Ultimate Santa Barbara Travel Guide: Discover the Best of California's Coastal Gem

• Private Wine Tour in Santa Ynez Valley: While the Santa Ynez Valley remains overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma, its small-town authentic feel is a must-experience for wine lovers. There are multiple tasting rooms you can visit on your own, but the best way to experience the wine in this region is through a private wine tour like Sustainable Wine Tours. Not only do they pick you up from your hotel, but the whole experience will have you feeling like a VIP, especially as you pull up to gated vineyards that are not accessible to the public for tours of the vineyards and private wine tastings.

• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Make a stop at the botanic garden for a serene activity. The gardens are divided into 11 distinct ecosystems sure to catch your eye at every corner.

• Beach Day: You can’t go to Santa Barbara without checking out the beach! My top picks are Butterfly Beach and Santa Clause Lane.

• Hiking: Hike at Rattlesnake Canyon Loop or up to Inspiration Point. Both trails are moderate and three to seven miles in length. However, you will soon forget about how long you’ve walked because the views from the trails will leave you in awe.

• Shopping: State Street is your one-stop shop for shopping. It isn’t hard to spend a full day wandering in and out of the shops, restaurants, and cafés.

• Urban Wine Trail SB - Funk Zone: If you aren’t set on seeing the vineyards in person, stay local and check out the Urban Wine Trail in the Funk Zone instead.

• Mission Santa Barbara: Mission Santa Barbara was founded in 1786 and is a great place to learn about Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots. Plan a good hour here to take in Mission’s incredible artwork and architecture.

• Whale Watching: From November through April, whales migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel. Multiple boats are available to take you out to the prime feeding grounds, but the whales stay close enough to shore to easily catch a glimpse of a humpback from one of the scenic bluffs around town.

Day Trips:

Solvang, California: Known as the Danish Capital of America, Solvang is a short 35 miles from Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley. The small Danish village hosts rows of streets filled with Danish bakeries, windmills, shops, wineries and restaurants to explore.

Drive Down the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu: Santa Barbara is about an hour and 45 minute drive from Malibu, California and the best way to get from point A to point B is the infamous Pacific Coast Highway. As you drive along this iconic highway, you'll pass through charming towns, like Carpinteria and Montecito, where you can stop for a stroll along the beach or a bite to eat. Look for landmarks, such as the famed Gaviota Wind Caves and the Bixby Creek Bridge, where you can pull over for some unforgettable photos.

• Caruso’s: A Michelin-star oceanfront dining experience at The Rosewood Miramar Beach with two tasting menu options to choose from. All of the dishes are sourced locally and pair perfectly with paired wines. Elect to have your dinner on the patio to round out the full sensory experience.

• El Encanto: Staying at the Belmond Property, or not, the Bossa Nova Sunday Brunch at El Encanto is worth checking out. The picturesque patio views, paired with an ensemble of light jazz make the food and beverages that much more enjoyable.

• The Stonehouse Restaurant: Fine dining restaurant at the gorgeous San Ysidro Ranch, most renowned as the Kennedy’s honeymoon destination. Perfect location to enjoy a bottle of wine and lunch while you take in the breathtaking views of the gardens under the leafy patio strung with fairy lights or enjoy dinner inside with the wood-burning fireplace. The whole ranch makes you feel like you are in the Tuscan Countryside.

• Helena Avenue Bakery: This cute spot in the Funk Zone for brunch or just a coffee and pastry. There will likely be a line but it moves quickly.

• Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach: This relaxed spot to catch brunch or happy hour right on the beach with the freshest just-caught seafood.

• La Paloma Cafe: The Restaurant has a large outdoor seating area and serves local fare with a Mexican flare focused on California’s historic ranchero style. Opt to sit on the patio here too!