The Convergence of Mountains and Sea

With our expansive beaches, majestic mountains, charming neighborhoods, vibrant gardens, and sweeping vistas, you will fall in love with Santa Barbara. No matter where you venture, you will feel and see a sense of place, with our iconic architecture, red rooftops, Spanish tiles, and bougainvillea flowers. Discover fresh avocado’s at a local farmer’s market, shop in a unique boutique, dine in a celebrated restaurant, or an award-winning winery.

Lunch/Dinner

Boathouse at Hendry’s – Classic Santa Barbara restaurant with a view. From brunch to dinner you will enjoy dining practically on the sands of Hendry’s Beach. Great spot to put your name down on the waiting list, take a walk on the beach and return once your table is ready (please note that there is typically a wait).

Bibi Ji – Contemporary Indian cuisine with a lovely wine list in a relaxed outdoor seating on the pedestrian section of State Street. Seriously delicious flavors here!

Brophy Bros – Although this spot tends to be a tourist spot, it is classic Santa Barbara. Fresh, locally caught seafood & signature Bloody Marys in a hip, harborside location.

Loquita – Farm-fresh Spanish tapas and incredible cocktails. The gazebo-like patio with greenery crawling up the walls transports you to a Spanish coastal town. Our suggestion – get one of everything. Small Portions. Enjoy.

Tyger Tyger – Offers lunch and dinner menus inspired by the street food carts of southeast Asia in a casual counter-service café. If you are in the Funk Zone and see the hot pink lanterns that is Tyger Tyger.

Toma Restaurant & Bar – Legacy restaurant near the Santa Barbara Waterfront. It features Italian cuisine & a sizeable wine list in an outdoor space with harbor views.

Bouchon – Californian French cuisine is made with organic farm-fresh ingredients paired with local wines.

Carlitos – Classic Mexican eats & margaritas served on the patio located downtown State Street.

Arigato Sushi – Innovative sushi, nigiri & sake served downtown State Street.

Olio Pizzeria & Olio e Limone & Crudo Bar – The former is a laid back delicious pizzeria while their sister restaurant is an upscale authentic Sicilian fare & wine. Either is always a great choice.

Flor de Maiz – Amazing Mexican fare with direct ocean views and extensive margarita menu.

The Lark – Urbane eatery in a former fish market offers New American fare in wood-lined quarters with a patio in the Funk Zone.

SB Public Market – Collective eatery downtown Santa Barbara. Plenty of options ranging from a Thai noodle bar (Empty Bowl) to inventive Mexican fare (Corazon Cocina) to ice cream (Rori’s). Once you have picked up your to-go food, you can walk across the street to their al fresco dining area full of places to sit and even big screen TV’s to watch sports.

Outdoor Recreation

Biking – Enjoy an easy cruise with the family along the waterfront. It is a bike riders dream! Mountain bikes are also allowed on some front country hiking trails. Let the rider beware, though, this is only for the most adventurous and skilled of riders.

Hiking Trails – Enjoy the beautiful vistas of Santa Barbara’s world class hiking trails: Inspiration Point, Rattlesnake Canyon, 7 Falls, Jesusita, and Arroyo Burro!  We suggest you download the All-Trails app so you can see recent reviews of all these amazing hikes and understand their difficulty level.

Golf – Santa Barbara Municipal Course, Glen Annie, Sandpiper, Sol Park in Ojai, Alisal River Course in Solvang, La Purisima (championship-caliber course).

Ocean Activities – Surf Rincon, or venture down to the Santa Barbara Sailing Center to charter a sailboat with a captain for the afternoon,  paddleboarding or kayaking. Located in the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Horseback Riding – Our suggestions: El Capitan Canyon, Captain Jack’s Tours & Events, Los Padres Outfitters, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

Whale Watching – Hop on the Condor Express Whale Watching to go whale watching out in the Santa Barbara Channel.