Santa Barbara is one of my all time favorite places to visit. It’s just about an hour North of Los Angeles and (to me) it’s the perfect escape. It’s an amazing place for a long weekend trip or just a day of sunshine and fun. If you’re planning a trip to California or live here, Santa Barbara is an amazing city that should not be missed. While most people know to check out Julia Child’s favorite restaurant”La Super Rica” for tacos, indulge in ice cream at “McConnells”(that’s been around since 1949), or enjoy great antique shopping in Montecito… I want to share some of my favorite places to eat, beach, sip, and stay in Santa Barbara.

Deep Sea Tasting  Room & Los Agaves.

Deep Sea Winery is on the pier and overlooks the ocean. The breeze and the crowd is always perfect. There’s even an adorable rescue dog, Ringo, (with his own charity bottle of Red Wine!) who makes an appearance. The wine is delicious and the tasting menu is great and cost-effective. Come for the views and leave with a bottle of wine!

Los Agaves is some of my favorite Mexican food in Santa Barbara. Even though the line to order is always long, you can still easily score a seat. I almost always get a side of guacamole and the chicken fajitas. I promise it won’t disappoint.

Butteryfly Beach

Butterfly beach. One of the most beautiful beaches across from the Four Seasons. When I’m in Santa Barbara, I always go for a long walk or jog on this beach and then come back in the evening for the most beautiful sunset. Parking can be tricky on the weekends, but on weekdays it’s easy to snag a spot and enjoy the view. There are also always a ton of dogs running and playing on the sand and in the ocean, which I love.

San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch. There are literally no words to adequately describe the beauty of this resort. It is my favorite hotel and it is honestly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been (other than Paris!). The grounds are so beautiful that it was hard to leave and venture out for the day. The food is delicious and so is the wine. It is truly the most romantic, relaxing, and stunning place in Santa Barbara. It is a splurge, but if you want to visit for an afternoon, I’d recommend dining at one of the restaurants. The unique cuisine and stunning ocean views from the restaurant are great in itself, but after you can walk around and enjoy the property with a glass of wine.