Though Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful beaches and winning wine scene, most visitors overlook the destination’s rich history and cultural offerings. The heritage and authenticity of Santa Barbara is unparalleled to any other California coastal towns and is definitely worth exploring.
From resorts to retreats and hotels to hideaways, Santa Barbara offers visitors a variety of accommodation options to fit any budget. Whether you want to splurge, spend or save, these are the top places to stay in Santa Barbara:
Situated between the mountains and the ocean, Santa Barbara is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Beautiful hikes boasting stunning views are readily available for anyone looking to get in touch with their adventurous side. On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, I followed local photographer Blake Bronstad to a hidden hiking trail leading to the most breathtaking view of Santa Barbara I’ve ever seen. After sharing a photo on Instagram, several people asked me where the image was taken. The place is hidden and the trail unmarked, so identifying the name of the rock area required quite a bit of research. However, while this hike is currently one of Santa Barbara’s best kept secrets, it’s too beautiful not to share. READ MORE
Ganna Walska Lotusland is a globally renowned 37-acre estate and botanic garden hidden away in the foothills of Montecito. This botanic wonder features 13 themed gardens and 3,000+ plants from around the world (including rare cycads, cacti & euphorbias). Touring Ganna Walska Lotusland is a must when visiting Santa Barbara.
During the 2-hour tour, passionate Docents take you through the garden and blend a nice combination of botanical facts with biographical details. It was fascinating learning about the unique collections of plants, and the unique woman who created them. READ MORE