How to Explore Santa Barbara in a Week

Written By Jennifer Curnutt

The Perfect Itinerary for Visiting this Charming Seaside Town

Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and cerulean Pacific coast, Santa Barbara beckons visitors with its historic charm, pristine white sand beaches, quaint downtown, and sweeping views of turquoise waters and the Channel Islands, not to mention a healthy dose of sunshine. Here’s how to spend the perfect week in this charming seaside town!

Table of Contents

Where to Stay

SANTA BARBARA INN - An Upscale Boutique Hotel on the Water

For a more in-depth look, read my full review of the Santa Barbara Inn.

Just steps from the sand, this boutique hotel anchors the southern end of iconic Cabrillo Boulevard, just a short stroll from the infamous Stearns Wharf making it the perfect home base for your trip.

The hotel’s design embodies the spirit and soul of Santa Barbara with its Spanish architecture and Mediterranean flare.

 

It features 70 rooms and suites that combine comfort and luxury, each with its own balcony, most of which have dramatic sweeping views of the shore.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL

Check-in to Santa Barbara Inn

Get settled in your accommodations at Santa Barbara Inn. Standard check-in time is around 4 pm, but you can call ahead to see about checking in early. I usually have no issue doing so.

Catch the Sunset at Santa Barbara Inn

Santa Barbara Inn sits right across the street from a long stretch of white sand beach Take a stroll and let the salt air brush across your cheek, toes in the warm sand. You can often catch dolphins playing as the sun sets over the sea, a rare advantage of a south-facing beach. There is just nothing quite like a Santa Barbara sunset lighting up the distance mountains as they cascade down into the Pacific, swallowed by the sea.

 

Enjoy Drinks & Dinner at Convivo at Santa Barabara Inn

As you will likely be tired from traveling, I suggest reserving a table at Convivo, the onsite restaurant at Santa Barbara Inn for your first night in town.

Convivo boasts a unique menu of classic Italian dishes including homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza, as well as fresh seafood and steak. Everything is carefully curated using only the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection by world-renowned chef, Peter McNee. The upscale restaurant also features a full size bar with microbrews on tap, regional wines and specialty tequilas.

Relax After Dinner

The outdoor terrace at Convivo has gas lanterns to keep you warm as well as a wood burning outdoor fireplace creating a romantic ambiance with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. Enjoy an after dinner drink al fresco as you listen to the waves.

After dinner is also a great time to take an evening dip in the heated pool or relax in the jacuzzi before hearing to bed.

DAY 2 - STEARNS WHARF, THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY SEA CENTER & KAYAKING

Enjoy the Sunrise on the Beach

Grab a cup of coffee at Convivo and head outdoors.  Convivo and Santa Barbara Inn sit directly across the beach from the pristine waters of the Pacific with views of the Channel Islands in the distance. The sun rises to the east allowing you enjoy the morning sky coming to life as you head down the pedestrian walkway toward the wharf and Jeannine’s for breakfast. 

Take a Stroll to Stearns Wharf

Running parallel to the long stretch of white sand beach that leads to the Stearns Wharf is a pedestrian walkway, lined on both sides by towering palms as far as the eye can see. This makes for a perfect morning stroll.

This time of day, the Channel Islands are usually wrapped in a low lying fog that is almost surreal, a mystical backdrop to the many sailboats lining the shore, teetering rhythmically in the quiet of the cool wind. The chatter of couples out for their morning jog drowned by the sound of the waves as they pass, dog in tow.

Enjoy Breakfast at Jeannine’s

Jeannine’s is a café that is well-known to the locals, located directly across the street from Stearns Wharf.  It serves delicious pastries and breakfast dishes.  Get there early as this French styled café gets extremely busy.  They have a great outdoor patio with bright yellow and white striped umbrellas and heaters for cooler mornings.

Sunday Cabrillo Boulevard Arts & Crafts Walk

Every Sunday, year round, local artisans set up booths on Cabrillo Boulevard just a half mile away from the hotel to sell their arts and crafts to passersby. You can explore these unique items as you make your way to breakfast or on your way back from the wharf.

Walk Along Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is a must visit for anyone staying in the area and is located about a mile down the beach from Santa Barbara Inn. The Wharf was completed in 1872 and was an immediate commercial success. As you walk along the creaking wooden planks, you will hear sea gulls screeching overhead, high in the sky and marvel at the pelicans skillfully diving into the waves in the distance searching for their morning catch. The wharf is home to several restaurants and an array of quaint little gift shops. At the end of the pier, anglers can be found casting their lines into the rhythmic flow of the tides below.

Explore the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center at Stearns Wharf

Be sure to take some time to explore The Sea Center located on the wharf with its multitude of live exhibits of marine life discovered in the waters around the wharf and the Santa Barbara Channel.

Even adults will feel the excitement of a curious child as they touch the sharks, rays, sea stars and squishy sea cucumbers in the petting tanks. You will be mesmerized by sea horses slowly dancing toward one another in the water, and an octopus cleverly making its way across the tank, its tentacles flowing slowly and methodically across the glass like a mesmerizing lava lamp of old.

Enjoy Lunch at Moby Dick’s on Stearns Wharf

Once you’ve had a chance to explore the museum and shops around the wharf, you will have no doubt worked up an appetite. Enjoy a relaxing lunch with an ocean view at Moby Dick’s.

Rent a Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak, or Jet Ski

Rent a kayak pr SUP through Santa Barbara Sailing Center and explore the harbor from the water. Be sure to check out the seals soaking up the sun on buoys swaying slowly in the calming waves near the wharf. They often put on quite a show barking and pushing each other from their perch fighting for a spot to rest. If you’re looking for more speed, jet skis are also available for hourly or daily rentals.

Go Wine Tasting at Deep Sea Tasting Room

Conway Family Wines has an upstairs wine tasting room on the wharf serving handcrafted Deep Sea and Conway wines with stunning views from a higher vantage point. Head over after lunch for a glass of wine with a view.

Enjoy Dinner at a Local Favorite

  • Happy Cat Eats – Innovative twists on street foods in a casual atmosphere across from the beach.

  • Flor de Maiz – Classic Mexican dining with great cocktails and al fresco dining.

  • Toma Restaurant & Bar – A premier waterfront restaurant serving classic cocktails and Italian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine.

Before heading to bed, you may want to spend some time unwinding and relaxing around the outdoor fire pit at Convivo or enjoying a soak in the outdoor heated jacuzzi.

DAY 3 - FUNK ZONE AND URBAN WINE TRAIL OR VISIT MONTECITO

Enjoy the Morning Sunrise from Convivo

Grab a bite to eat downstairs at Convivo and watch the sun rise across the street over the ocean.

Explore The Funk Zone and Urban Wine Tour Trail

 Spend today exploring Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone - an artsy district of Santa Barbara spanning between the Pacific Ocean and Highway 101, adjacent to the Amtrak station. The area is known for its converted warehouse, graffiti murals, music, and contemporary art.

The area is home to boutique shops, tasting rooms, cafes and art galleries.

 

Here, you can also find the largest section of the Urban Wine Tour Trail – a self-guided trail with over 20 tasting rooms, all within blocks of each other, where you can indulge in representative Santa Barbara County wines from local wineries. 

If you opt for exploring the Funk Zone, try Pali Wine Co. or The Lark for lunch. Be sure to also explore Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, the city’s first distillery since Prohibition dedicated to producing top quality spirits.

Explore Neighboring Montecito

Another option for today is to explore the quaint downtown area of Montecito located on Coast Village Road. They say this is where timeless sophistication meets coastal charm. Located just 10-15 minutes from Santa Barbara Inn, Montecito boasts an array of boutiques, upscale eateries and fine art.

Enjoy Lunch in Montecito

If you decide to spend the day in Montecito, be sure to dine al fresco for lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area – Los Arroyos. If you’re in mood for something more like pub food, try the Honor Bar which also has outdoor seating that makes for great people watching. After lunch, be sure to head down Coast Village Road to Caffe Luxxe or Bree’osh Bakery Cafe for an after lunch caffeine filled pick me up.

Grocery Shop for Your Day Trip to Channel Islands at Tri-County Produce

Tomorrow will be spent at Channel Islands National Park which has no services so it’s very imporatant to get groceries the day before. You will need to bring a packed lunch, snacks and water. Located just down the street from Santa Barbara Inn is Tri-County Produce. You can walk there in minutes and it’s the perfect spot to pick up fresh fruit, breads, lunch meats, and other snack foods for the trip. It’s really important to do this or you will regret it tomorrow. The market is typically open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Enjoy the Sunset & Dinner

Since you have an early day tomorrow, I suggest getting dinner either at Convivo or somewhere else walking distance to Santa Barbara Inn such as any of the following:

  • The Harbor Restaurant - located on Stearns Wharf with a great view.

  • Happy Cat Eats – Innovative twists on street foods in a casual atmosphere across from the beach.

  • Flor de Maiz – Classic Mexican dining with great cocktails and al fresco dining.

DAY 4 - CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Channel Islands National Park known as the “Galapagos of North America” is the best day trip from Santa Barbara, especially Santa Cruz Island.

Planning a trip to Channel Islands? Get my complete Guide to Visiting the Channel Islands and my guide to choosing which of the islands is best for you.

Channel Islands National Park is comprised of 5 islands which you can take a boat ride to and explore.

 

Although Santa Barbara Island is temporarily closed to visitors due to damage on the dock, you can still explore and hike three of the other islands on your own - Anacapa Island with its 1932 lighthouse perched along the cliffs, Santa Rosa Island with its unique Torrey Pines, and Santa Cruz Island with its sea caves and sweeping views.

The fifth island, San Miguel, cannot be explored alone. There is no off trail hiking permitted on the island because it was a former bombing range. However, you can still apply for a permit to explore it with a ranger serving as your guide.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

How to Get to Santa Cruz Island (Island Packers)

Santa Cruz Island is located about 20 miles offshore from Ventura Harbor and is the largest of the islands stretching 24 miles long and six miles wide. It has two primary landing sites - Scorpion Anchorage within the National Park and Prisoner’s Harbor, on its border.

The easiest way to get to Santa Cruz is through the ferry operated by Island Packers to Scorpion Anchorage. Once underway, the Channel crossing takes about one hour. Be sure to book your ferry tickets in advance as spots are limited and often sell out.

Tips for Visting Santa Cruz Island

  • The channel crossing from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage takes approximately 1 hour.

  • Take Dramamine an hour before the ferry departs to avoid seasickness during the crossing.

  • 5-hours is plenty of time for a day trip.

  • There are vault style restrooms by the dock, but no sinks and limited hand sanitizer.

  • Potable water is available at the campground

  • For day trips, plan on carrying belongings with you all day and pack accordingly.

  • Be sure to pack food, snacks and drinks. There are no services offered on the island but there are picnic tables.

  • The ferry serves snacks and drinks during the crossing but does not remain at the dock during the day.

  • Visitors must pack out all trash. Pack a trash bag.

  • Weather conditions can change quickly so dress in layers.

  • Trails are well-marked and very easy to follow but there is no shade. Bring sunscreen and a hat.

  • There is overnight camping with storage lockers by the dock but they do not lock.

Breakfast – As indicated in above, you will need to book a ferry ride to the island through Island Packers out of Ventura Harbor. On the morning of your trip, arrive early to the harbor. Once you get checked in with Island Packers, walk over to Harbor Cove Cafe, a hidden gem for a quick breakfast. This hole-in-the-wall spot serves comfort foods and fantastic breakfast bowls with views of the harbor.

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Things to Do on Santa Cruz Island

KAYAKING WITH SANTA BARBARA ADVENTURES - Book a guided ocean kayak tour through Santa Barbara Adventure Company and enjoy a day exploring the island’s sea caves up close and personal. Kayaking provides you with views of the island from a unique perspective and wildlife sightings are common. You can even book a sunset kayak tour and watch the skies light up in shades of crimson and gold as the sun sets over the turquoise sea. This is perhaps the most incredible thing to do while visiting.

HIKING SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - With three mountain ranges covering over 96 square miles, Santa Cruz is the largest of the Channel Islands with miles of incredible hiking ranging from easy to strenuous. For a day trip, the Cavern Point Loop is a must. Hike the 2-mile loop or extend the journey to Potato Harbor. You can start clockwise from the campground for the easiest route or counterclockwise from the dock for the extended hike with slightly more elevation gain. Another option is the Scorpion Loop Trail.

EXPLORING THE VISITOR CENTER - There is a small Visitor Center located at Scorpion Ranch near the dock. It offers exhibits and information about the island and is worth taking a brief stroll through. There is also a much larger Channel Islands Visitors Center located on the mainland in Ventura.

Enjoy Dinner Back in Santa Barbara

Visiting the Channel Islands makes for a long day. Once you get back to Santa Barbara Inn, take some time to relax then head out to a nice dinner at Finch & Fork. Here you find inspired dishes that are as delicious as they are artfully presented and carefully crafted cocktails.

DAY 5 - MISSION SANTA BARBARA, STATE STREET PROMENADE & COUNTY COURTHOUSE GARDENS

Enjoy Breakfast on the Way to Mission Santa Barbara

Today is a great day to grab breakfast on your way to the Old Mission Santa Barbara at Chad’s Cafe. Chad’s has great omelets plus all the breakfast classics including eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos and french toast. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, try Dawn Cafe. Inspired by the SoCal Boho surf vibe, this walk up stop serves incredible coffee drinks and pastries on State Street.

Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara

In 1769, Spain began building a chain of 21 missions along the California Coast starting in San Diego, ending in Sonoma. Built in 1786, Old Mission Santa Barbara is known as the Queen of the Missions with 2 bell towers, a stunning rose garden, and an abalone-encrusted Chumash altar. Mass is still held here today, and part of the mission’s original aqueduct is still used by the City. Out back is also a historic cemetery and the visitor’s center is really informative about the mission’s rich history.

Explore State Street Promenade

After visiting the Mission, explore the State Street Promenade located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Here you can find live entertainment, fashionable boutiques and incredible dining options. It is truly the hub of Santa Barbara’s culinary scene. Between Sola Street and Haley Street, the area has been transformed into a pedestrian promenade with great outdoor dining.

Here are some great spots for lunch:

 

  • Santa Barbara Pizza House – Chicago dep dish roots with Italian artisanal flare serving only the freshest pizzas, soups, salads and appetizers using locally-sourced ingredients. They also have incredible desserts. '

  • Eureka – A great burger and craft beer joint full of rustic charm and ambience.

  • Joe’s Café – Serving classic American comfort food in a 50s style atmosphere complete with iconic red booths and a jukebox.

  • The Cruisery – This pub serves great appetizers, street tacos, burgers, flatbreads and salads.

Stroll the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens

After lunch, head over to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Sunken Gardens. Climb its clock tower for incredible 360-degree views of the city below as well as the surrounding mountains and Pacific Ocean. It’s a great spot for picnicking if you prefer that over a restaurant for lunch.

Experience Dinner at a Local Favorite

After touring the courthouse, be sure to return to State Street for incredible dining options including the following:

  •  Loquita – A Spanish tapas restaurant with innovative cuisine and a prime spot for people watching.

  • Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood – a family-owned classic steakhouse with a great seafood menu in addition to steaks and chops.

  • Blackbird – An elegant restaurant serving an array of local wines, craft beers and handcrafted  cocktails. It’s dark ambiance and interior design was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thrillers.

DAY 6 - HIKING IN ST. YNEZ MOUNTAINS AND SUNSET SAILING CHARTER

Hike the St. Ynez Mountains

The nearby Santa Ynez Mountains offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails from easy to challenging, most with stunning views. You can also take a quintessential scenic stroll from vineyard to vineyard or explore the 80-foot waterfall at Nojoqui Falls Park.

Go on a Sunset Sail with Santa Barbara Sailing

Enjoy your final night in Santa Barbara on a 2 hour sunset cruise with Santa Barbara Sailing. You will sail along the coast against a stunning backdrop of the St. Ynez mountains on one side and the Channel Islands on the other as sunlight dances like glitter across the waves. lighting up the skies in a symphony of color. It’s the perfect way to end your incredible trip to Santa Barbara.

DAY 7 - DEPARTURE

Enjoy Breakfast at Convivo

Before heading home, enjoy one last breakfast at Convivo and take a final walk along the shores, remembering there can always be a next time as you say goodbye to beautiful Santa Barbara.

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Jennifer Curnutt
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