As you’re heading South from San Luis Obispo on your journey through California, you’ll reach Santa Barbara. This is a place that is classy and sophisticated, with the adventurous charm of the West Coast. I’m going to give you the perfect guide for planning the best day in Santa Barbara, California.
Accomodation
In Santa Barbara you will find plenty of options for places to stay. I stayed in the ITH Santa Barbara Beach Hostel, which was about $80/ night for a shared room. With a well- equipped kitchen, chairs and games outside, and a comfy bed with privacy, it was perfect for me. When I plan my next best day in Santa Barbara, I’ll stay at the Hotel Californian or the Harborview Inn.
Morning Walk
The best day in Santa Barbara obviously starts with a walk along the ocean. Start at Stearns Wharf to check it out and soak in the harbor views before it gets crowded. Then for your walk go South, letting the walking path take you under the palm trees, along the ocean. You’ll have to turn around whenever you’re ready. The walk will include seeing skaters, people doing yoga, or maybe a workout class or an event. It feels like everyone in the city is starting their day with some movement, sun, and ocean.
Coffee and a Pastry
After your walk, head to the Funk Zone for breakfast at Helena Avenue Bakery. When my cousin heard I was in SB, he said Helena’s was the best bakery he’d ever been to. I immediately added it to my list! On a Saturday morning the line was out the door- which was a great sign, and the line moved quickly. I also didn’t have anywhere to be and the weather was gorgeous of course so I was happy to wait. I got a pumpkin croissant-muffin and a coffee and it was incredible- one of the best pastries I’ve ever had.
Shopping in Town
Now that you’ve had some caffeine and a treat, you’re ready for shopping. SB has an adorable downtown with tons of shops and stores to be explored. Cut over about a block and you’ll be at State Street. Walking up State Street you’ll have options for shopping- familiar stores like Anthropologie and Free People, and local boutiques. State street is often closed to cars allowing you to walk freely. While you’re exploring or once you’re done, you’ll probably be ready for something to eat. There’s tons of places on State Street, or maybe you saw something earlier you want to circle back to.
CLimb THe Clocktower
When you’ve maxed out on shopping and had a good lunch, head over to the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The clocktower at the courthouse is free to walk up, and offers incredible 360 views of the entire city. I enjoyed the stunning views from the spacious platform the top of the tower offers. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful courthouses in the country, this is one of the best for a courthouse wedding.
Boat Ride
You can’t possibly have the best day in Santa Barbara without getting out on the water! Next up is a quick ride around the harbor with the Lil’ Toot. This little boat is about $10 for a trip- and easily $10 well spent. You can buy tickets online and walk over the the dock. It’s a little bit of a walk but not far from State Street. Once aboard the Lil’ Toot, they have drinks and snacks available for sale. My favorite part was getting close to some of the seals and sea lions that call the harbor home. It’s a quick trip, but a great way to get on the water.
Dinner and Sunset
In my opinion, every perfect day has the perfect ending- dinner and a sunset! Obviously the same applies for the best day in Santa Barbara. There are 2 great options depending on whether or not you have a car. If you do have a car, you are going to drive over to Arroyo Burro Beach. Parking can be tough so try to get there a good bit before sunset. Dinner will be at the incredible beachfront restaurant- Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Make sure to either have a reservation or check in when you get there. Before dinner, you can walk along the beach, watch surfers, walk up the cliff, or sit and watch the waves. Whenever you’re ready, enjoy dinner on the water with a spectacular sunset.
If you do not have a car, stay closer to town for dinner at the Shoreline Beach Café. They have tons of options so there is something for everyone. They also have Happy Hour Thursday- Friday. This will be an easy going vibe, enjoying good food and drinks in the sand while you watch the sunset. There are also picnic tables if you’d rather bring takeout to the beach.
the mission
In the morning before you say goodbye to Santa Barbara, if you have a car, drive up to The Mission. I found The “Considered Curbside Coffee” van outside the mission- I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee while you’re there. A solar- powered, local, coffee shop in a van-how cool? Then, your coffee down to the rose garden across the street and enjoy the roses with your delicious drink.
Santa Barbara is such a special place with so much to do and see. I hope you take some of my recommendations and have the best day in Santa Barbara, California!
