Guidebook for Santa Barbara
Food Scene
Just around the corner from our house. Very relaxed atmosphere and a great place to grab a quick coffee and bagel.
18 locals recommend
Java Station
4447 Hollister AveJust around the corner from our house. Very relaxed atmosphere and a great place to grab a quick coffee and bagel.
The Lark is a great spot for date night. Although it's a bit pricey ($$$), it is hands-down one of the best spots for food in Santa Barbara. It books up quickly, so make sure your make a reservation in advance!
171 locals recommend
The Lark Santa Barbara
131 Anacapa StThe Lark is a great spot for date night. Although it's a bit pricey ($$$), it is hands-down one of the best spots for food in Santa Barbara. It books up quickly, so make sure your make a reservation in advance!
Great tapas, right in the Funk Zone close to local wineries and breweries, and a short walk from State Street and Stearns Wharf. One of our favorite spots.
64 locals recommend
Loquita Santa Barbara
202 State StGreat tapas, right in the Funk Zone close to local wineries and breweries, and a short walk from State Street and Stearns Wharf. One of our favorite spots.
Great spot for lunch or dinner with both indoor and outdoor seating. Killer drinks and great food. Go with the smoked trout, french dip, syrah and their signature Manhattan.
77 locals recommend
Honor Bar
1255 Coast Village RdGreat spot for lunch or dinner with both indoor and outdoor seating. Killer drinks and great food. Go with the smoked trout, french dip, syrah and their signature Manhattan.
If you want an oceanfront dining experience, the Boathouse is for you. Great happy hour menus, excellent mojitos, and stunning views. Not a bad seat in the house!
223 locals recommend
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
2981 Cliff DrIf you want an oceanfront dining experience, the Boathouse is for you. Great happy hour menus, excellent mojitos, and stunning views. Not a bad seat in the house!
Drinks & Nightlife
A great, local, family-friendly bar. Recently renovated and really well done inside. Definitely a great spot to grab a casual dinner or just swing by for a beer.
13 locals recommend
The Creekside Restaurant & Bar
4444 Hollister AveA great, local, family-friendly bar. Recently renovated and really well done inside. Definitely a great spot to grab a casual dinner or just swing by for a beer.
Central located inside of one of Santa Barbara's nicer hotels, the Finch & Fork is a great spot for appetizers, dinner and drinks. Try the Michter's Rye Manhattan - it's fantastic!
28 locals recommend
Finch & Fork
31 W Carrillo StCentral located inside of one of Santa Barbara's nicer hotels, the Finch & Fork is a great spot for appetizers, dinner and drinks. Try the Michter's Rye Manhattan - it's fantastic!
Sightseeing
Steans Wharf is an iconic Santa Barbara spot. If you're looking at pictures of the area, this spot is definitely going to show up. Stearns Wharf has fun restaurants, gift shops, wine tasting and more.
135 locals recommend
Stearns Wharf Pier
144-152 Stearns WharfSteans Wharf is an iconic Santa Barbara spot. If you're looking at pictures of the area, this spot is definitely going to show up. Stearns Wharf has fun restaurants, gift shops, wine tasting and more.
The Old Mission is a great spot to enjoy the weekend sun and also experience a bit of Santa Barbara history. Picnic or sun bath by the beautiful rose gardens and enjoy that Santa Barbara sun!
201 locals recommend
Old Mission Santa Barbara
2201 Laguna StThe Old Mission is a great spot to enjoy the weekend sun and also experience a bit of Santa Barbara history. Picnic or sun bath by the beautiful rose gardens and enjoy that Santa Barbara sun!
Parks & Nature
Santa Barbara zoo has many park areas, tons of animals and resides on a one-of-a-kind location right next to the beach. Definitely a must see for families with small children and animal lovers alike.
48 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Zoo station
Santa Barbara zoo has many park areas, tons of animals and resides on a one-of-a-kind location right next to the beach. Definitely a must see for families with small children and animal lovers alike.
The best 1.5 hour round-trip hike in Santa Barbara. Stunning views and great for both experienced and new hikers.
46 locals recommend
Inspiration Point
The best 1.5 hour round-trip hike in Santa Barbara. Stunning views and great for both experienced and new hikers.
For the experienced hiker, looking for a significantly longer hike. Depending on your appetite, make it a 4, 6, 8, 11 or 14 mile hike.
Romero Canyon Trailhead
1101 Romero Canyon RdFor the experienced hiker, looking for a significantly longer hike. Depending on your appetite, make it a 4, 6, 8, 11 or 14 mile hike.
Essentials
Our local grocery store - just a quick drive or short walk away. Great for everyday items.
32 locals recommend
Vons
163 S Turnpike RdOur local grocery store - just a quick drive or short walk away. Great for everyday items.
Arts & Culture
Growing up in Santa Barbara, the Museum of Natural History is one of my personal favorites. The museum is tucked away behind the Old Mission and is one of those great Santa Barbara hidden gems.
118 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta Del SolGrowing up in Santa Barbara, the Museum of Natural History is one of my personal favorites. The museum is tucked away behind the Old Mission and is one of those great Santa Barbara hidden gems.