Guidebook for Santa Barbara
Food Scene
Hands down the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara, a bit on the high end but quality of ingredients comes through. Also, they serve a great Mexican style breakfast!
18 locals recommend
Los Arroyos Downtown Mexican Restaurant
14 W Figueroa StHands down the best Mexican food in Santa Barbara, a bit on the high end but quality of ingredients comes through. Also, they serve a great Mexican style breakfast!
Incredible coffee, friendly staff and home aked goods to go with your Americano. I always get an Americano here and carry it over to Los Arroyos to go with my Chilaquilles!
25 locals recommend
The French Press
1101 State StIncredible coffee, friendly staff and home aked goods to go with your Americano. I always get an Americano here and carry it over to Los Arroyos to go with my Chilaquilles!
Why do I recommend it? Because it's amazing. Incredible Sushi, great vibe.
150 locals recommend
Arigato Sushi
1225 State StWhy do I recommend it? Because it's amazing. Incredible Sushi, great vibe.
Coolest place, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, and limited breakfast. They even make their ketchup from scratch!
35 locals recommend
The Shop Kitchen
730 N Milpas StCoolest place, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads, and limited breakfast. They even make their ketchup from scratch!
Mitchell Sjerven is one of the most talented restauranteurs in Santa Barbara. He also has the Wine Cask which is great, but I prefer Bouchon, very high quality California cuisine.
58 locals recommend
bouchon Santa Barbara
9 West Victoria StreetMitchell Sjerven is one of the most talented restauranteurs in Santa Barbara. He also has the Wine Cask which is great, but I prefer Bouchon, very high quality California cuisine.
Everything Else
If you crave outdoor adventure during your travels, and you should because Santa Barbara has it all, hook up with Mike Cohen's outfit and tell him I sent you, Kayaking the islands, surfing, biking!
40 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
520 E Haley StIf you crave outdoor adventure during your travels, and you should because Santa Barbara has it all, hook up with Mike Cohen's outfit and tell him I sent you, Kayaking the islands, surfing, biking!
Skip is a great guy and this is the place to rent a sailboat or SUP for a couple of hours. SB has amazing sailing in the summer, flat water and good wind, who could ask for more?
33 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Sailing Center
302 W Cabrillo BlvdSkip is a great guy and this is the place to rent a sailboat or SUP for a couple of hours. SB has amazing sailing in the summer, flat water and good wind, who could ask for more?
Because I have a redwood grove, gorgeous creek and meadow full of California Poppies less than a ten minute walk from my front gate. So beautiful.
136 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon RdBecause I have a redwood grove, gorgeous creek and meadow full of California Poppies less than a ten minute walk from my front gate. So beautiful.
Amazing venue, open air, small enough to be intimate, big enough to get huge acts. And I know how to get great tickets as a local. I might be able to hook you up.
122 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Bowl
1122 N Milpas StAmazing venue, open air, small enough to be intimate, big enough to get huge acts. And I know how to get great tickets as a local. I might be able to hook you up.
Outstanding bakery, great lunch, wonderful coffee, and Beto is the man who makes it a great experience.
18 locals recommend
Our Daily Bread
2700 De La Vina StreetOutstanding bakery, great lunch, wonderful coffee, and Beto is the man who makes it a great experience.
Best Surf Shop in town, started by legendary Renny Yater who has been shaping surfboards and Santa Barbara for 50 years. Good spot for all things for the beach, from a towel to a 2k board or rentals.
8 locals recommend
Surf N Wear's The Beach House
10 State StBest Surf Shop in town, started by legendary Renny Yater who has been shaping surfboards and Santa Barbara for 50 years. Good spot for all things for the beach, from a towel to a 2k board or rentals.
At the end of Tunnel, great walk/hike, if there's water then you can hike up to a series of pretty pools and waterfalls (seven falls). But--be prepared and hike smart, i.e., water, good shoes, phone.
10 locals recommend
Tunnel Trail
Tunnel TrailAt the end of Tunnel, great walk/hike, if there's water then you can hike up to a series of pretty pools and waterfalls (seven falls). But--be prepared and hike smart, i.e., water, good shoes, phone.
Drinks & Nightlife
Best fish, best views (you can see the urchin boats unloading right there) and a real local favorite even though many travelers discover it. Get there early, though, there's always a wait.
203 locals recommend
Brophy Bros.
119 Harbor WayBest fish, best views (you can see the urchin boats unloading right there) and a real local favorite even though many travelers discover it. Get there early, though, there's always a wait.
Young couple doing really innovative and interesting things in gourmet meals, highly, highly, recommend you give them a chance.
39 locals recommend
Scarlett Begonia
21 W Victoria StYoung couple doing really innovative and interesting things in gourmet meals, highly, highly, recommend you give them a chance.