Are You Searching for an Accommodation in Santa Barbara? There are various hotels to select from, some close to Santa Barbara’s top attractions while others are more remote; furthermore, this cosmopolitan city offers an assortment of restaurants and bars.
There are family-oriented attractions, while others feature a more casual bar atmosphere.
Beaches
Staying in Santa Barbara is a fantastic way to experience California’s relaxed lifestyle. This city is known for its stunning beaches, vineyards, upscale restaurants, and historic sites and museums that can be explored. Santa Barbara is known as “the American Riviera,” offering visitors many experiences, whether shopping at local boutiques or lounging on beautiful beaches. There’s sure to be something here that everyone will appreciate!
Surfers and sunbathers flock to the beaches near the best western Santa Barbara for surfing and sunbathing, while many offer lifeguard-protected stretches of shoreline. Swimmers will delight in swimming the Pacific Ocean or taking advantage of one of several public pools on the coast. At the same time, numerous restaurants, cafes, candy stores, and candy bars are nearby – not forgetting downtown Santa Barbara, with its array of boutique shops and eateries offering plenty of dining and retail opportunities!
Belmond El Encanto has offered breathtaking ocean views since 1918 and has hosted celebrities like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Pershing Park, and numerous restaurants nearby. Additionally, there is also an on-site trolley stop providing access to Stearns Wharf.
Simpson House Inn provides another excellent option for luxurious ocean-view hotels in Santa Barbara. Set at the heart of downtown, its gorgeous English garden makes this hotel a perfect choice for anyone seeking an unforgettable vacation experience in America.
There are numerous hotels with beachfront views in Santa Barbara. Some are luxurious, while others can fit any budget. If traveling as a family on a tight budget, East Beach might be an option as it offers proximity to downtown and is home to plenty of restaurants and bars.
Santa Barbara boasts five distinct neighborhoods that cater to travelers of all kinds. Santa Barbara has something special waiting for you no matter your travel interests – wine tasting, history learning, or exploring nature!
Museums
Santa Barbara is known for its majestic Santa Ynez Mountains, turquoise Pacific Ocean waters, and postcard-worthy Spanish Colonial architecture, creating the ideal setting for an idyllic escape. However, Santa Barbara offers an incredible cultural scene, including world-class art museums and charming boutiques and restaurants in cozy neighborhoods.
The Museum of Art in Santa Barbara features expansive works spanning millennia. Their collection ranges from French Impressionist Monet pieces to the only intact mural in America by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros – not to mention two extensive gardens and an outdoor rooftop terrace that offer panoramic city and harbor views.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum is an essential stop for history buffs, offering over 500 years of local history ranging from Chumash, Spanish, and Mexican periods and paintings, sculptures, and archaeological relics for visitors to enjoy. Located in El Pueblo Viejo district in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is a must-visit destination for history and science enthusiasts. Boasting an array of exhibits – including rare fossils and extinct animal skeletons – it also boasts interactive activities and displays designed to engage young visitors.
Shoreline Park in Santa Barbara is one of the premier attractions. Perfect for spending quality family time when the weather permits, this park has paved walking paths and a breathtaking beach. In addition, Shoreline Park makes an excellent picnicking destination and boasts some of the city’s best views.
For an optimal whale-watching experience, visit Santa Barbara between late spring and early fall if you want to see California gray whales (humpback) or blue whales (blue).
If you’re shopping in Santa Barbara, head to State Street or El Paseo open-air mall. These popular destinations feature stores featuring big-name brands while also being great resources for finding trendy clothing and accessories.
Wine Tasting
Santa Barbara, California, is well known for its Spanish-style buildings and breathtaking beaches as well as its celebrity residents (Rob Lowe, Cat Cora, and Oprah), but more recently, this Southern California wine region has made waves as one of the country’s premier grape growing areas. Boasting five AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), stunning vineyard settings, and an atmosphere conducive to collaboration among winemakers rather than competition among winemakers – Santa Barbara holds much promise as one of America’s premier winegrowing regions, producing everything from bright sauvignon blancs to robust syrahs!
Santa Barbara wine tours are the ideal way to explore this region, while many local wineries have opened tasting rooms downtown. Make a day of it by following the Urban Wine Trail, with over 20 tasting rooms all within walking distance in neighborhoods like Funk Zone – home of Kunin Wines, Valley Project & Margerum Wines!
Visit wineries outside of town, and you will discover exquisite settings for wine tasting with breathtaking views of hills covered in vines and plenty of opportunities to learn about grape growing, winemaking, and viticulture from experts who make these wines. Some of the top wineries are in Buellton, Solvang, and Los Olivos. At the same time, there’s also an emerging wine scene in Santa Maria featuring Bien Nacido Vineyard as its anchor property.
Jim Clendenon has been making wine in Santa Barbara long before it gained national attention, producing wines with restrained elegance and balanced flavors that epitomize this region of California. Au Bon Climat’s tasting room is in an appealing vine-covered building located downtown near Presidio; visit it to try some wines from this small but rapidly emerging winery!
Whether you plan to sample wine in Santa Barbara’s heart of town or wine country, you will require somewhere comfortable to stay the night. Luckily, the Best Western Plus Encina Inn and Suites are conveniently situated near its sprawling vineyards, making this the ideal place from which you can wake up for beach walks, vineyard hopping, or enjoy Angel Oak steakhouse’s shrimp cocktail and dry-aged New York strip as soon as you return!
Restaurants
Santa Barbara, located two hours north of LA, offers everything you could want: poolside sangria sipping, flirting with surfers, and exchanging your vows at sunset in a beachfront church. Indulge yourself with yoga instructor retirement classes and perfect-groomed dogs; this coastal town also provides delicious seafood dishes and pizza to satisfy every palate!
Corazon Cocina in Downtown’s Santa Barbara Public Market offers casual lunchtime dining. Their Mexican food counter specializes in seafood-heavy fare such as yellowtail and watermelon ceviche, grilled shrimp with saffron sauce, and mole chicken tacos; make sure to arrive early for the best service and to claim your table! The lineups can get long, so plan to arrive as early as possible for the best results!
When the day’s over, and it’s time to treat yourself, downtown Santa Barbara offers some excellent dining options. Experience exquisite service with their impeccable steak and wine list at Bouchon; however, reservations will likely be required due to its popularity. Alternatively, Sama Sama offers up Southeast Asian vegetarian fare like Indonesian nasi goreng, Javanese chicken curry bowls, and Peking duck-inspired salads that satisfy patrons.
For an effortless meal in an informal setting, head to Taqueria El Bajio on the quieter side of town. Though this unassuming eatery may not draw as much attention as Super-Rica does, their delicious beef lip tacos and marinated pork adobada won’t let that matter much!
Midtown favorite The California Fusion serves California fusion cuisine featuring locally sourced produce, seafood, wines, and beers. Diners can choose between cozy dining room seating or terrace dining to embrace its warm atmosphere and welcoming vibe. They also boast their signature cocktails made with botanical ingredients sourced locally – they make this midtown establishment truly beloved!
