If you have been to Santa Barbara, you’re probably planning a return trip sometime soon (how could you not!?). Haven’t been? We’ll easily convince you why you should pay this California beach city a visit ASAP! You can see much of the city in one day, but if you have a bit more time, follow this weekend guide to Downtown Santa Barbara for a trip you won’t forget!
Where to Stay:
Hotel Californian: The brand new Hotel Californian is a stunning hotel that takes over 3 blocks of the coveted Santa Barbara “funk zone.” It’s walking distance to the beach, dozens of wine and beer tasting rooms, and all of the amazing fashion and vintage shopping of Downtown SB. When we first walked in, the incredible Moroccan-inspired interior design took our breaths away! It’s colorful and worldly, with fun touches of modern art. Talk about being Instagrammable! Couple that with a sunset balcony view, and we were sold.
Where to Eat:
Goat Tree: This quick-eats hotspot has a broad menu of delicious local-inspired options, including some of the best avocado toast we’ve ever had! Stop by in the morning to grab a cold brew and maple bacon cinnamon roll (Trust us).
Loquita: One of our new favorite spots for a Spanish tapas-style dinner! Stop by, order a bottle of wine, and choose from their amazing tapas menu. We recommend the broccolini and the chorizo y pollo paella!
Blackbird: Classic meets contemporary at this delicious fine-dining restaurant – It’s Hotel Californian’s signature spot that focuses on Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and hyper-seasonal ingredients. This is a great place to end your weekend vacation on a high note!
What to Do:
Wine tasting: This is a must while you’re in Santa Barbara! Take an afternoon and walk around the funk zone, visiting all of the tasting rooms along the way! A few of our favorites include Oreana (try to stop by when the owners have their pups there to visit!) and Santa Barbara Winery (they have a fun back room with allllll of the wine barrels to Instagram with), but there are SO many others to discover! If you’re anything like us, you might leave Santa Barbara with a few new bottles to add to your collection.
Shopping: Santa Barbara is a hotspot of both modern and vintage shopping! For your go-to spots like Nordstrom and Lululemon, head to State Street. It perfectly combines the best stores with that signature Santa Barbara mission-style feel. If you’re looking for more unique spots, head to the funk zone. The Shopkeepers has an assortment of clothing, accessories, and gifts that you won’t find anywhere else, and The Blue Door is one of our favorite vintage spots!
Relax: You’re on vacation! Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment at Hotel Californian’s “Majorelle” – It’s stunning, and you’ll feel zen as soon as you walk in. If a massage or facial isn’t your vibe, take a bottle of wine up to the rooftop of the hotel and sip as you watch the sunset over the palm-tree lined pier.
Where are your favorite destinations for a weekend getaway?
My favorite LA getaway!!
Looks like I found my next getaway destination!
This is the perfect weekend trip destination!