On Friday, we headed up to Santa Barbara for the long weekend. We visited some of our favorite spots and also tried out some new ones. We enjoyed quality family time, cozy nights by the fire when the rain rolled in, and an overall great few days away.

I’ve mentioned it here before, but Santa Barbara has always held a special place in my heart, as it’s a spot I’ve been visiting with my family for years. That being said, over the past several years, we’ve compiled quite a list of our “favorites” and I thought I’d share them in one place, for easy reference.

So below you’ll find both photos, and a recap, from our most recent trip (and some “notable internet finds” at the very end) as well as a comprehensive list of some of our recommended spots in the area. I hope it’s helpful if you’re planning (or considering) a trip to the area!

WHERE TO EAT

The Boathouse At Hendry’s Beach (we love the views and both breakfast and dinner are great)
Bettina’s- in the Montecito Country Mart… such a cute outdoor and indoor space with delicious pizza (and the meatballs and salads are amazing as well). You definitely need reservations here.
Jeannine’s Montecito (cutest outdoor patio and great breakfast, or just a quick coffee/tea take-out)
Los Arroyos– they have the best pozole
St. Bibiana– their pizza was SO good (we did take-out for one trip)  
Lucky Penny: We love coming here for salads + pizza for lunch. Great outdoor area
Drinks at the Rosewood Miramar Beach – the prettiest ocean views with great libations and bites 
Breakfast at Stonehouse (located at San Ysidro Ranch… such a stunning property with every corner beautifully manicured… dinner and drinks would be great here if you’re visiting without kiddos) 
The Lark (another spot that’s best without kiddos)
Wine tasting + lunch at Margerum (they make one of my favorite rosés and Grenaches) 
Breakfast at Montecito Coffee Shop- such a great outdoor seating area.
Honor Bar (best without kiddos)
Finch + Fork
The Belmond for drinks in their lounge- love the piano bar

TO DO

There are so many different activities, but here are some of our favorites:

Day trip up to Vega Family Vineyard + Farm (such a family friendly spot with a petting zoo and  amazing food as well) 
Wine Tasting at the Margerum tasting room in the Funk Zone
Santa Barbara Zoo
MOXI Museum (great STEAM activities for kids- we spent 2 hours there)
Depending on the time of year we love hanging at the beach as well as electric bike riding up the coast
Explore + hike around the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Shop in Montecito- love the Country Mart

STAY

We have a few hotels we love, but the past several times we’ve stayed at some cute Airbnb properties, and I’m sharing their links below as well.

The Rosewood (really not worth the current rates… best to just go visit and enjoy the public ammenities)
The Ritz (property is stunning, but just keep in mind it’s about a 15 minute drive from the central Santa Barbara area)
The Canary Hotel- such a cute Kimpton property right in the middle of State Street
Hendry’s Beach Airbnb
Montecito Airbnb (great for larger groups)
Montecito Airbnb (right next door to the Rosewood)
Cottage

(Comfortable and casual for the drive up… pants, top, sweater)

(A quick stop at the Montecito Country Mart for some groceries… such a cute little shopping center…)

(Quick outfit change for a happy hour on Miramar Beach… sweater, jeans, sneakers, hat is old Janessa Leone Fawn Style)

(Back to the house for a cozy evening and our favorite Pozole + ceviche take-out from Los Arroyos)

(Breakfast at a favorite spot… girls love the pink umbrellas… leggings, hoodie, trench coat, hat)

(A morning spent at The Moxi Museum… such wonderful STEM exhibits for little ones… and then lunch in The Funk Zone…)

(Back to the beach for happy hour and shell collecting before the rain…sweater, jeans)

(Another favorite spot for breakfast… complete with dolphins jumping in the water… trench, sweatshirt, leggings, cap)

(Headed up to wine country for lunch and fun at the petting zoo… Vega Family Vineyards is a wonderful family friendly spot)

(Out for games and happy hour and then a cozy night spent at home by the fire… cardigan, jeans, belt)

(One last breakfast before hitting the road to head home…)
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A few notable items…

I received these cuffed denim shorts in the mail last week (I mentioned them here in my last recap) and they are a 10/10. Chic and elevated from typical cut-offs.

This black and white striped swimsuit looks so chic… could easily be worn as a bodysuit with a skirt of shorts on a trip…

These lace knit socks are so cute for cooler spring days…

Varley just launched their new spring collection and it’s beautiful, as always. A few items I have my eye on include this zip through knit (in the warm taupe color), the double soft shorts in golden bronze (I have these from last year and they’re so comfortable… and match the half zip I wore traveling home), quilted shorts in warm taupe, double soft half zip tank (so good for spring and summer), and this knit dress.

How cute are these moss colored New Balance 327 sneakers for spring??