Guidebook for Santa Barbara
Sightseeing
This park is one of my favorites to take Alby to run around with my morning coffee. I highly recommend going to Renaud's Patisserie for coffee and a pastry, and then walking to the park.
13 locals recommend
Alameda Park
1400 Santa Barbara StThis park is one of my favorites to take Alby to run around with my morning coffee. I highly recommend going to Renaud's Patisserie for coffee and a pastry, and then walking to the park.
The Mission itself is beautiful, and you can take your furry friend and a picnic on the grass near the Rose Gardens across the street from the Mission where you're sure to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
Serra Shop
2201 Laguna StThe Mission itself is beautiful, and you can take your furry friend and a picnic on the grass near the Rose Gardens across the street from the Mission where you're sure to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
If there's a show playing while you're here - I highly recommend going for the experience of the theater.
55 locals recommend
The Granada Theatre
1214 State StIf there's a show playing while you're here - I highly recommend going for the experience of the theater.
Try to catch a movie here while you're in town - and remember to look UP once you're seated inside :)
84 locals recommend
The Arlington Theatre (Metropolitan Theatres)
1317 State StTry to catch a movie here while you're in town - and remember to look UP once you're seated inside :)
My favorite hike. Always lots of people on the trail with their dogs. If you're lucky the creek will have water to keep your pooch cool. 6 miles round trip if you make it to the top.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
My favorite hike. Always lots of people on the trail with their dogs. If you're lucky the creek will have water to keep your pooch cool. 6 miles round trip if you make it to the top.
Try a locally hand-made french truffle, then walk around La Arcada and enjoy the art galleries, bronze statues, and peruse the menus of Jeanine's, Petit Valentien, and El Cielito.
Chocolats du CaliBressan
1100 State StTry a locally hand-made french truffle, then walk around La Arcada and enjoy the art galleries, bronze statues, and peruse the menus of Jeanine's, Petit Valentien, and El Cielito.
Walk to one of the many coffee shops near to the Cottage and then make your way to the SB Courthouse where you can ride the elevator to the top of the clock tower and get a view of the whole city.
162 locals recommend
Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara
1100 Anacapa StWalk to one of the many coffee shops near to the Cottage and then make your way to the SB Courthouse where you can ride the elevator to the top of the clock tower and get a view of the whole city.
If you feel like learning about the early days of Santa Barbara and the establishment of the city, visit the Historical Museum for an informative history lesson.
21 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
136 E De La Guerra StIf you feel like learning about the early days of Santa Barbara and the establishment of the city, visit the Historical Museum for an informative history lesson.
Alice Keck Park has a great turtle pond and beautiful gardens. I recommend reading a book while laying in the grass on a sunny day, or walking around in the morning when it's quiet with a coffee.
33 locals recommend
Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens
1500 Santa Barbara StAlice Keck Park has a great turtle pond and beautiful gardens. I recommend reading a book while laying in the grass on a sunny day, or walking around in the morning when it's quiet with a coffee.
Rent a Stand Up Paddle board and cruise around the Harbor, or Leadbetter beach. You can also rent kayaks - SUPER FUN!
33 locals recommend
Paddle Sports Center
117 Harbor WayRent a Stand Up Paddle board and cruise around the Harbor, or Leadbetter beach. You can also rent kayaks - SUPER FUN!
These guys offer everything for rent, SUP boards, road bikes, cruiser bikes, surfboards, and more. You can get lessons or just rent equipment. Great way to enjoy SB :)
Cal Coast Adventures
736 Carpinteria StThese guys offer everything for rent, SUP boards, road bikes, cruiser bikes, surfboards, and more. You can get lessons or just rent equipment. Great way to enjoy SB :)
These guys are a lot of fun and will definitely show you the goods of SB. Take a guided day hike, wine tour, kayaking lesson - or trip out to the islands, these guys won't let you down.
40 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
520 E Haley StThese guys are a lot of fun and will definitely show you the goods of SB. Take a guided day hike, wine tour, kayaking lesson - or trip out to the islands, these guys won't let you down.
Food Scene
Excellent for dinner, or order small plates from the abbreviated bar menu. Beer and wine only - but attempting to get a liquor license - don't know if they got it yet. Cozy atmosphere.
41 locals recommend
Olio e Limone Ristorante & Olio Pizzeria
11 W Victoria StExcellent for dinner, or order small plates from the abbreviated bar menu. Beer and wine only - but attempting to get a liquor license - don't know if they got it yet. Cozy atmosphere.
One of the best Italian restaurants in town. They just recently opened a smaller pizzeria just 2 doors down from the full restaurant.
40 locals recommend
Ca' Dario
37 E Victoria StOne of the best Italian restaurants in town. They just recently opened a smaller pizzeria just 2 doors down from the full restaurant.
Best Happy Hour with a VIEW. I recommend just eating / drinking at the bar - b/c the table service is quite slow. Bring a jacket b/c the weather can turn on a dime!
223 locals recommend
Boathouse at Hendry's Beach
2981 Cliff DrBest Happy Hour with a VIEW. I recommend just eating / drinking at the bar - b/c the table service is quite slow. Bring a jacket b/c the weather can turn on a dime!
Other best restaurant with a VIEW besides Boathouse. The oysters and clams are delicious. Try to get a table outside or sit downstairs if it's too busy upstairs.
203 locals recommend
Brophy Bros.
119 Harbor WayOther best restaurant with a VIEW besides Boathouse. The oysters and clams are delicious. Try to get a table outside or sit downstairs if it's too busy upstairs.
The Hungry Cat
1134 Chapala StGreat cocktails. Great seafood. The seafood platters are HUGE.
Best sushi in town - for quality of fish and ambiance. The unfiltered cold Nigori sake is my favorite. Try the ahi carpaccio and the miso soup with mushrooms.
150 locals recommend
Arigato Sushi
1225 State StBest sushi in town - for quality of fish and ambiance. The unfiltered cold Nigori sake is my favorite. Try the ahi carpaccio and the miso soup with mushrooms.
Best quiche and croissants in town. The euro breakfast is lovely to enjoy on the patio, otherwise just grab coffee and a pastry and walk to Alameda Park with your pooch.
1324 State St
1324 State StreetBest quiche and croissants in town. The euro breakfast is lovely to enjoy on the patio, otherwise just grab coffee and a pastry and walk to Alameda Park with your pooch.
Great Indonesian food! Try the Gado Gado Salad or the Pork Butt Porridge. They also serve beer, wine, and some specialty cocktails. The back patio is great for dinner.
60 locals recommend
Sama Sama Kitchen
1208 State StGreat Indonesian food! Try the Gado Gado Salad or the Pork Butt Porridge. They also serve beer, wine, and some specialty cocktails. The back patio is great for dinner.
Consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. You can't go wrong here.
7 locals recommend
Downey's
1305 State StConsistently voted one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. You can't go wrong here.
I love their Vegetable Napoleon dish. They also do great appetizers and cocktails before catching a show at the Granada Theater (down the block) or the Arlington Theater (next door).
46 locals recommend
Opal
1325 State StI love their Vegetable Napoleon dish. They also do great appetizers and cocktails before catching a show at the Granada Theater (down the block) or the Arlington Theater (next door).
Great oyster bar, delish food, awesome cocktails. Not exactly kid friendly - but great for a date.
11 locals recommend
1114 Craft House and Kitchen
1114 State StGreat oyster bar, delish food, awesome cocktails. Not exactly kid friendly - but great for a date.
Best new restaurant in town. It's a must - just opened in August 2013 - don't miss it.
131 Anacapa St
131 Anacapa StreetBest new restaurant in town. It's a must - just opened in August 2013 - don't miss it.
Great Italian food and classic Italian restaurant atmosphere. Friendly knowledgable wait staff - good wine list.
10 locals recommend
Trattoria Vittoria
30 E Victoria StGreat Italian food and classic Italian restaurant atmosphere. Friendly knowledgable wait staff - good wine list.
CA cuisine - local farm to table seasonal menu. Upscale and delicious.
58 locals recommend
bouchon Santa Barbara
9 West Victoria StreetCA cuisine - local farm to table seasonal menu. Upscale and delicious.
Classic delicious Italian. Great wine list - cozy fun pizzeria located behind the main restaurant if you want something more casual.
41 locals recommend
Olio e Limone Ristorante & Olio Pizzeria
11 W Victoria StClassic delicious Italian. Great wine list - cozy fun pizzeria located behind the main restaurant if you want something more casual.
Incredible CA cuisine with phenomenal wine list. Farm to table seasonal menu, with the freshest ingredients. For a special dinning experience: reservations@winecask.com
14 locals recommend
Wine Cask Restaurant
813 Anacapa StIncredible CA cuisine with phenomenal wine list. Farm to table seasonal menu, with the freshest ingredients. For a special dinning experience: reservations@winecask.com
CA cuisine. Farm to table seasonal menu with fresh local ingredients from the farmers market. Local family owned. Great food and atmosphere.
7 locals recommend
Julienne
138 E Canon Perdido StCA cuisine. Farm to table seasonal menu with fresh local ingredients from the farmers market. Local family owned. Great food and atmosphere.
Cozy atmosphere, fine dining, wonderful wine selection. Great spot for a romantic date and it's walking distance from the cottage.
12 locals recommend
Petit Valentien
1114 State StCozy atmosphere, fine dining, wonderful wine selection. Great spot for a romantic date and it's walking distance from the cottage.
Walking distance from the cottage, located in La Arcada next to Petit Valentien, and El Cielito. Walk down for morning coffee and peruse the menus of Petit and Cielito for your dinner date :)
117 locals recommend
Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery
1253 Coast Village RdWalking distance from the cottage, located in La Arcada next to Petit Valentien, and El Cielito. Walk down for morning coffee and peruse the menus of Petit and Cielito for your dinner date :)
If you want delicious wood fired pizza while you're out in the funk zone wine or beer tasting, head over here - you won't be disappointed. Patio seating is beautiful and has heaters!
48 locals recommend
Lucky Penny
127 Anacapa StIf you want delicious wood fired pizza while you're out in the funk zone wine or beer tasting, head over here - you won't be disappointed. Patio seating is beautiful and has heaters!
Great wood-fired pizza among other items, and it's walking distance from the cottage. Downstairs from SoHo - stop here for a cocktail and dinner before a show.
41 locals recommend
Olio e Limone Ristorante & Olio Pizzeria
11 W Victoria StGreat wood-fired pizza among other items, and it's walking distance from the cottage. Downstairs from SoHo - stop here for a cocktail and dinner before a show.
If you want something more filling than a pastry - stop in here for coffee and a healthy breakfast burrito or wrap. The red velvet pancakes are large / rich enough to feed 2.
39 locals recommend
Crushcakes & Cafe
1315 Anacapa StIf you want something more filling than a pastry - stop in here for coffee and a healthy breakfast burrito or wrap. The red velvet pancakes are large / rich enough to feed 2.
Delish Greek Food. Pricey - but also large portions. One appetizer, and one rack of lamp entree fed me and 2 other girlfriends. Stop here before a show at the Arlington.
Petros Santa Barbara
1316 State StDelish Greek Food. Pricey - but also large portions. One appetizer, and one rack of lamp entree fed me and 2 other girlfriends. Stop here before a show at the Arlington.
Mexican Food! Appetizers large enough to share - margaritas are excellent - and they make the guac at your table right in front of you. Great patio for lunch, or before a show at the Arlington
48 locals recommend
Carlitos Café y Cantina
1324 State StMexican Food! Appetizers large enough to share - margaritas are excellent - and they make the guac at your table right in front of you. Great patio for lunch, or before a show at the Arlington
Features in Sunset magazine - and food modeled after Grandma Jane's recipes. Home-style food, with gourmet farm to table flair. Great deserts.
33 locals recommend
Jane
1311 State StFeatures in Sunset magazine - and food modeled after Grandma Jane's recipes. Home-style food, with gourmet farm to table flair. Great deserts.
Tapas style small plates and delish cocktails. Fireplace on the outdoor patio, intimate seating indoors. Fun place for a cocktail before or after dinner, or if you only want a light meal.
32 locals recommend
Milk & Honey
30 W Anapamu StTapas style small plates and delish cocktails. Fireplace on the outdoor patio, intimate seating indoors. Fun place for a cocktail before or after dinner, or if you only want a light meal.
Amazing acai bowls, green smoothies, all things light and fruity for a healthy breakfast, and you can get a great coffee from D'Angelo's right around the corner.
37 locals recommend
Backyard Bowls
331 Motor WayAmazing acai bowls, green smoothies, all things light and fruity for a healthy breakfast, and you can get a great coffee from D'Angelo's right around the corner.
European style breakfast and coffee. You can also purchase bread and pastries to take back to the cottage with you. Bring a jacket b/c it's often cool on the patio in the mornings. Open 7am-2pm.
42 locals recommend
D'Angelo's Bread
25 W Gutierrez StEuropean style breakfast and coffee. You can also purchase bread and pastries to take back to the cottage with you. Bring a jacket b/c it's often cool on the patio in the mornings. Open 7am-2pm.
You must go here on a Saturday or Sunday. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. There are shuttles you can take up there - call them for more info. Live outdoor music, best tri-tip sandwiches in town. Biker bar.
101 locals recommend
Cold Spring Tavern
5995 Stagecoach RdYou must go here on a Saturday or Sunday. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. There are shuttles you can take up there - call them for more info. Live outdoor music, best tri-tip sandwiches in town. Biker bar.
Big old sandwiches, salads are okay. Too much mayo/aoli for me. A bit on the heavy side. I do like their eggplant sandwich. They serve Pete's coffee, and have amazing chocolate chip cookies.
35 locals recommend
South Coast Deli
1436 Chapala StBig old sandwiches, salads are okay. Too much mayo/aoli for me. A bit on the heavy side. I do like their eggplant sandwich. They serve Pete's coffee, and have amazing chocolate chip cookies.
A classic SB brunch location. All you can drink mimosas - great for large groups for any occasion.
10 locals recommend
El Paseo
El PaseoA classic SB brunch location. All you can drink mimosas - great for large groups for any occasion.
Farm to Table. My friend is the chef, and he's a wonderful man. Fine dining, yet unpretentious. Great seafood, and if he has short ribs on the menu - GET THEM - they're mouth watering.
Seagrass Restaurant
30 E Ortega StFarm to Table. My friend is the chef, and he's a wonderful man. Fine dining, yet unpretentious. Great seafood, and if he has short ribs on the menu - GET THEM - they're mouth watering.
Short menu, but everything on it is good. Every burger is delicious and the salads are yummy too. Great beer list. The tomato soup with grilled cheese is my favorite. Patio in back.
7 locals recommend
American Ale
14 E Cota StShort menu, but everything on it is good. Every burger is delicious and the salads are yummy too. Great beer list. The tomato soup with grilled cheese is my favorite. Patio in back.
A Classic SB experience. Get the bread pudding - don't even question it. Sing along when it's time - you'll enjoy it. If you like martinis - it's served in a mason jar ;) Enjoy!
38 locals recommend
The Palace Grill
8 E Cota StA Classic SB experience. Get the bread pudding - don't even question it. Sing along when it's time - you'll enjoy it. If you like martinis - it's served in a mason jar ;) Enjoy!
Tasty tasty mexican food. Tiny restaurant, and close enough to walk from the cottage. I like everything I've had here.
18 locals recommend
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant
14 W Figueroa StTasty tasty mexican food. Tiny restaurant, and close enough to walk from the cottage. I like everything I've had here.
This is the original location. They've recently opened another location on De la Vina. Another great spot for mexican food. I like the Camarones Guajillo.
86 locals recommend
Los Agaves Restaurant
600 N Milpas StThis is the original location. They've recently opened another location on De la Vina. Another great spot for mexican food. I like the Camarones Guajillo.
Order at the window and if the weather is nice - they have a great patio. All the pastries are great, the house-made yogurt is delish, and another fave is the Tugboat. Good coffee too.
35 locals recommend
The Shop Kitchen
730 N Milpas StOrder at the window and if the weather is nice - they have a great patio. All the pastries are great, the house-made yogurt is delish, and another fave is the Tugboat. Good coffee too.
Best location for brunch close to the cottage. Patio is doggy friendly. Later morning has more sun, otherwise if you go early you may want a sweater in the shade. Great for happy hour drinks 4-6pm.
39 locals recommend
Scarlett Begonia
21 W Victoria StBest location for brunch close to the cottage. Patio is doggy friendly. Later morning has more sun, otherwise if you go early you may want a sweater in the shade. Great for happy hour drinks 4-6pm.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is the heart of the funk zone, home to most of the wine tasting rooms in town. Head this way and you'll quickly find MANY tasting rooms to choose from. I DON'T recommend doing them all at once!
50 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Winery
28 Anacapa StThis is the heart of the funk zone, home to most of the wine tasting rooms in town. Head this way and you'll quickly find MANY tasting rooms to choose from. I DON'T recommend doing them all at once!
Great bold red wines. Some of my favorites in the funk zone.
13 locals recommend
Kunin Wines Tasting Room
831 E Yanonali StGreat bold red wines. Some of my favorites in the funk zone.
Great indoor and outdoor patio seating for wine tasting.
13 locals recommend
Pali Wine Co. Tasting Room
116 E Yanonali StGreat indoor and outdoor patio seating for wine tasting.
Municipal gets consistently great reviews - but honestly - I don't like the wine. Check it out for yourself b/c everyone raves about it. I love the patio and the indoor fireplace.
43 locals recommend
Municipal Winemakers
22 Anacapa StMunicipal gets consistently great reviews - but honestly - I don't like the wine. Check it out for yourself b/c everyone raves about it. I love the patio and the indoor fireplace.
Beer! My friend is one of the brewers here so I highly recommend checking it out after a hike, or on a hot day. Many weekend evenings they have a food truck there, otherwise beer and pretzels only
16 locals recommend
Telegraph Brewing Company
418 N Salsipuedes StBeer! My friend is one of the brewers here so I highly recommend checking it out after a hike, or on a hot day. Many weekend evenings they have a food truck there, otherwise beer and pretzels only
Amazing wine tasting located 2 doors down from Telegraph. If you can't decided between beer tasting and wine tasting - go to Telegraph and Carr and do both :)
18 locals recommend
Carr Winery Santa Barbara
414 N Salsipuedes StAmazing wine tasting located 2 doors down from Telegraph. If you can't decided between beer tasting and wine tasting - go to Telegraph and Carr and do both :)
When you have a beer lover and wine lover - go here b/c you can taste both. They have a wide variety of beers and wine that will suit everyone's needs. Patio and indoor fireplace - one of my faves.
21 locals recommend
Corks n' Crowns
32 Anacapa StWhen you have a beer lover and wine lover - go here b/c you can taste both. They have a wide variety of beers and wine that will suit everyone's needs. Patio and indoor fireplace - one of my faves.
Great margaritas, and ambiance for a nice date. If you sit at the bar you are sure to be entertained by the fun and feisty bartenders. Upstairs seating is cozy and nice for a romantic date.
18 locals recommend
Nectar Eatery and Lounge
20 E Cota StGreat margaritas, and ambiance for a nice date. If you sit at the bar you are sure to be entertained by the fun and feisty bartenders. Upstairs seating is cozy and nice for a romantic date.
One drink here = 3 anywhere else so be careful. An SB Classic as they've been around forever. They have killer fried zucchini. The rest of the food is heavy and diner-esque.
84 locals recommend
Joe's Cafe
536 State StOne drink here = 3 anywhere else so be careful. An SB Classic as they've been around forever. They have killer fried zucchini. The rest of the food is heavy and diner-esque.
Great pub with pool, darts, peanuts on the floor, and live music most nights of the week. One of my favorite spots for a night out with friends and dancing.
23 locals recommend
The James Joyce
513 State StGreat pub with pool, darts, peanuts on the floor, and live music most nights of the week. One of my favorite spots for a night out with friends and dancing.
The Irish fare food is good. I like their shepherd's pie, and their pear / brie salad. On the 17th of each month the irish fare is 1/2 price. Fireplace on one side, pool on the other side of bar.
28 locals recommend
Dargan's
18 E Ortega StThe Irish fare food is good. I like their shepherd's pie, and their pear / brie salad. On the 17th of each month the irish fare is 1/2 price. Fireplace on one side, pool on the other side of bar.
Essentials
Trader Joe's for all the odds and ends you didn't get at farmer's market for your home cooked meal
216 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
3025 De La Vina StTrader Joe's for all the odds and ends you didn't get at farmer's market for your home cooked meal
Trader Joe's
3025 De La Vina StAlternate Trader Joe's if you are on the east side
Awesome gourmet grocery store right next to the beach. Stop here to grab snack / beers on your way to the beach, or to pick up something to cook on your way home from the beach :)
14 locals recommend
Tri-County Produce Co
335 S Milpas StAwesome gourmet grocery store right next to the beach. Stop here to grab snack / beers on your way to the beach, or to pick up something to cook on your way home from the beach :)
For all your special diet needs, whole foods has everything for gluten free, vegan, and raw diets.
94 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3761 State StFor all your special diet needs, whole foods has everything for gluten free, vegan, and raw diets.
We have no shortage of gourmet food stores. The deli counter is marked 1/2 price after 8pm. Amazing wine selection. Great prepared foods and meats for grilling.
121 locals recommend
Lazy Acres Grocery
302 Meigs RdWe have no shortage of gourmet food stores. The deli counter is marked 1/2 price after 8pm. Amazing wine selection. Great prepared foods and meats for grilling.
Beer and wine are reasonably priced, but food and grocery items are very OVERpriced. Only go here for that single item you forgot at Trader Joe's or elsewhere. Prepared deli items are good to go.
19 locals recommend
Cantwell's Market & Deli
1533 State StBeer and wine are reasonably priced, but food and grocery items are very OVERpriced. Only go here for that single item you forgot at Trader Joe's or elsewhere. Prepared deli items are good to go.
Everything Else
If you want to get your yoga on while you're in town I recommend Core Power as they have a variety of high temp yoga classes that will make you sweat and leave you feeling refreshed.
7 locals recommend
CorePower Yoga
1129 State StIf you want to get your yoga on while you're in town I recommend Core Power as they have a variety of high temp yoga classes that will make you sweat and leave you feeling refreshed.
Beautiful building a few blocks from the cottage. You will love doing yoga in this space - it is very peaceful and classes usually aren't too crowded.
6 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Yoga Center
32 E Micheltorena StBeautiful building a few blocks from the cottage. You will love doing yoga in this space - it is very peaceful and classes usually aren't too crowded.
Another yoga studio close to the cottage. I haven't been here yet but I've gotten great reviews from friends. Try it out and let me know what you think :)
Power of Your Om
1221 State StAnother yoga studio close to the cottage. I haven't been here yet but I've gotten great reviews from friends. Try it out and let me know what you think :)
Very inexpensive - but classes are usually very crowded. I don't usually go here b/c of the crowded feel - but others are die hards and love it like no other.
30 locals recommend
Yoga Soup
28 Parker WayVery inexpensive - but classes are usually very crowded. I don't usually go here b/c of the crowded feel - but others are die hards and love it like no other.