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Santa Barbara was recently named in:
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Best city getaways, Sunset magazine
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Most beautiful places to visit in California, Travel + Leisure
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Best shoulder season destinations around the world, Observer
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Best places to visit in California, U.S. News & World Report
Last summer, we visited Santa Barbara and nearby Montecito, California, which had been on my mental bucket list for years. We brought you part 1 of the bliss of Santa Barbara in this article last year.
This very special coastal town, known as “The American Riviera”, sits between San Francisco and Los Angeles, right on the Pacific Coast. Santa Barbara is known for its temperate Mediterranean weather, its red tiled roof Spanish architecture, nestled in between mountains, and featuring heaps of culinary dazzlers and fabulous California wines.
It’s no wonder that Santa Barbara has the gleaming reputation that it does. It truly has everything that makes a Texan’s vacation perfect. Because of that, we returned again this year to soak up the perfect temperatures and the Santa Barbara vibe that makes visitors want to return year after year.
Just down the road from Santa Barbara, visitors also get to enjoy the ritzy town of Montecito. So essentially, Texans get a two-for-one vacation bonus!
It’s a (sea) breeze to get there
Book your flight, with maximum one connection, into Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), which is wonderfully small and convenient, and only about 10 minutes from the center of Santa Barbara. In terms of transportation, Lyft and Uber are extremely easy to access.
Once you’re in Santa Barbara, jump on a BCycle electric bike from various points within town or even along the Cabrillo Bike Trail that runs all the way from Santa Barbara to Montecito. BCycle rentals are $8 per 30 minutes. Renters don’t get helmets or locks, but they do have a handy basket on each bike.
Inn to Inn
The Harbor View Inn is a quintessential Santa Barbara stay. Sitting right on the beach and only a block off of the touristy State Street, this location just cannot be beat! The coastal views from this inn are spectacular. The location is primely convenient to heaps of restaurants, shops, and really anything you might want to do in Santa Barbara.
Ask for the partial ocean view patio room, which you will find spacious, clean, comfortable, and with a perfect patio that overlooks the lush courtyard featuring the pool. I would tell any traveler headed to Santa Barbara that this is where they must lay their head. We just loved the walkability of this location, the view of the beach, water, and marina, and being able to read on our patio was sublime.
In Montecito, you’ll find Rosewood Miramar Beach, a gorgeous property (one of the most manicured properties I’ve visited) that opened in 2019 with the feel of a California coastal estate. Right on a private beach, with the Surfliner train running past, you’ll sink into this escape!
Read a good book at the Manor pool, sit in an adirondack chair in the lush courtyard, visit the Scoop shop for housemaid gelato, or get in a workout at the 24-hour accessible fitness center (with treadmills outside on a patio overlooking a beautiful courtyard). Guests will enjoy Rosewood’s impeccable customer service at this creme de la creme property. Read on for more in the F&B section below!
Coastal Culture
Known as the “Queen of the Missions” and situated on 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Old Mission Santa Barbara is a must-see. For $15, take a self-guided tour of the grounds, including the sacred garden, church, historic cemetery and mausoleum, and a nine-room museum of historical artwork and artifacts unique to this mission. Old Mission Santa Barbara also offers mass times on Sundays at 7:30, 9 and 11.
Bellosguardo is the palatial home that was first a French château purchased over 100 years ago in 1923. They started renovating the home in 1933 and finished in 1936, a home that they only used one month out of the year because they were based in New York. Historians will enjoy the two-hour tour which happens twice a day at 10 and 1:30 and covers the first floor.
Cruise along Santa Barbara’s scenic coastline and see why it is coined the “American Riviera” with Celebration Cruises. Guests enjoy a front-row seat to one of Santa Barbara’s iconic sunsets or go whale watching aboard the luxury yacht, Azure Seas. These daytime or sunset cruises are perfect for a quick getaway to soak up the beautiful views of the area and a unique way to see Santa Barbara. Celebration Cruises’ daytime and sunset cruises start at $35.
Riding along the beach at sunset with Summerland Beach Rides is a tranquil escape that is hard to forget. During the 90-minute horseback ride on the Beach Trail, guests can watch for dolphins and listen to waves crash while a professional guide leads the way. Those looking for a view from above can choose the Coastal Bluff Trail instead. This trail winds through the eucalyptus trees of the Summerland hills to display dramatic views of the coastline and lemon groves below. Both beginners and seasoned riders will appreciate the well-trained horses, natural beauty, and mix of relaxation and adventure that Summerland Beach Rides provides.
Culinary Cachet
Santa Barbara County offers more than 200 wineries with 7 AVAs and more than 75 great varietals. Michelin has recognized 15 Santa Barbara restaurants for their excellence.
Savoring Santa Barbara
The Brand: Near the airport, a relaxed café, at the bottom of a refurbished motel.
The Vibe: Think, surfboards, vinyl records, and sunshine.
The Bites: Enjoy the chilaquiles!
The Brand: They put the fun in Funk Zone with their delicious food and buzzy outdoor atmosphere.
The Vibe: Perfect to-go option if the weather isn’t good, but if it’s a beautiful day, their outdoor seating is the way to go!
The Bevs: Anything from Mexican Coke to cold beer to sparkling Topo Chico.
The Bites: If you are in the mood for more of a brunch moment, the Chilaquiles, but if lunch is more your speed then Mony’s Burrito Bowl.
Wine Tasting Room at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
The Brand: Every month, Hilton SB features a different Santa Barbara County winery which means you can visit often and expect a different experience each time!
The Vibe: Glass windows, modern, and right off of the lobby. The customer service (ask for Cole) can’t be beat!
The Bevs: Foxen Winery — the Chardonnay and the Cab Franc were favorites.
The Brand: Consistently rated the #1 restaurant in the area, this is the place to go when that craving hits for Italian-Mediterranean handcrafted cuisine.
The Vibe: Quaint European restaurant feel, sitting right across the waterfront.
The Bevs: Frog’s Leap Merlot (Napa Valley) for the win.
The Bites: Braised Beef Short Rib and Rigatoni (with gluten-free pasta!).
The Brand: Serving Santa Barbara’s community for over 30 years, their goal is to have a menu that is a reflection of their own eating lifestyle; simple, wholesome, and natural meals. Expect a line!
The Vibe: The perfect spot for sit-down brunch dining or takeout.
Tip: If the line is super long for dine in, use the take-out section and eat on the opposite patio.
The Bevs: Lavender oat milk latte!
The Bites: If you are wanting something on the lighter side/GF go with the oatmeal, but if you are looking for something heartier, you can’t go wrong with the breakfast burrito.
The Brand: “Seize the Daisy” with their healthy Mediterranean style menu.
The Vibe: Outdoor seating, greenery, natural lighting; feels a little bit like a happy greenhouse.
The Bevs: Fresh squeezed lemonade!
The Bites: Hummus (of course) and the well-known and loved chicken salad sandwich (lunch menu).
The Brand: The flavors of Mexico; an upscale Mexican cuisine experience.
The Vibe: Hip, fab, fun; with indoor and outdoor dining options that face the waterfront.
The Bevs: The house margarita, or if you are feeling fruity and fun then the Margarita Sayulita (Mango-Pineapple), and the house Chardonnay impresses.
The Bites: Beef Empanadas all day long.
The Brand: Right on the water, just a few blocks from Harbor View Inn. Short line (which moves fast) out the front door which lets you know that it’s good!
The Vibe: Coastal diner where locals and tourists both go for a hearty brunch experience. Sit at the counter for an up-close experience.
The Bevs: Coffee!
The Bites: The California Burrito and The Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs, (with a side of yummy gluten-free pancakes) pair for one of the most delicious brunch experiences. Share family style so you can enjoy both!
Munching in Montecito
Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach
The Brand: A Michelin One Star and Green Star oceanfront restaurant which awaits you with an unmatched dining experience.
The Vibe: Alfresco dining with a view of the ocean right in front of you. If you time it right, the sunset will linger throughout your meal, simply whimsical.
The Bevs: The Peach Cocktail; don’t let the egg whites scare you, it’s the perfect late summer refreshment. And the wine list captivates!
The Bites: Their menu rotates with the seasons; you can select a 4 or 8-course extravaganza.
Pro tip: Checkout the dress code before dining.
The Brand: Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (except Mondays); it’s the perfect oasis for all diners, but especially my gluten-free friends out there. As the manager says: “You’re safe here.”
The Vibe: Indoor/outdoor seating; florals and natural lighting.
The Bevs: Fun mimosas if you are brunching, or a good ‘ole cappuccino.
The Bites: Serving an all gluten-free menu, proving that you can make delicious food without gluten! Personal favorites include The California Eggs Benedict with the coffee cake for dessert.
The Brand: This bar, inspired by a luxurious sailing vessel, is open day to night for your seaside enjoyment.
The Vibe: Outdoor casual dining with unparalleled beach views.
The Bevs: Enjoy a refreshing and fun cocktail, like the La Paloma Mañanera, or a bottle of red wine.
The Bites: Taquitos & street tacos are staples on this Mexican-inspired menu.
The Revere Room at Rosewood Miramar Beach
The Brand: Paying homage to California’s own architect, Paul Revere Williams, the interior echoes his timeless and classic design.
The Vibe: An elegant and inviting outdoor atmosphere that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The Bevs: From coffee to cocktails (depending on time of day)!
The Bites: Hands down — the Gluten-Free Lemon Ricotta Pancakes hit the spot.
Santa Barbara: The American Riviera
Watch more about Santa Barbara in our San Antonio Living TV segment here!
More to learn about Santa Barbara:
“Santa Barbara has been known as “The American Riviera” for more than a century because of its physical similarities with the landscapes of the French and Italian Rivieras. The scenic coastline in close proximity to the mountains, plus the Mediterranean climate are what especially draw parallels. We have a robust wine and food culture here, too.
There’s a neighborhood in the foothills above the city of Santa Barbara which is called “The Riviera.” And Riviera Theatre, run largely by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, tends to screen independent and/or international films, including a French film series.
Julia Child, the celebrated cookbook author and TV chef who popularized French cooking, loved Santa Barbara and Montecito and spent the rest of her life here, in part because of its similarities with the South of France.”
–KARNA HUGHES, Director of Public Relations , Visit Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara area has several events taking place in October which make it an ideal destination for the month. Things kick off October 4-6 in Carpinteria with the California Avocado Festival. The event first began in 1986 and celebrates the area’s ranking as a top avocado producer. Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of avocado dishes and an exciting lineup of musical acts and performances.
Then from October 11-13 visitors can enjoy the NatureTrack Film Festival in Goleta. This film festival features breathtaking cinematography from award-winning filmmakers and is ideal for nature enthusiasts.
On October 19 Santa Barbara’s annual Harbor & Seafood Festival invites visitors and locals to enjoy the freshest local catches and meet with local fishermen. The harbor is home to over 1,000 boats and has long been home to commercial fishing fleets so visitors can expect everything from the freshest lobster to deliciously barbecued albacore.
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Cover photo Marika Flatt
Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News, Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (FOX), and Studio 512! She could easily summer in Santa Barbara for the rest of her life!
A lover of all things travel, pretty running trails and good coffee, Analise Flatt graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University and is now a FOCUS Missionary in Louisiana. Check out her Instagram to stay updated on her latest travel adventures.
