Curator’s statement
Santa Barbara is one of my absolute favorite escapes because it perfectly captures that laid-back, sun-drenched beach town energy while offering an incredibly refreshing, wellness-focused experience. You can spend your morning breathing in the crisp air on a mountain trail and your afternoon with your toes in the sand, all while exploring a vibrant community of cute, independent businesses. Despite its world-class food, wine, and style, the historic streets and locally owned establishments give it a warm, intimate feel that makes the whole city feel like a welcoming small town.
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Where to stay in Santa Barbara, CA
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Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
Exploring the Funk Zone and State Street always feels like a treasure hunt. I love how the gorgeous, historic Spanish architecture hides the most fun, quirky little details—like this turtle holding court in a tiled fountain!
Trail running at Cold Springs Trailhead
Immerse yourself in pure nature with an invigorating morning run through lush canyons that open up to sweeping Pacific views. It is the ultimate way to catch a crisp coastal breeze and challenge your legs on the single-track mountain paths.
Explore and shop the Funk Zone, Stearns Wharf, and Public Market
Spend a vibrant afternoon exploring boutique vintage shops and coastal galleries before grabbing local artisan goods at the indoor Public Market. This lively walk effortlessly bridges beach-town charm with incredible spots for your daily dose of nourishment.
Stroll the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Discover the peaceful side of local nature by wandering through miles of scenic paths, a towering canyon redwood grove, and a stunning desert section. It is a deeply refreshing, quiet sanctuary that showcases the very best of California’s native flora.
Wine tasting in the Presidio Neighborhood
Tuck into the historic downtown adobes and hidden courtyards to sip exceptional low-intervention and boutique natural wines. This intimate neighborhood brilliantly blends early California history with a sophisticated, small-town tasting experience.
Explore small coffee shops, breweries, and wineries
Bounce between neighborhood cafes pulling perfect espresso shots and independent craft breweries tucked into friendly corners. It is the perfect recipe for a laid-back afternoon of local exploration and casual nourishment.
Hike the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve
Take a quick trip south to run or stroll along rugged coastal bluffs where dramatic ocean vistas meet pristine nature. If you look down at the rocky shores below, you will likely spot the local harbor seals lounging at their natural rookery.
Morning stroll at Leadbetter Beach and Shoreline Park
Follow the flat, continuous waterfront path right alongside the ocean up to the grassy, panoramic bluffs of Shoreline Park. It is a favored local route for a healthy morning walk, surrounded by fresh sea salt air and stunning channel views.
Places to eat & drink in Santa Barbara, CA
Satellite SB
Located right on State Street, this vibrant space operates as a natural wine shop and farmer-market-driven vegetarian restaurant where almost the entire menu is creatively plant-based. They highlight the freshest local ingredients sourced directly from area farmers to create unforgettable nourishment.
Rascal’s
A fantastic, entirely plant-based local favorite on Haley Street that completely takes the guesswork out of ordering high-quality comfort food. They excel at casual, flavor-packed Mexican street food and classic American bites, serving up some of the best vegan tortas and burgers in town.
Oliver’s Montecito
Situated just a short drive away in Montecito, this upscale dining destination offers a sophisticated and beautiful environment centered entirely around fine plant-based cuisine. Their elegant, vegetable-forward dishes and artisanal cocktails are perfect for a refreshing and healthy night out.
Green Table
A cozy and welcoming downtown oasis that specializes in creative, nutrient-dense organic food that is entirely gluten-free and heavily plant-based. It is the perfect local stop to fuel your active morning with a green smoothie bowl or a hearty vegan lunch.
Vegan GreenGO
This casual, fast-authentic spot serves up incredible Mexican fast-casual classics made entirely from fresh, plant-based ingredients. From loaded burritos to flavor-packed tacos, it provides a quick and delicious option for wholesome fuel while exploring the city.
Helena Avenue Bakery
Housed in a beautifully restored historic warehouse in the Funk Zone, this popular artisan bakery is famous for its scratch-made brioche breakfast sandwiches and buttercream biscuits. It is a wonderfully cute and rustic morning stop to pick up fresh loaves or enjoy breakfast on their welcoming communal patio.
Dart Coffee Co
Tucked right into a charming garden courtyard in the heart of the Funk Zone, this popular local roaster pulls exceptional, ethically sourced espresso drinks. It is an incredibly cute and artsy spot to grab a morning latte before hitting the boutiques or strolling down to the beach.
The Lark
Situated in a historic building in the Funk Zone, this wildly popular destination celebrates the abundance of Central Coast farms and waters with an exceptional, family-style sharing menu. The lively, beautifully designed indoor-outdoor space captures Santa Barbara’s fun coastal energy perfectly.
Flor de Maiz
Perched directly across from the beach along the waterfront, this gorgeous culinary hotspot honors traditional Oaxacan cooking with brilliant coastal flair. Their menu highlights vibrant, beautifully plated seafood like aguachile and grilled octopus alongside incredible artisanal margaritas.
Oku Sushi
This high-energy, popular Japanese kitchen sits right on the bustling waterfront and boasts an incredible second-story rooftop overlooking the ocean. They serve up exceptionally fresh sushi, unique special rolls, and premium sake in a chic, sleek setting right by the water.
Margerum Wine Company
Situated just steps from the waterfront, this refined and airy tasting room offers exceptional, locally crafted Rhône-style varietals. It provides a sophisticated yet relaxed environment to sample complex rosés and crisp sauvignon blancs that pair beautifully with the coastal atmosphere.
The Valley Project Tasting Room
Located in the Funk Zone, this stylish tasting room features a massive hand-drawn chalk map illustrating the unique terroirs of Santa Barbara County’s wine regions. They pour an incredible array of small-batch boutique wines, focusing on low-intervention and natural production methods.
Lama Dog Tap Room and Bottle Shop
A cornerstone of the Funk Zone’s social scene, this bustling indoor-outdoor taproom features twenty-four rotating taps of exceptional craft beer from around the world. The lively, dog-friendly environment is perfect for connecting with locals and trying rare, independent brews.
Topa Topa Brewing Co
This hyper-local favorite serves up fresh, expertly crafted West Coast beers in a bright and spacious taproom right next to the beach. It is a fantastic, community-centered spot to wind down after a long trail run with a crisp, refreshing local IPA.
Need to know
Sourcing vegan wine: Because Santa Barbara County is a hub for small-production, boutique winemakers, many local vineyards practice organic or biodynamic farming and favor natural settling over heavy clarification. When exploring tasting rooms in the Funk Zone or the Santa Ynez Valley, ask the pourers for wines that are “unfined and unfiltered”, as these skip the processing steps that involve animal-derived fining agents.
The farmers market advantage: Santa Barbara hosts legendary weekly farmers markets (the Saturday morning market downtown is a must-visit). Because local chefs build their menus dynamically around what is fresh each week, even mainstream restaurants across the city often feature incredibly creative, vegetable-forward seasonal dishes that can easily be made vegan.
Logistics for train runners: If you plan on heading into the Santa Ynez Mountains for a trail run (like Rattlesnake Canyon or Cold Springs), always aim for an early morning start. Marine layers often provide cool, cloudy conditions perfect for running before burning off into intense afternoon sun. Ensure you pack a hydration vest, as mountain trails heat up quickly and lack water stations.
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Liz Seal
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