That Cool Travel Couple

Santa Barbara is a city we keep coming back to, and is renowned for good food, beach vibes and relaxation. It’s only an hour and a half drive away from LA but feels like you’re in a completely different world.

There are a couple of ways to stay around Santa Barbara. We’ve stayed in luxurious hotels, lower end motels, and even camped outside of Santa Barbara. Here are our recommendations for each level. 

Luxury

Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. It’s not right in the center of Santa Barbara, but that adds to its charm. It’s actually set on its own 78 acres meaning it’s not really in the center of anything other than the wild and beautiful California coast. The Bacara is truly a stunning hotel with gorgeous coastal views, delicious restaurants and succulent grounds. It’ll run you over $800 a night to stay in this luxurious hotel. 

Hotel

Try out the Hilton Santa Barbara. It’s set on the other side of Cabrillo Boulevard from the beach, and many of the rooms have direct ocean views. It’s also an easy walking distance to and from the main street of Santa Barbara as well as the pier. This is probably the most convenient and accessible location we’ve found in Santa Barbara. They also host a happy hour for guests. 

Motel

Staying in Santa Barbara can get pricey, quickly. The Lemon Tree Inn on State Street has you covered. Rooms are a decent size and clean, and the central area of bustling State Street is a short Uber or a long walk away. 

Camping

Carpinteria State Beach and Refugio State Beach are both about a twenty minute drive from Santa Barbara. You’ll have to book well in advance, as these gorgeous campgrounds are both set right on the water. This is the most affordable option for staying near Santa Barbara, and you get to wake up to the sounds of the ocean and a cool sea breeze. It’s our favorite way to stay. 

The Itinerary

Wander up and down State street and look inside all the unique stores. We’ve bought vintage records, second hand books, delicious ice cream, novelty socks and much more. If you want more shopping, head to Paseo Nuevo which is a beautiful outdoor mall with several chain stores and several smaller shops as well. 

One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is eat! This is the place where we first discovered “Sherpa Stew” – you can find our recipe on this page. Head to Himalayan Kitchen to try this authentic dish along with momos, especially if it’s cold out. 

If you can’t decide what you want to eat, Santa Barbara Public Market is an awesome spot that has booths from many local restaurants and breweries. Try a little of each as you wander around! 

We also love picking up sandwiches, cheese, snacks and some drinks from Cantwell’s Grocery or Savoy Deli and heading to the beach for a little picnic. Be sure to pack your sunscreen though, as the Santa Barbara sun can get pretty hot! 

For dessert, definitely visit McConnell’s fine ice creams. Guaranteed there will be a line out the door but it is worth it (and moves quickly). 

Santa Barbara is also at the heart of California’s wine region. One of the most scenic spots to enjoy a glass is Deep Sea Tasting Room on Stearn’s Wharf. This adorable outdoor tasting room is complete with heaters and blankets for chilly ocean breezes. We’ve heard good things about Moby Dick across the way for dinner afterwards as well. 

Definitely check out the Funk Zone. The Funk Zone is a neighborhood of downtown Santa Barbara that is easily walkable. It has over 20 tasting rooms and is part of the Urban Wine Trail, but you’ll also find cool and funky shops and restaurants as well as art galleries along the way. More information on that here.