When visiting Santa Barbara, indulge yourself in every way from food to fashion, to pampering and relaxation.
Located off the 101 freeway, Santa Barbara sits along the Pacific Coast nestled between Montecito and Goleta roughly about 95 miles west of Los Angeles. The city offers a captivating blend of colorful history, distinctive architecture and legendary Southern California lifestyle.
Here are six ways to indulge
1. Your Appetite
Here are a few great grab and go lunch and breakfast places to explore.
Joe’s Cafe, 536 State St.
Santa Barbara’s oldest restaurant (pictured above); voted stiffest drinks for years. Joe’s is where most locals start their evenings, and a great place for a family meal with generous portions. Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
www.joescafesb.com
Lilly’s Taqueria, 310 Chapala St.
At Lilly’s there are no distractions, just tacos. Choose from the usuals like chicken or beef or indulge in the more exotic like tongue, cheek or lip tacos. For only $1.60 a taco, why not try them all.
www.lilystacos.com
Backyard Bowls, 331 Motor Way
If you want something fresh, healthy and delicious – create your own blend of tasty goodness in a bowl. These health conscience Acai bowls (Acai- a small purple berry rich in antioxidants) work for breakfast or lunch. Popular Acai Bowls include the Berry Bowl with a blend of acai, bananas, strawberries, granola and honey, or their signature Backyard Quinoa Bowl. You really can’t go wrong with any bowl you choose.
www.backyardbowls.com
Olio e Limone Restaurant, Crudo Bar and Pizzeria, 11 W. Victoria St, Ste.17,18 & 21
The husband and wife team of Alberto and Elaine Morello offer their customers a full Italian dining experience – from elegant dining with signature dishes such as Spaghetti allo Scoglio (pasta with prawns) or everyday Italian food with a twist like squid ink calamari to Umbra pizza (robiola cheese, crimini mushrooms, Umbrian black truffles). Or stroll next door to their new addition, the Crudo Bar, offering up raw Italian seafood and meats.
www.olioelimone.com
2. Your Senses
Santa Barbara Walking Tours, 133 E. De La Guerra St. #24
Architectural Foundation & Historic Walking Tours, 229 East Victoria St.
Santa Barbara Walking Tours lead locals and visitors on innovative sightseeing walks through the city’s historical districts and beautiful storied neighborhoods. Each tour is on foot and takes a few hours to complete. (Photo: Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture – Our Lady of Sorrow Church has served the Catholic Community of Santa Barbara for more than 230 years).
www.santabarbarawalkingtours.com or www.afsb.org
Yoga Soup, 28 Parker Way
Yoga Soup is not only a local favorite in exercising your “downward dog,” but it’s fast becoming a visitors’ newfound paradise. Offering a varied list of classes, workshops and book shop, there is something for every experienced yogi or newly discovered beginner.
www.yogasoup.com
Santa Barbara State Beach & Stearns Wharf, State Street and Cabrillo Boulevard
Stroll along the beach or paved strand, surf, kayak or just take in some rays. Located nearby is Stearns Wharf, a great destination for dining with 10 restaurants. Explore ocean exhibits at the Sea Center or shop at the many souvenir shops.
www.stearnswharf.org or www.santabarbara.com/beaches-parks
3. Your Body
Float Luxury Spa,18 East Canon Perdido St.
Santa Barbara’s premier day spa. Specializing in massages, facials, body treatments and waxing. This is where you come when you need to relax and refresh. (Photo: The lush and inviting outdoor garden area at Float Luxury Spa).
www.floatluxuryspa.com
4. Your Mind
Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, 15 West Gutierrez St.
Fine art dealers since 1984, specializing in proven established contemporary artists from around the world. Eminent and emerging artists stock the gallery with original works. (Photo: Colorful art pieces catch your eye street shopping on Gutierrez Street).
www.elizabethgordongallery.com
5. Your Pillow
The Upham Inn, 1404 De La Vina St.
A beautifully restored Victorian Inn is the setting for an intimate, casual and refined hotel experience in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Located a few short blocks from State Street, the hotel offers lavish gardens and quaint bungalow cottages. (Photo: Relax in the Gazebo, or read a book in a winged back lawn chair).
www.uphamhotel.com
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