48 Hours in Santa Barbara
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two or the perfect weekend adventure for the kids, Santa Barbara has everything to offer that speaks to culture and wellness lovers to food and wine lovers.
Santa Barbara is one of the many coastal towns situated along the central California coast. With its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings and red-tile roofs, it’s Spanish colonial vibes make it the perfect weekend adventure from the Santa Barbara zoo, for the kids, to the upscale boutiques and restaurants for a romantic getaway for two. 48 hours is just enough time to soak in all that the city has to offer but you’ll quickly find that it will leave you dreaming up your next visit before you even leave.
The coastal city is a destination loved by all, from wellness lovers to food and culture lovers. With plenty of farmer’s markets, beach and ocean edge trails and hikes, the city draws in those looking to enjoy delicious local food along with walks offering beautiful picturesque views. Inspiration Point along the Santa Ynez Mountain hike is a local guides top recommendation. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, look no further than the iconic Stearns Wharf. Stearns Wharf is not only one of Santa Barbara’s most visited landmarks but also offers visitors and locals alike the perfect spot to pedal along the beachfront and grab a daily caught round of fish-and-chips.
With over 400 restaurants nestled in the city of Santa Barbara and with a variety of both regional and local flavors, it’s become a quite foodie haven. But what is a good meal without an exceptional wine? Santa Barbara’s wine country is home to over 200+ wineries inside the tucked away long transverse Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys.
“Thanks to plenty of rich farmland, the ocean’s fresh bounty, and exceptional wines growing on the surrounding hills, Santa Barbara offers incredible ingredients for its noteworthy restaurants.” [LINK]
If the luxury dining experience isn’t one to make it on the list for your weekend getaway, take a stroll through the district, the Funk Zone. The Funk Zone continues to draw in contemporary visitors in throughout recent years with its wide variety of boutique tasting rooms, vintage shops, and cafes. Situated between the ocean and highway 101, it makes for the perfect district to spend a few hours visiting time and time again.
Art and culture lovers will be astonished by the number of colorful murals and the Spanish colonial architecture that make up the city of Santa Barbara. From the Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, running through late January and early February, to the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to the historical landmark Old Mission, fitting it all into one weekend might become a challenge.
If you’re looking to get out of the hustle and bustle, out into nature, enjoy a nice walk along the beach or sip on an exceptional wine, look no further than this coastal town along the central Californian coast. Santa Barbara truly has so much to offer, from the stunning mountain backdrop and sprawling beachside views to the award-winning restaurants and wineries, in addition, the arts and cultural experience that is found throughout the city, The American Riviera is not one to miss.