Ideas for a Weekend in Santa Barbara

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Advisor - Julie Fago
Curated By

Julie Fago

  • Santa Barbara

  • Beaches

  • Boutique Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Coastal

  • Beach Town

  • Architecture

  • Foodie

Butterfly Beach during daytime
Curator’s statement

Santa Barbara is a wonderful gem of a town that gives that California feeling without all of the people and the traffic. I love the Spanish influence in the architecture, the beautiful beaches, mountains and the overall vibe. The food scene was diverse, plenty of bars to grab a drink and an extremely walkable town.

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Where to stay in Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara

In the historic Presidio neighborhood, this charming retreat has just 24 rooms set around a leafy courtyard.

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The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

A tranquil coastal hotel with direct access to two beaches.

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    $100 hotel / resort credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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Hotel Californian

Elite hotel in Santa Barbara with a splendid design and meticulous service often a magnet for the Hollywood elite, international visitors and locals alike.

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    $100 hotel / resort credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Kimpton Canary Hotel

Located in the "America Riviera," The Kimpton Canary provides the quintessential Santa Barbara hotel experience with luxurious accommodations and a staff focused on delighting at every turn.

Fora Perks
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    $50 hotel / resort credit.

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    Welcome amenities.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Things to do in Santa Barbara

The Advisor is having cocktails in Shaker Mill located at State Street.

Day trips

About an hour drive from Santa Barbara and worth visiting at least once, is the town of Solvang. As you wander through the streets, you'll feel as though you've been transported to a quaint Danish town, complete with windmills and cobblestone streets. One of Solvang's highlights is its array of unique shops and bakeries offering the freshly baked aebleskiver, a Danish pancake-ball. If you go, please grab lunch at the Peasants Feast. Incredible!

Places to eat & drink in Santa Barbara

Great coffees in the morning at Handlebar.

Breakfast/Brunch:

Dinner:

  • Loquita - we had a lovely dinner here! Tapas and wonderful cocktails

  • Bettina - wood fired pizzas and pasta

  • The Lark - locally sourced ingredients for incredible dishes

  • Lucky's - steaks & seafood

Drinks:

  • Shaker Mill - we loved this super cute cocktail bar

  • Aperitivo - great cocktails, could also be great for dinner

Advisor - Julie Fago

Travel Advisor

Julie Fago

Get in touch with Julie

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Gianna Quattrini’s guide, Best Places to Stay in Santa Barbara.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Santa Barbara.