Weekender: Santa Barbara, California

Getting away for just 24 – 48 hours can be a sanity saver for any high performing lifestyle.  Santa Barbara checks all the boxes for a reviving and inspiring getaway with its dramatic beach and mountain scenery, gorgeous weather, boutiques and mission style architecture.  Plus, SB County is home to some of the best wines in the country.

 

Stay
Hotel Californian, 36 State Street
The restoration and expansion of the Hotel Calfornian took almost two decades.  Adjacent to the Funk Zone, State Street and the waterfront, its prime location makes everything just a bike ride away.  The hotel’s architectural design is a modern riff on the traditional Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that defines Santa Barbara with luxurious interiors rooted in Moorish and Moroccan design by the famed Martyn Bullard. 

 

Coffee
The French Press, 528 Anacapa Street
Meticulously crafted espresso drinks, pour overs and home-made pastries with ample parking and work space.  Dog and kid friendly.
Also:
Pressed Juicery for the morning after
Handlebar Coffee Roaster
 

 

The Outdoors
San Ysidro to Montecito Ridge Hike
3-4 hours, 9 miles round trip
The first half of the hike is a leisurely hike up the hillside under a thick canopy of trees.  The trail is adjacent to a stream that eventually leads to a stunning waterfall.  A great spot for a mid-way snack or a turn around point if you’re looking for a shorter hike.  Past the waterfall the chaparral and strenuous hiking begins.  It’s a relentless climb to the top but the views and terrain make it worth the effort.   *Dog Friendly
Also:
Waterfront running trail from Marina to Montecito
Cycle from Marina to Ventura on a protected bike path along the water

 

Lunch
Tre Luna, 1151 Village Coast Road, Montecito
A true local’s restaurant in the heart of Montecito.  Classically prepared genuine Italian cuisine in a timeless, casual dining room with hardwood floors, white table cloths, and framed black-and-white paparazzi photos of celebrities adorning the walls.  Pastas are made in house in-house.  Ellen (yes, DeGeneres) is a fan and has a salad named after her.  The Garganelli Alla Calabrese is a must if you love spicy pasta.
Also:
Honor Bar.  Order the Duo Dip

 

Drinks
Les Marchands, Funk Zone
Wine bar and merchant located in the heart of Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, Les Marchands offers a highly curated selection of local and international wines for tasting and for sale.  Elegant nibbles, like a sandwich au jambon and a charcuterie plate served with pickled veggies.  
Also:
El Encanto. Views, drinks and jazz happy hour.
The Good Lion. Cocktails and boozy punch

  

Dinner       
Bouchon, 9 West Victoria
Its seasonal farm to table menu and exclusively Santa Barbara country wine list, make this a must stop for any Santa Barbara visit.  With its warm and inviting ambience, Bouchon is the ideal dinner splurge. 
Also:
Arigato. No reservations.  Santa Barbara’s take on sushi. 
BibiJi.  Addicting modern Indian food with wines to match a la Rajat Parr. 
 

 

Shopping
Diani Boutiques, 1324 State Street
Diani has three separate boutique shops in the same outdoor shopping center- Shoes, Clothes and living. Each are quintessential Santa Barbara style and very tres chic. 
Also:
Raoul’s Textiles. Fabrics and home goods.
Wendy Foster  Curated selection of designer women's clothing
 

 

While you’re at it:
Santa Barbara Bowl for an eclectic line up of outdoor concerts.  One of the best venues in the country to see live music.
Funk Zone for urban tasting rooms, boutiques, eateries adjacent to the beach