Santa Barbara has become a treasured place for my family and me. It’s a magical little getaway, and will always be special to me, holding so many milestones and memories like my bachelorette party, holidays, and simple weekends away with Jimmy.
Over the years, we’ve added many go-to’s to our list and I wanted to put it all in one place. Without further ado, here is my guide to Santa Barbara and Montecito.
Our favorite spots
Stonehouse Restaurant (at San Ysidro Ranch) — My favorite place on earth. It feels like a dream every time I visit. Make sure you walk the property before your reservation. Unmatched service and attention to detail, table-side dishes that are artistic, fresh, and curated to perfection. Also check out the Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch (below Stonehouse) for old Hollywood glam and fabulous cocktails.
Order: You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu, but I also love the orange margarita. Their specialties are the table-side “smoked” cocktails if you want a show! Always a must for dessert: the mint-chip ice cream (house made with real mint).
Third Window — A brewery, but more importantly, home to the best smashburger on earth.
Order: The classic smashburger and wings! Fries with the lemon aioli!!
Monte’s — A newer restaurant in Montecito that uses fresh ingredients grown on their farm, Rincon Hill. Truly farm to table!!
Order: The shrimp toast and an Arnold Palmer with mint
Little Mountain — Another new spot in Montecito that we really enjoyed! California fare.
Order: The chicken and rice! They also made my Garden Marg to perfection (skinny cucumber and mint margarita with a salt rim)
Bettina — Best for a casual lunch! Amazing pizza.
Oat Bakery — One of my all-time SB favorites for the Castelvetrano Olive Focaccia
Handlebar — My favorite coffee shop in SB
Mother Dough — Our weekend-morning staple for fresh homemade bagels
Order: The Heirloom on a sea salt bagel and chocolate chip cookie
Tre Lune — A classic, old-school, Italian-Americanjoint
Lucky’s — Another classic, local favorite steakhouse. Obviously we’re getting martinis!
Mony’s — Our favorite Mexican restaurant for amazing tacos
Order: The crunchy tacos with beef and al pastor tacos
Pierre Lafond — A local favorite, perfect for lunch!
Revolver Pizza — Our favorite takeout pizza
Rori’s Rori's — A Nutella ice cream treat while shopping at Montecito Country Mart.
Order: The Nutella ice cream!
The Good Lion (next to Sama Sama) — Cocktails, great vibe for a post-dinner nightcap.
Municipal Wines — Our favorite tasting room in SB
Pali Wine Co. — Another cute wine tasting spot with live music on the weekends
Honorable mentions
Sama Sama Kitchen
Gala
Honor Bar
Broad Street Oyster Co.
HotelsMost of the hotels in SB are a splurge. I’m still looking for a recommendation of something a little less expensive, but until then, here are my recs:
San Ysidro Ranch — one of our favorite places in California... nowhere more romantic and iconic for a special occasion. Truly my personal heaven. Have heard incredible things for those that have stayed!
Rosewood Miramar — one of the most classic hotels in California. Worth a visit even if you’re not staying, maybe a drink at sunset!
Belmond Encanto — Absolutely stunning property! We looked at this hotel as a wedding venue option.
Shopping
Montecito Country Mart — destination that includes some favorites of mine: Doen, Carolina Bucci, Merci, Clic, and Emily Joubert
The Post — Newer shopping spot from the team behind The Platform in LA. Houses Janessa Leone, Jamie Haller, Teller, and more.
The Blue Door SB — One of my favorite vintage shops ever. Beautifully curated antiques, vintage clothing and home goods. I always find gems here!!
Jake and Jones — A local boutique that feels like you’re in your dream closet.
Wunderkind — Another beloved local boutique with a couple locations!
Dream Day Itinerary
Walking Shoreline, Mother Dough for bagels and coffee →
Beach day at Miramar OR Shopping day →
Shopping at Country Mart and The Post and Blue Door →
Lunch at Bettina or Third Window →
Wine tasting and bopping around the Funk Zone: Muni Wines and Pali Wine Co. →
Dinner at any of the above restaurants!
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