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27 miles northwest of Ventura and 29 miles west of Ojai.

Santa Barbara has long been an oasis for Los Angelenos seeking respite from big-city life. The attractions begin at the ocean and end in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. A few miles up the coast east and west—but still very much a part of Santa Barbara—are the exclusive residential districts of Montecito and Hope Ranch. Santa Barbara is on a jog in the coastline, so the ocean is actually to the south, instead of the west; for this reason, directions can be confusing. “Up” the coast toward San Francisco is west, “down” toward Los Angeles is east, and the mountains are north.

Getting Here and Around

U.S. 101 is the main route into Santa Barbara. If you’re staying in town, a car is handy but not essential; the beaches and downtown are easily explored by bicycle or on foot. Visit the Santa Barbara Car Free website for bike-route and walking-tour maps, suggestions for car-free vacations, and transportation discounts.

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District’s Line 22 bus serves major tourist sights. Several bus lines connect with the very convenient electric shuttles that cruise the downtown and waterfront every 10 to 15 minutes (50¢ each way).

Santa Barbara Trolley Co. operates a motorized San Francisco–style cable car that loops past major hotels, shopping areas, and attractions from 10 to 4. Get off whenever you like, and pick up another trolley (they come every hour) when you’re ready to move on. The fare is $22 for the day.

Tours

Land and Sea Tours.
This outfit conducts 90-minute narrated tours in an amphibious 49-passenger vehicle nicknamed the Land Shark. The adventure begins with a drive through the city, followed by a plunge into the harbor for a cruise along the coast. | 10 E. Cabrillo Blvd., at Stearns Wharf | 805/683–7600 | out2seesb.com | From $30 | Tours May–Oct., daily noon, 2, and 4; Nov.–Apr., daily noon and 2.

Segway Tours of Santa Barbara.
After a brief training session, a guide leads you around town on electric-powered personal balancing transporters. Tour options include the waterfront (1¼ hours), Butterfly Beach and Montecito (2 hours), historic downtown Santa Barbara (2½ hours), and through town to the mission (3 hours). | 16 Helena Ave., at Cabrillo Blvd. | 805/963–7672 | segwayofsb.com | $75–$115.

Essentials

Transportation Contacts
Santa Barbara Car Free. | 805/696–1100 | santabarbaracarfree.org.
Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District. | 805/963–3366 | sbmtd.gov.
Santa Barbara Trolley Co. | 805/965–0353 | www.sbtrolley.com.

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Exploring

Santa Barbara’s waterfront is beautiful, with palm-studded promenades and plenty of sand. In the few miles between the beaches and the hills are downtown, Mission Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

Top Attractions

El Presidio State Historic Park.
Founded in 1782, El Presidio was one of four military strongholds established by the Spanish along the coast of California. The park encompasses much of the original site in the heart of downtown. El Cuartel, the adobe guardhouse, is the oldest building in Santa Barbara and the second oldest in California. TIP Admission is free for children 16 and under. | 123 E. Canon Perdido St., at Anacapa St. | 805/965–0093 | www.sbthp.org | $5 | Daily 10:30–4:30.

FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Lotusland.
The 37-acre estate called Lotusland once belonged to the Polish opera singer Ganna Walska, who purchased it in the late 1940s and lived here until her death in 1984. Many of the exotic trees and other subtropical flora were planted in 1882 by horticulturist R. Kinton Stevens. On the two-hour guided tour—the only option for visiting unless you’re a member (reserve well ahead in summer)—you’ll see an outdoor theater, a topiary garden, a lotus pond, and a huge collection of rare cycads, an unusual plant genus that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs. TIP Child-friendly family tours are available for groups with children under the age of 10; contact Lotusland for scheduling. | 695 Ashley Rd., off Sycamore Canyon Rd. (Hwy. 192), Montecito | 805/969–9990 | lotusland.org | $45 | Mid-Feb.–mid-Nov., Wed.–Sat. at 10 and 1:30 by appointment only.

Fodor’s Choice | Mission Santa Barbara.
Widely referred to as the “Queen of Missions,” this is one of the most beautiful and frequently photographed buildings in coastal California. Dating to 1786, the architecture evolved from adobe-brick buildings with thatch roofs to more permanent edifices as the mission’s population burgeoned. An earthquake in 1812 destroyed the third church built on the site. Its replacement, the present structure, is still a functioning Catholic church. Mission Santa Barbara has a splendid Spanish/Mexican colonial art collection, as well as Chumash sculptures and the only Native American–made altar and tabernacle left in the California missions. Docents lead 60-minute tours ($9 adult) Thursday and Friday at 11 and Saturday at 10:30. | 2201 Laguna St., at E. Los Olivos St. | 805/682–4149 gift shop, 805/682–4713 | www.santabarbaramission.org | $7 | Daily 9–4:15 (4:30 in summer).

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Five miles of scenic trails meander through the garden’s 78 acres of native plants. The Mission Dam, built in 1806, stands just beyond the redwood grove and above the restored aqueduct that once carried water to Mission Santa Barbara. More than a thousand plant species thrive in various themed sections, including mountains, deserts, meadows, redwoods, and Channel Islands. TIP A conservation center dedicated to rare and endangered plant species opens in 2016. | 1212 Mission Canyon Rd., north of Foothill Rd. (Hwy. 192) | 805/682–4726 | www.sbbg.org | $10 | Mar.–Oct., daily 9–6; Nov.–Feb., daily 9–5. Guided tours weekends at 11 and 2, Mon. at 2.

Fodor’s Choice | Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
Hand-painted tiles and a spiral staircase infuse the courthouse, a national historic landmark, with the grandeur of a Moorish palace. This magnificent building was completed in 1929. An elevator rises to an arched observation area in the tower that provides a panoramic view of the city. Before or after you take in the view, you can (if it’s open) visit an engaging gallery devoted to the workings of the tower’s original, still operational Seth Thomas clock. The murals in the ceremonial chambers on the courthouse’s second floor were painted by an artist who did backdrops for some of Cecil B. DeMille’s films. | 1100 Anacapa St., at E. Anapamu St. | 805/962–6464 | www.santabarbaracourthouse.org | Weekdays 8–4:45, weekends 10–4:45. Free guided tours weekdays at 10:30, daily at 2.

Jeannine’s.
Take a break from State Street shopping at Jeannine’s, revered locally for its wholesome sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, made from scratch with organic and natural ingredients. Pick up a turkey cranberry or chicken pesto sandwich to go, and picnic in the courthouse gardens a block away. | La Arcada,15 E. Figueroa St., at State St. | 805/966–1717 | jeannines.com/restaurants | Daily 6:30–3.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
The highlights of this museum’s permanent collection include ancient sculpture, Asian art, impressionist paintings, contemporary art, photography, and American works in several mediums. | 1130 State St., at E. Anapamu St. | 805/963–4364 | sbma.net | $10, free Thurs. 5–8 | Tues., Wed., Fri., and weekends 11–5, Thurs. 11–8.

FAMILY | Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
The gigantic blue whale skeleton greets you at the entrance to this complex whose major draws include its planetarium, space lab, and gem and mineral display. Startlingly alive-looking stuffed specimens, complete with nests and eggs, roost in the bird hall, and a room of dioramas illustrates Chumash Indian history and culture. Outdoors, nature trails wind through the serene oak-studded grounds. TIP A Nature Pass, available at the museum and the associated Sea Center, is good for discounted admission to both facilities. | 2559 Puesta del Sol Rd., off Mission Canyon Rd. | 805/682–4711 | sbnature.org | $12; free 3rd Sun. of month Sept.–Apr. | Daily 10–5.

FAMILY | Santa Barbara Zoo.
This compact zoo’s gorgeous grounds shelter elephants, gorillas, exotic birds, and big cats. For small children, there’s a scenic railroad and barnyard petting zoo. Three high-tech dinosaurs perform in live stage shows (free with admission), daily in summer and on weekends the rest of the year. TIP The palm-studded lawns on a hilltop overlooking the beach are perfect spots for family picnics. | 500 Niños Dr., off El Cabrillo Blvd. | 805/962–5339 main line, 805/962–6310 information | santabarbarazoo.org | Zoo $15, parking $6 | Daily 10–5.

FAMILY | Sea Center.
A branch of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the center specializes in Santa Barbara Channel marine life and conservation. Though small compared to aquariums in Monterey and Long Beach, this is a fascinating, hands-on marine science laboratory that lets you participate in experiments, projects, and exhibits, including touch pools. The two-story glass walls here open to stunning ocean, mountain, and city views. TIP Purchase a Nature Pass, available here, for discounted admission to the center and the natural history museum. | 211 Stearns Wharf | 805/962–2526 | sbnature.org | $8 | Daily 10–5.

Stearns Wharf.
Built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is Santa Barbara’s most visited landmark. Expansive views of the mountains, cityscape, and harbor unfold from every vantage point on the three-block-long pier. Although it’s a nice walk from the Cabrillo Boulevard parking areas, you can also park on the pier and then wander through the shops or stop for a meal at one of the wharf’s restaurants. | Cabrillo Blvd. and State St. | stearnswharf.org.

Worth Noting

Andree Clark Bird Refuge.
This peaceful lagoon and its gardens sit north of East Beach. Bike trails and footpaths, punctuated by signs identifying native and migratory birds, skirt the lagoon. | 1400 E. Cabrillo Blvd., near the zoo | Free.

FAMILY | Carriage and Western Art Museum.
The country’s largest collection of old horse-drawn vehicles—painstakingly restored—is exhibited here, everything from polished hearses to police buggies to old stagecoaches and circus vehicles. In August the Old Spanish Days Fiesta borrows many of the vehicles for a jaunt around town. | Pershing Park,129 Castillo St. | 805/962–2353 | carriagemuseum.org | Free | Weekdays 9–3, 3rd Sun. of month 1–4 for tours.

Funk Zone.
A formerly run-down industrial neighborhood near the waterfront and train station, the Funk Zone has evolved into a hip hangout filled with wine-tasting rooms, arts-and-crafts studios, murals, breweries, restaurants, and small shops. It’s fun to poke around the three-square-block district. TIP Street parking is limited, so leave your car in a nearby city lot and cruise up and down the alleys on foot. | Between State and Garden Sts. and Cabrillo Blvd. and U.S. 101 | funkzone.net.

Karpeles Manuscript Library.
Ancient political tracts and old Disney cartoons are among the holdings at this facility, which also houses one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of rare manuscripts. Fifty display cases contain a sampling of the archive’s million-plus documents. If you’re intrigued by rare manuscripts, you’ll likely find the library an absolute delight. | 21 W. Anapamu St., near Chapala St. | 805/962–5322 | www.rain.org/~karpeles | Free | Wed.–Sun. noon–4.

Montecito.
Since the late 1800s the tree-studded hills and valleys of this town have attracted the rich and famous: Hollywood icons, business tycoons, tech moguls, and old-money families who installed themselves years ago. Shady roads wind through the community, which consists mostly of gated estates. Swank boutiques line Coast Village Road, where well-heeled residents such as Oprah Winfrey sometimes browse for truffle oil, picture frames, and designer jeans. Residents also hang out in the Upper Village, a chic shopping area with restaurants and cafés at the intersection of San Ysidro and East Valley roads.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
The historical society’s museum exhibits decorative and fine arts, furniture, costumes, and documents from the town’s past. Adjacent to it is the Gledhill Library, a collection of books, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. | 136 E. De La Guerra St., at Santa Barbara St. | 805/966–1601 | santabarbaramuseum.com | Museum by donation; library $2–$5 per hr for research | Museum Tues.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. noon–5.

FAMILY | Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
California’s seafaring history is the focus here. High-tech, hands-on exhibits, such as a sportfishing activity that lets participants haul in a “big one” and a local surfing history retrospective, make this a fun stop for families. The museum’s shining star is a rare, 17-foot-tall Fresnel lens from the historic Point Conception Lighthouse. TIP Ride the elevator to the fourth-floor observation area for great harbor views. | 113 Harbor Way, off Shoreline Dr. | 805/962–8404 | www.sbmm.org | $7 | June–Aug., Thurs.–Tues. 10–6; Sept.–May, Thurs.–Tues. 10–5.

Urban Wine Trail.
Nearly two-dozen winery tasting rooms form the Urban Wine Trail; most are within walking distance of the waterfront and the lower State Street shopping and restaurant district. Santa Barbara Winery, at 202 Anacapa Street, and Au Bon Climat, at 813 Anacapa Street, are good places to start your oenological trek. | urbanwinetrailsb.com.

Beaches

Arroyo Burro Beach.
The beach’s usually gentle surf makes it ideal for families with young children. It’s a local favorite because you can walk for miles in both directions when tides are low. Leashed dogs are allowed on the main stretch of beach and westward; they are allowed to romp off-leash east of the slough at the beach entrance. The parking lots fill early on weekends and throughout the summer, but the park is relatively quiet at other times. Walk along the beach just a few hundreds yards away from the main steps at the entrance to escape crowds on warm-weather days. Surfers, swimmers, standup paddlers, and boogie boarders regularly ply the waves, and photographers come often to catch the vivid sunsets. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguard in summer; parking, showers, toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking. | Cliff Dr. and Las Positas Rd. | countyofsb.org/parks.

FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | East Beach.
The wide swath of sand at the east end of Cabrillo Boulevard is a great spot for people-watching. East Beach has sand volleyball courts, summertime lifeguard and sports competitions, and arts-and-crafts shows on Sunday and holidays. You can use showers, a weight room, and lockers (bring your own towel) and rent umbrellas and boogie boards at the Cabrillo Bathhouse. Next door, there’s an elaborate jungle-gym play area for kids. Hotels line the boulevard across from the beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards in summer; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: walking; swimming; surfing. | 1118 Cabrillo Blvd., at Ninos Dr. | 805/897–2680.

Where to Eat

Arigato Sushi.
$$$ | JAPANESE | You might have to wait for a table at this two-story restaurant and sushi bar—locals line up early for the wildly creative combination rolls and other delectables. Fans of authentic Japanese food sometimes disagree about the quality of the seafood, but all dishes are fresh and artfully presented. The menu includes traditional dishes as well as innovative creations such as jalapeño yellowtail sashimi and ahi carpaccio. | Average main: $30 | 1225 State St., near W. Victoria St. | 805/965–6074 | www.arigatosb.com | Reservations not accepted | No lunch.

Barbareño.
$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Determined to push the boundaries of farm-to-table practices, three college friends who worked at the same Los Angeles eatery banded together in 2014 to launch Barbareño. The three churn their own butter, bake their own breads, make condiments from scratch, and forage mushrooms, eucalyptus leaves, and other ingredients from the wild. They also provide postcard stories linking menu items to their historic roots. One of the most captivating tales involves the restaurant itself, which occupies the very spot where the nation’s first avocado trees were successfully grown. The vibe here is youthful yet sophisticated. The seasonal menu evolves monthly, so call or visit the website to find out what’s cookin’. | Average main: $22 | 205 W. Canon Perdido St., at De La Vina St. | 805/963–9591 | barbareno.com | Closed Tues. No lunch weekdays.

Brophy Bros.
$$ | SEAFOOD | The outdoor tables at this casual harborside restaurant have perfect views of the marina and mountains. Staffers serve enormous, exceptionally fresh fish dishes—don’t miss the seafood salad and chowder—and provide guests with a pager if there’s a long wait for a table. Stroll along the waterfront until the beep lets you know your table’s ready. Hugely popular, Brophy Bros. can be crowded and loud, especially on weekend evenings. | Average main: $22 | 119 Harbor Way, off Shoreline Dr. | 805/966–4418 | brophybros.com.

Flavor of India.
$ | INDIAN | Feast on authentic northern Indian dishes like tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, and a host of curries at this local favorite in a residential neighborhood. Best bets include the combination dinners served in a traditional Indian tray and the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet ($9). | Average main: $14 | 3026 State St., at De La Vina St. | 805/682–6561 | flavorofindia.net | Closed Sun.

The Hungry Cat.
$$$ | SEAFOOD | This hip Santa Barbara sibling of a famed Hollywood eatery dishes up savory seafood in a small but lively nook in the downtown arts district. Feast on sea urchin, addictive peel-and-eat shrimp, and creative cocktails made from farmers’ market fruits and vegetables. A busy nightspot on weekends, the Cat also awakens for a popular brunch on Sunday. | Average main: $28 | 1134 Chapala St., near W. Figueroa St. | 805/884–4701 | thehungrycat.com | No lunch Sept.–Apr.

La Super-Rica.
$ | MEXICAN | This food stand on the east side of town serves some of the spiciest and most authentic Mexican dishes between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Fans (the late chef Julia Child was one) fill up on the soft tacos served with yummy spicy or mild sauces and legendary beans. Portions are on the small side; order several dishes and share. | Average main: $12 | 622 N. Milpas St., at Alphonse St. | 805/963–4940 | No credit cards | Closed Wed.

Fodor’s Choice | The Lark.
$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Shared dining—small plates and larger—and a seasonal menu showcasing local ingredients are the focus at this urban-chic restaurant named for an overnight all-Pullman train that chugged into the nearby railroad station for six decades. Sit at the 24-seat communal table set atop vintage radiators, or at tables and booths crafted from antique Spanish church pews and other repurposed or recycled materials. Drink options range from classic and handcrafted locavore cocktails to wines curated by the master sommelier at the adjacent Les Marchands wine bar. | Average main: $23 | 131 Anacapa St., at E. Yanonali St. | 805/284–0370 | www.thelarksb.com | Closed Mon. No lunch.

Olio e Limone.
$$$$ | ITALIAN | Sophisticated Italian cuisine (with an emphasis on Sicily) is served at this restaurant near the Arlington Center. The juicy veal chop is popular, but surprises abound here; be sure to try unusual dishes such as ribbon pasta with quail and sausage in a mushroom ragout, or the duck ravioli. Tables are placed close together, so this may not be the best spot for intimate conversations. Next door are the more casual Olio Pizzeria, a combination pizzeria and wine bar, and Olio Crudo, a raw bar. | Average main: $31 | 17 W. Victoria St., at State St. | 805/899–2699 | www.olioelimone.com | No lunch Sun.

Palace Grill.
$$$ | SOUTHERN | Mardi Gras energy, team-style service, lively music, and great food have made the Palace a Santa Barbara icon. Acclaimed for its Cajun and creole dishes such as blackened redfish and jambalaya with dirty rice, the Palace also serves Caribbean fare, including a delicious coconut-shrimp dish. Be prepared to wait for a table on Friday and Saturday nights (when reservations are taken for a 5:30 seating only), though the live entertainment and free appetizers, sent out front when the line is long, will whet your appetite for the feast to come. | Average main: $29 | 8 E. Cota St., at State St. | 805/963–5000 | palacegrill.com.

Roy.
$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | In a low-key room with a loungelike feel, owner-chef Leroy Gandy serves stylish contemporary cuisine and local wines at reasonable prices. Entrées might include sautéed local fish with an almond crust, lemon-butter sauce, and papaya orange salsa, or bacon-wrapped filet mignon. TIP Roy is a favorite spot for late-night dining—it’s open until midnight and has a full bar. | Average main: $20 | 7 W. Carrillo St., near State St. | 805/966–5636 | restaurantroy.com | No lunch.

Fodor’s Choice | The Stonehouse.
$$$$ | AMERICAN | The elegant Stonehouse is inside a century-old granite former farmhouse at the San Ysidro Ranch resort. Executive chef Matt Johnson creates outstanding regional cuisine centered on top-quality local ingredients complemented by herbs and vegetables from the on-site garden. The menu changes constantly, but might include pan-seared abalone or classic steak Diane flambéed tableside. Dine on the radiant-heated oceanview deck, next to a fountain under a canopy of loquat trees, or in the romantic, candlelit dining room overlooking a creek. TIP The Plow & Angel pub, downstairs, serves casual bistro fare. | Average main: $49 | 900 San Ysidro La., off San Ysidro Rd. | Montecito | 805/565–1700 | www.sanysidroranch.com | Reservations essential | No lunch Mon. and Tues.

Fodor’s Choice | Toma.
$$$ | ITALIAN | Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and softly lit muted-yellow walls evoke the flavors and charms of Tuscany and the Mediterranean at this rustic-romantic restaurant across from the harbor and West Beach. Ahi sashimi tucked in a crisp sesame cone is a popular appetizer, after which you can proceed to a house-made pasta dish or rock shrimp gnocchi. Mains of note include the tender braised beef short ribs and savory cioppino. Central Coast and Italian wines figure prominently on the carefully selected wine list. | Average main: $26 | 324 W. Cabrillo Blvd., near Castillo St. | 805/962–0777 | www.tomarestaurant.com | No lunch.

Wine Cask.
$$$ | AMERICAN | A reinvention of a same-named local favorite that closed a few years back, the Wine Cask serves bistro-style meals in a comfortable and classy dining room. The dishes are paired with wines from Santa Barbara’s most extensive wine list. The more casual bar-café, Intermezzo, across the courtyard, serves pizzas, salads, small plates, wines, and cocktails and is open late. | Average main: $29 | El Paseo,813 Anacapa St., at E. De La Guerra St. | 805/966–9463 | winecask.com | Reservations essential.

Where to Stay

Fodor’s Choice | Bacara Resort & Spa.
$$$$ | RESORT | A luxury resort with four restaurants and a 42,000-square-foot spa and fitness center with 36 treatment rooms, the Bacara provides a gorgeous setting for relaxing retreats. The Spanish Colonial–style buildings and manicured gardens sprawl across 78 acres next to a rugged stretch of beach 15 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara. The rooms have views of the ocean, mountains, or gardens; all rooms have private balconies or patios and about half have fireplaces. Potential diversions here range from hiking and stargazing to kids’ activities and golfing at three nearby courses. At the on-site Foley Food & Wine Society tasting room you can sample wines of the Central Coast, Northern California, and beyond. Pros: serene natural setting; nature trails; first-rate spa; three zero-edge pools; in-room iPads for quick service orders and lighting and climate control. Cons: pricey; not close to downtown; sand on beach not pristine enough for some. | Rooms from: $450 | 8301 Hollister Ave. | Goleta | 805/968–0100, 855/817–9782 | www.bacararesort.com | 313 rooms, 45 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Belmond El Encanto.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Following years of extensive renovations by Orient-Express, this Santa Barbara icon lives on to thrill a new generation of guests with its relaxed-luxe bungalow rooms, lush gardens, and personalized service. Built in 1915, the landmark-preserved, Mediterranean-style complex has hosted many luminaries over the years, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and privacy-seeking stars from Hollywood’s golden years. After the original hotel fell into decline, Orient-Express purchased the 7-acre site and spent more than $100 million to revitalize the whole place. Rooms and suites come in two styles of bungalows—Craftsman and Mission—nestled among lush gardens, courtyards, and pathways. Because of the landmark status, many of the original architectural details have been preserved, but interiors have been refreshed to feature top-of-the-line furnishings, plush beds, heated floors, and free Wi-Fi; many rooms also have fireplaces, private terraces, or oversized tubs. The grounds also include a serene lily pond (a favorite spot for weddings), an outdoor pool with ocean views, and a top-notch spa incorporating locally sourced products. Chef Leo Ayala’s menus at the on-site restaurant ($$$$) focus on California coastal cuisine. The clubby lobby and bar hosts afternoon tea and live music at night, but the heart of the place is the dining terrace, which has panoramic views of city and ocean. Pros: revitalized historic landmark; stellar spa facility; drinks and dining with stunning views; friendly and personal service; free use of electric bikes. Cons: long walk to downtown; pricey; guests staying for more than a few days may find the restaurant menus limited. | Rooms from: $650 | 800 Alvarado Pl. | 805/845–5800, 800/393–5315 | belmond.com/elencanto | 70 rooms, 22 suites | No meals.

Canary Hotel.
$$$$ | HOTEL | The only full-service hotel in the heart of downtown, this Kimpton property blends a casual, beach-getaway feel with urban sophistication. Moroccan rugs, African masks, dark wood floors, and sea-grass color schemes create an exotic mood throughout. Homey touches in the light-filled rooms include walnut four-poster beds, yoga mats, candles, and binoculars to take along while touring the town. The sixth-floor rooftop lounge has a pool and stunning views. The Finch & Fork restaurant ($$$) on the lobby floor serves upscale comfort food centered on fresh local ingredients. Pros: easy stroll to museums, shopping, dining; friendly, attentive service; adjacent fitness center. Cons: across from transit center; a mile from the beach. | Rooms from: $400 | 31 W. Carrillo St. | 805/884–0300, 877/468–3515 | www.canarysantabarbara.com | 77 rooms, 20 suites | No meals.

The Fess Parker DoubleTree.
$$$$ | RESORT | A full-scale resort with seven buildings spread over 24 landscaped acres across from East Beach, the hotel was founded by the late TV actor Fess Parker, best known for playing Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. A property-wide remodel, completed in 2014, retained some of the woodsy, hunting-lodge character while adding lighter, more contemporary furnishings to match the seaside setting. Most rooms have private balconies and terraces, and suites have a wet bar, a spa tub, and a small refrigerator. The complex centers on a palm tree–lined plaza and includes the Spa del Mar, a spacious pool and hot tub, three tennis courts, three restaurants and a coffee shop, a nine-hole putting green, shuffleboard, bike rentals, and a rental-car outlet. Pros: numerous amenities; across from the sand; free shuttle to train station and airport. Cons: train noise filters into some rooms; too spread out for some. | Rooms from: $269 | 633 East Cabrillo Blvd. | 800/879–2929, 805/564–4333 | www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com | 348 rooms, 12 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara.
$$$$ | RESORT | Surrounded by lush, perfectly manicured gardens and across from the beach, Santa Barbara’s grande dame has long been a favorite for quiet, California-style luxury. The sumptuous 10,000-square-foot spa near the resort’s pool and gardens, which includes 11 treatment rooms, is an oasis for rejuvenation. Guests also enjoy privileges (though entrance fees apply for some room types) at the historic, members-only Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club and Tydes restaurant across the street. Dining is upscale casual at the ocean-view Bella Vista Restaurant, where the California-Italian menu changes seasonally. Pros: first-class resort; historic Santa Barbara character; personal service; steps from the beach. Cons: back rooms are close to train tracks; expensive. | Rooms from: $545 | 1260 Channel Dr. | 805/969–2261, 805/332–3442 reservations | www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara | 181 rooms, 26 suites | No meals.

Franciscan Inn.
$$ | HOTEL | A block from the harbor and West Beach, the family-owned Franciscan has spacious, beach-theme rooms. Their sizes range from singles and standard doubles to mini-suites and full suites. Part of the Spanish-Mediterranean structure dates from the 1920s. Pros: near waterfront and harbor; friendly staff; good value; family-friendly. Cons: busy lobby; pool can be crowded. | Rooms from: $175 | 109 Bath St. | 805/963–8845 | www.franciscaninn.com | 33 rooms, 20 suites | Breakfast.

The Goodland.
$$$$ | HOTEL | A vintage Woody car, a silver Airstream trailer, and a digital photo booth are among the elements that bring 1960s California surf culture to life at this Kimpton hotel in Goleta. CEO Paul Makerechian, a graduate of nearby UC Santa Barbara, bought an aging motel and transformed it into a hip indoor-outdoor complex that opened in fall 2014. The seaside-theme rooms include vinyl record players and handcrafted touches such as Mexican tiles and pillows fashioned from vintage rugs. The on-site restaurant, The Outpost, serves locavore SoCal dishes in a chic interior space or on a shaded patio. Room rates include a nightly social hour with spiked aguas frescas, complimentary s’mores by the fireside, Friday-night poolside movie screenings, and live music or DJs several evenings a week. Pros: cool and casual vibe; short walk to shops and services; a short drive to the beach; daily fitness classes; in-room yoga mats. Cons: not close to downtown Santa Barbara; some rooms on the small side. | Rooms from: $284 | 5650 Calle Real | Goleta | 877/480–1465, 805/964–6241 | www.thegoodland.com | 154 rooms, 4 suites | No meals.

Hotel Indigo.
$$$ | HOTEL | The closest hotel to the train station, artsy Hotel Indigo is a fine choice for travelers who appreciate contemporary art and want easy access to dining, nightlife, and the beach. The eco-friendly, Euro-style hotel partners with the Museum of Contemporary Arts as a satellite space, with curated exhibitions that change annually. Some rooms have private outdoor gardens and mountain views, and the spalike bathrooms have collapsible glass-wall showers. Several small upstairs lounges provide guests with alternative social venues and a bird’s-eye view of the waterfront or downtown scene. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room on the beach rather than the train side of the hotel. Pros: multilingual staff; a block from Stearns Wharf; great value for location. Cons: showers only (no bathtubs); train whistles early morning; rooms on small side. | Rooms from: $189 | 121 State St. | 805/966–6586, 877/270–1392 toll-free | www.indigosantabarbara.com | 41 rooms | No meals.

Hyatt Santa Barbara.
$$$$ | HOTEL | A complex of four buildings on three landscaped acres, the Hyatt provides an appealing lodging option in a prime location right across from East Beach. The lobby and walkways in the historic main building, which was constructed in 1931, reflect old Santa Barbara: Spanish tiles, wrought-iron chandeliers, and vintage black-and-white photos. All rooms and baths have down comforters, flat-screen high-definition TVs, contemporary furnishings, and refrigerators; deluxe and ocean-view rooms have private balconies or patios. Even if you don’t land a room with a view, you can gaze at the ocean and islands from a table in the on-site restaurant. The Santa Barbara Airbus to LAX stops here regularly throughout the day. Pros: steps from the beach; many room types and rates; walk to the zoo and waterfront shuttle. Cons: motelish vibe; busy area in summer. | Rooms from: $289 | 1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd. | 805/882–1234, 800/643–1994 | www.santabarbara.hyatt.com | 171 rooms, 3 suites | No meals.

Motel 6 Santa Barbara Beach.
$ | HOTEL | A half block from East Beach amid fancier hotels sits this basic but comfortable motel—the first Motel 6 in existence, and the first in the chain to transform into a contemporary Euro-style abode. It’s an incredible bargain for the location and fills quickly; book months in advance if possible. Kids 17 and under stay free. Pros: very close to zoo and beach; friendly staff; clean. Cons: no frills; motel-style rooms; no breakfast. | Rooms from: $119 | 443 Corona Del Mar Dr. | 805/564–1392, 800/466–8356 | motel6.com | 51 rooms | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | San Ysidro Ranch.
$$$$ | RESORT | At this romantic hideaway on a historic property in the Montecito foothills—where John and Jackie Kennedy spent their honeymoon and Oprah sends her out-of-town visitors—guest cottages are scattered among groves of orange trees and flower beds. All have down comforters and fireplaces, most have private outdoor spas, and one has its own pool. Seventeen miles of hiking trails crisscross 500 acres of open space surrounding the property. The Stonehouse restaurant and Plow & Angel Bistro are Santa Barbara institutions. Pros: ultimate privacy; surrounded by nature; celebrity hangout; pet-friendly. Cons: very expensive; too remote for some. | Rooms from: $695 | 900 San Ysidro La. | Montecito | 805/565–1700, 800/368–6788 | www.sanysidroranch.com | 23 rooms, 4 suites, 14 cottages | No meals | 2-day minimum stay on weekends, 3 days on holiday weekends.

Fodor’s Choice | Simpson House Inn.
$$$$ | B&B/INN | If you’re a fan of traditional bed-and-breakfast inns, this property, with its beautifully appointed Victorian main house and acre of lush gardens, is for you. If privacy and luxury are your priority, choose one of the elegant cottages or a room in the century-old barn; each has a wood-burning fireplace, luxurious bedding, and state-of-the-art electronics (several even have whirlpool baths). In-room massages and other spa services are available. Pros: elegant; impeccable landscaping; within walking distance of downtown. Cons: some rooms in main building are small; two-night minimum stay on weekends. | Rooms from: $255 | 121 E. Arrellaga St. | 805/963–7067, 800/676–1280 | www.simpsonhouseinn.com | 11 rooms, 4 cottages | Breakfast.

Spanish Garden Inn.
$$$$ | B&B/INN | A half block from the Presidio in the heart of downtown, this Spanish-Mediterranean retreat celebrates Santa Barbara style, from the tile floors, wrought-iron balconies, and exotic plants to the original art by local plein-air artists. The luxury rooms have private balconies or patios, fireplaces, Frette linens, and deep soaking tubs. In the evening, you can order a glass of wine or a craft beer and relax in the candlelit courtyard. This inn is a good choice if you want to park your car for most of your stay and walk to theaters, restaurants, and shops. Pros: walking distance from downtown; classic Spanish-Mediterranean style; caring staff. Cons: no restaurant. | Rooms from: $379 | 915 Garden St. | 805/564–4700 | www.spanishgardeninn.com | 23 rooms | Breakfast.

The Upham.
$$$$ | B&B/INN | Built in 1871, this downtown Victorian in the arts and culture district has been restored as a full-service hotel. Rooms are in several one- and two-story buildings and vary in size from small to spacious. Period furnishings and antiques adorn many rooms, and some rooms have fireplaces and private patios. During a property-wide makeover completed in 2014, all rooms and baths were refurbished and upgraded with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi connections. The upscale, eight-room sister property across the street, the 1898 Country House ($$$), is a true bed-and-breakfast. Pros: 1-acre garden; easy walk to theaters; on-site restaurant; many room choices. Cons: some rooms are small; not near beach or waterfront. | Rooms from: $275 | 1404 De la Vina St. | 805/962–0058, 800/727–0876 | www.uphamhotel.com | 46 rooms, 4 suites | Breakfast | 2-night minimum stay on weekends.

The Wayfarer.
$$$ | HOTEL | One of the nicest youth hostels on the planet, the hip and stylish Wayfarer opened in 2014 in a prime Funk Zone location, three blocks from Stearns Wharf and the beach, and across the street from the train station. Private rooms have king or queen beds and fold-down twins. Shared rooms (all-male or all-female) have four or five beds that can be reserved individually ($59 in high season) or collectively by a group. All rooms have private bathrooms, individual lockers for secure storage, free Wi-Fi, and 42-inch high-definition flat-screen TVs. Rates include breakfast, use of the community kitchen, and access to the outdoor heated pool and a sunny deck with reclining lounge chairs. Pros: easy walk to many attractions; options for travelers of all ages; free parking. Cons: some rooms on the small side; freeway and train noise bothers some guests; pricey during high season. | Rooms from: $213 | 12 E. Montecito St. | 805/845–1000 | wayfarersb.com | 31 rooms | Breakfast.

Nightlife and Performing Arts

The bar, club, and live-music scene centers on lower State Street, between the 300 and 800 blocks. The arts district, with theaters, restaurants, and cafés, starts around the 900 block of State and continues north to the 1300 block. To see what’s scheduled around town, pick up the free weekly Santa Barbara Independent newspaper or visit its website www.independent.com.

Nightlife

Blue Agave.
Leather couches, a crackling fire in chilly weather, and live music and DJs draw a fancy crowd here for Oaxacan food, designer martinis, and three dozen–plus tequilas. | 20 E. Cota St., near State St. | 805/899–4694 | blueagavesb.com.

Dargan’s.
Lively Dargan’s pub has pool tables, great draft beers and Irish whiskies, and serves a full menu of traditional Irish dishes. | 18 E. Ortega St., at Anacapa St. | 805/568–0702 | darganssb.com.

James Joyce.
A good place to have a few beers and while away an evening, the James Joyce sometimes hosts folk and rock performers. | 513 State St., at W. Haley St. | 805/962–2688 | sbjamesjoyce.com.

Joe’s Cafe.
Steins of beer and stiff cocktails accompany hearty bar food at Joe’s. It’s a fun, if occasionally rowdy, collegiate scene. | 536 State St., at E. Cota St. | 805/966–4638 | joescafesb.com.

Les Marchands.
Brian McClintic, one of four real-life candidates trying to achieve master sommelier status in the 2013 film Somm (he succeeded), co-owns and operates this combination wine bar, store, and eatery in the Funk Zone. TIP From Friday through Sunday, you can combine your wine tasting with ramen slurping. | 131 Anacapa St., at Yananoli St. | 805/284–0380 | www.lesmarchandswine.com.

Lucky’s.
A slick sports bar attached to an upscale steak house owned by the maker of Lucky Brand dungarees, this place attracts hip patrons hoping to see and be seen. | 1279 Coast Village Rd., near Olive Mill Rd. | Montecito | 805/565–7540 | luckys-steakhouse.com/bar.

Milk & Honey.
Artfully prepared tapas, mango mojitos, and exotic cocktails lure trendy crowds to swank M&H, despite high prices and a reputation for inattentive service. | 30 W. Anapamu St., at State St. | 805/275–4232 | milknhoneytapas.com.

SOhO.
A hip restaurant, bar, and music club, SOhO books bands, from jazz to blues to rock. | 1221 State St., at W. Victoria St. | 805/962–7776 | www.sohosb.com.

Performing Arts

Arlington Theatre.
This Moorish-style auditorium presents touring performers and films throughout the year. | 1317 State St., at Arlington Ave. | 805/963–4408 | thearlingtontheatre.com.

Center Stage Theatre.
This venue hosts plays, music, dance, and readings. | Paseo Nuevo Center, Chapala and De la Guerra Sts., 2nd fl. | 805/963–0408 | centerstagetheater.org.

Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC).
The company stages classic and contemporary comedies, musicals, and dramas. | 33 W. Victoria St., at Chapala St. | 805/965–5400 | etcsb.org.

The Granada Theatre.
A restored, modernized landmark that dates from 1924, the Granada hosts Broadway touring shows and dance, music, and other cultural events. | 1214 State St., at E. Anapamu St. | 805/899–2222 | granadasb.org.

I Madonnari.
Artists of all ages create 150 large-scale pastel drawings on the pavement near the Old Mission steps during an Italian street painting festival held Memorial Day weekend. | imadonnarifestival.com.

Lobero Theatre.
A state landmark, the Lobero hosts community theater groups and touring professionals. | 33 E. Canon Perdido St., at Anacapa St. | 805/963–0761 | www.lobero.com.

Music Academy of the West.
The academy presents orchestral, chamber, and operatic works every summer. | 1070 Fairway Rd., off Channel Dr. | 805/969–4726, 805/969–8787 box office | www.musicacademy.org.

Fodor’s Choice | Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
The city celebrates its Spanish, Mexican, and Chumash heritage in early August with events that include music, dancing, an all-equestrian parade, a carnival, and a rodeo. | oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.

Fodor’s Choice | Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The 12-day festival in late January and early February attracts film enthusiasts and major stars to downtown venues for screenings, panels, and tributes. | sbiff.org.

Summer Solstice Celebration.
More than 100,000 revelers celebrate the arts at this mid-June event whose highlight is a huge parade of costumed participants who dance, drum, and ride people-powered floats up State Street. | 805/965–3396 | solsticeparade.com.

Sports and the Outdoors

Biking

Cabrillo Bike Lane.
The level, two-lane, 3-mile Cabrillo Bike Lane passes the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, beaches, and the harbor. There are restaurants along the way, and you can stop for a picnic along the palm-lined path looking out on the Pacific.

Wheel Fun Rentals.
You can rent bikes, quadricycles, and skates here. | 23 E. Cabrillo Blvd. | 805/966–2282 | wheelfunrentalssb.com.

Boats and Charters

Channel Islands Outfitters.
A full-service paddle-sports center in the harbor, this outfit rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, boogie boards, and water-sports gear, and conducts guided tours and excursions. | 117 B Harbor Way, off Shoreline Dr. | 805/899–4925 tours, 805/617–3425 rentals | www.channelislandso.com.

Fodor’s Choice | Condor Express.
From SEA Landing, the Condor Express, a 75-foot high-speed catamaran, whisks up to 149 passengers toward the Channel Islands on whale-watching excursions and sunset and dinner cruises. | 301 W. Cabrillo Blvd. | 805/882–0088, 888/779–4253 | condorexpress.com.

Santa Barbara Sailing Center.
The center offers sailing instruction; rents and charters sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards; and organizes dinner and sunset champagne cruises, island excursions, and whale-watching trips. | Santa Barbara Harbor launching ramp | 805/962–2826 | www.sbsail.com.

FAMILY | Santa Barbara Water Taxi.
Children beg to ride Lil’ Toot, a cherry yellow water taxi that cruises from the harbor to Stearns Wharf and back again. The fare for kids is $1 each way. | Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf | 888/316–9363 | sbwatertaxi.com | $5 one-way | June–Aug., daily noon–6; Sept.–May, Fri.–Sun. noon–sunset.

SEA Landing.
This outfit operates surface and deep-sea fishing charters year-round. | Cabrillo Blvd., at Bath St., and breakwater in Santa Barbara Harbor | 805/963–3564 | sealanding.net.

Truth Aquatics.
Truth runs kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and scuba excursions to the National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park. | Departures from SEA Landing, Santa Barbara Harbor | 805/962–1127 | truthaquatics.com.

Tennis

City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department.
The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department operates public courts with lighted play until 9 pm weekdays. You can purchase day permits ($8) at the courts, or call the department. | 805/564–5573 | santabarbaraca.gov/tennis.

Municipal Tennis Center.
The center’s 12 hard courts include an enclosed stadium court and three that are lighted on weekdays. | 1414 Park Pl., near Salinas St. and U.S. 101.

Pershing Park.
The eight lighted courts here are available for public play after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and some holidays. | 100 Castillo St., near Cabrillo Blvd.

Shopping

Books

Book Den.
Bibliophiles have browsed for new, used, and out-of-print books at this independent shop since 1933. | 15 E. Anapamu St., at State St. | 805/962–3321 | bookden.com.

Chaucer’s Bookstore.
This well-stocked independent shop is a favorite of many locals. | Loreto Plaza,3321 State St., at Los Positas Rd. | 805/682–6787 | chaucersbooks.com.

Clothing

Channel Islands Surfboards.
Come here for Al Merrick surfboards and the latest in California beachwear, sandals, and accessories. | 36 Anacapa St., at E. Mason St. | 805/966–7213 | www.cisurfboards.com.

Diani.
This upscale, European-style women’s boutique dresses clients in designer clothing from around the world. Sibling shoe and home-and-garden shops are nearby. | 1324 State St., at Arlington Ave. | 805/966–3114, 805/966–7175 shoe shop | dianiboutique.com.

Surf N Wear’s Beach House.
This shop carries surf clothing, gear, and collectibles; it’s also the home of Santa Barbara Surf Shop and the exclusive local dealer of Surfboards by Yater. | 10 State St., at Cabrillo Blvd. | 805/963–1281 | surfnwear.com.

Wendy Foster.
This store sells casual-chic women’s fashions. | 833 State St., at W. Canon Perdido St. | 805/966–2276 | wendyfoster.com.

Food and Wine

Santa Barbara Public Market.
A dozen food and beverage vendors occupy this spacious arts district galleria that opened in 2014. Stock up on fresh seafood, meats, pastas, and other gourmet goodies; sip on handcrafted wines and beers; and nosh on locally made noodles, ice cream, and baked goods. | 38 W. Victoria St., at Chapala St. | 805/770–7702 | sbpublicmarket.com.

Shopping Areas

Fodor’s Choice | El Paseo.
Wine tasting rooms, shops, art galleries, and studios share the courtyard and gardens of El Paseo, a historic arcade. | Canon Perdido St., between State and Anacapa Sts.

Fodor’s Choice | State Street.
Between Cabrillo Boulevard and Sola Street, State Street is a shopper’s paradise. Chic malls, quirky storefronts, antiques emporia, elegant boutiques, and funky thrift shops abound. You can shop on foot or ride a battery-powered trolley (50¢) that runs between the waterfront and the 1300 block. Nordstrom and Macy’s anchor Paseo Nuevo, an open-air mall in the 700 block. Shops, restaurants, galleries, and fountains line the tiled walkways of La Arcada, a small complex of landscaped courtyards in the 1100 block designed by architect Myron Hunt in 1926.

Summerland.
Serious antiques hunters head southeast of Santa Barbara to Summerland, which is full of shops and markets. Several good ones are along Lillie Avenue and Ortega Hill Road. | Summerland.

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