West Beach, Santa Barbara
STAY
HIGH-END
The newest hotel in the area developed by Rick Caruso over sprawling grounds complete with a bocce court, pool, two restaurants, and direct beach access. The Amtrak runs right through the property but they’re incorporated it in a cute way with an old-timey crossing guard making sure it’s safe. One of the few hotels actually on the beach in the area. The restaurant Caruso’s has great ocean views and a good choice for a special occasion.
Up in the hills of Montecito this is a secluded and classy place a short drive from the beach.
A high-end classic across from the lovely Butterfly Beach. And if you don’t stay there getting a happy hour drink with live piano music is a more affordable way to experience this classic hotel.
Historic hotel where JFK and Jackie Kennedy visited has bungalow type rooms allowing for maximum privacy. Beautiful gardens up in the hills of Montecito. Was severely damaged in the mudslides but now is renovated and reopened. Very pricey but a good choice for a special occasion.
BUDGET
No frills Ace hotel vibes. No pool and feels more like a stylist motor lodge but if you’re going to be out all day anyway it’s a great value.
AIRBNB
This airbnb is much better bang for your buck than a lot of the pricey hotels in the area but with ocean views and gardens just as special. Great for families or a group of friends complete with a pool, hot tub and BBQ. 4 bed, 3.5 baths.
Rincon Point Lane Beach Getaway
Another great airbnb that is more about location than decor. Just a short walk from the beach and one of the top surf spots in the world. The backyard feels like an oasis and the hot tub and BBQ are perfect after a long day at the beach. You can also look for any available airbnb within the Rincon Point gated community and you will have quick access to the beach. 3 bed, 2 bath.
EAT
SANTA BARBARA
Wonderful and popular Spanish restaurant with a beautiful outdoor patio. Delicious tapas, pintxos, paella, and cocktails. Great for a group of friends. Reservations are a must.
Very hip spot in the Funk Zone with antique furniture, bustling bar, and a beautiful outdoor patio.
Next to The Lark, the little building is covered in thousands of actual pennies. Delicious wood-fired pizzas in casual setting. Great option for takeout.
Connected to The Lark, a great place to try local wines and bring home a bottle. Only open Friday through Sunday.
Modern take on Indian food classics.
Young and cool spot for Southeast Asian food with charming back patio.
Artisanal bakery and cafe with great eggs, pastries, coffee and homemade bread. Outdoor seating.
Organic and local ice cream with interesting flavors and several outposts in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria.
Inventive and fresh tacos in the foodie Santa Barbara Public Market.
Tapas in a lively environment.
There are actually very few restaurants ON the beach in the area and this is one of them with solid food and great seafood offerings. No reservations so come early and walk the beach while you wait for a table.
MONTECITO
Delicious wood-fired pizzas, salads, and mains in a bright setting. Great for takeout and right across from Rori’s for dessert.
An unfortunate name but delicious brioche as the name suggests in savory and sweet forms. Run by a sweet French couple. Order online to skip the ever-present line.
A Montecito institution. Outdoor seating and good people watching of fancy people and their eggs.
CARPINTERIA
Oceanside very local spot for tacos and burgers with seating at outdoor picnic tables. Come early or late to beat the weekend lunch rush. Bring your beach gear to hang before or after.
The popular Los Feliz restaurant has opened a second outpost on Linden Ave with a seafood focus.
Surprisingly authentic and flavorful Thai food in quaint digs.
Bibi Ji
Bikes parked outside Figueroa Mountain Brewing in the Funk Zone
Helena Ave Bakery
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Ice cream sundae at Rori’s
DRINK
Municipal Wine
Kitschy tiki bar with delicious and strong cocktails.
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company
Local brewhouse with flight tastings, picnic tables. Rowdy and casual vibe - the type of place you bring your dog and hang for hours.
Super charming lofted space in the Funk Zone featuring their local wines.
Horses on Rincon Point Beach
One of many murals in the Funk Zone
Paddle boarding off of Stearns Wharf.
DO
Butterfly Beach
Across from the Four Seasons, great for a walk with dramatic cliffs when you walk further down. Pop up to the street level and there’s a walking and bike path that will lead you along the coast where you can spot Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner’s mansion.
Loon Point
Never crowded backed with Mars-like cliffs. My favorite beach in the area.
Rincon Point
A famous surfspot and also a favorite for dog owners. Something for everyone.
Stearns Wharf
Worth a walk down the pier and the beachfront path. You can also rent bikes or a buggy to ride along the beach here. Also a fun place to rent a paddle board to paddle around the calm marina if the ocean is choppy. There’s also a small aquarium where kids can touch starfish and see jellyfish.
Funk Zone
Despite the cheesy name, this is the “cool” area of Santa Barbara. Great restaurants and wine tasting.
Lotus Land
Gorgeous botanical garden in Montecito. Only accessible on a pre-booked tour.
If you want to live that scene in Pretty Woman and “stomp the divots” with a glass of champagne in hand this is the place. Lots of famous polo players compete and practice here included Nacho Figueras.
Hikes
Two of my favorite hikes:
Hike up to hot springs of an abandoned spa form the 20s. It’s a real deal climb but the hot springs are worth it, carved into the mountain getting progressively cooler. It gets very crowded so best to go very early in the morning.
This is my secret hike that is very uncrowded. A sweet and easy little creek hike around the back of the polo fields where you can stop and pet the horses who are very friendly.