Guidebook for Santa Barbara
Food Scene
Amazing french food and very respectful of dietary restrictions (I am gluten-intolerant and my partner is vegetarian). Ask for Tony. He is a personal friend and an amazing host. Make sure you mention "Meghan" sent you and he will take VERY good care of you.
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bouchon Santa Barbara
9 West Victoria StreetAmazing french food and very respectful of dietary restrictions (I am gluten-intolerant and my partner is vegetarian). Ask for Tony. He is a personal friend and an amazing host. Make sure you mention "Meghan" sent you and he will take VERY good care of you.
They are right down the street from the house and a great seafood option. They have an incredible Oyster happy hour every weekday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM and every Sunday between 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM. They are also an easy option if you have gluten-intolerance.
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Lure Fish House
60 S California StThey are right down the street from the house and a great seafood option. They have an incredible Oyster happy hour every weekday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM and every Sunday between 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM. They are also an easy option if you have gluten-intolerance.
This is another local restaurant/Bar that we love! There happy hour is $2 off all drinks with a food happy hour from 2-5pm and they are open for lunch at 11:30am (where the lunch menu is all under $13). And every Wednesday starting at 8:30pm is Country night with a DJ and line dancing. If you want line dancing lessons they start at 7:30pm. for Country night there is a $5 cover.
This is a very lively place which usually has live music. They have an amazing summer patio that is set up with yard games and TV's at the bar for watching sports. And they are walking distance from our place!
http://www.thecreeksidesb.com/2pm-5pm-happy-hour.html
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The Creekside Restaurant & Bar
4444 Hollister AveThis is another local restaurant/Bar that we love! There happy hour is $2 off all drinks with a food happy hour from 2-5pm and they are open for lunch at 11:30am (where the lunch menu is all under $13). And every Wednesday starting at 8:30pm is Country night with a DJ and line dancing. If you want line dancing lessons they start at 7:30pm. for Country night there is a $5 cover.
This is a very lively place which usually has live music. They have an amazing summer patio that is set up with yard games and TV's at the bar for watching sports. And they are walking distance from our place!
http://www.thecreeksidesb.com/2pm-5pm-happy-hour.html
This is another local s favorite hangout thats tucked into our neighborhood! Wonderful place for artisan coffee and breakfast items; there Santa Barbara avocado toast (with the egg) is amazing! This is a very lively place which is set up with ample seating and tables where they invite visitors to linger, work and play board games from their game library.
What I love most is their fire place and the large format tables that accommodates groups. They have a cute outdoor patio with umbrellaed tables and ample parking. Java Station is walking distance from our place and our "go-to" spot for coffee. We recommend taking your coffee "to-"go" and walking the neighborhood behind the shop.
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Java Station
4447 Hollister AveThis is another local s favorite hangout thats tucked into our neighborhood! Wonderful place for artisan coffee and breakfast items; there Santa Barbara avocado toast (with the egg) is amazing! This is a very lively place which is set up with ample seating and tables where they invite visitors to linger, work and play board games from their game library.
What I love most is their fire place and the large format tables that accommodates groups. They have a cute outdoor patio with umbrellaed tables and ample parking. Java Station is walking distance from our place and our "go-to" spot for coffee. We recommend taking your coffee "to-"go" and walking the neighborhood behind the shop.
Hands-down the BEST Italian food in Santa Barbara and at a bargain. They are biking distance from our place and we visit with them at least 2x per week!
Open 7 days a week. They serve a wonderful Italian breakfast Monday - Saturday starting at 8:30, with lunch service starting at 11:30 and continuing throughout the day until their dinner service at 5:00 which is served until 9:00. On Sunday They are open 11:00 - 5:00.
Absolutely try their Pumpkin Ravioli. Its unparalleled! We also enjoy sitting on their outdoor patio because they have heaters for those chilly Santa Barbara evenings,
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Via Maestra 42
3343 State StHands-down the BEST Italian food in Santa Barbara and at a bargain. They are biking distance from our place and we visit with them at least 2x per week!
Open 7 days a week. They serve a wonderful Italian breakfast Monday - Saturday starting at 8:30, with lunch service starting at 11:30 and continuing throughout the day until their dinner service at 5:00 which is served until 9:00. On Sunday They are open 11:00 - 5:00.
Absolutely try their Pumpkin Ravioli. Its unparalleled! We also enjoy sitting on their outdoor patio because they have heaters for those chilly Santa Barbara evenings,
Our local sushi spot. They have their ingredients shipped in from Japan and their prices are great. We recommend their tuna 7-ways platter.
Sun Sushi
3631 State StOur local sushi spot. They have their ingredients shipped in from Japan and their prices are great. We recommend their tuna 7-ways platter.
Another great coffee spot with a wide variety of teas and a small seating area. They make the best dirty chi in town! However, they do not offer wi-fi.
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Vices & Spices From Around The World
3558 State StAnother great coffee spot with a wide variety of teas and a small seating area. They make the best dirty chi in town! However, they do not offer wi-fi.
Wonderful bakery that provides on of my favorite breakfast/brunch options in Santa Barbara. They have two locations and both offer great outdoor dining patios. They also make a lovely cup of coffee
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Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
1253 Coast Village RdWonderful bakery that provides on of my favorite breakfast/brunch options in Santa Barbara. They have two locations and both offer great outdoor dining patios. They also make a lovely cup of coffee
One of my favorite restaurant. Tapas style food (definitely try the prosciutto and date pinxtos) and ask for the cocktail that comes in the pineapple (its for two). Their patio is stunning and very romantic with fire places hidden throughout. wonderful date night spot and across from the MOXI interactive museum. the two together are a great date night option.
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Loquita Santa Barbara
202 State StOne of my favorite restaurant. Tapas style food (definitely try the prosciutto and date pinxtos) and ask for the cocktail that comes in the pineapple (its for two). Their patio is stunning and very romantic with fire places hidden throughout. wonderful date night spot and across from the MOXI interactive museum. the two together are a great date night option.
fantastic diner style cafe with one of the best breakfasts in town. Also has outdoor seating options. out front.
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D'Angelo's Bread
25 W Gutierrez Stfantastic diner style cafe with one of the best breakfasts in town. Also has outdoor seating options. out front.
This is THE breakfast spot - and be prepared to pay for it. The breakfast here is very sold and tasty, but not the most economical. Though you may hardly notice the small fortune you spend as your liking their aioli sauce off your fingers.
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Dawn Patrol
324 State StThis is THE breakfast spot - and be prepared to pay for it. The breakfast here is very sold and tasty, but not the most economical. Though you may hardly notice the small fortune you spend as your liking their aioli sauce off your fingers.
Do you want incredible views of Santa Barbara,? Romance, quality food and drinks, and to revel in a piece of Santa Barbara history? Then don't think, just go to El Encanto. No visit is complete with out taking in this local treasure. This is your dress to impress date night spot. You can thank me later.
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El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
800 Alvarado PlDo you want incredible views of Santa Barbara,? Romance, quality food and drinks, and to revel in a piece of Santa Barbara history? Then don't think, just go to El Encanto. No visit is complete with out taking in this local treasure. This is your dress to impress date night spot. You can thank me later.
Lilac Pâtisserie
1017 State StAll gluten free
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
128 E Canon Perdido StGreat scene and awesome Croissants
Flor De Maiz
29 E Cabrillo BlvdBest Mexican fusion food in town and great margaritas.
Best food and cocktails in town! Slide in for the locals happy hour and ask for a margarita flight!
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La Paloma Cafe
702 Anacapa StreetBest food and cocktails in town! Slide in for the locals happy hour and ask for a margarita flight!
Amazing food and cocktails at this Montecito staple. Go for the food, stay for the scene.
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Honor Bar
1255 Coast Village RdAmazing food and cocktails at this Montecito staple. Go for the food, stay for the scene.
Eat excellent Mediterranean food or smoke hookah on their beautiful outdoor patio. Must request one of their fire tables for chilly nights!
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Zaytoon
209 E Canon Perdido StEat excellent Mediterranean food or smoke hookah on their beautiful outdoor patio. Must request one of their fire tables for chilly nights!
The best gf burger and chicken tenders in town! They have a lot of great food options for everyone here. Also one of the more popular local sports bars on game night
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Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen
35 State StThe best gf burger and chicken tenders in town! They have a lot of great food options for everyone here. Also one of the more popular local sports bars on game night
Famously Known as the stiffest drinks in town…seriously, Iv seen 4 people share one cocktail. A Santa Barbara staple for getting the night going from 0-60 in one drink.
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Joe's Cafe
536 State StFamously Known as the stiffest drinks in town…seriously, Iv seen 4 people share one cocktail. A Santa Barbara staple for getting the night going from 0-60 in one drink.
Mesa Cafe & Bar
1972 Cliff DrBeloved greasy spoon diner
My favorite hidden gem for Mexican food! Gorgeous tree shaded patio and excellent margaritas. Big menu with something for everyone at reasonable prices.
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La Playa Azul Cafe
914 Santa Barbara StMy favorite hidden gem for Mexican food! Gorgeous tree shaded patio and excellent margaritas. Big menu with something for everyone at reasonable prices.
Their happy hour is one of our favorites! Definitely order the brussels. They’re amazing. They also have an excellent brunch.
La Paloma Cafe
Their happy hour is one of our favorites! Definitely order the brussels. They’re amazing. They also have an excellent brunch.
The newest addition to the Funk Zone food scene. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s FUNK ZONE just steps from State Street. Wine & beer on tap, wood burning oven with seasonal flatbreads & bbq oysters. Great music as well and a pop up brunch on the weekends.
We Want The Funk
The newest addition to the Funk Zone food scene. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s FUNK ZONE just steps from State Street. Wine & beer on tap, wood burning oven with seasonal flatbreads & bbq oysters. Great music as well and a pop up brunch on the weekends.
Drinks & Nightlife
Wylde Works
609 State StreetLive music and a happen new bar in town!
Classy cocktail bar with artisan cocktails and fresh ingredients. Another great spot to kick-off your night or for a more classy, lounge-vibe evening. They also serve small bites. The place to be especially on Thursdays during the summer. They host a musical block party called “roar and pour” on every Thursday in the summer.
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The Good Lion
1212 State StClassy cocktail bar with artisan cocktails and fresh ingredients. Another great spot to kick-off your night or for a more classy, lounge-vibe evening. They also serve small bites. The place to be especially on Thursdays during the summer. They host a musical block party called “roar and pour” on every Thursday in the summer.
Same owners as Joes but for the local crowd; also famously Known as the stiffest drinks in town in a cute retro dive diner setting. The walls are covered with historic photos of Santa Barbara. Also, warning: Iv seen two people not be able to finish one cocktail and be toasted! So be careful!. A Santa Barbara diner beloved by locals. Not on the tourist radar.
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Harry's Plaza Cafe
3313 State StSame owners as Joes but for the local crowd; also famously Known as the stiffest drinks in town in a cute retro dive diner setting. The walls are covered with historic photos of Santa Barbara. Also, warning: Iv seen two people not be able to finish one cocktail and be toasted! So be careful!. A Santa Barbara diner beloved by locals. Not on the tourist radar.
An incredible tap room with amazing food. The burgers and sweet potato fries are on fire. They have the best gluten free beer, cider and seltzer selection in town. Also feature a huge selection of local beer, wine, booth, Jim, cider and wine spritz to go. Trust us, do yourself a favor and stop in if you in the Funk Zone
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Lama Dog Tap Room + Bottle Shop
116 Santa Barbara StAn incredible tap room with amazing food. The burgers and sweet potato fries are on fire. They have the best gluten free beer, cider and seltzer selection in town. Also feature a huge selection of local beer, wine, booth, Jim, cider and wine spritz to go. Trust us, do yourself a favor and stop in if you in the Funk Zone
This brewery is part of a warehouse-type complex that includes a restaurant, wine bar, and retail space. Beers are great and comparable to Anchor Steam. We enjoy watching live music in the shared courtyard space outside (also shares space with Fox Winery, Llama Dog and a artists Collective).
Topa Topa Brewing
120 Santa Barbara StThis brewery is part of a warehouse-type complex that includes a restaurant, wine bar, and retail space. Beers are great and comparable to Anchor Steam. We enjoy watching live music in the shared courtyard space outside (also shares space with Fox Winery, Llama Dog and a artists Collective).
Awesome brewery located in a complex of shops. Third Window offers an astounding variety of offbeat brews, none of which you will have encountered at your standard brewpub, much less in your local bottle. You can order food from the little kitchen adjacent to the outdoor patio or from kitchen on the other side of the complex. They bring the food to you which is really cool and it is pretty good. They offer beers flights and is a laid back atmosphere perfect for families.
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Third Window Brewing
406 E Haley StAwesome brewery located in a complex of shops. Third Window offers an astounding variety of offbeat brews, none of which you will have encountered at your standard brewpub, much less in your local bottle. You can order food from the little kitchen adjacent to the outdoor patio or from kitchen on the other side of the complex. They bring the food to you which is really cool and it is pretty good. They offer beers flights and is a laid back atmosphere perfect for families.
Entertainment & Activities
Check out yoga soup for drop-in sound baths, a variety of yoga classes (all levels) and meditation.
Susan Marlow is a great teacher there who does a wonderful all-levels class called "Zen Yoga" which is perfect for settling into to your vacation. She is a personal friend. Make sure to tell her we sent you.
They also have a lovely shop in the front where they sell clothing, equipment, books and other holistic living essentials.
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Yoga Soup
28 Parker WayCheck out yoga soup for drop-in sound baths, a variety of yoga classes (all levels) and meditation.
Susan Marlow is a great teacher there who does a wonderful all-levels class called "Zen Yoga" which is perfect for settling into to your vacation. She is a personal friend. Make sure to tell her we sent you.
They also have a lovely shop in the front where they sell clothing, equipment, books and other holistic living essentials.
Paddle Sports Center
117 Harbor WayElectric Bikes by Wheel Fun Rentals
29 State StA truly unique California dude ranch, Circle Bar B Stables has been in operation for over 80 years. During this time, four generations of the Brown family have been welcoming guests to their coastal mountain paradise in Gaviota and sharing its natural beauty, comfortable lodge accommodations, and stable of fine trail riding horses. Read more about the history of Circle Bar B here.
Circle Bar B Theatre
1800 Refugio RdA truly unique California dude ranch, Circle Bar B Stables has been in operation for over 80 years. During this time, four generations of the Brown family have been welcoming guests to their coastal mountain paradise in Gaviota and sharing its natural beauty, comfortable lodge accommodations, and stable of fine trail riding horses. Read more about the history of Circle Bar B here.
Check out their website schedule for a range of shows from drag queen ballet, to Mozart, the nutcracker and various plays.
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The Arlington Theatre (Metropolitan Theatres)
1317 State StCheck out their website schedule for a range of shows from drag queen ballet, to Mozart, the nutcracker and various plays.
The Granada Theatre
1214 State StArts & Culture
The garden here are beautiful and a great place to have a picnic. Check their website activity and events page to see if any of their classes, workshops or nature walks coincide with your visit. The plant walks with Emily Sanders are a wonderful way to explore Santa Barbara's beautiful wildlife in a more intimate and personal way. Any of the Botanical Gardens events are sure to be a treat!
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Botanischer Garten Santa Barbara
1212 Mission Canyon RdThe garden here are beautiful and a great place to have a picnic. Check their website activity and events page to see if any of their classes, workshops or nature walks coincide with your visit. The plant walks with Emily Sanders are a wonderful way to explore Santa Barbara's beautiful wildlife in a more intimate and personal way. Any of the Botanical Gardens events are sure to be a treat!
Sightseeing
Sterns Wharf pier is a fantastic place to visit. Filled with shops, wine bars and restaurants. Take a stroll down the pier to watch dolphins play in the surf and to see sea lions laying lazily on the beach.
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Stearns Wharf Pier
144-152 Stearns WharfSterns Wharf pier is a fantastic place to visit. Filled with shops, wine bars and restaurants. Take a stroll down the pier to watch dolphins play in the surf and to see sea lions laying lazily on the beach.
Take in all of Santa Barbara’s sightseeing from our delightful trolley. A must do local event for seeing the Christmas lights in December.
Santa Barbara Trolley
213 East Gutierrez StreetTake in all of Santa Barbara’s sightseeing from our delightful trolley. A must do local event for seeing the Christmas lights in December.
Adventures & Hikes
The closest hike from the house that follows a nice creek and is mostly shaded by mature oaks. Easy to moderate hike
Jesusita Trailhead
San Roque RoadA moderate hike with incline and great views. Also runs along a nice creek and is mostly under mature oaks.
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Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
Rattlesnake Canyon TrailA moderate hike with incline and great views. Also runs along a nice creek and is mostly under mature oaks.
Moderate hike along creeks with views and a water fall about 45-1hr into the hike. Moderate hike mostly in the sun so best for early morning start
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Seven Falls
Tunnel RoadModerate hike along creeks with views and a water fall about 45-1hr into the hike. Moderate hike mostly in the sun so best for early morning start
Beautiful hike with panoramic view of Santa Barbara at the top at saddle rock. Look for the heart outline of rocks for the perfect photo op. Moderate hike with half sun half tree shade.
Saddle Rock Trail
Saddle Rock TrailBeautiful hike with panoramic view of Santa Barbara at the top at saddle rock. Look for the heart outline of rocks for the perfect photo op. Moderate hike with half sun half tree shade.
Walking distance from our home, Boho House! It’s a 45-min to 1-hr walk from the home to the bluffs at more Mesa. Find the wooden swing we hung from the large eucalyptus trees overlooking the pacific or take the steep path down to the beach. This is a very moderate to treacherous declining switch back down to the beech on loos limestone gravel. So please be careful. One you reach the mostly secluded beach, you will be at one off Santa Barbara’s only nude beaches. You do not need to be nude to enjoy and it is a favorite hidden spot of the locals. You pay see a few paragliders on your way as this is a favorite launch spot for them as well.
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More Mesa
Walking distance from our home, Boho House! It’s a 45-min to 1-hr walk from the home to the bluffs at more Mesa. Find the wooden swing we hung from the large eucalyptus trees overlooking the pacific or take the steep path down to the beach. This is a very moderate to treacherous declining switch back down to the beech on loos limestone gravel. So please be careful. One you reach the mostly secluded beach, you will be at one off Santa Barbara’s only nude beaches. You do not need to be nude to enjoy and it is a favorite hidden spot of the locals. You pay see a few paragliders on your way as this is a favorite launch spot for them as well.
Santa Barbara Parasail
237 Stearns WharfSanta Barbara Harbor
132-A Harbor WayFly Above All Paragliding
2550 Cliff DrEagle Paragliding
Cliff DriveRent a sailboat and work on those wind wrangling skills!
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Santa Barbara Sailing Center
302 W Cabrillo BlvdRent a sailboat and work on those wind wrangling skills!
An absolutely gorgeous two block park in the middle of downtown that is the location for events such as our famous earth day and solstice festivals. Go for a stroll, picnic or feeding the wildlife at the pond.
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Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens
1500 Santa Barbara StAn absolutely gorgeous two block park in the middle of downtown that is the location for events such as our famous earth day and solstice festivals. Go for a stroll, picnic or feeding the wildlife at the pond.
The only Hotsprings in Santa Barbara worth visiting and located near the ruins of the historic Hotsprings hotel. It’s a 45-min hike to the pools and it is a moderate to challenging hike. This was a hidden spot for only those in the know, but COVID brought in the need to make the trail safer and more accessible. I recommend a guide if you want to learn about the history and make it to the hot springs without the crowds. We offer guided tours of the Hotsprings and hotel ruins. Send us a not for more info or search through our experiences on Airbnb!
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Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County
1202-1298 E Mountain DrThe only Hotsprings in Santa Barbara worth visiting and located near the ruins of the historic Hotsprings hotel. It’s a 45-min hike to the pools and it is a moderate to challenging hike. This was a hidden spot for only those in the know, but COVID brought in the need to make the trail safer and more accessible. I recommend a guide if you want to learn about the history and make it to the hot springs without the crowds. We offer guided tours of the Hotsprings and hotel ruins. Send us a not for more info or search through our experiences on Airbnb!