order as everyday snacks because I loved them so much.
- Cheese Shop – A great stop for foodie gifts and souvenirs.
- Jake and Jones – A cool clothing shop for men, women, and kids.
- Santa Barbara Public Market – A trendy food hall worth popping in.
- Santa Barbara Art Museum – A small, but worthwhile spot worth perusing.
Get a taco appetizer at La Super-Rica
La Super-Rica Taqueria is arguably the most famous restaurant in the city, so it’s a must to stop here as you embark on your Santa Barbara itinerary. Since they serve street tacos, I say get a little appetizer of one or two before moving onto dinner somewhere else so you can say you tried it.
This cash only spot celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020. Julia Child used to come here and I can see why. The tortillas are handmade with love and the balance of flavors create a great version of a taco. My favorite was the al pastor, but get whatever filling you’re craving in the moment.
Enjoy dinner at Bossie’s Kitchen
Down the street from La Super-Rica is Bossie’s Kitchen. It’s a restaurant of contrasts, which makes it an interesting stop for your last meal in Santa Barbara.
It looks like a bakery, and the menu will make you think it’s one. For example, you can get exceptional yeasty doughnuts and baked goods at the counter. However, unlike a bakery they take reservations for dinner and book up. In fact, I couldn’t get a walk-in table on a Friday around 5 pm. And they were so busy the wait for takeout was over an hour.
This is a testament to how well-loved Bossie’s Kitchen is. The lunch and dinner menu consists of mostly sandwiches and salads, the most popular of which is the Korean fried chicken. Make sure to reserve ahead so you can snag one!
Grab a nightcap at a cocktail bar
Santa Barbara has a lot of great craft cocktail bars. There’s no better way to finish your weekend in Santa Barbara than with a a toast at one of these spots.
Dusk Bar is an open air cocktail bar in the lobby of a boutique hotel. It’s hip and has excellent drinks. Get the Picante Amante if it’s on the menu. This cocktail with mezcal, pink peppercorns, and prickly pear is well balanced and spicy.
Test Pilot is another option if you love tiki drinks. I haven’t been yet, but it’s high on my list because multiple of my go-to foodie publications recommend it.
If you’re after more Prohibition, speakeasy-style cocktails go to The Good Lion. This is another craft cocktail bar that keeps popping up on all the foodie lists, so it’s high on my list to visit on a future trip.
More to do during your weekend in Santa Barbara
And that’s a wrap on your 3-day weekend in Santa Barbara! Looking for more ideas of what to add to your Santa Barbara itinerary?
Here’s the map I created to help me plan my own trip. I’ll add other stops to this list if I find them worthy after checking them out on future visits! Two spots I plan to prioritize next time is the Channel Islands National Park and Yvez Valley wine region.
Where to stay in Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some of the cool accommodations I found in Santa Barbara.
Drift Santa Barbara
link to book | get directions | cost: ~$300/night | best for: location and aesthetics
Drift Santa Barbara is where I stayed for my Santa Barbara itinerary. It’s right on the pedestrian-only part of State Street near the beach, but there’s a parking lot with a reduced overnight rate a short block away. It’s unlike other hotels in that there is no lobby. Instead guests check in with a keypad code provided via text message.
To get to your room you walk right through Dawn, Drift’s daytime cafe, and Dusk, their nighttime bar. Rooms are on the upper floors so it’s separate from the happening hangouts at the entrance.
The rooms are small, but they’re impeccably styled. Seriously, I’d like to move in. The beds are comfy and there’s a spa-like shower perfect for freshening up after day of exploring. If you’re traveling solo or as a duo, this is the best spot to stay for your weekend in Santa Barbara.
Kimpton Canary Hotel
link to book | get directions | cost: ~$360/night | best for: location and pool
I always like stay at Kimptons because they have modern decor and luxurious amenities you’d expect at a hotel, but at a lower price point than the super grand brands. The Kimpton ins Santa Barbara is just off State Street, but toward the upper section near the courthouse.
The main draw here besides location is the rooftop pool. It has plenty of space for lounging and great views of the city. You also get access to bikes and an onsite spa and restaurant, so this is the perfect spot if you want a to stay right in Santa Barbara but with a more traditional hotel feel.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
link to book | get directions | cost: ~$750/night | best for: a more remote luxury experience
The Ritz-Carlton is known as one of the swankiest hotel brands around the world. I always go to the one in Maui to get a massage and, after tasting how the other half lives, I can say it’s a really luxurious place to spend a weekend in Santa Barbara.
It’s located up the coast a bit outside of the city. However, it’s right on a pristine beach and has a lot of amenities. For example, you’ll have access to three infinity pools, an onsite spa and restaurant, tennis, fitness center, and more. So if you want a relaxing escape, this is the perfect jump off point for your Santa Barbara itinerary.
Destinations near Santa Barbara
Have more than a weekend in Santa Barbara? Check out these other spots to add onto your Santa Barbara itinerary!
- Extend Your Trip with 4 Days in Los Angeles
- Drive up to San Luis Obispo County
- Add on a 3-Day San Diego Itinerary
- Visit Joshua Tree National Park (guide coming soon!)
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