Melissa’s guidebook
Favorite Coffee Shops
These are the best places to grab high quality coffee in town, that also provide a fun vibe
Delicious coffee, array of baked goods. Right in the heart of downtown, and has a hip vibe.
68 locals recommend
Dune Coffee Roasters
528 Anacapa StDelicious coffee, array of baked goods. Right in the heart of downtown, and has a hip vibe.
Best coffee in town. Super busy place, and a stopping point for cyclists. Great outdoor seating area to chill for an afternoon coffee. In the heart of downtown
97 locals recommend
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
128 E Canon Perdido StBest coffee in town. Super busy place, and a stopping point for cyclists. Great outdoor seating area to chill for an afternoon coffee. In the heart of downtown
Favorite Beaches
Some of the best beaches to see in Santa Barbara
Butterfly beach is hands-down the most beautiful beach in Santa Barbara, especially if you want to go at low tide for a long stroll toward the south or Summerland. Parking can be tricky sometimes, but it's worth a visit. The Four Seasons is directly across the street, and great for brunch or an afternoon tea.
145 locals recommend
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly beach is hands-down the most beautiful beach in Santa Barbara, especially if you want to go at low tide for a long stroll toward the south or Summerland. Parking can be tricky sometimes, but it's worth a visit. The Four Seasons is directly across the street, and great for brunch or an afternoon tea.
Leadbetter has a small surf break, and it's only 1.2 miles from where you are staying. There are many parking lots available and it's a great beach to chill at for the day. Paddle boarding and kayak rentals are usually available during the summer and weekends.
59 locals recommend
Leadbetter Beach
Leadbetter has a small surf break, and it's only 1.2 miles from where you are staying. There are many parking lots available and it's a great beach to chill at for the day. Paddle boarding and kayak rentals are usually available during the summer and weekends.
East Beach is the Volleyball Mecca in Santa Barbara. It's a great beach to spend the day hanging out and watching athletes bump, set, spike or even to go for a swim. It's less crowded than most beaches and has a cool local vibe. Hotels are close by and you can easily walk south to butterfly beach on the sand (make sure it's low tide though, you don't want to get stuck in the rocks.)
90 locals recommend
East Beach Tacos
226 S Milpas StEast Beach is the Volleyball Mecca in Santa Barbara. It's a great beach to spend the day hanging out and watching athletes bump, set, spike or even to go for a swim. It's less crowded than most beaches and has a cool local vibe. Hotels are close by and you can easily walk south to butterfly beach on the sand (make sure it's low tide though, you don't want to get stuck in the rocks.)
Favorite Restaurants
Asian Fusion Restaurant with a unique array of menu options. Only open for dinner. Casual ambience and outdoor seating available.
60 locals recommend
Sama Sama Kitchen
1208 State StAsian Fusion Restaurant with a unique array of menu options. Only open for dinner. Casual ambience and outdoor seating available.
Arigato Sushi
1225 State StBest Sushi in Santa Barbara. A little pricey, but worth it!
A local jaunt that is always busy and has some of the best tacos in town. A great stop on your way home from the beach!
90 locals recommend
East Beach Tacos
226 S Milpas StA local jaunt that is always busy and has some of the best tacos in town. A great stop on your way home from the beach!
If you love vegan food, this is the GO-TO place! The flavors and variety of offerings are unique and out of this world. Lots of worldly spices used, and incredible vegan cheese board!
59 locals recommend
Mesa Verde Restaurant
1919 Cliff DrIf you love vegan food, this is the GO-TO place! The flavors and variety of offerings are unique and out of this world. Lots of worldly spices used, and incredible vegan cheese board!
Delicious Artisan Pizza and farm to table offerings. Delicious salads and locally sourced produce.
Mizza Artisan Pizza & Italian Cuisine
1112 State StDelicious Artisan Pizza and farm to table offerings. Delicious salads and locally sourced produce.
Fun vibe on State Street. Great for families or to sit at the bar and watch the happenings. Delicious pizza, offer gluten free options and deep dish too.
8 locals recommend
Patxi's Pizza
515 State StFun vibe on State Street. Great for families or to sit at the bar and watch the happenings. Delicious pizza, offer gluten free options and deep dish too.
Delicious, unique sandwiches in the Funk Zone. Fun outdoor seating. The bread is delicious!
15 locals recommend
Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant
216 E Yanonali StDelicious, unique sandwiches in the Funk Zone. Fun outdoor seating. The bread is delicious!