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Have you ever visited Santa Barbara or is it at least on your bucket list?! It’s a definite must if you ever visit California- a quick 2 hour drive north of Los Angeles, and a few hours south of San Francisco! It’s where I was born and raised and still live today and couldn’t be happier about that. Today I’m covering everything you need to know about spending a weekend here, whether it be with your boo or your girlfriends, DEFINITELY add it to your list.
Before you read on, be sure to check out my full SANTA BARBARA TRAVEL GUIDE! I talk about what to do, what to see, where to eat/drink, and even where to stay! With that being said, I definitely wanted to write an updated blog post since there are a few new restaurants in town and a couple new cool places to check out! So, here we go: how to spend a weekend in Santa Barbara…
FRIDAY:
- Arrive + check in to your hotel: I recommend staying somewhere by the Funk Zone (Hotel California or Hotel Milo).
- Take a walk to the harbor, out along the flags which locals call Sandspit. On your way back, stop for a clam chowder bowl + a happy hour margarita at Brophys or Endless Summer!
- Continue your walk along the bike path and venture up State Street for some Mexican food on the patio at Carlitos.
- Walk back down State Street, stopping at the world-famous McConnell’s Ice Cream (my favorite flavor is Sea Salt Cream and Cookies mmm)!
SATURDAY:
- Wake up and take a hike in the gorgeous foothills. The best hike and views in my opinion is Inspiration Point (amazing views at the top and it’ll probably take you 1.5 hours round trip). Another great one that’s shorter is Saddlerock Trail.
- Head down to Sambo’s or Boathouse for brunch by the water. You won’t be disappointed by the pancakes that’s for sure!
- Put on your bathing suits, rent cruiser bikes in the Funk Zone, and check out Butterfly Beach for a couple hours. This is my all time favorite beach for so many reasons (you’ll see what I mean when you get there)!
- Head back, freshen up, and wander around the Funk Zone for the afternoon. This is THE HOT SPOT in town! It’s a few blocks wide and filled with micro-breweries and wine tasting rooms! There are literally so many to choose from, but I love them all! Just wander and see what floats your boat. Trust me, you’ll have such a good time with the wine flowing and music playing, you’ll be in good spirits!
- For lunch, stop by Lucky Penny for a pizza and salad (great photo op spot too) OR Mony’s for a few street tacos (or my favorite the shrimp burrito omg, so good).
- There are endless options for dinner around this area, but a great spot would be Santo Mezcal (we love Mexican food here in Santa Barbara). You have to try their avocado salsa!
- Get drinks afterwards at Test Pilot!
SUNDAY:
- Wake up and cruise over to Helena Bakery for coffee (and the most amazing toast and breakfast sandwiches).
- Take a coffee walk along the boardwalk, by the skate park, and along the Sunday Art Walk. Super talented local artists sell everything from jewelry, to home decor, and more!
- Keep walking out onto Santa Barbara Wharf to the very end! There is a fun Sea Museum (or the Moxie if you’re with kids). On the wharf you’ll see fisherman, live lobster at the restaurant on the end, lots of cute souvenir shops, and more.
- Grab lunch before you head out of town at Tyger Tyger (in the Funk Zone, and amazing asian fusion food).
- You’ll also want to drive up to the Santa Barbara Mission for a little before you leave town. Bring a frisbee or picnic and hang out for awhile on the huge green lawn with amazing views.
YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN IN SANTA BARBARA!!! Please tag me on Instagram @toreystreasures if you decide to make a trip out here, I’d LOVE to see your Santa Barbara adventures!
XO