Whether it’s a day-long stop on your way up north, or a chilled-out, long-weekend getaway, a trip to Santa Barbara is a must-visit stop along the Central Coast. Food and wine, art and shopping, mountains and surf, the charming seaside city checks all the vacation boxes and then some. See our list of the 5 places you can’t leave SB without visiting.
The Goodland Hotel
The Goodland Hotel in nearby Goleta is quintessential SoCal: surf decor and amazing local costal cuisine. It's close to several beaches and hikes, and minutes from downtown SB.
The Valley Project Tasting Room
In this quaint tasting room, you can try wines from each of the 5 surrounding AVAs (American Viticultural Areas, or wine-growing regions) along the Urban Wine Trail. While you're there, take a look at the infamous hand-drawn chalk map of Santa Barbara County—perfect for a photo op.
Jenni Kayne Montecito
Be sure to stop by Jenni Kayne's Montecito outpost. Both a lifestyle store and clothing boutique, it boasts a crop of the designer's luxe knits, classic cuts and cool accessories. The atmosphere perfectly suits her casual, relaxed Cali vibe.
The Lark
Perfect for a group of friends, The Lark is located in the refurbished Santa Barbara Fish Market building. The menu is largely family-style, based on seasonal produce from the Central Coast and, of course, Santa Barbara wines.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is located in lively downtown and houses 27,000 works of art. The permanent collection includes pieces from Asia, Europe and the Americas in the forms of painting, sculpture, drawing and more. Current exhibitions through the spring include Impressionists, photography and contemporary paintings.
