Swanky Santa Barbara

Advisor - Jenna Evans
Curated By

Jenna Evans

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  • Santa Barbara

  • Active Travel

  • Beaches

  • Food & Wine

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

An aerial view of the beach during daytime.
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!

The Fora Difference

Book with Jenna to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

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Hotel Californian

Elite hotel in Santa Barbara with a splendid design and meticulous service often a magnet for the Hollywood elite, international visitors and locals alike.

Fora Perks
  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara

Located in the hills of Santa Barbara, this iconic resort dates back to 1918.

Fora Perks
  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Palihouse Santa Barbara

In the historic Presidio neighborhood, this charming retreat has just 24 rooms set around a leafy courtyard.

Fora Perks
  • Welcome amenities.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Advisor - Jenna Evans

Unlock perks by contacting Jenna to book your trip.

Day 1: Arrive and Explore Santa Barbara

A picture of people riding boat on water during the daytime.
  • 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

An aerial view of a vineyard during the daytime

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

A picture of an outdoor restaurant on the beach during the daytime.
  • 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

A picture of a couple walking on the shore during the sunset.

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

Need to Know

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.

Advisor - Jenna Evans

Travel Advisor

Jenna Evans

Get in touch with Jenna

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