Itineraries for Your Trip to Santa Barbara
3 Days in Santa Barbara for Foodies
Connoisseurs look no further! Santa Barbara offers more than just stunning views and luxurious beach vibes. It's also a delicious culinary destination—which is one of the many reasons I lived here for five years and worked in the restaurant industry! From its local seafood to international flavors, there's something for every food lover in Santa Barbara. With an abundance of eateries boasting colorful dishes made with fresh ingredients, you can indulge in some of the best food experiences on California’s Central Coast. Plus, the county’s vineyards are some of the best in the nation and offer plenty of tasting opportunities for visitors, both downtown and in wine country. Here are some of my favorite spots to nosh in town.
Santa Barbara is known for pleasantly mild weather, but pack for chilly, foggy mornings and hot afternoon sunshine.
If you only do one thing, make it the Public Market food stalls.
If you happen to be arriving on a Saturday, kick off your trip by visiting the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market for fresh and locally grown food. (Tip: Check out nearby Goleta and Montecito for markets on other days).
Afterward, hit Jeannine's Bakery, Handlebar Coffee Roaster, or Lilac Patisserie for coffee and breakfast, then hit the waves with a surf lesson.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head downtown for some local food and wine; a walking tour can take you to a few different spots and give you the lay of the land.
On day two, learn more about the region's culinary specialties in Solvang, an old Danish town where half-timbered buildings house bakeries, candy stores, and even Michelin-recommended restaurants.
Alternatively, opt for a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara’s famous wine-growing region. If you don’t want to make the 40- to 50-minute drive, you can book an intimate group tour that will take you to multiple spots.
In the evening, check out the food vendors at the Santa Barbara Public Market or enjoy farm-to-table cuisine; we recommend CAYA for fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.
It’s time to work off all that food! Head up into the hills for a hike or see the local scenery with a guide on a private excursion focusing on local history and nature.
No food-focused trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a visit to the Funk Zone—the industrial-chic neighborhood home to some of its trendiest restaurants and wine-tasting rooms.
Still hungry? Fine dining at Bouchon or Sama Sama is guaranteed to leave a good taste in your mouth and a lasting memory for your trip. Alternatively, cap off the weekend with a downtown wine and chocolate tour!
