Destination: Santa Barbara
Situated on the central California coast, Santa Barbara boasts beauty from all angles. With the Santa Ynez mountains as a backdrop, this seaside town offers plenty of outdoor activities as well as elevated dining and shopping experiences. Our cofounder Andrea Siegel is moving there as we speak, so I asked her to share some of her favorite spots with all of us. Let’s go!
Starting with The Funk Zone, an arts district nestled between the ocean and Highway 101, where you can find local surf shops, galleries, and explore 20+ tasting rooms on the self-guided Urban Wine Trail. Andrea and our other cofounder Michelle, did a wine tasting at Sanguis Winery and would 10/10 recommend. End your night with dinner at The Lark, a family style restaurant featured in the Michelin guide where the ingredients are all seasonal and locally sourced.
If you’re looking for a more lowkey day at the beach, head to Paddle Sports Center for your kayaking and paddle boarding equipment. Take a break for lunch and try the fish tacos at Shoreline Beach Cafe or pack your lunch ahead of time, with fresh food from local brands that you can find at Bristol Farms. Do some shopping on State Street and check out Channel Island Surf Shop @cisurfboards_sbstore and SeaVees @seavees_santabarbara for surf and swim gear. Stay right on the beach at Rosewood Miramar, Southern California’s only five-star resort on the beach.
A little further up the road, about 45 minutes out are the must-see Strange Family Vineyards. Ask for Diane Dreyer at Destination Vine to help plan your entire wine tasting trip.
Summerland and Montecito are two beautiful coastal towns neighboring Santa Barbara. Start your day in Summerland by taking the dogs on a moderate hike at Romero Canyon Trails, or you can bring your mountain bike if you’re into that kind of thing. Then take some time to relax by the ocean and read the new issue of Santa Barbara Life & Style at the Summerland public beach. If you’re looking for some vintage pieces to add to your home decor, check out the antiques @fieldandfort where you can also have a light meal at their cafe.
In Montecito, do some fun shopping at Montecito Country Mart @montecitocountrymart. Find something nice for your pet at George @georgemontecito, or your next home good at Clic @clic_usa, and browse accessories and apparel at Clare V., @shopclarev. As always, the beach is right there for a short walk or a long one.
For a full day – start with a fresh smoothie from Juice Ranch, then get outside to the Hot Springs Canyon Trail, which are ruins from a resort in the 1800s. Enjoy lunch at Jeanine’s Bakery, a local family-owned restaurant. Get ready for the night in your private cottage at the San Ysidro Ranch, a 550-acre luxurious hideaway with outdoor rain showers and sunken spas. Dinner is at Oliver’s, a plant-based restaurant offering kombucha-infused cocktails.
Santa Barbara has lots of history, with Spanish colonial roots and architecture. You can visit the county courthouse and tour the grand-mission-style building where the 85-foot Clock Tower sits and still ticks. Ride the elevator to the top and see the gorgeous views of America’s Riviera. If you end up going and visit any of these places, we would love to see your photos. Thanks for surfing with us!
