Travel

Travel Guide: Santa Barbara

byTeam GM

8 years ago

We can’t wait to share our latest City Guide with you all today. Our friend Aida from Salt & Wind rounded up her top must-see spots in the beautiful city (along with a few useful tips of things to try while you’re there!). But enough talk, let’s get into it…

Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara

Photo: The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Hello! Aida here from the food travel site, Salt & Wind. I’m on the road about 50 percent of the time, all in the name of searching out what makes a city special. But, one city that I never have to try too hard to love is Santa Barbara. Yes, I’m a native Californian so I’m beyond biased, but the city is simply swoon-worthy! Santa Barbara has everything that defines the Golden State—sun-kissed surfers, stunning hikes, world-class wine, local artisans, and lots of good food. Between the California-Spanish architecture, the mix of modern and classic vibes, and the dash of rustic chic, it’s easy to see why it’s nicknamed the American Riviera. Whether you stop over for a getaway or just have one day, it’s magical all the same. Here’s how to do Santa Barbara right…

Santa Barbara Four Seasons Resort: The Biltmore

Photo: The Biltmore Santa Barbara

WHERE TO STAY

Canary Inn When you want to be in the center of the action, you should stay at the Canary Inn. Just steps from State Street, it’s in the mix without being too much in the madness. The service is excellent, but I adore the breathtaking view from the rooftop and their bar, Finch & Fork, which serves some of the best cocktails in the city. Belmond El Encanto To escape but still be in the city, the best option is the El Encanto, which is tucked away in a sleepy neighborhood above downtown Santa Barbara. With dreamy beds, quaint cottages, meandering grounds, a stellar afternoon tea service, and one of the best views back on the city, it’s a total gem. Santa Barbara City Guide on GrayMalin.com via Salt & Wind

WHERE TO SHOP

C’est Cheese One visit to C’est Cheese and you’ll wish you could take it home with you. Of course there’s a big cheese selection, but there’s also a mini gourmet market (with delicious homemade bread), and they do breakfast and lunch with delicious-ness like unforgettable Belgian waffles and a decadent Truffle grilled cheese. The Blue Door A few trips ago, I stumbled on this vintage store when I was searching for a wine bar in the Funk Zone and it couldn’t have been a better mistake. From mid-century tableware to modern paintings, there’s a carefully curated mix that always leaves me wanting to redecorate! Montecito Country Mart Okay, this isn’t right in downtown Santa Barbara, but a tad south near Montecito. But the few minute drive is worth it to hit up this stylish space with some of my favorite brands including George, Malia Mills, Calypso, and Space N.K. Apothecary. Don't miss Salt & Wind's city guide to beautiful Santa Barbara

WHERE TO EAT

Coffee: Handlebar Coffee Roasters Nothing will make you feel local faster than grabbing a morning coffee at Handlebar. Cyclists stop there mid-workout, and dog owners take a pause during their morning walk. There’s always a line out the door, but it’s worth the wait as it’s easily the best coffee in Santa Barbara. Breakfast: Backyard Bowls To call this place an acai bowl stop doesn’t really do it justice because they make acai bowls that dreams are made of. But even more than the bowls, I’m into the not-too-sweet, super healthy smoothies—so much so that I recreated the Tropical Ginger Smoothie (see below). Lunch: La Super-Rica Santa Barbara has a reputation for Mexican food, and locals are passionate about their favorite place. On my last trip I went on a taco crawl and after many tastes, I still agree with Julia Child, who considered La Super-Rica the super best (make sure to get the tacos de rajas (sautéed chiles) on homemade tortillas). Drinks: Sama Sama Kitchen Everything the group behind Sama Sama does, is good by me—from their hotels, to this Indonesian concept, Sama Sama. In a town where tacos and local food reigns, the bold Southeast Asian flavors made with seasonal ingredients are unexpected, but very much welcome. I particularly like how they make cocktails and snacks that are beyond creative. Dinner: The Lark Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Barbara, The Lark is as charming in décor as it is in the food, and always has a lively scene. Fashioned to be an old train car (The Lark was a train that ran up the California coast back in the day), the food is local, seasonal, and definitely meant for sharing. Sweets: McConnells Ice Cream You cannot go to Santa Barbara without getting a taste at McConnells. Even if, like me, you’re not that into ice cream, you have go. The seasonal flavors are magical, but two I cannot pass up are the Eureka Lemon & Marrionberries and the Sea Salt Cream & Cookies.

City Guide: Santa Barbara on GrayMalin.com/Lifestyle

NOT TO MISS

The Funk Zone This few blocks of downtown Santa Barbara was all but abandoned until some wineries moved in a few years ago, and now the neighborhood has exploded into a mini wine tasting zone. Try to spend an afternoon hopping from place to place, but, if you only have time for one or two, be sure to hit up The Valley Project and Santa Barbara Wine Collective. The Harbor Santa Barbara has super friendly waves, which are perfect for beginners. One of my favorite ways to start the day is to head to the harbor as the fisherman pull in and go for a surf or stand up paddle session (you can rent equipment with Channel Island Outfitters). Santa Barbara Bowl Easily the premiere venue in this part of California, the Santa Barbara Bowl pulls in stellar acts. So, if hearing Radiohead in an outdoor amphitheater sends you to your happy place, you should buy a ticket. Hike The locals are really active in Santa Barbara, starting the day off with a surf, a cycle, or a hike. For a serious workout that’ll also give you a view of the whole city, head up and do one of the amazing Santa Barbara hikes. I’m partial to Cold Springs Trail (not to be confused with the delicious Cold Springs Tavern) that has a few small creeks, lots of Live Oak trees, and a serious panorama view of the city at the top.

Backyard Bowl’s Smoothie

Backyard Bowls inspired smoothie recipe from Salt & Wind

Because you may not be heading to Santa Barbara anytime soon, I thought I’d share a taste of the city to hold you over. This smoothie is my version of the Tropical Ginger smoothie from Backyard Bowls, which I get on the regular when I’m visiting Santa Barbara. Head to SaltAndWind.com to see the recipe!

Get the recipe for these Backyard Bowl Santa Barbara inspired smoothies via Salt & Wind

We can’t thank Aida enough for sharing her best kept secrets with us! Sounds like we’ve got our next trip planned… Which of these spots will you be checking out?

Xx Team GM

Photos: Gray Malin, Salt & Wind, The Biltmore Santa Barbara