A weekend escape to Santa Barbara, California is just enough time to excite, explore, and enjoy with all of your five senses. From delicious places to dine, to exploring salt caves and wineries, here’s your guide to a weekend escape to Santa Barbara, California.
Located right on the property of your stay at the Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, Live Oak Café not only has a reputation for being one of the best brunch spots in the area, but it offers surprises at every turn. Walk into the cozy spot and find greenery inside that makes it feel like a warm greenhouse. And next to the café, there is an aviary with over 100 finches. The son of the hotel owners innocently found a finch one day, and 33 years later their nurturing natures evolved the finch’s home into an aviary. Finally, the food and the entrees will delight and surprise you, like their addictive, famous Pacific Rim Bacon Fried Rice.
Santa Barbara is known for its stunning beach views, but also wine country. Hope on board the Santa Ynez Wine Tour, the shuttle will pick you up directly at your stay at Best Western Plus Santa Barbara. Three stops are included in the tour, including Refugio Ranch, Vega Vineyard & Farm, and the Brick Barn Wine Estates. Each winery has its own distinct personality. Refugio Ranch has cowboy vibes and is located right on the main street of Los Olivas, CA. Vega Vineyard & Farm celebrates community and has live music playing as you taste your wines.
Brick Barn Wine Estates used to be an old Arabian horse farm and has stunning views of the mountains. Each stop allows for 5 wine samples per stop, and a sommelier that guides you with the tasting. Book “The Wine Lovers Package” to make memories on your personalized wine-tasting experience.
Located on Cabrillo Boulevard near the Wharf, family-owned Santa Barbara FisHouse offers views of the ocean from the patio – perfect for a night of indulging in fresh seafood. Try the Ahi Poke, which includes fresh tuna in citrus sesame ponzu, Pacific Rim slaw, and seaweed salad. The huge, Coconut Shrimp are rolled in real coconut flakes and are paired with a pineapple-cherry dripping sauce, perfect for sharing or keeping to yourself.
Start your day by grabbing breakfast at Helena Avenue Bakery. With fresh ingredients and delicious baked recipes, concoctions like Tiramisu Cruffins can’t be missed. The Fried Chicken Sandwich contains both sweet jalapeno jam and honey butter, and local tip: substitute the brioche bun for the homemade biscuits. The Breakfast Sandwich also reigns supreme with farm fresh eggs, smoked cheddar and black bacon (which you can substitute with avocado at no charge). Add your favorite flavored latte and you’re golden. Remember to get there early before the crowds.
Look out for the lucky penny wall, which has a copious amount of pennies decorating it, to find Lucky Penny. Walk up to the window to order Confit Garlic Cheesy Bread and Spicy Pork Meatballs to start. Specializing in upscale, specialty pizzas, you can’t go wrong with The OG, which has juicy fennel sausage with a touch of spice with Calabrian chile, or if you’re on team ‘pineapple-on-pizza’, try the Salty Surfer, which has wood-fired pineapple and prosciutto, for a killer combination. Wash it all down with double Frosés.
If you’re looking for arts and culture, explore The Funk Zone. The Rodeo Gallery Santa Barbara takes pop culture icons and delivers pieces with a modern twist. Created by artists and owner, Wallace Piatt, who believes art is created on four points of interest: “observe, recognize, sympathize, and react”. Next door, pick up a “Gangster of Love” trucker hat at Loveworn, the sister store to the Rodeo Gallery, and equally as fresh with its clothing pieces. Known to have one of the largest and unique selections of vintage denim in the country, now’s the time to grab a pair of one-of-a-kind jeans. Only steps away is the SB Biergarten, where you can get a boot of beer – 2 liters of your choice, perfect for a spring day.
Though there are many dinner options to choose from in Santa Barbara, you shouldn’t miss out on dining at The Lark. The Lark, “named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 -1968”, sets the mood with dim lighting and decadent dishes – perfect for a romantic evening or a night out with friends. From the Hand Cut Pappardelle Pasta whose noodle are so long, they seem to go on forever, to the tender 6 Hour Smoked Duroc Pork Ribs sticky from pomegranate molasses to the fresh San Diego Ahi Crudo, everything you order will be delicious and refined. Dining at The Lark, is just one option on the “Taste of Santa Barbara” package that you can book with us – taste your way across Santa Barbara with this package.
Conveniently located close to Downtown Santa Barbara, and the coastline, Best Western Plus Santa Barbara is as charming as Santa Barbara itself. Steps away from the popular breakfast spot, Live Oak Café, start your day the right way. Take a dip in the heated pool, and relax in a suite or townhouse with full kitchens for longer stays. Book your relaxing getaway at Best Western Plus Santa Barbara today.
California is always a good idea. With more than 240 Best Western® Hotels & Resorts in the Golden State, set out to adventure from north to south. Explore the redwoods, sandy beaches and top entertainment when you book with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts California now.