Most people think of Santa Barbara as the stomping grounds for the rich and famous, but Santa Barbara is actually a very accessible tourist destination and it’s affordability makes it the perfect day trip from Los Angeles. Located about an hour north of L.A., Santa Barbara boasts 10 beautiful beaches, plush scenery, and lots of shopping and food options. If you’re driving, the best time to leave from L.A. is always in the morning. On the weekend, the earlier the better and about 10:00 AM during the week is best. For the trip home, planning to be on the road by 7:30 PM is best for missing the rush hour traffic. There’s a lot to see and do in a day in Santa Barbara. Here are a few ssuggestions for your trip:
Arts/Culture
Santa Barbara is rich in Spanish-American & Native-American history so there’s no shortage of cultural activities to partake in. Here are a few of our picks: the Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Arts S.B., and Fazzino’s 3D Museum.
Shopping
The best shopping is definitely located in Downtown Santa Barbara. You can find several well known chains and many other stores that you’ll only find in a quaint beach town like Santa Barbara.
Food
There are so many food options in Santa Barbara. Some of the most popular include La Super-Rica Taqueria, a delicious Mexican restaurant that Julia Child’s called her favorite, Renaud’s Patisserie & Bistro, or Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood.
Wine Tasting
State Street in downtown Santa Barbra has several wine tasting options, but if you want to explore Santa Barbara’s wine country it’s only a 40 minute drive away; North of the city in the Santa Ynez/Los Olivos areas. Sunstone, Fess Parker, Rancho Sisquoc are just a few of your tasting options. The Danish village of Solvang is also in wine country and you might enjoy strolling around the shops there.
People Watching
If you’re in the mood for people watching, head over to the college town of Isla vista and hang out. The University of California Santa Barbara is located there and you’ll find a plethora of restaurants with drink specials to enjoy.
Events
Santa Barbra is most fun when you plan around an event that’s happening in town. Among the most notable:
Santa Barbara International Film Festival – January 30 – February 9, 2014
Chalk Festival – (Formally, ‘I Madonnari’ The Italian Street Painting Festival) May 24-26 2014
Santa Barbara Fiesta – July 30 – August 3 2014
Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Days – Mid October
Places To Stay
If you just so happen to drink too much wine, you may need a place to sober up for the night. AirBNB is a great option and you can usually find an affordable option there. For more luxurious options, try the award winning Barcara Resort & Spa, The Montecito Inn, or The Four Seasons.
photo credit: Damian Gadal via photopin cc
