I couldn’t be more excited to launch this jetsetter’s guide with a look at the city I call home, Santa Barbara California. From effortless glamour to spectacular views and unbelievable local food, read on to find out more about what this chic coastal city has to offer.
San Ysidro Ranch
900 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito CA 93108
sanysidroranch.com
Venture into the Montecito hills and enjoy the peaceful, serene ambience of the San Ysidro Ranch. Spanning over 500 acres, the ranch was once a Mission farm and a citrus grove before becoming a high-end resort. This secluded, elegant destination has long been a favorite among A-list celebrities, and was even where JFK and Jackie O spent their honeymoon!
Belmond El Encanto
800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara, Calif.
elencanto.com
Sitting high in the hills, the Belmond El Encanto is surrounded by 7 acres of enchanting gardens. The luxurious, yet laid back vibes and boutique spa has made this romantic hotel a prime place to lay your head since the 1920’s. It’s the only Forbes 5-star resort in all of Santa Barbara, and the ocean views are mind-blowing.
Montecito Inn
1295 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara CA 93108
montecitoinn.com
Built in 1928 with Charlie Chaplin’s famous face painted on the sign, this boutique hotel is one of Montecito’s most historic landmarks. Located in the heart of town, the Montecito Inn is surrounded by the best shops and restaurants and is just a hop skip and a jump away from Santa Barbara proper. Stay and soak up the old hollywood glamour at this romantically splendid hotel.
Bacara Resort and Spa
8301 Hollister Ave Santa Barbara CA 93117
bacararesort.com
On the bluffs above the serene California coast you’ll find the elegant and tranquil Bacara Resort and Spa. This Spanish-style resort offers many divine ways to unwind, including a world class spa, top of the line fitness facility, luxe salon, and a signature restaurant, Miro.
Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore
1260 Channel Dr. Santa Barbara CA 93108
fourseasons.com/santabarbara
The Biltmore radiates divine California living at its finest. Across the street from the picturesque Butterfly beach, this is the place to leave all your worries behind. You’ll fall in love with everything from their gorgeous Spanish style architecture, elegant beach cabana club and world class spa. Waking up on a Sunday at the Four Seasons? You’re in luck—head to the most extravagant brunch you’ll ever enjoy, with choices like made-to-order omelettes, sushi, chocolate fondue and even caviar!
Lucky’s
1279 Coast Village Road Montecito CA 93108
luckys-steakhouse.com
Great steakhouse with a great vibe here! Not only is the steak perfectly cooked and of the best quality, I love the seafood and side dishes as well. In particular, I always order the abalone appetizer and Jimmy the Greek’s salad (ask for it with warm feta—divine!). Plus, Lucky’s even offers craft cocktails and fantastic wines from around the world.
Jeannine’s
3607 State Street, Santa Barbara CA
15 E Figueroa St, Santa Barbara CA
1253 Coast Village Road, Montecito CA
jeannines.com
The. Best. Coffee!!! If I have a choice on where to pick up my double latte, it’s definitely Jeannine’s. For brunch, it doesn’t get much better than Jeannine’s Kahlua Banana French Toast and Lobster Benedict. And the best part is that your fluffy family members can join too (my pup Ginger loves it here).
La Super Rica
622 North Milpas Street
Julia Child was rarely, if ever, wrong about food, and her love for La Super Rica was spot-on. Just follow the snaking line wrapped around the block to the white and turquoise shack, and you will find the most exquisite, authentic Mexican cuisine in all of Santa Barbara. The menu is hand-written on a chalkboard, no dish is more the $7, and every tortilla is handmade fresh daily.
Intermezzo Bar and Cafe
819 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara 93101
intermezzosb.com
Intermezzo Bar and Cafe is lovely and chic with a relaxed Santa Barbara flair. It is the ideal spot to hang out and catch up with good friends, or meet a client while tantalizing your taste buds. Enjoy a glass of wine as well as oysters, flatbreads (which I love), or order a cheese and charcuterie board.
Cava Restaurant and Bar
1212 Coast Village Rd. Montecito CA 93108
cavarestaurant.com
This is not your mother’s Mexican dive bar. At Cava, Mexican and Spanish flavors collide, creating an upscale Latin sanctuary. Every dish and drink fuses different culinary traditions and is absolutely rich, unique and delicious. Try to get the table in front of the fireplace if it’s chilly!
Brophy Brothers
119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
brophybros.com
With a fresh-as-fresh-can-be clam bar, plus oysters and fish galore, Brophy Brothers is a Santa Barbara seafood staple. Surrounded by boats in the harbor, this place will show you what coastal California food is really all about. You’ll want to try the clam chowder—it’s the best in town.
Downey’s
1305 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
downeyssb.com
Santa Barbara doesn’t have many old school establishments. When I’m in the mood for an elegant meal in a quiet and small restaurant, Downey’s is my top choice. At his namesake restaurant Chef Downey has created a California cuisine with a French twist. He’s committed to using local, naturally raised, and sustainable ingredients, allowing fresh flavors to pop. With sky high ratings from Zagat and other reviewers, you know you won’t be let down.
Hungry Cat
1134 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
thehungrycat.com
When I’m looking for fun and great food, this is my spot. And it’s actually great for lunch or dinner (most restaurants can’t pull off both well). The Hungry Cat is a self-proclaimed “evolving restaurant,” as they change their menu every season while always staying true to their brand. They do everything they can in-house, from smoking their meats and seafood to pickling, as well as keeping it local with a farmer’s market-driven cocktail program. Their seafood tower does not disappoint.
Plow & Angel at the San Ysidro Ranch
900 San Ysidro Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
sanysidroranch.com
Montecito elegance gets a rustic spin at Plow & Angel, the San Ysidro Ranch’s more casual dining option. An upscale tavern with white tablecloths, here you can indulge in high end comfort food like their famous melt in your mouth ribs, or the Ranch Macaroni & Cheese.
Trattoria Mollie
1250 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108
tmollie.com
When I’m craving a handmade pasta with a cream sauce I go to Mollie’s! Chef Mollie has won the hearts of locals, tourists, and even A-list celebs like President Obama. Oprah even claimed Trattoria Mollie to be one of the “Ten Best Destination & Special Restaurants in the World”…now that is an accomplishment!
McConnell’s
201 West Mission Street, Santa Barbara , CA 93101
mcconnells.com
Without a doubt, McConnell’s is everything you could ever wish for in your ideal scoop of ice cream. The classic red and white decor will remind you of simpler times, while fun and exciting flavors churned to perfection will have you drooling through the glass cases. If you live in Southern California, you may be able to find pints of McConnell’s creamy goodness in your grocery store.
D’Angelo Bakery
25 W Gutierrez St Santa Barbara 93101
Visit Site
The scent of fresh baked bread and piping hot coffee never fails to draw a community of locals and tourists to D’Angelo’s. This top bakery has even won the heart of Master Chef Cat Cora, who loves their Eggs Rose. Dishes incorporating their artisan breads and pastries will have you wishing you could live on an all carb diet. I always opt for the light as a feather croissant stuffed with ham and cheese. It takes you to Paris…instantly.
Stonehouse at the San Ysidro Ranch
900 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito CA 93108
sanysidroranch.com
The Stonehouse is one of the most romantic dinner spots you can find. An elegant dining room nestled inside a 19th century citrus packing house, this restaurant’s unique history adds to its charm. Enjoy the finest seafood and meat cuts while relaxing by the crackling grand fireplace, or out on the patio for views of the sparkling ocean.
Arigato
1225 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
arigatosantabarbara.com
This IS my go to sushi spot! It fills up fast with no reservations allowed, so I highly recommend getting in line just before the restaurant opens. Nowhere else in Santa Barbara will you find sushi that perfectly fuses American style with traditional Japanese cuisine. Every sushi lover will find a roll, as simple or unique as they desire, at this trendy State Street hot spot.
The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
2981 Cliff Drive; 805-898-2628
boathousesb.com
This has become a weekend ritual for Glenn, Ginger and I. Glenn and I go for a walk on Hendry’s Beach while Ginger splashes in the ocean. Then we enjoy a great breakfast or brunch steps away from the sand at the Boathouse. It’s an intimate and secluded place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with an unbeatable ocean view. No matter what you order, you can expect to find the seafood at its freshest, as they source the finest local catches.
Los Agaves
600 N. Milpas 2911 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara
los-agaves.com
Los Agaves has mastered casual yet classic Mexican dishes, while adding a unique Guadalajaran flare. Everything is handmade daily, including tamales, tortillas and salsas. Don’t skip out on the Agaves Enchiladas, which are stuffed with halibut and shrimp and covered in a spectacular sauce. This restaurant was voted “Best Mexican Food” in 2013, and you will 100% agree after your first bite.
Wine Cask
813 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara CA 93101
winecask.com
The moment you walk in the door at Wine Cask you can feel the passion for fine dining. The Wine Cask IS classic Santa Barbara elegance and the food is spectacular. The dishes look like pieces of art, showcasing the Chef’s deep love for his craft. For an insider experience, you can even shop with the Chef at the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, followed by dinner and wine at the restaurant.
Olio Crudo Bar
11 West Victoria Street, Suite 17, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
olioelimone.com
Olio Crudo Bar is a chic spot (and truly one of my favs) to meet a friend for drinks and elegant, light bar food. The menu is absolutely scrumptious and focused on crudo (raw) and cotto (cooked) Italian seafood and meats, reminiscent of food you would find along the coast of Italy.
Santa Barbara Public Market
38 West Victoria (at Chapala) Santa Barbara, CA
sbpublicmarket.com
The Public Market is the newest stop on Santa Barbara’s food lovers’ list. With a wide variety of gourmet food stands, it’s perfect for meeting a business client for lunch. You can separately choose from fab options like Empty Bowl’s gourmet noodle bar or Belcampo Meat Co’s grill before meeting in the market’s common dining area.
Cold Springs Tavern
5995 Stagecoach Road Santa Barbara, Ca 93105
coldspringtavern.com
Head up into the foothills and stop at the rustic and charming Cold Springs Tavern, an old stagecoach stop turned bar and restaurant. Enjoy live music with an eclectic crowd that includes Harley riders and road bicyclists, while grubbing down on a tri-tip sandwich that was featured on the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.”
Honey’s
209 W Canon Perdido St. Santa Barbara Ca 93101
ilovehoneys.com
Walk into Honey’s, and come out instantly stunning. With their top-of-the-line airbrush tanning, waxing and eyelash enhancements, it’s no wonder Honey’s is Santa Barbara’s go-to spot for looking flawless.
Skin Prophecy
1230 Coast Village Circle Suite B, Santa Barbara CA 93108
skinprophecy.com
Allow yourself to glow with help from Skin Prophecy. Dreamed up by two sisters and made with the best available ingredients, their magical products will have you feeling young and fresh after just one use. You’ll want to get one of their facials—your skin will be thanking you for it forever.
Forever Beautiful Spa – Stephanie Gombrelli
3015 State street, A, Santa Barbara CA 93105
foreverbeautifulspa.com/default.php
It’s time to bat those eyes with long, glamorous lashes. Stephanie Gombrelli is a master at making your lashes look natural while still having that show-stopping effect. Have them done every month to keep them full and luscious.
Blowouts at Home
Krysta: (805) 963-8787
Don’t have time to make it to a salon but still want to look glamorous? Call up my go-to girl when it comes to my locks. Krysta will come over and turn any dreary hair into a cascade of soft curls.
Zen Diva Spa
(805) 252 7737
zendivaspa.com
Hey twinkle toes— you now can get your nails done in the comfort of your own home. Glenn and I typically call Zen Diva Spa’s Dani for luxe mani pedis done perfectly.
Les Marchands
131 Anacapa St., Suite B, Santa Barbara CA 93101
lesmarchandswine.com
When it comes to fine wines, Les Merchands is the best shop in town. Created by my friend, Master Sommelier Brain McClintock, every bottle here is carefully selected. Join their Wine Club to get monthly or quarterly shipments straight to your doorstep, or sign up for their sommelier classes to learn from the best in the business.
Sunstone Winery
125 N Refugio Rd Santa Ynez, CA
sunstonewinery.com
Babcock Winery and Vineyard
5175 E Highway 246 Lompoc CA 93436
babcockwinery.com
No trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a visit to one of California’s best vineyards. The Babcocks have been producing non-stop award winning wines for years now, and have recently been named one of the “Top Ten Small Production Winemakers In The World.” Pop into their elegant tasting room to see for yourself.
Demetria Estate
6701 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 686-2345
Demetriaestate.com
Epiphany
2974 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 686-2424
epiphanycellars.com
Top of the Courthouse
1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
sbcourthouse.org
Not only is this building beautiful, but trust me when I say that once you get to the top, you will be in awe of the amazing 360 degree views of Santa Barbara. With sight-lines to both the ocean and the mountains, this panorama cannot be beat.
Mission Santa Barbara
2201 Laguna Street; 805-682-4713
sbmission.org
A 1786 landmark, the stunning Santa Barbara Mission is known as the Queen of the 21 original Spanish missions built along the California coastline. Take a look and escape the crowds by wandering outside into the flower-scented Sacred Garden.
Stearns Wharf
219 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
stearnswharf.org
Built in 1872, Stearns Wharf is to this day Santa Barbara’s #1 tourist destination. Walk above the water on the rickety wooden wharf, where you can eat at some amazing spots, watch fishermen pull out their daily catches, and check out the fab seaside shops.
Polo Fields
3375 Foothill Rd #1200, Carpinteria, CA 93013
sbpolo.com
Get ready to relax with friends at brunch and spend a glorious afternoon watching the horses gallop along at the third oldest polo facility in the United States. The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club offers high-end field level cabanas for rent to watch the matches. You can also become a member of the club to enjoy their spectacular brunch every Sunday from spring through fall.
Farmer’s Market
sbfarmersmarket.org
One of my favorite Saturday morning activities is roaming through the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market. It is the place to get your hands on some of the most luscious, colorful and fresh produce from Southern California. With freshly baked breads, exotic fruits and vegetables, crunchy nuts, stunning flowers, and other delicious local finds, this farmer’s market might be one of the best in the country!
Allora
1269 Coast Village Rd Montecito
allorabylaura.com
A luxe, modern take on California elegance is what Allora does best. This sophisticated boutique has brought high-end fashion from all over the globe to Santa Barbara (read our interview with the chic owners here). No matter what your style is, you will not leave empty handed.
Antoinette
1046 Coast Village Rd Montecito, CA 9310
antoinetteboutique.com
Fashionistas, you are in luck! Antoinette will not let you down with their avant-garde and ready-to-wear collections that include everything from lifestyle to evening wear. Whether you need something relaxed for jaunting around Santa Barbara, or a more cosmopolitan look for your next trip to New York or Paris, you’ll find it here.
Calypso St Barth
1014 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 565-3104
calypsostbarth.com
Legacy
1137 Coast Village Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 845-3300
legacy-montecito.com
Fit Buddha
330 State Street, Santa Barbara Ca 93101
fitbuddhafitness.com/santa-barbara/
Evolve and transform your body right before your eyes at Fit Buddha. This boho-chic fitness studio offers the best pilates and cycling classes that are sure to get your heart pumping. Sign up for a class, or get private lessons from my go-to trainer, Johnny.
Simpatico
1235 Coast Village Road, Montecito CA 93108
simpaticopilates.com
Balance your mind and body at Simpatico Pilates in Montecito. Offering both classic and contemporary Pilates methods, you’re sure to get hooked on their workouts, whether in a private lesson or in a group class.
Erin DiAngelis
(614) 565-4813
erindiangelis.com
My yoga, meditation and massage angel Erin DiAngelis is a triple threat! Not only is she a yogi master, but her mind blowing massages can work out any knots, and she is also a life coach. Heal your mind, body and soul with Erin as she offers group classes and private yoga lessons, and will even come to your home to work with you.
Hendry’s Beach / Arroyo Burro Beach
2981 1/2 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 9310
countyofsb.org
Known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Santa Barbara, boasting a leash-free zone and even a dog washing station. When you’re ready to eat, you can drop your dogs off at the plush waiting area outside the Boathouse and come on in for sunset drinks and dinner. Even though Santa Barbara’s coast faces predominantly south, this is the one place where in winter, you can almost see the sun set over the water.
More Mesa
Off Patterson Ave.
moremesa.org
More Mesa is a 200+ acre ecological preservation established by a local coalition of concerned citizens. There is much wildlife that calls the mesa home, and while hiking along the 100-ft cliffs you can see fantastic varieties of birds, insects and plants. Dogs love to run free up here, and it’s a wonderful place for biking, walking, running and even horseback riding.
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Drive and La Marina, 1237 Shoreline Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
santabarbaraca.gov
Shoreline park stretches along the mesa, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the channel islands. You’ll also find best view of Santa Barbara you can get without leaving the shore, encompassing the mountains, the American Riviera hills, downtown, the pier, the harbor and the ocean. It’s a great place for a scenic bike ride along the paved path, or a romantic stroll with your love.
