Curator’s statement
Stunning scenery, sandy beaches and sparkling sunsets ✔
Spanish influence and Mediterranean weather ✔
Laid-back, friendly locals and positive vibes ✔
Rolling vineyards and picturesque tasting rooms ✔
Stylish restaurants, casual taquerias and chic cocktail lounges ✔ Yeah... this Central California coastal oasis has everything for the perfect long-weekend escape. So much so, it's been shrewdly coined the American Riviera. I curated a detailed little itinerary so my clients could soak up Swanky Santa Barbara, and now, you can too!
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Day 1: Arrive and Explore Santa Barbara
Arrive at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and pick-up pre-arranged rental car.
Check-in to hotel: Hotel Californian, a luxury boutique hotel (my favorite combination of three words) located right in the heart of Funk Zone. Make yourself at home in the immaculate Magellan Suite and marvel at the views of the Santa Ynez Mountains while relaxing by the fireplace.
Set out to explore the area, visit a nearby beach.
Dinner at the hotel or a hip local restaurant.
Evening stroll for cocktails at Funk Zone, an eclectic collection of restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries.
Day 2: Reserve Wine Tour
Early breakfast at the hotel (it's important to get a base for the impending imbibing adventure)
Day Trips!
Depart for your Reserve Wine Tour with Coastal Concierge, which includes a customized itinerary of three vineyards, a gourmet picnic lunch, a friendly and knowledgeable guide, and private transportation - Ask for Matt or Carlos.
Post-wine tour sustenance, and the potential need for recovery measures (or perhaps just right to bed depending on how much you loved the wine)
Day 3: Relaxation and Scenery
Early breakfast at the hotel. Unwind with 60-minute custom massages at the Moroccan-inspired Majorelle (and come back later for your blow-out to get you feeling saucy for the evening. Is there anyone more dangerous than a woman with a fresh blow-out?) Feel free to put your resort credit towards these treatments, courtesy of working with JET of course.
Choose any number of the scenic hiking trails for a little exercise and sight-seeing. There is something for everyone from flat walking paths to difficult inclines, leading to impressive and expansive views that are totally worth it.
After you've worked up a sweat, treat yourself to poolside service at Tan-Tan and further engage vacation-mode with craft cocktails + rooftop views of the Pacific.
Pre-dinner, sunset cocktails at the oceanfront Beach Bar, located at the exclusive Rosewood Miramar Beach.
You won't have to go far for dinner at the Michelin-Starred Caruso's. Splurge for the unparalleled Chef's Tasting Menu and wine pairing. Thank me later.
Head for after-dinner cocktails at Manor Bar, a very handsome ending to your fabulous day!
Day 4: Enjoy Your Last Day
Final breakfast at the hotel. Oh, and these delicious daily breakfasts are complimentary when working with JET!
Drop off the rental car, depart for home, reflect on how much you savored Santa Barbara and plan your debrief with Jenna.
Other Recommendations
For something truly special and secluded, visit San Ysidro Ranch if you're into that whole heaven-on-earth vibe. Here, you can dine at one of their restaurants:
Stonehouse
Veranda
Or listen to live music over craft cocktails at The Speakeasy at Plow & Angel for a little hidden decadence.
Beaches:
Carpinteria State Beach
Summerland Beach
Miramar Beach
Biltmore & Butterfly Beach
East Beach
Hendry's Beach
Restaurants:
Scarlett Begonia
Bouchon
Loquita
Tre Lune
Yoichi's
S.Y. Kitchen | At Hotel Californian: Goat Tree
Blackbird
Libations:
The Urban Wine Trail
The Good Lion
Pearl Social
Dusk
Test Pilot
Honor Bar | At Hotel Californian: Djinn
The Society: State & Mason
Hotel Happenings:
HOWL: Celebrate each full moon with tunes, Tarot cards, and toss back trendy libations
WINEMAKER DINNERS: Foley Family Wines and a four-course dinner
SATURDAY SESSIONS: Rotating fitness classes (in-person or Instagram-Live)
SUNSET SESSIONS: Hot beats and cold bevs while delighting in the sun setting over panoramic views.
Hikes and Trails:
Seven Falls
La Cumbre Peak
Inspiration Point
Hot Springs Canyon Trail
Cold Spring Trail Loop
Travel Advisor
Jenna Evans
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Winter in Whistler Itinerary.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Santa Barbara.