Honor Bar

Perched on an olive tree-studded hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean, the Belmond El Encanto is more than deserving of its Forbes five-star accolades. The 90-room hotel (consisting of Craftsman-style suites and freestanding bungalows) re-opened in 2013 after undergoing a comprehensive renovation, which added a pool and tricked-out fitness studio to the grounds. Thankfully, the historic property’s architectural integrity and immaculate gardens were kept intact. Complete relaxation is the name of the game at the full-service spa where guests and day-trippers are pampered by way of water therapies, steam rooms, and local ingredient–inspired facials. When planning his California-coastal menu, Executive chef Alex Bollinger took full advantage of Santa Barbara’s bountiful produce offerings—including herbs from the on-site herb garden.

At Craft House Inn, you have the option to book one of the rooms or suites—or take over the entire house (and yard) with friends or family. It’s close enough to downtown to get anywhere quickly, but it feels totally private when you’d rather decamp from it all. When you’re not checking out Santa Barbara’s famously good food scene, the inn can stock the fridge for you or recruit chef Julian Martinez, who heads up the kitchen at Barbareño just a few blocks away, to prepare breakfast spreads, private dinners, and picnic packs, which are convenient for days of hiking and biking.

Made up of cabins and tents (for those who are looking to "glamp" in large decked out tents with a double bed and electric lighting), El Capitan offers a rustic but luxurious way to experience the El Capitan Canyon and beach near Santa Barbara. Perfect for a family trip with kids, choose between doing your own cooking (each cabin has it's own "outdoor kitchen" with a grill/fire pit) and opting for super healthy meals at the Canyon Market and Deli.

Hotel Californian, in all its Spanish-Moroccan glory, is right in the Funk Zone and a minute from the beach. And it’s just a block from the train station, which makes it a convenient landing spot if you’re coming from LA or San Francisco and want to ditch your car for the weekend. (If you want to explore the wineries over in the Santa Ynez Valley, the hotel can book you a driver for the day.) Enjoy plush beds, excellent service, and the hotel’s Hitchcock-inspired restaurant Blackbird, which serves hearty steaks, scallops, braised short rib, and risotto.

The Palihouse Santa Barbara is, in a word, dreamy. Located in the heart of the historic Presidio neighborhood, the hotel is perfect for a quiet, relaxing getaway with the cozy feel only a boutique property can deliver. We love the Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture, warm textiles, and pretty pool area. The swish hotel bar is a great spot to grab a Palisade sangria—peaches and white wine—before heading out for a bite to eat at (die-hard pizza fans should hit up Bettina). Thoughtful amenities like complimentary Linus bicycles, a Palisociety-curated neighborhood guide, SMEG toasters, and hot water bottles (nights can be chilly!) on-demand adds to the boutique, home-away-from-home feel.

With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Santa Ynez Mountains on the other, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, is not lacking in the natural beauty department. And in fact, what sets it apart from the other Santa Barbara hotels is this immediate connection to nature: You can leave your room and walk directly to the beach without dodging traffic or even crossing any streets. It’s the only resort in Santa Barbara with such prime waterfront real estate (seventy-eight acres of it), and it's used to great effect. The hotel will arrange surf or sailing lessons, there are hiking trails to see the region’s flora and fauna firsthand, and tide pools are ready for exploration with one of the expert naturalists. As you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton, guest rooms are super plush—we love the huge beds with their Frette linens, and the marble bathrooms are the size of some studio apartments.

Rosewood Miramar Beach is a bright, airy refresh of a property that dates back to 1876. There’s history here—it was formerly the storied Miramar by the Sea—and so much beauty and comfort you (almost) won’t want to leave the property. Guest rooms are done up in shades of cream and blue, and each has a private terrace with deck chairs made for lounging and ocean-gazing. If you’re coming with kids, go for a bungalow suite.

Inarguably, this is one of our favorite hotels in the world—we're not alone, either, as John and Jackie spent their honeymoon at SYR, and Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh tied the knot in the gardens. Set against the Santa Ynez Mountains, on an olive and lavender tree studded estate that was originally built as a citrus farm in the 19th century, you’ll find 38 secluded bungalows. Each cottage comes equipped with a fireplace, private patio (many have outdoor hot tubs and rain showers), and wonderful extras, like heated bathroom floors. Though it’s big with honeymooners, we never need a big reason to come, as it’s the type of place where the occasion is the stay. Among many other things, the ranch is famous for its impressive collection of rare wine and spirits which can be sipped inside the property's 1920s-inspired speakeasy. Situated in the farm’s former citrus packing house, the stone-walled restaurant offers either creek or ocean views. The menu focuses on fancy comfort food—and revolves around the offerings from the ranch’s gardens. Bonus: The wineries of Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys are less than an hour north, while Santa Barbara is just minutes away.

Inside Rosewood Miramar Beach, AMA Sushi does fantastic sashimi, nigiri, and cut rolls alongside larger plates of black cod and braised pork belly. Ask to sit on the brick patio, which is intimate and pleasant, or sit at the 13-seat omakase counter and let the chef take care of you. Finish things off with tea and dessert—houjicha ice cream and chocolate mousse or pan-roasted mochi cakes.

This old school (i.e., it was established in '37) Italian joint is a huge hit: You get to dig into Spaghetti Alle Vongole, grilled salmon, and a pages-long wine list on the lovely patio out back, while they can spend any downtime playing Bocce on one of the two adjacent courts.

Saturday nights are ripe for pizza and a beer, so Montecitans tend to agree. Bettina’s white subway tile and olive-green shiplap interior hums with chatter and a low-key raucousness that half convinces you you’re in a pizzeria in Brooklyn. (The owners are New York transplants, and the vibe follows.) Call us purists, but we’re partial to their simple margherita pie. Blistered edges, sweet-sour tomato sauce, flecks of basil, and a drizzle of grassy olive oil is even tastier with a green salad and robust glass of Brunello. In our book, a restaurant is only as good as the sides and snacks (or, in this case, spuntini) on the menu. No meal at Bettina is complete without an order of the cacio e pepe arancini to get the Saturday night going.

When Broad Street Oyster Co. debuted in a Malibu strip mall in 2019, we had a feeling the word-of-mouth phenomenon would become a common-knowledge spot. They have several locations now—this one’s on Santa Barbara’s State Street—each doing lobster rolls, seafood towers, and tuna tartare on tortilla chips just as excellently as the last. They lean into retro surfer kitsch and it feels just right.

Located on the waterfront, this is an always packed, lively and fun place to come for great, fresh fish dishes with the family. The clam chowder and fish & chips are especially popular.

Fresh, California cuisine meets American classics at Finch and Fork, where the dishes are prepared simply (think only a few select ingredients each) to perfection. There are different daily specials (i.e. burger and beer, pork and cork) and just-caught seafood on the menu. Although the brunch line-up is particularly awesome, this is a solid choice for any mealtime.

Everything about this Santa Barbara institution—including the somewhat unorthodox ordering system—is legendary. Some 30 years ago, Jeannine’s signature scones helped put the original Downtown SB location on the map. These days, the Classic Benedict and Kahlua-soaked banana French toast keep all four locations slammed at brunch time, while crisp salads and fresh, no-frills sandwiches leave lunch crowds happy. That’s not to say the baked goods haven’t held up over the years: The currant scones and homemade cookies are as good as ever.

"One of the best, freshest, most authentic Mexican spots ever. I have been coming here for 20+ years and it is insanely good. The tacos, tostadas, salsas, and specialties are pretty much unmatched. Casual to the max, line up for delicious Mexican food served on plastic plates." -GP

There are three Los Arroyos locations (the Santa Barbara outpost downtown is the one that started it all, though we've only tried the one in Montecito), and they all share a menu of Mexican food that hits the spot—the kind that’s prepped fresh daily, using tried-and-true family recipes and local ingredients. It's all comforting and reliable, though the crab enchiladas and chimichanga are particularly good. There are also eight kinds of salsa, all of which go nicely with their tacos.

The offerings here are blessedly simple: Excellent, wood-fired pizza (interesting flavor combinations, plus all the classics), plus a handful of well-conceived salads. In short, this is exactly the sort of food you want to plow into with a big group of friends, or after an overly raucous night out. They have kid-friendly options as well, and offer takeout.

Lucky's is known for its great American fare, which comes in the form of martinis, grilled artichokes with vinaigrette, lobster tail, and of course, the requisite steaks and chops. It has a great old-world Rat Pack vibe and it's perennially packed, meaning it's always a fun night out.

Before she opened Merci in the lovely Montecito Country Mart, chef and owner Elizabeth Colling cut her teeth at the Ritz Escoffier School in Paris. She followed that with stints at Spago and Bastide. And now, every Saturday, dozens of locals line up to indulge in Colling’s resolutely French brown-butter-soaked waffles Suzette. The café itself is a blush-colored cocoon of wicker seating, marble tables, and the welcoming scent of fresh bread hot out of the oven. Roll up early, commandeer a table, and slowly work your way through the patisserie case alongside what feels like half the town. Our standing order: Merci’s Cali spin on breakfast brioche and runny eggs.

This vegan option arrived to great acclaim, and it's pretty clear why: The fare is both wildly inventive and delicious, pleasing everyone from the gluten-free crowd to carnivores alike. Our picks: The polenta fries, the mushroom umami burger, and, of course, the green plant bowl.

This cafe shares space with an old-timey, packed-to-the-rafters pharmacy, which means that unless you know to look for it, it’s easy to miss. The service here is limited to breakfast and lunch, both of which are pretty basic—really, you want to come for the pancakes. What’s more, is that the pharmacy itself is weirdly great. The shelves are lined with everything from perfume and fancy skin care lines to basics like Advil and shampoo.

A favorite spot for family dinners in Carpinteria (just a few miles from Santa Barbara), Padaro serves up casual food like burgers, quesadillas, nachos, and fish tacos in a beautiful setting. Order your food on arrival and then find seating on their expansive lawn outside and take in the ocean views. This is a super kid-friendly place with a big outdoor area and a sandpit.

"My dad brought me to this Italian trattoria for a special dinner when he came up to visit when I was at UCSB. It still serves all the delicious and seasonal Italian dishes you’d expect in a warm, welcoming setting. Choose between the cozy interior or the vine covered outdoor patio for lunch or dinner." -GP

Sushi purists might find the miles-long menu—rife with elaborate specialty rolls (the merry-go-round is a local favorite) and Asian fusion fare—a bit overwhelming, which is why it’s best to consult a server before committing. But the sashimi is always super fresh and the flavor combinations, though a bit surprising at times (see: blooming onion roll), never disappoint. Don’t skip over the sake list, it’s the best—and deepest—in town.

As part of indie hospitality group Shelter Social Club (Ojai Ranch Inn, Chief’s Peak Bar), it’s not a big surprise this is one of the cooler spots in town. Come here for quality Indonesian food—all made with fresh ingredients sourced solely from local farms—and a solid drink. There's a sprawling bar if you're dining solo and several communal tables for bigger groups. Regardless of where you sit, you'll want to tuck into a share-friendly plate of garlic wings and blistered shishito peppers, followed up by Mie Goreng noodles.

At San Ysidro Ranch—one of the most idyllic hotels ever—Stonehouse Restaurant is gorgeous in every way. It’s housed in a 19th century building that was once the property’s citrus-packing house; now, it’s sought after for romantic evenings and special occasions. Executive chef Matthew Johnson sources from local farms, Santa Barbara fisheries, and the hotel’s own organic gardens. Stonehouse’s 14,000-bottle wine collection is unreal, and a reservation here is an opportunity to try something rare. (Perhaps one of the world’s most expensive and sought-after sweet wines, an 1811 Château d’Yquem, which Stonehouse acquired in 2024.) And the servers are exceptional—helpful, thoughtful, and there when you need them.

Sushi by Scratch is a 10-seat omakase bar where you’ll eat some of the best nigiri of your life, sip fantastic sake, and enjoy warm and thoughtful hospitality. It’s a social atmosphere that’s great with extroverted friends, for date night, or solo.

This popular wine and beer tasting room makes short work of tasting way too many varietals from the Santa Ynez valley—and the best part, is they only source from award-wining wineries, meaning there are no doozies in the flights. Located in The Funk Zone, it's a fun place to go before a dinner reservation—or for a longer, lazier Saturday (they open at 11). They offer beer flights, too.

A local friend let us in on this cute tasting room in Montecito’s Lower Village, a short walk from the Miramar. We like to drop in for a glass after lunch. The family-run Folded Hills winery grows its vines—organically—in the Santa Ynez Valley. Staffers are just as charming as they are knowledgeable, and after tasting a flight or two, signing up for the Folded Hills wine club (expect two six-bottle shipments annually) seems like an entirely reasonable idea.

It may not seem like much from the outside, but there's a dizzying array of foreign and local wines and liquors inside. Don’t know your Malbec from your Merlot? The super helpful staff are all well-versed wine pros and will even restock your home cellar or bar if needed.

At Third Window Brewing, you’ll want to grab a few flights with friends and try as much as you can; they make their beer on site with wheat and barley grown just down the road. Gather in the taproom, which is spacious and convivial, or in the courtyard, which has great views of the hills. The food here is straightforward, and really good—smashburgers smothered in cheese and onions, French fries, sourdough pizza, and white oak–smoked barbecue on Sundays. They’re dog-friendly, too.

Wise people say that everything tastes better in either bowl or smoothie form, which is the abiding philosophy here: Specializing in hot porridge, acai bowls, and every manner of smoothie, this is one of those cheerful joints that entirely revolves around starting days right. They're onto something too, since it's booming: There are now six outposts across California, including a second outpost in Santa Barbara.

Prepare for a little bit of a line at these popular Santa Barbara coffee spots (there are two very close to each other, to accommodate overflow): Besides great almond milk lattes and macchiatos, they serve some pretty mean almond croissants.

Locals swing by the Eddy on their way to a dinner party for nicely-packaged tinned fish, non-alcoholif spirits, and other cute and thoughtful gifts. There’s a wall of boutique magazines (like Mother Tongue, Pipette, and Emocean) and some plastic-free kitchen goods, too.

If Santa Barbara is Mecca for cycling enthusiasts, then Handlebar Coffee Roasters is their temple. The owners, ex-competitive cyclists Aaron Olson and Kim Andersen, took up coffee roasting (using a vintage Probat roaster, no less) after the recession put their cycling careers on hold. Fast forward a few years and their creamy capps, cold brews, and killer almond milk lattes have made their tiny coffee shop the go-to rest stop for riding groups (the wall outside is never without a stack of bikes) and pretty much anyone looking for a quality cup of a coffee and a low-key place to enjoy it.

Juice Ranch checks all the boxes when it comes to doing juice right. It's bottled in glass, cold-pressed, and organic, making it the go-to in Santa Barbara for great greens juices and delicious nut milk based drinks.

Mesa Produce is like a little farmers market you can visit any day of the week. They carry regionally-grown produce, much of it organic. You’ll find the most succulent strawberries here, the snappiest snap peas, the most carrot-y carrots, and so on. This location is in Montecito; the original is in Alta Mesa in Santa Barbara.

Founded in Santa Barbara by a husband and wife team more than 70 years ago, McConnell's still uses many of the same farms and purveyors they did when they first began. You’ll find flavors ranging from sea salt cookies and cream to lemon and marionberry, as well as top-notch traditional flavors like mint chip and vanilla bean. If you can’t make it to this shop, you can find pints in many upscale grocery stores, and also at LA outposts in Studio City and Downtown LA.

Oat Bakery prioritizes organic ingredients and inventive twists on the classics, like loaves baked with charcoal, shiitake mushrooms, sage and garlic, or almonds and dates. They give a health-conscious treatment to classic baked goods, like their crowd-favorite hygge bun: a cinnamon roll that cuts back on white sugar and butter, instead using coconut butter, dates, and hemp-seed sprinkle. Get one of those, a drip coffee (the beans come from Handlebar), and a loaf for your kitchen counter. They have another location on Magnolia Avenue in Goleta.

This family-owned organic market has a great café counter—solid smoothies, sandwiches, salads, and wraps, plus a great wine section.

We love Rori’s for its ultra-creamy ice cream and fresh waffle cones, and we love it even more because they’re so passionate about organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Some of our favorite flavors include milk and cookies, super-dark dark chocolate, black pepper pistachio, and malted milk ball.

Santa Barbara has the best seafood, caught right off the coast. This is the place to get huge filets of local halibut, mahi mahi, swordfish, king salmon, scallops, the most gorgeous uni you’ve ever seen, and whatever’s just come in this morning. These guys also sell a small selection of prepared and packaged foods, like seaweed salad and crab cakes, plus pantry items that bring the whole feast together. (There’s a second location in Goleta.)

This goldmine of a gourmet market, is comprised of individual artisanal vendors specializing in local and sustainably-sourced fare. This means that it's essentially set up like the perfect pantry. As far as prepared foods go, Wexler's Deli serves up lunchtime classics like bagels and sandwiches, while Empty Bowl is all about steamy noodle bowls and handmade dumplings.

We’ve long had a love affair with Montecito. And there’s no reason to think it will end anytime soon. The beach, those sunsets, the incredible restaurants, and the beachfront hotels add up to the Platonic ideal of a coastal California town. It’s the perfect backdrop for our first hotel retail store. Tucked inside the historic and fantastically renovated Rosewood Miramar Beach, goop Miramar carries everything you could ever want for the dreamiest weekend: an A-plus lineup of meticulously curated clean beauty products (the Ursa Major sunscreen and goop Beauty Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub shampoo are staff favorites), workout clothes, swimsuits and breezy cover-ups, sunglasses, Janesssa Leone hats, and tote bags to hold all that loot. And since you’re on vacation, we also have a special area for those things that never seem make it into your luggage—we’re talking underwear, socks, charcoal toothbrushes, and the rest of the stuff you may have forgotten at home. Find the “goops I forgot” section and stock up.

Diani has been a Santa Barbara mainstay for years, though despite its longevity, it's lost none of its edge: Isabel Marant, Jerome Dreyfuss, and Le Monde Beryl indicate the type of designers you'll find on the racks, which are airy and perfectly curated. There's a Diani shoe boutique in the same complex as well as a Diani Living, which is devoted to really beautiful place settings, linens, and treasures from around the world (the owner, Caroline Diani, was born in Kenya and raised in England, which explains the global slant).

Most of the time, you’ll go to Field + Fort for a latte and something to eat—they serve really good scones at breakfast and sandwiches and salads at lunch. But when you’re done, you’ll probably end up in their immaculately curated home and garden boutique. It’s filled with Flamingo Estate candles, tabletop tic-tac-toe sets, and special little antiques.

Godmothers is the baby of beauty entrepreneur Victoria Jackson and book agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, who’s represented Oprah, Brené Brown, Sheryl Sandberg, and some of the biggest novelists of the past few decades. It’s a bookstore first—well-curated and well-stocked, with a stacked event calendar. Expect visits from big-name authors and new voices, plus a roster of workshops, retreats, and storytime circles. There’s a café on site helmed by chef Miles Robbins, who’s cooked at Carbone, Jon & Vinny’s, Nashville’s HUSK, and London’s Ikoyi.

We always find something to obsess over at Jake & Jones, which carries clothes from emerging brands, pre-owned pieces from big-name designers, and a curated collection of home and beauty products. Perhaps you’ll leave with a bag of Lemaire’s perfectly-made basics, Paracia’s work boot–inspired loafers, Pleats Please pants, and a carved-wood body-massage tool from A.OK.

Kyle Irwin is responsible for the interiors of some of Santa Barbara’s most elegant homes. With a great mix of antiques and contemporary finds, his aesthetic is luxurious but with a light touch.

A fragrant outdoor garden of lavender, agave, and olive trees—planted by owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes years ago—kicks off the transportive experience at this Montecito boutique. Inside you’ll find a considered, travel-inspired collection of home goods (don't leave without picking up a candle or two by Astier de Villatte), airy embroidered dresses, straw hats, Italian leather woven bags, and other luxe imports, plus pieces by the store’s house label. Maison K embodies the Santa Barbara lifestyle perfectly: Plush, textured pillows in warm neutrals rest casually on a sofa that’s chic and actually comfortable, and the racks are flush with resort pieces that work as well with an everyday wardrobe as they do on a European getaway. It’s a vibe so inviting, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday even if you’re a local.

Styled like an old-world ship cabin—complete with wood paneled walls, rope-wrapped surf boards, paintings of light houses, and vintage anchors—Mate Gallery is a pretty adorable addition to the Montecito Country Mart.

This is the coolest spot for hand-shaped surfboards, swimwear, wet suits, and beach staples. If you’re walking through the Funk Zone on the weekend, you might catch art installations, live music, food pop-ups, and movie screenings here, too.

The Montecito Country Mart houses so many of our favorite local spots, like Oat Bakery, Bettina, Caffe Luxxe, Rori’s, Mate Gallery, and Merci. And it’s good for shopping, too: Dôen, Clare V., Hudson Grace, and Malia Mills are all here.

A Santa Barbara classic, this bookstore has been around for almost 100 years and is a local gem. They carry all the standards, and if you’re on the lookout for a book that’s out of print, Tecolote is happy to try and find it for you.

No one does antique farmhouse style better than home and garden store The Well. They go heavy on wood and rough-hewn stone, patinated terra cotta urns, and the kind of plush garden furniture that balances the whole picture. (Plus bedside tables, minimalist art, and lush linens for the rest of the house.) You’re sure to find something completely one-of-a-kind to take home—like a 400-plus year old pot recovered from a shipwreck. This location is the original shop in Summerland; there’s another in Montecito. (Their LA warehouse, Big Daddy’s Antiques, is similarly full of gems.)

What impresses us about Whistle Club is their range. They stock swishy linen skirts, no-fuss summer sweaters, and the kind of recycled-cotton totes you can stuff with beach blankets and sunscreen bottles without a worry in the world—as well as Rachel Comey party dresses, Proenza Schouler slingbacks, and Lizzie Fortunato necklaces made with a million sapphire stones.

If you poll the locals, they always cite Butterfly Beach and Hendry's Beach as the two favorites (which means that they're also popular). Butterfly Beach is in Montecito, directly across the road from The Biltmore: Parking spots are hard-won and there aren't a lot of amenities around, so bring a lunch and anything else you might need for the day. Hendry's on the other hand, is next to The Boathouse, which makes it ideal if you don't like to plan ahead (they have kid-friendly food, plus really solid drinks).

Inspiration Point is a relatively short hike that doesn't require a huge climb, making it a good option for kids—as its name suggests, there's pay-off for making it to the top, which include great views of the city, the ocean, and The Channel Islands. It's also dog friendly. Meanwhile, Lizard's Mouth is up by Goleta, and is less of a hike and more of a place to go climb around on rocks by the ocean and take in the views (kids love it).

Lotusland is a truly unique botanical garden founded by singer turned botanical gardener Ganna Walska. She bought the property in 1941 and over the years transformed it with the help of several world-renowned landscape designers. Today, the garden continues her work by preserving her singular designs and continually expanding the stunning collections of plants from all over the world. It’s located in a private residential neighborhood, with a private entrance. Reservations are limited and necessary for both self-guided and docent-led tours, and tickets often sell out well in advance. (Also note that they're closed mid-November through mid-February.)

You can rent a bicycle—a 7-speed, or an electric pedal-assist or throttle bike—from Mad Dogs & Englishmen and spend the day cycling through the Montecito hills, along the coast, and into downtown Santa Barbara. If you book a tour, a guide will point out all the best local spots and hard-to-spot wildlife. But the real treat is what Mad Dogs is named for: bikes with sidecars, where your dog can ride along with you. (If they like the windows down in the car, they’ll love this.)

This music conservatory welcomes talented young musicians every summer for classical training, and they run a free after-school choral program the rest of the year. But anyone can come enjoy the annual Summer Festival here, which typically runs for eight weeks over June and July, and their Mariposa Concert Series, which runs in the fall and winter. When you buy summer tickets, be sure to snag a reservation for a pre-concert picnic in the gardens; the school occupies the 10-acre grounds of the old Santa Barbara Country Club, which are filled with manicured hedges, koi ponds, and a huge old fig tree. (It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk, too.)

A true Santa Barbara landmark, this historic building, 10-acre garden, active parish, and mausoleum, is still home to a group of Franciscan friars as it was when it was built by the Spanish in 1786. It’s a great and scenic place to take kids to learn about California’s history.

For nearly a century, these gardens have been preserving and celebrating California's endemic plant life, which spans over 78 acres, thanks to numerous gifts of land over the years. It is a great place to walk and wander, though they offer plenty of more structured, docent-led tours. There's also a Japanese teahouse on-site.

Santa Barbara is a hotbed of creatives, and so it's not too shocking that the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has a deep and wonderful collection: Established in 1941, they have everything from Chagalls and Kandinskys to Rauschenbergs and Monets. But that's just a backdrop to excellent lectures, exhibits, and events, as well as lots of activities geared toward kids: There are after school classes, along with Thursday and Sunday workshops where little ones can roll up their sleeves and learn how to paint and draw.

Housed in Spanish Revival-style buildings on an extensive property with lush gardens, the museum is the home of an extensive collection of artifacts including a fantastic bird collection, a 72-foot Blue Whale skeleton that greets you upon entrance, and a planetarium. A relatively small museum, it’s not overwhelming, and perfect for a visit with kids. The Natural History museum also owns the Sea Center, which is located on the water and worth a visit on another day.

"Our friends, who have kids with similar ages to ours, took us to this fantastic rock climbing place for an afternoon of fun. That's Moses on the wall..." - GP

Located on 30 acres of botanic gardens overlooking the ocean, this is one of the most beautiful zoos, housing more than 500 animals in faithfully recreated natural habitats. Programs like Safari Sleepovers and Wildlife Encounters give visitors the chance to get even closer to the animals and see the inner workings of the zoo alongside a zookeeper.

The B Boutique is known for organic spray tans and bikini waxes, but the facials (which they don’t advertise) are great.

These subterranean caves are lined in Himalayan salt, which, according to Salt's website, contain the 94 "natural minerals and trace elements that are found in the human body." All that fun stuff aside, a 45-minute session sounds pretty great: You relax in a zero gravity chair while they play music and you breathe in mineral-rich air. They also offer more traditional treatments, like scrubs and massages. We've heard it's all good.

Auberge has certainly staked a claim in wine country resorts up in Napa—it has three up there—but the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern marks their first in southern California. Here, the bright, airy farmhouse cottages are outfitted with gas fireplaces, cushy four-poster beds, and claw-foot soaking tubs. Settle in, have the concierge book you winery tours all over the Santa Ynez Valley, and let yourself take on the pace of the place: leisurely.

Go to Bar Le Côte to sip Spanish and Santa Barbara wines, slurp east and west coast oysters from the half shell, and dig into scallops, paella, and whole grilled fish. Once you try the saffron buns and uni butter, you’ll want to spread uni butter on everything you eat, forever.

Chef Daisy Ryan and her husband Greg Ryan run Michelin-starred Bell’s, which serves à la carte lunches and prix fixe dinners, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and French techniques. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh at the farmers market and what Daisy feels like making. That said, you can expect some killer seafood. The service here is warm and inviting, and the vibe is immaculately low-key—the kind of fine dining that works perfectly in Los Alamos.

Ask anyone—Bob’s Well Bread makes the best sourdough and pastries in the Santa Ynez Valley. Get cappuccinos, eggs benedict, and more blueberry scones than you can eat today (they freeze well). Their lunch menu is great, too. There’s another location in Ballard.

On Saturdays in Los Alamos, Priedite Barbecue pops up behind Bodega, and they make a kind of magic you don’t often find west of Texas. The smoker runs for days. If you get here right at opening, you’ll arrive to a line around the block; get here early for brisket, spare ribs, and pork shoulder by the pound, plus generous sides of baked beans, potato salad, slaw, and pickles. They do burgers on Sundays and tri-tip sandwiches on Thursdays.

This famous (and Robert Parker approved) winery has a busy tasting room that’s open daily. Beyond their own wines, the owners have collected some of the best wines from California and all over the world for guests to try.

When you’ve had your fill of formal tasting rooms and vineyard tours, pop into Bodega to buy a bottle of organic or biodynamic wine and lounge at a picnic table, in a hammock, or around a fire pit. Their wine list changes from week to week, and they never miss. And they make their own coloring books—great if you like to hang out and scribble while you sip. On Saturdays, Priedite Barbecue pops up with their famous adobo brisket tacos and spicy fennel slaw.

Some of the best wine in the area comes from this winery in the Santa Rita Hills. Produced by a small team, the winery does not offer tastings, however they do recommend visiting Taste of Santa Rita Hills in nearby Lompoc to try Sea Smoke’s Pinot Noir and other hard-to-get wines of the area.

Tucked away on an outcropping of limestone, this family-owned vineyard focuses on Syrah and Roussanne grapes, which they tend through sustainable and natural dry farming techniques. They take just as much care post harvest, using native fermentation techniques whenever possible. While they only offer private tours of the vineyard, they have a tasting room in Los Olivos.