Curator’s statement
Living in Los Angeles for almost 10 years, I have taken endless road trips up to Santa Barbara! Santa Barbara is truly a magical place. I have a bunch of recommendations for the ultimate getaway. Whether it's driving through Santa Ynez checking out amazing wineries, riding a bike beachside or staying at cute boutique hotels for a nice reset — I have you covered! Cheers!
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Where to stay in Santa Barbara
Drift Santa Barbara
Minimal, modern and organic hotel on the coast offers guests a laidback Santa Barbara escape.
Skyview, Los Alamos
Iconic roadside motel-turned-boutique luxury with a pool and working vineyard.
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.
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El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
Located in the hills of Santa Barbara, this iconic resort dates back to 1918.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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The Inn at Mattei's Tavern
Historic Los Olivos luxury property with chic rooms and suites.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Welcome amenity.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
San Ysidro Ranch
Tucked in the foothills of Santa Barbara, this dreamy ranch hideaway features a spacious garden, farm-to-table dining, 38 vine-covered cottages and a legendary guest list. The Kennedys honeymooned here.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Things to do in Santa Barbara
Rent bikes and cruise down the boardwalk against the ocean.
Go wine tasting through Santa Ynez Valley.
Checkout the charming European resembling town of Solvang.
Go to multiple tasting rooms in the charming town of Los Olivos.
Spend the evening having drinks and bites of food in the Funk Zone.
Go to a local wine + cheese shop to make a picnic to enjoy on the beach!
Take photos with the beautiful architecture of Santa Barbara City Hall.
Go to the farmers market on State St. held every Tuesday 3-8pm.
Get a spa treatment at the Rosewood Miramar Beach.
Have an amazing weekend champagne brunch as San Ysidro Ranch.
Check out some of the places that the iconic film "Sideways" shot at!
Places to eat & drink in Santa Barbara
Wineries
Presqu'ile - Winery with beautiful views, amazing charcuterie and wine.
Demetria - Winery with beautiful grounds and great wine.
Brave and Maiden - Winery with beautiful architecture and grounds.
Restaurants
Flor De Maiz - Mexican restaurant with ocean view.
S.Y Kitchen - Local restaurant with amazing food.
Lilly's Taqueria - Affordable delicious tacos!
Hook + Press - Artisanal donuts and coffee.
Alessia Patisserie - Amazing bakery.
Loquita - Authentic Spanish restaurant.
San Ysidro Ranch for their weekend champagne brunch!
Cocktail Bars
The Good Lion - Cocktail bar next to the beautiful theater downtown.
Dusk: A cocktail bar with great vibes in a boutique hotel.
Travel Advisor
Savannah Baker
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my Guide to Oahu, Hawaii.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Santa Barbara.