A Weekend in Santa Barbara
Whenever I want to have a weekend away, but don’t want to travel too far, I always choose Santa Barbara & Montecito. Such a beautiful getaway, and I always leave feeling refreshed and inspired!
The road to Santa Barbara & Montecito offers two choices, but I love driving up on the PCH because it’s the more scenic route. Looking out onto the Pacific Ocean and passing by the cliffs on the coast make it all the worthwhile. Not to mention, West Coast sunsets are something to be marveled. And, if you want to make the drive as magical as possible, I most definitely recommend renting a vintage convertible to make it a No Ordinary Moment! Plus, the feeling is like no other!
Grab beach snacks and treats at Pierre Lafond in Montecito, and then head to Butterfly Beach to play in the water or rent bikes! The natural beauty of Santa Barbara is awe inspiring, so I suggest riding the path all the way down to Downtown SB and State Street to get a better view of what the city has to offer.
Photo by @visitsantabarbara
Photo from @upstairspierrelafound
For sunset happy hour, make your way to the Rosewood Miramar’s oceanside casual sushi restaurant. For dinner, Lucky’s is the place to go! It’s a throwback in time, the food is excellent and I love their salads and appetizers. Even though it’s a steak house, as a vegetarian I always enjoy my meal. It’s also a great spot to meet and chat with the locals!
Photo from @luckys_steakhouse
Photo by @rosewoodmiramarbeach
Another great dinner and drinks option is Plow and Angel at San Ysidro Ranch. You can sit outside and it has the most lovely atmosphere for summertime dining!
As for my fellow vegetarians, there is nothing better than dining at Oliver’s of Montecito on Coast Village Rd. I wish there was an Oliver’s in every single city because it’s a vegetarian’s dream! Between the drinks, food, and overall aesthetic, your experience is unforgettable!
Photo from @sanysidroranch
Photo by @oliversofmontecito
A well-rounded getaway always includes the perfect place to settle into after an exciting and adventurous day. The Rosewood Miramar and San Ysidro Ranch are the perfect homes away from home! While they are a bit different, they both offer stunning grounds and a generous, welcoming experience. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Montecito Inn is your place! It’s recently been renovated and has such a lovely and charming character. If you know me, you know that you can always count me in for some shopping! It’s worth walking around on State Street and the Funk Zone to different antique shops, such unique and fun pieces. There’s also quite a few local boutiques you may stumble upon, and you never know what treasures you may find!
For a great sweat, the must do hike is San Ysidro Lane hike. Open year-round, the hike is about eight miles, but well worth the climb when you see the incredible views of the coast. Be sure to bring lots of water and a good pair of shoes!
If you have never been, I hope you get the chance to visit this seaside city! The golden beaches and ocean views will easily become your new favorite getaway!
