Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider’s Guide to Santa Barbara’s Breezy Bliss
Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Hit the Sidewalks for Paseo Nuevo Shopping
No trip to sunny Santa Barbara would be complete without an excursion to the open-air Paseo Nuevo shopping center, located just steps from the beach right in the heart of downtown. This vibrant complex is home to dozens of upscale boutiques, casual eateries, and lively plazas, making it a can't-miss stop during any visit.
Window shoppers and serious shopaholics alike will find their fix browsing brands like Anthropologie, Madewell, Sephora, and Lululemon. Pop into chic home decor stores like Francesca's Collection and NW Rugs to pick up a perfect Santa Barbara souvenir. Kids and kids at heart will delight in the whimsical toy selection at Geppetto's, while fashionistas will covet the latest runway looks at Intermix.
When your feet need a break, nosh on tacos and margaritas at Lilly's Taqueria or try authentic gelato flavors like blood orange at Rori's Artisanal Creamery. Grab an iced coffee and pastry at Jeannine's bakery or a pressed juice at The Juice Mill to fuel up for more exploring.
Paseo Nuevo is more than just shops and eateries - unexpected public art installations and blooming gardens help cultivate laidback Santa Barbara style. Snap photos posing by the massive bronze whale fountain, take in views of the mountains from the 2nd level plaza, and relax beneath the palm trees. Throughout the year, live music, craft fairs, wine tastings, and holiday celebrations bring vibrant energy.
Visitors remark on the sophisticated yet low key atmosphere, saying Paseo Nuevo offers a taste of Santa Barbara's breezy, beautiful way of life. The easily walkable layout makes parking and navigating a breeze. Friendly shopkeepers enhance the welcoming vibe. It's an ideal spot to experience Santa Barbara's signature coastal charm while picking up vacation souvenirs or simply soaking up the sights, sounds, and sunshine.
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- Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Hit the Sidewalks for Paseo Nuevo Shopping
- Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Get Your Fill of Fresh Seafood at the Funk Zone
- Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Sip Your Way Through the Urban Wine Trail
- Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Soak Up the Sun at Butterfly Beach
- Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Take in the Ocean Views on Stearns Wharf
- Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Explore the Red-Tile Roofs of the Presidio Neighborhood
- Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Wander Through the Cacti at Lotusland Botanical Gardens
Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Get Your Fill of Fresh Seafood at the Funk Zone
For seafood lovers, no visit to sunny Santa Barbara is complete without a stop at the vibrant Funk Zone neighborhood for the freshest catches straight off the Pacific. Located just blocks from the open water, this recently revitalized creative community hub serves up dock-to-dish delights to delight every palate.
The area earned its playful moniker thanks to the mix of eclectic galleries, urban wineries, breweries, distilleries, and eateries that all channel the laidback beach town vibe Santa Barbara embodies. But it’s the just-caught seafood that steals the show. From food trucks dishing up tacos bursting with plump shrimp to upscale, oceanfront establishments focused on pristine sea-to-table cuisine, the options abound.
Visitors remark that sitting down for a seafood meal in the Funk Zone offers a window into Santa Barbara's roots as a historic harbor town. The dining rooms buzz with chatter as patrons eagerly dig into heaping platters of local halibut drizzled in citrusy ceviche sauce, giant cracked Dungeness crab served with drawn butter and fresh lemon, or bowls of steaming clam chowder packed with tender hunks of shellfish, potatoes and smoky bacon.
The menus offer diners a chance to taste the water's bounty in dishes that let the fresh ingredients shine. Simple, flavorful preparations allow the briny oysters, sweet scallops and flaky rockfish to take center stage rather than heavy-handed sauces. From happy hour specials like popcorn shrimp and oyster shooters to weekend brunch featuring build-your-own seafood omelets and Bloody Marys garnished with grilled shrimp, there are options to suit every craving and budget.
Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Sip Your Way Through the Urban Wine Trail
Oenophiles delight in Santa Barbara’s vibrant Urban Wine Trail, a collection of tasting rooms sprinkled throughout downtown that serve up flights, glasses, and bottles of sumptuous vino. With scenic views and sophisticated spaces, these urban wineries let you sample everything from honey-kissed viognier to peppery syrah as you explore Santa Barbara’s walkable core.
Wine lovers appreciate the laidback atmosphere of the tasting rooms, a perfect complement to leisurely afternoons spent sipping and savoring stellar pours. Visitors recommend mapping out a walking route to hit 3-4 spots in an afternoon, allowing time to try several options at each stop. Flights typically feature 3 or 4 two-ounce pours, allowing you to compare and contrast without overindulging. Most spots don’t charge tasting fees.
Popular picks include the airy Municipal Winemakers, responsible for the easy-drinking Sans Liege line, with a casually chic indoor-outdoor space. Stop by Tre Anelli in the hip Funk Zone to sample their renowned Pinot Noir. Oreana specializes in Rhone varietals like viognier and mourvedre. Bottle stroll offers wines from Santa Barbara’s leading producers in one convivial destination.
Wherever you go, expect passionate winemakers and friendly staff ready to share the backstory behind each vintage and provide suggestions for pairing. Palate-cleansing snacks like nuts, breads, and cheeses enhance the experience. Visitors say the servers’ enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Santa Barbara wines adds to the overall memorable experience.
Beyond the wine itself, urban winery tasting rooms provide a window into Santa Barbara’s identity as an American wine region gaining increasing acclaim. The city’s unique east-west orientation, marine layer, and transverse mountain ranges create ideal conditions for grapes. Winemakers describe the terroir as “the sweet spot between Napa and Sonoma.” Sipping a Grenache Rose on an outdoor patio with ocean views it’s easy to agree. Visitors find Urban Wine Trail tasting rooms seamlessly fuse world-class wine with Santa Barbara’s beauty and approachable charm.
Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Soak Up the Sun at Butterfly Beach
Slather on sunscreen, grab your sunglasses and a beach towel, and make a beeline for crescent-shaped Butterfly Beach, one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful and beloved stretches of sand. With postcard-perfect panoramas, calm waters, and a laidback scene, it’s a cherished spot to bask in the SoCal sunshine.
This secluded public beach sits tucked against the backdrop of the stunning Santa Barbara coastline, with the luxury Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara perched just above. Swaying palm trees fringe the soft golden sand, while the signature bright blue and aqua hues of the Pacific Ocean waters lend an instant air of vacation. Visitors delight in the tranquil atmosphere, saying Butterfly Beach offers a peaceful escape from downtown Santa Barbara’s hustle and bustle.
Its sheltered, south-facing position creates a natural harbor. The result is gentle waves and shallow waters that remain relatively warm year-round. That makes Butterfly Beach a favorite for families with small children, stand up paddleboarding, and stress-free swimming. Pack a picnic or grab tacos from the casual beachfront concession stand, then stake out a spot and relax for hours.
While many Santa Barbara beaches fill up quickly on warm weekends, Butterfly Beach remains surprisingly uncrowded. Visitors appreciate the open space and lack of crowds, though the downside is very limited public parking. Come early to snag a spot in the small lot or don’t mind parking a bit farther out and walking.
Once here, you’ll find butterflies are not the only wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you may spot dolphins playing offshore, pelicans diving for fish, and bunnies scampering in the bushes. At times monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus grove, explaining the beach’s poetic name.
Sunbathers gravitate to the main middle section of Butterfly Beach, while surfers test out the waves at the eastern end closer to the rocky point. At sunset, photographers flock to capture stunning light washing over the Biltmore resort.
No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without some time simply relaxing and recharging at this tranquil oceanfront oasis. Visitors say the stunning natural beauty, lack of crowds, and peaceful atmosphere make Butterfly Beach an essential stop.
Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Take in the Ocean Views on Stearns Wharf
Iconic Stearns Wharf stands as one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved and photographed landmarks. Jutting out into the sparkling Pacific Ocean, this wooden pier treats visitors to breathtaking ocean vistas, fresh seafood, and a lively scene. Wandering out to the very end to take in views of the sweeping coastline and Channel Islands is a cherished Santa Barbara experience.
The pier’s prime waterfront location serves up panoramic ocean outlooks from every vantage point. Visitors remark on the pure sensory experience, from the feel of the breeze and the cry of circling seagulls to the sight of dolphins cresting amongst the waves. Photographers flock to Stearns Wharf at sunset when the fading golden light illuminates the entire Santa Ynez mountain range in a painterly pink glow.
Stearns Wharf makes an ideal spot to simply sit awhile and soak up the saltwater sights, sounds, and smells that characterize Santa Barbara’s idyllic seaside setting. Scattered benches beckon you rest and look out over the ocean swells rolling rhythmically ashore. Gaze west to take in the island silhouettes dotting the horizon, some over 30 miles offshore. Pause to appreciate the diverse marine life below, from darting anchovies to blooming kelp beds swaying in the currents.
Crowning the Wharf is the iconic neon sign for Ty Warner Sea Center. This marine education center and aquarium lets visitors get eye-to-eye with creatures from Santa Barbara’s waters like rockfish, moray eels, and starfish. Nearby, dedicated anglers cast their lines off the sides of Stearns Wharf, hoping to reel in a prized catch. You’re bound to see brown pelicans plunge diving for their own aquatic snacks.
The pier stretches 1,900 feet into the Pacific, lined with bait shops, souvenir stores, ice cream stands, and casual eateries serving up the Central Coast’s bounty. Seafood lovers rave over the ultra-fresh shrimp tacos, fish and chips, clam chowder bowls, and more. Stop for an iconic Stearns Wharf lobster roll dripping with melted butter, or simply enjoy your own snack while watching the waves.
Visitors recommend strolling out to the very end of the pier right alongside the colorful fishing boats. This vantage point treats you to a full 270 degree perspective of Santa Barbara’s stunning coast. Look south to admire the long, curving stretch of golden sand beaches. Gaze inland to take in the red-tile rooftops of the city backed by the steep Santa Ynez foothills.
Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Explore the Red-Tile Roofs of the Presidio Neighborhood
Santa Barbara’s Presidio neighborhood captivates visitors with its signature Spanish colonial architecture marked by terracotta-hued roofs, whitewashed adobe walls, and palm tree-dotted central plazas. Strolling these vibrant streets transports you to Southern California’s early days under Mexican rule. Today, the area still celebrates its multicultural roots while welcoming visitors to explore historic sites, browse boutiques, and unwind in leafy courtyards.
The Presidio’s location adjacent to downtown makes accessing its historic highlights easy. Start at lively Santa Barbara City Hall, recognizable by its 80-foot clocktower modeled after Seville's famous La Giralda. Pop inside to see the elaborately painted murals celebrating Spanish heritage. Wander down Canon Perdido Street, pausing to appreciate whitewashed buildings now home to restaurants and galleries.
Visitors rave over the shopping possibilities, with options spanning from major brands like Madewell and Lululemon to beloved local boutiques. Find curated fashions at stores like Phoenix Shop and Blue Bee. Peruse handcrafted jewelry at Jane Doe Jewelry. For gifts and home décor, All Saints By-the-Sea Episcopal Church offers an expansive selection while donating all proceeds to charity.
When you need a culture fix, El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park lets you explore reconstructed colonial buildings. Costumed guides share stories from the time when Santa Barbara served as the last Spanish outpost before Alta California territory became part of Mexico. Today, the site provides panoramic views of the city.
Afterwards, unwind in the courtyard plaza at La Arcada, a 1920s complex mixing Spanish style with Art Deco flair. Grab an alfresco table for people watching, live music on weekends, and fresh seafood paella. Or simply order a glass of local Sauvignon Blanc and some olive tapenade, soak up the sunshine, and appreciate Santa Barbara’s roots.
Beyond the architecture and history, visitors consistently comment on the Presidio neighborhood's inviting, lived-in charm that welcomes both tourists and locals. Shaded central courtyards buzz with families chatting in Spanish while children play nearby. Couples clink glasses, toasting special occasions al fresco. Flower-filled window boxes and potted plants add vibrant pops of color.
Brunch, Beach, Wine, Repeat: An Insider's Guide to Santa Barbara's Breezy Bliss - Wander Through the Cacti at Lotusland Botanical Gardens
Tucked away in Montecito, Lotusland Botanical Gardens enchants visitors with its whimsical collection of rare and exotic plants from around the world. This 37-acre paradise bursts with over 3,000 unique varieties of flowers, plants, and eye-catching succulents that make it one of the most magical spots for garden lovers visiting Santa Barbara.
Lotusland's origins trace back to the 1940s when opera singer Walska purchased the property and set about creating a flamboyant horticultural showplace. The gardens still embody her artistic spirit with surprises around every corner, from the 18-foot-tall Mexican ‘Flame’ cycad to the Japanese-inspired Zen Garden dotted with corroded limestone ornaments.
Cactus enthusiasts especially appreciate Lotusland's impressive collection of rare succulents like the Velvet Torch, Red Spike, and Totem Pole cactus. The Cactus Garden contains over 500 specimens from arid regions globally, described by visitors as "Seussian" and "otherworldly." Meandering the garden paths, you’ll discover paddle-shaped opuntias, furry old man cacti, and the iconic Dr. Seuss-esque ‘Rabbit Ears’ cactus. Early spring highlights include the shocking magenta flowers of the Chilean guzmania bromeliad.
Beyond cacti, you’ll find a stunning variety of palms, cycads, and tropical fruit trees. Lotusland's Japanese Garden provides a serene contrast with its moss garden, water features, and bonsai plantings. The Australian Garden draws the colors and textures of that continent with silver-blue eucalyptus and giant blue bush lilies.
Visitors appreciate Lotusland's meticulous design, with inventive plant pairings and pathways that reveal captivating vistas. The gardens embrace playfulness and imagination, evident in elements like the massive Aloe ‘Pepe’ planted atop a Seussian topiary arch. DOCENTS lead informative tours that provide insights into the gardens and share engaging anecdotes.
Lotusland offers a memorable chance to appreciate rare botanicals not easily found elsewhere. The microclimates let tropical species from places like Brazil and South Africa thrive. Visitors describe being transported worlds away while wandering the tranquil paths. Beyond plant diversity, they remark on the property’s beauty and ingenuity. Lotusland provides a magical atmosphere that evokes joy and wonder in adults and kids alike.
Lotusland requires pre-booking for all visits through its website. Visitors receive a precise timed-entry ticket to avoid overcrowding. Early reservations are essential since tours frequently sell out weeks in advance. Most guests spend 2-3 hours exploring the extensive grounds and varieties. Comfortable shoes are a must, along with sun protection on warm days.