36 hours in santa barabara
The sunny beaches and college vibe of this California coastal town are what everyone comes for. But there are also beautiful hikes, natural hot springs, craft beer breweries, notable restaurants, and several tasting rooms to explore.
I recently took a road trip down the California coast with a friend. We spent an afternoon driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, where we stayed for a long weekend. It was more like a week, but who’s counting? I’d never been to Santa Barbara and she had several nights comped at The Ritz. It was really a no-brainer. Though The Ritz was a letdown, I immediately fell in love with the central California coast. The warm sun. The mountains. The food. The wine. The community. It was needed more than I had realized.
We started our trip with three nights at The Ritz in Goleta. We then ventured down to Montecito, where we stayed at an adorable Airbnb that was a three minute walk from the beach. Santa Barbara is right between the two, and we spent a lot of time in the welcoming and walkable college town. I plan to go back soon with my mom — here’s what I’d do with 36 hours in Santa Barbara and Montecito.
36 Hours in Santa Barbara
From San Francisco, start the five hour drive in the morning. Make a stop at Paso Robles for a quick bite and restroom break. Maybe visit a tasting room if you’re in the mood.
Friday
2:00 p.m. TACOS AND A STROLL
Grab some tacos at Mony’s Mexican Food and peruse the shops in the Funk Zone, a trendy neighborhood that’s located on the lower end of State Street. I ordered one fish, one carnitas, and one pepper and cheese veggie taco. The food is cheap and quick, but it’s authentic and delicious. Honestly, the tacos at Mony’s were some of the best tacos I’ve ever had.
4:30 p.m. WINE TASTING
Sit down and take it easy at Margerum, a tasting room with local wine and friendly and knowledgeable staff members. Whether you opt for a tasting flight or choose to order a glass or bottle, you won’t be disappointed. Additionally, they offer a seasonal menu of snacks and small bites if you’d like to nibble on something while you enjoy your wine.
7:30 p.m. SPANISH TAPAS AND GIN AND TONICS
Finish your night in the Funk Zone with Spanish tapas and drinks at Loquita. A restaurant well known by locals, this farm–fresh eatery serves tapas and craft cocktails with a cozy vibe. Make a reservation well in advance. Here’s a perfect order for two — a few bocaditos (croqueta de jamon and aceitunas), remolacha, a second vegetable tapas, and mariscos paella. Their wine list is good and I highly recommend their costa blanca gin and tonic.
SATURDAY
8:00 a.m. BREAKFAST TO GO
Pick up coffee or matcha and breakfast to go at Dart Coffee Co. Pack it in your bag and head out for your morning hike. I got an iced matcha with almond milk and a few artisan empanadas that were handmade by a local company. Dart also offers pastries, bagels, breakfast burritos, and more.
9:00 a.m. BATHE IN NATURAL HOT SPRINGS
Trek two or so miles via Hot Springs Canyon Trail to secluded natural sulfur baths. Once there, you can trade your hiking boots for a swimsuit or you can undress and hop in the pools au natural — there’s no judgement here. Just don’t rush; take your time and let it all soak in.
1:00 p.m. VISIT SUMMERLAND
Head down the freeway to Summerland, a quaint town just a few minutes south of Montecito. Go to lunch and Field and Fort, a restaurant and shop where home decor and pantry goods are available for purchase. Sit down for a nice outdoor lunch after browsing the refined showroom. I ordered their house lemonade; a ham, butter, and cheese sandwich on a fresh baguette; and a bag of delicious black truffle chips.
5:00 p.m. A DRINK WITH A VIEW
Catch the sunset with a drink in hand at the Miramar Beach Bar at the Rosewood Hotel. Give yourself a little time to explore the beautiful property that’s open to non-hotel guests.
8:00 p.m. THE NIGHT IS YOUNG
Watch the stars while you dine at El Encanto, a luxury hotel located in the Santa Barbara mountains.
SUNDAY
10:00 a.m. TAKE A STROLL DOWN BUTTERFLY BEACH
Get your feet in the sand and work up an appetite for lunch. This quiet and serene beach is a beautiful place for an easy morning walk. Start at Miramar Beach and walk north to Butterfly Beach. When you’re ready, turn around and walk back to your car. You can clock four or five miles before spending the afternoon in the car.
Noon. PIZZA BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD
Located right off the freeway in the Montecito Country Mart, Bettina is a cozy neighborhood restaurant that offers seasonal farm-to-table dishes and authentic Italian wood fired pizzas. Images above are the salanova lettuce with cherry tomatoes, preserved lemon, hummus, and za'atar and the seasonal meyer lemon and ricotta gluten-free pizza. I would definitely order both again.
Before hitting the road, take a peek around the Montecito Country Mart. Use it as an opportunity to pick up a few snacks heading up or down the coast. The Montecito Country Mart is also home to Merci, Farm Stand, and Montecito Natural Foods.
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This post was written by Kelly Powers, MA, RDN. Kelly is a Registered Dietitian and Culinary Nutritionist who takes a holistic approach to nutrition and health. She is a recipe developer with a food blog highlighting whole foods, simple recipes, and her life in San Francisco. Kelly is the creator of Weeknight Dinners, a weekly meal plan program that helps users get back in the kitchen and feed themselves well. Kelly specializes in the Mediterranean diet and sustainable behavior change, helping her clients reach their health goals while improving their relationship with food.