I was lucky enough to visit my old hometown of Santa Barbara a few weeks ago. I lived there for about 10 years before I moved back up to the Bay Area. It’s been years since I’ve visited and it was SO fun to be back. You’ve probably heard of it from watching movies like Sideways or It’s Complicated. and it’s really just an all around gorgeous place. I mean…beach + wine country = paradise, am I right?
It’s amazing how much it’s changed since my last visit. The Funk Zone was non-existent when I was there last, so it was great to be able to check it out for the first time. I created a fun itinerary for you guys with a great mix of some of my new and old favorites 🙂 Here’s two days in Santa Barbara, California for under $500.
third window brewery | THE wayfarer
The blue door | butterfly beach
DAY ONE
COFFEE
handlebar COFFEE
One of the best almond milk lattes I’ve ever had. Seriously. So rich and creamy. $4
BREAKFAST
d’angelo’s bakery
This is an old favorite, my friend used to call this the $12 toast store. But it’s delicious and worth a visit 😉 $12
play
SANTA BARBARA ZOO
Santa Barbara’s zoo is definitely a must-do. It’s a great smaller sized zoo, that’s not too overwhelming. The kids will love sliding down the turf hill on pieces of cardboard. And getting to feed the giraffes is an opportunity not to be missed! $24
LUNCH
wildwood kitchen
Wildwood Kitchen is located in a new super fun cluster of buildings called the Mill. I had the pleasure of having lunch there. I got a cup of chili and a salad and it was delicious. I’d love to go back and sample some more of their fare though. It’s inventive, tasty and just all around fun. And their decor doesn’t hurt either 😉 $17
shop
MILLWORKS
I happened upon all of this gorgeousness when arrived for lunch (at Wildwood Kitchen) a bit early. I had to be dragged away from this gorgeous home decor store and all of it’s drool-worthy goods. I could spend a looong time in here checking out every detail 😉
drink
THIRD WINDOW BREWERYÂ + POTEK
Right next to Wildwood Kitchen and Millworks is a winery AND a brewery! Hello. You could spend a day here and not get bored. Let’s never leave! 😉
stay
THE WAYFARER
This place is SUCH a find. If you’ve ever traveled to Santa Barbara before you’ll understand just how hard it is to find reasonably priced places to stay. This is a steal AND it’s super chic. It’s actually a high-end hostel with private rooms available. I stayed in a private room and it was perfect. There’s even a murphy bed custom built into the headboard so you can change your queen or king bed into a bunk bed. Arden loved that feature 😉 We had french doors that opened onto a patio and was just a few steps from the pool. They have a full kitchen available for your use, as well as a great breakfast spread that’s all included. And let’s not forget a giant Jenga and Connect 4 set in the game room. I’m definitely staying here again; it’s an absolute jem. $161
do
BIKES ON THE BEACH
After checking in, why not check out the beach? You’re only a couple of blocks away and there’s a great bike lane that runs parallel to the beach. I used to meet up with friends after work and go for a nice sunset walk. But you know what would be more fun? Renting a tandem bike or surrey! $20
DINNER
THE LARK
This is Santa Barbara’s newest “it” restaurant apparently. I made reservations on Open Table ahead of time, but we still ended up getting seated outside “next to a heater with cozy blankets”. Queue *eye roll*. But even sitting outside on a suuuuper windy night didn’t damper my taste buds. This place is seriously delicious and worth it, even when freezing your bum off 😉 $60
santa barbara public market | D’ANGELO’S BAKERY*
feeding giraffes at the Santa barbara zoo
mcconnell’s | millworks
handlebar coffee roasters | rebar coffee
DAYÂ two
COFFEE
REBAR COFFEE
Another great local coffee option! $4
BREAKFAST
backyard bowls
Oh I’m all about my acai bowls lately. It’s definitely the latest trend. Forget smoothies, forget juicing. Go with one of these beautiful bowls instead 😉 $10
do
double dolphin whale watching sail
The Double Dolphin is an institution in Santa Barbara. Highly recommended 🙂 I’ve been on their cruises a few times now and it’s always a great time. Whale watching is always a must do in my book and the Double Dolphin and their crew do such a great job. $40
play
butterfly beach
Butterfly Beach is actually in Montecito, a small town just South of SB. But it’s one of my absolute favorite beaches to go to. Back when I used to live in Santa Barbara, I used to got to Butterfly Beach after work and just walk until the sun would set. I’d walk to Miramar Beach where there’s a ton of gorgeous beachfront homes and just zone. Good times, good memories. Anyways, point is…it’s beautiful. Check it out 🙂
lunch
public market
This place is also a recent addition to Santa Barbara. Such a fun concept and definitely worth a visit. So many cool shops, there’s something for everyone 🙂 $15
shop
THe blue door
Let’s venture back to the Funk Zone, shall we? How fun is this perfectly-curated, vintage shop? I love stores like this, chock-full of unique finds, fun tchotchkes and furniture full of character. A hipster’s paradise 😉
drinks
THEÂ urban wine trail
This is what makes the Funk Zone absolutely the best. Wine tasting galore and in such great environments. This was all new to me since I last visited SB and what a sight to see. I love that you get experience the Santa Barbara wine scene without even leaving Santa Barbara proper.
dinner
mesa verde
After doing some good wine tasting nothing’s better than a tasty and filling dinner. Mesa Verde is a newish plant-based restaurant on the scene. I kind of regret eating there….because after having dinner there, I’m going to CRAVE it. Gah! I wish I could eat there again soon! It was omg so tasty. Even if you aren’t vegan, you’ll find some pretty amazing (and scrumptious) dishes. Next time I go…I’m ordering all of the desserts. Seriously. All of them. 😉 $40
dessert
mcconnell’s ice cream
Ahh, McConnell’s is pretty much synonymous with Santa Barbara. They’ve been around forever. You know why? Because their ice cream is dabomb.com *cringe* yes, I just said that, but seriously. It’s tasty. Go eat some. $5
This post in partnership with Visit Santa Barbara.
* Image via
Robin Masshole Mommy says
This sounds lovely. I Have always wanted to go to Santa Barbara.
Paula says
My family was in SB over Spring break, Glad to see we hit several of your recommendations. Almond Milk Latte was definitely Perfect at HandlebAr. We also loved Lilac Pâtisserie, great gluten free bakery.
Ana Fernandez says
I cant believe you spend only 412$ and you did all of that! it is amazing
Enricoh Alfonzo says
Brilliant photography!
very visually stimulating. Lucky packet, looks like you had loads of fun under the sun with the wine.
Laura Starner says
This looks like an amazing trip. I would love to visit Santa Barbara.
Elizabeth O. says
Wow! Such a detailed list. From the pictures alone, I am sold, the place looks really beautiful especially the beach. I love that you included things to do for when you have kids. I definitely would like to visit someday!
rAJAN says
A refreshing trip on such a low budget. Wow!
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
Santa barbara is a really nice town. and it is so pretty.
Amy Jones says
You really know how to budget! I never thought you could get so much from just over 400 bucks!
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla says
If I had to choose between Day 1 and Day 2….I can’t! Those places and your descriptions were all so inviting, I’ll be sure to remember a few of them once I step foot on this area!
debra says
Where would you recommend staying on a budget that has a pool? A friend and I are trying to plan a birthday celebration trip and this looks amazing!
Kati says
Amazing pictures and it looks like a great place to spend few days! I’d love to visit it one day 🙂
Tana says
I’ve lived in santa barbara for 20 years and i think this list is awesome. Great work capturing a lot of the new stuff our town has to offer:)
Kathy says
That looks like a great place to go. I’d love to go there sometime. I’ve never even been to California before. It’s on my list of places to visit though
Milena says
I love how you perfectly documented your trip. Santa Barbara looks amazing.
Tam Gamble says
I haven’t visited Santa barbara but this sounds like a busy couple of days with loads of great suggestions.
Aziel Morte says
What an amazing trip and i love to go there looks peaceful and relaxing
parpar de real says
This is such a lovely place to visit. I would love to go there someday
CourtneYlynne says
I have been all over cali but never sana barbra. Hopeg one day my travels take me there
Steve says
LOVE This! Beach Chic is the best too! next time you are back home come by Cabana home and chat about design, we would love to meet you.
Kathy Kenny Ngo says
Those places look really good. for under $500 those are also really quite a steal. i’d love to go and visit.