Santa Barbara is a metropolis the place sun-drenched days fade into breezy evenings, and each spot seems like an invite to take it simple. Whereas many individuals flock to its postcard-perfect seashores and Spanish-style structure, there’s much more magnificence to be discovered within the spots that don’t make the guidebooks; the hidden cafes, secret gardens, and art-filled hideaways that solely the insiders find out about.
Whether or not you’re trying to buy a house in Santa Barbara, an residence to lease, or a rental dwelling within the metropolis, we’ve created a information to the native’s favourite spots. Should you’re trying to expertise the town in a brand new gentle, these hidden gems in Santa Barbara will present you a facet of The American Riviera that you simply’re certain to like. Let’s get began.
1. Absorb the solar at Fernald Level
If there’s one factor Santa Barbara is thought for, it’s the town’s beautiful seashores. Whereas vacationers flock to the extra apparent spots, locals know that the quieter stretches of sand are simply as dreamy.
“If it’s nice out, be sure to make time for a beach day in Santa Barbara,” shares the staff at Thought-about, an open air cafe inside a ’65 VW Bus. “Fernald Point is a local favorite. We love it because it’s kid-friendly, comfortable for low or high tide, and has bathroom access.” This hidden stretch provides the proper mixture of leisure and accessibility, best for a serene solo day or a laid-back outing with pals.
Earlier than you head out, refill on snacks and refreshments from some native Santa Barbara companies. “Grab a 32oz jug of iced coffee from the Considered Coffee Bus, light bites and packaged snacks at The Eddy, or stop by Lazy Acres for sushi to go.”
2. Strive recent flavors on the Santa Barbara Farmers Market
An ideal morning in Santa Barbara begins with a go to to the Santa Barbara Farmers Market.
Right here, native growers arrange colourful stalls overflowing with all the pieces from sun-ripened citrus to farm-fresh eggs and wildflowers. For a lot of locals, it’s greater than a buying journey; it’s a weekly custom.
“My favorite activity in Santa Barbara is going to the Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market,” says Heather Guay, founding father of native cake studio, Frances Baking. “It’s our family ritual to start every Saturday with a trip to the Market. So many excellent growers and ranchers bring the best produce from their farms right here to us in Santa Barbara. My kids love eating all our strawberries as we walk around and shop for the fruits and flowers I use in and on my cakes.”
3. Expertise the artwork of chocolate
When you have a candy tooth, skip the same old dessert stops and take pleasure in one thing way more decadent with a go to to Twenty-4 Blackbirds Chocolate, Santa Barbara’s solely chocolate manufacturing unit.
Join their chocolate bar adorning class or e book a tour of the manufacturing unit. Right here, you may see how they course of uncooked cocoa beans into their jewel-like confections and darkish chocolate bars, tasting all alongside the way in which. You’ll additionally get an opportunity to stand up shut and private with precise cacao bushes rising of their tropical nursery onsite. It’s a uncommon sight in California, making this hidden gem in Santa Barbara a necessary to your itinerary.
4. Create your individual perfume
Should you’re in search of a singular buying expertise in Santa Barbara, head to The Grapeseed Firm’s Scent Bar to create your individual customized perfume. When you’ve discovered your excellent scent mix, you may make an natural lotion, fragrance, aromatherapy mist, shampoo, candle, cleaning soap, and extra together with your signature scent, and even put a customized title on it.
5. Reconnect with nature on the Santa Barbara Botanic Backyard
For a breath of recent air and a deeper connection to the California panorama, spend a morning wandering the Santa Barbara Botanic Backyard. Tucked within the foothills overlooking the Pacific, this residing museum is devoted fully to native vegetation, making it some of the distinctive issues to do in Santa Barbara.
Effectively-groomed trails lead you thru meadows, redwood groves, and canyon views that really feel miles away from the town, though you’re simply minutes from downtown. It’s the type of place the place you’ll lose observe of time getting misplaced in wildflowers and birdsong. Take a while, discover this hidden gem, and let nature be the principle occasion.
6. Go to Santa Barbara’s Arts District
For a dose of creativity and tradition, head to Santa Barbara’s Arts District. This stretch of State Road is dwelling to modern galleries, boutique museums, and standout dwell performances. Spend the afternoon looking displays, catching a present on the historic Granada Theatre, or buying small on the neighborhood’s unbiased boutiques.
When it’s time to refuel, e book a desk at Bibi Ji, a contemporary Indian restaurant and low-intervention wine bar. Not too long ago reopened throughout from the Granada, this restaurant combines modern design with elevated eating. Should-tries embrace Barra Kebab (lamb chops), ‘Murgh’ Tikka (tandoori rooster), and Bibi Ji Dal Makhni. Their wine program options regenerative, low-intervention wines, together with uncommon bottles like Rajat Parr’s SLO Coast Actual Wine and Bolivia’s Bitoque. Don’t miss the “Happy Ending” menu from 9-10 p.m., with $10 wine pours and curated small bites.
7. Attend an occasion within the metropolis
Santa Barbara could also be well-known for its golden seashores, however the metropolis’s occasions are equally charming. From wine tastings and artwork walks to movie festivals, there’s at all times one thing taking place right here.
Movie festivals
One standout is the Santa Barbara Indie Movie Competition, a celebration of storytelling and creativity that brings collectively filmmakers, artists, and audiences from world wide. It’s the type of occasion that not solely helps native creatives and small companies, but in addition highlights the town’s artistic pulse. There’s one thing magnetic about seeing Santa Barbara’s coastal appeal paired with crimson carpets, panel discussions, and a cinematic lineup that’s as various because the group itself.
Past leisure, occasions like this converse to the town’s identification. They mirror a spot the place tradition and group flourish, the place innovation thrives alongside custom, and the place inspiration feels baked into the surroundings.
Historic celebrations
To really feel the town’s spirit in full bloom, plan a go to to Previous Spanish Days Fiesta. This beloved summer season custom honors Santa Barbara’s wealthy heritage with dwell music, conventional dances, markets, and a show-stopping equestrian parade. “Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is one of my favorite times of the year,” say native photographers Dustin and Courtney of Waller Weddings.
“There’s something magical about watching the city come alive with music, tradition, and community pride. One of the highlights for me is the incredible equestrian parade—seeing the beautifully dressed riders and stunning horses makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.”
Artwork festivals
Artwork lovers can’t miss the I Madonnari Road Portray Competition, held each Memorial Day weekend on the historic Previous Mission. “From the Funk Zone to State Street to its waterfront and beyond, Santa Barbara provides amazing sensory stimulation,” shares journey journalist Bekah Wright. “The I Madonnari Street Painting Festival has been going strong at the Old Mission Santa Barbara since 1987. During this three-day celebration each Memorial Day weekend 150 works of chalk art grace the pavement. It’s beyond inspiring. It’s magical.”
8. Seize brunch downtown
For a late morning pause stuffed with daylight, espresso, and good firm, head to downtown Santa Barbara for brunch. There’s one spot that captures this scene flawlessly: Hook & Press.
Tucked into the guts of the town, this cozy cafe is a neighborhood favourite for good purpose. “One of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara for morning coffee, brunch, and an unbeatable mood is Hook & Press,” shares native actual property companions, Phyllis and Tamara. “This gem embodies everything we love about living here: laid-back coastal vibes, locally roasted coffee, and the absolute best artisan donuts. It’s the perfect blend of community, creativity, and that signature Santa Barbara charm.”
9. Have a day of whole leisure
Past Santa Barbara’s shoreline and red-tiled roofs lies a hidden oasis for these in search of one thing deeper. Dryshtea Sanctuary provides non-public retreats within the Montecito hills, mixing historic and trendy practices for renewal, connection, and mindfulness. Visitors can expertise Cha Dao tea ceremonies, breathwork, meditation, sound therapeutic, and therapeutic massage in a Mediterranean-inspired setting, surrounded by peaceable gardens. Whether or not you’re trying to reset, mirror, or just soak up a unique facet of Santa Barbara, this retreat provides an area to decelerate and reconnect.
10. Take a hike with ocean views
Craving open views and a quiet second in nature? Head to the Douglas Household Protect, one of many true hidden gems in Santa Barbara. Overlooking the ocean within the Mesa neighborhood, this blufftop park provides peaceable trails, panoramic views, and the type of golden-hour glow that feels straight out of a dream. Locals find it irresistible for morning walks, sundown picnics, and its off-leash dog-friendly vibe.
Discovering a brand new facet of Santa Barbara with these hidden gems
When residing in Santa Barbara, it’s the town’s sudden moments that actually shine. From scenic gardens and social occasions to ocean view hikes, these hidden gems in Santa Barbara reveal a spot that’s stuffed with surprises at each flip. Should you’re planning on calling one of many many neighborhoods of this coastal haven dwelling, let the lesser-known facet of Santa Barbara information your journey. The magic is within the particulars; and right here, they’re at all times lovely.
