How To Do Santa Barbara: A Thoughtfully Curated Guide to One of California’s Chicest Beach Towns

Biking and beach time

Rent bikes and cruise Cabrillo Boulevard like a local who gave up LA.

East Beach is the wide-open classic.

Butterfly Beach is for sunset selfies and dog-watching.

Mesa Lane Beach is a hidden local spot down a long staircase—pack light.

Hendry’s Beach (aka Arroyo Burro) is where locals bring their dogs and unironically use the word “stoked.”

Bonus adventure: Jalama Beach day trip

It’s a bit of a haul—about an hour north—but don’t skip it. Once you turn off the 101 and hit Jalama Road, it becomes this surreal, sweeping drive through open ranch land, wildflower-covered hills, and foggy coastline. The last stretch is windy and narrow, but then you crest a hill and boom—it’s just you and the Pacific.

This beach feels untouched and a little bit wild—windy, rugged, and beautifully imperfect. It’s the gritty little sister of Santa Barbara’s polished beaches. The Jalama Burger from the beach shack is the stuff of legend—greasy, juicy, and deeply satisfying in that way only a real road trip burger can be.

Tip: If you have extra time, take the scenic detour via Highway 1 through Lompoc. It adds about 15 minutes and a whole lot of mood.

Outdoor play

Inspiration Point: Easy hike, big views, great payoff.

Rattlesnake Canyon: Cool and shaded with a stream. Not as scary as it sounds.

Mountain biking: Try Jesusita Trail or Elings Park for some fun and flow.

On horseback

Los Padres Outfitters: Beach or canyon rides, depending on your mood. Splurge for their picnic lunch option and stare down at Oprah and Prince Harry’s manses while eating your turkey sandwich.

UCSB pit stop

Drive up to Isla Vista and the UCSB campus for ocean views, beachfront trails, and a glimpse into SoCal college life. You might catch a whiff of tar depending on the breeze—blame natural seeps and offshore rigs—but it’s still worth a visit. Great place to watch surfers, people-watch students cruising on longboards, and grab some UC Santa Barbara swag to feel 19 again.

Architecture & historic sights

Santa Barbara Mission: The crown jewel of Santa Barbara’s Spanish colonial past. Built in 1786 and still an active parish, the Mission is grand, serene, and beautifully preserved. The rose garden across the street is a local picnic spot, and the views from the front lawn stretch all the way to the sea. It’s a great place to slow down, wander the gardens, peek inside the chapel, and appreciate the kind of history you can actually feel. Pro tip: it’s especially pretty in golden hour light. Bring a book or a blanket and pretend you live here.

Santa Barbara Courthouse: Yes, it’s a working courthouse. No, you don’t need a reason to go in. Built in 1929, it’s a jaw-dropper—massive murals, hand-painted ceilings, wrought-iron details, and Spanish tile everywhere. But the real draw is the clock tower. Climb the stairs (or take the elevator) and you’ll get one of the best 360-degree views in town—red tile roofs, palm trees, mountains, and the ocean in one perfect frame. And it’s free. Bring your coffee up and make everyone else’s Instagram jealous.

The Funk Zone: Wine, art, and food that doesn’t try too hard

• The Lark: Upscale, buzzing, impossible to get into without a reservation (so make one).

• Loquita: Tapas, sangria, and that vacation energy.

• Lucky Penny: Pizza under string lights. Order at the window and pretend you’re in a Nancy Meyers rom-com again.

• Helena Avenue Bakery: This one’s more than a bakery. It’s an all-day casual spot that nails everything from breakfast sandwiches and espresso to picnic-ready pastries and lunch you’ll actually want to finish. Cool industrial-chic vibe with communal tables and a to-go counter that makes grabbing something for the beach easy. Best move: get there early, grab a seat in the sun, and linger.

Ice cream break

• McConnell’s: A local institution. Flavors range from classic to weirdly perfect (honey & cornbread, anyone?).

Side quest: Cold Spring Tavern

This place is a total time warp in the best way. Tucked into the mountains off Highway 154, about 20 minutes from town, Cold Spring Tavern is an old 1800s stagecoach stop that feels like it hasn’t changed much since then—think creaky wood floors, smoky fireplaces, and taxidermy with a side of tri-tip.

You won’t get cell service up there, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Everyone’s off their phones, drinking local beer, and listening to live music in the dusty sunshine. Weekends can get crowded, especially when the band’s playing out back, but it still feels like a secret.

Order the tri-tip sandwich. People drive up from LA for it. Grab a beer, find a spot at a picnic table, and soak up the weird, wonderful energy. It’s kitschy, it’s rustic, and somehow it all just works. If you go on a Sunday, expect motorcycles, leather vests, and maybe a mandolin solo. Go with it.

Coffee scene

• Cajé: Coffee cocktails. Yes, really.

• Handlebar: Coffee for people who wear bike shorts unironically.

• Dune: Light, bright, and locally roasted.

• Low Pigeon: Moody minimalist, perfect for pretending you’re writing a screenplay.

Breakfast and brunch

• Helena Avenue Bakery: Still pulling double duty, still delicious.

• Scarlett Begonia: Inventive dishes, beautiful patio, occasional wait.

• Mesa Café: No frills, all locals.

• D’Angelo Bakery: Carb heaven. Don’t skip the bread.

• Bree’osh: Montecito’s French-style answer to “Where should we go for brunch?”