3-Day Santa Barbara Getaway Itinerary

Morning: Arrival and check-in
Check in at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, a luxury oceanfront resort offering stunning views and premium amenities. Alternatively, opt for Hotel Californian in the heart of the Funk Zone for a walkable stay.

Breakfast: Jeannine’s American Bakery
Head to Jeannine’s American Bakery for an amazing breakfast of fresh pastries, eggs benedict and coffee in a cozy atmosphere. This is a great place to pick up a croissant to go if you want to head out and enjoy some beach time! Don’t fret about the line to order, it goes fairly quickly.

Mid-Morning: Horseback riding adventure
Experience breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean or rolling hills on a guided horseback ride at Los Padres Outfitters. I highly recommend the trail ride package that lasts an hour and a half. You will be taken around some beautiful estates of the area and it’s so calm and peaceful.

Lunch: The Lark, a chic spot in the Funk Zone offering seasonal, farm-to-table dishes like their signature roasted chicken or king salmon.

Afternoon: Santa Barbara Downtown and Stearns Wharf
Spend the afternoon strolling along State Street, exploring boutique shops and galleries. Walk to Stearns Wharf, the iconic pier, and enjoy ocean views.

Dinner: Zaytoon
Zaytoon is your destination for a delicious dinner, known for its fire-pit tables and Lebanese cuisine. Try some of their very shareable appetizers and kebabs. Remember that it can get a little chill in the evenings, and I usually tuck a packable throw in my bag for these occasions.

Evening: Relaxation at your hotel
If you are staying at the Ritz, unwind with a glass of wine at the ‘O’ Bar and Kitchen, overlooking the ocean (and it is open until midnight). Staying at the Hotel Californian? Check out Djinn, where you will find drinks that have a Moroccan twist.

Morning: Breakfast at Scarlett Begonia
This cute locals place serves up everything from shrimp and grits to your basic two eggs, bacon and toast breakfast. They also serve a “bubbly brunch” that I’m sure will tempt you.

Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Vineyard tour
You can arrange for a private wine tour or take yourself out. To be on the safe side, if you want to take your own car or rental, you can use a service like WineTastingDD to have a safe driver who is also a local. Some vineyards I would recommend:

Zaca Mesa Winery: ZM planted the first Syrah grapes in Santa Barbara County back in 1978. Enjoy a wine flight on their beautiful deck and make sure that you get a few bottles to go. I usually go here first because it is the furthest, but it’s also one of the best.

Fess Parker Winery: Fess Parker portrayed Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone on TV and after ditching Hollywood, bought this 714-acre estate. Today, his kids are at the helm of this popular vineyard. This is a great place to have some of their amazing Pinot Noir and have a little picnic on their sprawling hills.

Firestone Vineyard: Skip the front tasting room and go to the back to relax on a couch and taste their amazing wine list. There is also a lower terrace if you don’t need the wine host. Seating is first-come basis.

Lunch in the Vineyards: Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café
The food is casual Californian Mediterranean, which really goes hand in hand. Their farm, where they grow much of the produce they serve, is about a mile away. Enjoy a lovely baked brie appetizer and I always recommend the lamb shawarma wrap. While there, you can peruse their wine shop, where they carry over 250 wines.

Evening: Dinner at Stonehouse Restaurant
Located at the San Ysidro Ranch, this restaurant is set inside a 19th-century citrus packing house. Menus are created by executive chef Matthew Johnson and highlight food from local farms and the on-site garden. You can enjoy dining near a fireplace or on the open terrace.

Morning: Drive to Solvang (45 minutes)
Start your day with a drive to Solvang, a Danish-style village known for its charming streets, windmills and bakeries.

Breakfast in Solvang: Paula’s Pancake House
Famous for their thin Danish-style pancakes and hearty servings.

Explore Solvang: At your leisure
Stroll through Hans Christian Andersen Museum, shop for Scandinavian goods and enjoy a treat from Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery.

Lunch: Mad & Vin
Located in The Lansby, which offers a farm-to-table menu featuring fresh local ingredients. This is a must on any foodie’s trip to the area. You may want to skip the dreamy pancakes at Paula’s and have brunch here.

Afternoon: Drive to Ojai (1 hour)
Head to Ojai, a bohemian haven known for its spiritual vibe, boutique shops and scenic views.

Explore Ojai: At your leisure
Visit the Ojai Valley Inn for a spa treatment or explore Bart’s Books, an open-air bookstore. Stroll the charming downtown for artisan crafts and unique gifts.

Dinner in Ojai: The Ranch House
A garden restaurant where everything is made from scratch. Something I rarely say… eat the bread! Heaven. The fact that it is a magical setting is the sugar on top.

Evening: Return to Santa Barbara (1 hour)
Head back to Santa Barbara for your final night. It’s sad, I know. Good news, though! You can come back!