Santa Barbara Offers Sun, Sand, and Salt Caves – Where to Stay, Play, and Dine

Santa Barbara is often referred to as the American Riviera because of its beaches, rich culture, sophisticated dining options, and historic Spanish Colonial architecture. Home to sun, sand, and plenty of outdoor activities, this charming town has much to offer visitors looking for some rest and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling solo, visiting for a girls weekend, or a couples getaway, you’ll find plenty of activities that check all the boxes for everyone. Families will also find great spots to keep the kids entertained.

Fly into the small Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), which services major airlines and is also conveniently located to the downtown area. Uber and Lyft rides are plenty and easy to get ahold of. 

Take advantage of the town’s Third Night Free Promo, an amazing promotion where participating properties throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast offer your third night free when you book two nights through April 30. It’s a great deal, especially if you want to extend your stay just a little longer.

Where to stay 

There are so many options in this charming seaside town. Families will love the newly-refreshed, 97-room Kimpton Canary Hotel, which is located steps from the downtown. Accommodations are spacious with several suite options for families traveling with kids. You’ll find large flat screen TV’s, rooms equipped with yoga mats, and sumptuous beds. Finch & Fork restaurant, located in the lobby, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For panoramic views, head to the rooftop pool to enjoy the sunset. 

Slightly set off-the-beaten path in neighboring Goleta, you’ll find the newly opened The Steward, Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The 87 all-suite hotel is a beautiful property outfitted with large Monstera plants and bright wall coverings. It’s like stepping onto a Wes Anderson set. 

Get your Saturday started with an outdoor yoga class on the garden lawn. The hotel provides the mats and the class is complimentary! The outdoor pool is a popular spot for lounging and relaxing; you’ll find comfy cabanas and lots of seating. Spend some time in the hot tub to relieve tired muscles. 

Make reservations at their signature restaurant Terra. The restaurant serves California coastal fare rooted in Provençal and Mediterranean inspiration. 

Where to play

Santa Barbara has an array of activities to keep you busy. Full of museums, parks, and shopping, you’ll wonder where to start. Make your way to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a lush 78-acre property, with over 1,000 species of indigenous plants. It’s a pleasant stroll on trails, cobblestone pathways, through forested Redwood trees, and gardens lined with wildflowers. Stop by the gift shop, which is chock-full-of souvenirs. 

Kids will love it at the Santa Barbara Zoo, which is where over 500 animals call home. Set across 30 acres, it offers both educational programs and events for kids of all ages. Expect to see exhibits featuring bald eagles, Channel Island foxes, reptiles, and many more. You’ll need to make reservations in advance of your visit. 

Book a session at Salt Caves Santa Barbara, where you’ll get to sit in the largest Himalayan salt cave in North America. Relax, close your eyes, and sit back in comfortable lounge chairs as you take in the healing energy of the caves. The session is 45 minutes and you’ll emerge refreshed and renewed. They also offer spa services such as massages and facial treatments. 

If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely want to make your way to the Maritime Museum, which offers over 7,800 square feet of exhibits and displays on the area’s nautical history. Another worthwhile stop is Santa Barbara’s Museum of Natural History, which was founded in 1916. This impressive collection covers over 3.5 million samples of the area’s natural history, including mammals and geology. 

If you’re in town during the Mujeres Makers Market at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, you’ll want to peruse the eclectic small businesses owned by women of color. The pop-up craft fair features handmade and vintage goods, along with sweets and goodies to fill your tummy.

For the best outdoor activities, visit Ellwood Mesa located in Goleta, an expansive 78-acre reserve full of many hiking trails and spectacular ocean views. Another beautiful spot is the Douglas Family Preserve, named after actor Michael Douglas, whose $600,000 donation saved it from being commercially developed. Locals and tourists alike enjoy strolls through the nearly 60 acres full of easy of trails.

For self-care, visit the Float Luxury Spa and indulge in a customized massage or pamper yourself with their Espresso Limon Slimming Body Treatment, which promotes detoxification and purification. If you’re seeking additional amenities like an adults-only pool, sauna, and steam room offerings, book a facial or massage at Ritz-Carlton Spa Bacara, Santa Barbara, which is a 42,000 square foot facility encompassing various wellness modalities.

Where to eat

There are so many excellent breakfast restaurants available. Renaud’s Patisserie is one of our favorites; they’re an authentic French bistro serving delicious breakfast items and pastries. Another great spot is Jeannine’s at the Shore with four locations in the area. We like the shore location, which is right across from the ocean with pleasant views. If staying in Goleta, you won’t want to miss Cajun Kitchen Cafe, which serves both breakfast and lunch. At Crushcakes Cafe, you’ll find savory southern dishes, an homage to comfort food. 

Head to Jill’s Place, which claims to be the best steakhouse in town, and guess what – they’re right. Some of their winning items are the classic wedge salad, ribeye’s, and burgers. They offer an amazing happy hour with a good selection of finger food and drinks. For Indonesian cuisine, make reservations at Sama Sama Kitchen, which recently opened. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, along with a diverse menu of exotic plates. 

For quick and casual fare, head over to the popular Santa Barbara Public Market, a bustling food hall located in the ARTS district. Choose from Mexican plates, sushi, pizza, and more. Our favorites were Corazon Cocina for their tasty tacos and Wabi Sabi for their fresh fish and sushi. For the ultimate fine dining experience, your best bed is Angel Oak, located at the Ritz-Carlton. Order their signature caviar and blini platter and house-made rolls for starters. Entrees rotate seasonally with fresh ingredients as the basis of their inspiration. If you’re a carnivore, don’t miss their 16-ounce rib-eye entrée.