We spent 48 hours in Santa Barbara for an impromptu weekend getaway, and there’s a certain magic to its coastal charm that leaves you completely smitten.
From the moment we stepped off the plane, the allure of this maritime city was undeniable. Santa Barbara’s airport felt like a postcard come to life, with its clean lines, historic design, and Spanish architecture offering a perfect preview of what was to come.
Typically, I’m the type to rush straight out of the airport, but I found myself pausing to snap pictures of the mosaic tiles and the stucco facade. This was truly a rare moment for me and tells you just how enchanted I was. The striking contrast of white buildings topped with orange rooftops, all set against a vibrant blue sky, created the most picturesque welcome.
With only having two days to explore, we fully embraced the laid-back California vibe, intentionally keeping a relaxed pace. There’s something about palm trees swaying overhead that instantly brings a sense of calm and leisure.
I’m sharing all the details of our Santa Barbara travel experience—from where we stayed to what we ate and the best places to explore in just 48 hours.
A quick note before diving in – we planned this last-minute trip through Delta Vacations (not an ad, just transparency) to earn some extra MQDs before the year ended. You can read about how we landed on Santa Barbara, along with my favorite, easy planning tips for a weekend getaway here. Now, let’s get into our stay!
Where We Stayed
For a short trip like this, we wanted to skip renting a car and opted for a centrally located hotel. Booking through Delta Vacations narrowed our choices, and we ultimately chose the Mar Monte Hotel. Its design perfectly complemented Santa Barbara’s Spanish architecture, and its location across the street from East Beach and the Santa Barbara Beach Trail were just what we were looking for.
Our room was spacious and inviting, and the hotel’s common areas offered cozy spots to relax. On top of that, we enjoyed having the pool bar and charming patio for other areas to hang out. Staying here allowed us to take morning walks along the beach and easily explore other areas by foot or a quick Uber ride.
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Where We Ate
Food was definitely a highlight of our Santa Barbara travel experience. Going into the trip, I had made a list of recommend restaurants, along with securing a few dinner reservations ahead of time. This is one of my tips to make our trips more enjoyable – one less decision to make at the end of a day exploring!
When visiting a coastal destination, we typically gravitate toward seafood, eager to enjoy fresh fish we can’t always get at home. We also made it a point to embrace the outdoor dining scene, soaking up the California sunshine while we could. Many spots had patio heaters to keep things cozy as the evening chill set in—a thoughtful touch we appreciated. If you’re planning a trip during the winter months, like we did in early December, be sure to pack a jacket. The daytime temps may feel warm, but don’t be fooled—once the sun dips below the horizon, it cools down fast.
Santa Barbara’s culinary scene beautifully showcases its access to fresh, coastal ingredients. So, without further ado, here’s a roundup of all the places we enjoyed during our trip:
Coffee & Breakfast
- Dart Coffee: We went to the location at Santa Barbara Harbor to enjoy coffee while taking in the view of boats and walking through the fish market. A sea lion even made an appearance while we enjoyed our coffee and pastries.
- Lokum: Our first experience with Turkish coffee! Each drink came with a delectable Turkish Delight, a chewy and lightly sweet confection. These were such a treat that we had to order extra to enjoy as we walked around town.
- Jannine’s at the Shore: With a prime location across from Stearns Wharf and right on the corner of State Street, this spot offers a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes. I ordered Huevos Rancheros and they were delish! Notably, this is more of a fast-casual place versus a full-service dining experience – if that’s important to you.
Lunch
- Brophy Bros: This was the first stop we made after our flight, and it filled us right up! Located at Santa Barbara Harbor, this lively seafood spot offered hearty clam chowder, and a spicy Hot Press cocktail made with chili vodka. The energetic atmosphere turned our vacation mode on quickly.
- South Coast Deli: This was a local favorite and had creative combinations to choose from. Pro tip: Dan ordered the Italian 3-Way and it was enough to feed a village. Unless you are really hungry, sharing this one is more than enough for two people.
Snacks & Happy Hour
- Café Lido: Located in our hotel, this spot introduced me to the genius idea of zesting fresh lime over chips—an instant flavor upgrade I’ll be recreating at home.
- Paradise Springs Winery: In the Funk Zone, this eclectic winery tasting room was perfect for reminiscing about the day with a crisp glass of vino in hand.
- Cutler’s Artisan Spirits: A cozy distillery with fun cocktails and a lively bartender who shared great local recommendations. Always chat with your servers—they’re full of insider tips!
Dinner
- Loquita: This Spanish tapas restaurant lives up to the hype. We shared the octopus and lamb tapas and split the Branzino for our main dish. Don’t miss their creative cocktails or zero-proof options like the refreshing Limonada.
- The Lark: My favorite meal of the trip! From the complimentary kettle corn spiced with coriander and ginger to the brown butter cornbread and caramelized cauliflower, every bite was divine.
Honorable Mentions
I wish we had time to checkout everywhere on the list I compiled, guess it just means we’ll have to go back! Here are a few more places that came highly recommended:
Coffee & Breakfast
- Santa Barbara Roasting Company
- Handlebar
- Boathouse
- Helena Avenue Bakery
- CAJÉ Coffee Roasters
Ice Cream
- McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
- Cuso’s Ice Cream
- Tondi Gelati
Lunch & Dinner
- Santa Barbara Public Market
- Norton’s Pastrami & Deli
- Lure Fish House
- Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
- Oku Sushi
- La Super Rica
- Taqueria El Bajio
- Cajun Kitchen
- Third Window
- Cold Spring Tavern
- Validation
Exploring Santa Barbara
Strolling around town you’ll find all of the quintessential California activities you could ask for. From beaches, to shopping, to the farmer’s market. You’ll get a good mix of stunning coastline, historic charm, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Given our mission was to enjoy all things coastal and laid back, we laced up our shoes and got to exploring:
East Beach
Just across from our hotel, East Beach provided the perfect setting for soaking up the afternoon sun. We became fascinated spectators of a spirited game of Ultimate Frisbee—a classic California beach moment.
And as someone who grew up in the Midwest, it always baffles me to see people enjoying their everyday life on a beach in December – what a luxury!
Santa Barbara Harbor
The harbor buzzes with fishing boats, eateries, and shops. Make time for a pitstop at the Santa Barbara Visitor Center for panoramic views and to learn about the Channel Islands and local wildlife.
The Saturday Farmer’s Market
California’s fresh produce and vibrant flowers shine at the Saturday Farmer’s Market on State Street. We picked up some snacks to enjoy as we strolled through and resisted the urge to buy everything in sight.
Don’t miss this local gem—and if Saturday doesn’t work for you, there’s one nearly every other day of the week that you can check out here.
After the Farmer’s Market, stick around the area for shopping on Mission and State Street or head over to the Santa Barbara Public Market to grab another coffee or some lunch.
Stearns Wharf
Walking the historic wooden boardwalk of Stearns Wharf feels like stepping back in time. Catch breathtaking sunsets here—the pastel colors reflecting on the coastline were a highlight of our trip. You’ll find places to eat and little shops to peruse. Be sure to read about the maritime history of the wharf as you walk.
The Funk Zone
Named for its funky buildings, The Funk Zone is a must-visit spot during your trip. With an eclectic mix of vintage shops, local boutiques, art murals, and tasting rooms, this neighborhood is a great place to spend an afternoon (that’ll likely turn into an evening)!
The Urban Wine Trail here is a fun way to get a taste of local wineries without needing to venture out of the city. Check out this map to plan your route and enjoy your time!
Santa Barbara Beach Trail
Stretching 4.5 miles along the coast, the Santa Barbara Beach Trail is perfect for walkers, runners, rollerbladers, and cyclists alike.
We walked it several times a day to reach coffee spots, explore the harbor, and take in the ocean views. We’d stop along the way to take pictures and admire the birds and wildlife zooming around.
Things We Missed (But Will Try Next Time)
Although we packed a lot into 48 hours, there’s so much more to explore around Santa Barbara. We could have easily stayed for a 4-day weekend, and just might the next time around. This is what’s on our list for when we come back:
- Day trip to Solvang, a Danish-inspired village with unique shops and bakeries.
- Winery tours in Santa Barbara County to explore the region’s vineyards.
- Beaches like Leadbetter and Butterfly Beach.
- Mission Santa Barbara, a historic gem that’s often called the “Queen of the Missions.”
- Sunset cruise or whale-watching expedition for an ocean adventure.
- Day trip to the Channel Islands, a national park teeming with natural beauty and wildlife.
Looking for more activity ideas during your travels?
I always turn to Viator for booking tours, excursions, and unique experiences. It’s one of my top resources for discovering exciting activities and hidden gems wherever we travel.
Santa Barbara Will Steal Your Heart
Santa Barbara is more than just postcard-perfect beaches and delicious food—it has all these little details that mesmerize you. It sweeps you right off your feet and steals a little piece of your heart. The playful font on street signs brings out the city’s quirky personality. Historical plaques scattered around town draw you in, offering fascinating glimpses of the city’s storied past.
Whether you’ve got a weekend or a whole week, Santa Barbara is the kind of place that will already have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left. Did Santa Barbara steal your heart too? Let me know in the comments if you’ve got any favorite spots or recommendations for next time!
With joy,
Bri
P.S. More Santa Barbara travel goodness ahead! Keep scrolling for FAQs and our trip recap.
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Santa Barbara Trip Recap
When we traveled | Early December |
Where we stayed | What we thought: The charm and aesthetic of the hotel was on point with the rest of the city. The proximity to the beach, plus the walk to the wharf and restaurants was perfect. The one downside was, the walls seemed a bit thin and didn’t block out some of the noise from other rooms or the hallway. |
Restaurant we loved | Why we loved it: Being able to sit outside on a patio in December is a true treat and the warmth from the heaters made the spot so cozy. Our meal was incredible from start to finish. |
Planning tip | If you’re going for a quick weekend, you shouldn’t need to rent a car. Ride Share was reasonable and we found ourselves wanting to walk around in the California sunshine. |
Moment of joy | I loved all the architecture and history of this city. With a significant Spanish influence, it’s clear how intentional and thoughtful the design of the buildings are. It made it that much more fun to walk around and be enchanted by each design choice. |
