As I mentioned last week, we headed up the 101 for a long weekend in one of our favorite places: Santa Barbara. And while it was filled with the usual ups and downs you have when you travel with kiddos, it was a weekend that didn’t disappoint. We visited some of our favorite spots, spent time outdoors until the sunset (rain was forecasted all week… but luckily it was sunny skies the entire time), and then enjoyed cozy evenings in at night with takeout and movies. I actually packed clothing for “going out to dinner” but as I suspected might happen, we were pretty exhausted from the daytime activities that pushing it further just didn’t seem smart (for both children and parents, haha). 

Santa Barbara is a place that I used to visit as a child, so bringing the girls back to make new memories is always extra special. We rented a small cottage ,on airbnb, right next door to our favorite hotel, The Miramar Rosewood (whose prices have been so high since COVID that we haven’t stayed there since)… and while this cottage wasn’t inexpensive by any means, we enjoyed the comforts of home, while still being able to explore and take advantage of one of our favorite hotels. 

I’m sharing a few favorite spots below… all friendly with kiddos as well!

The Boathouse At Hendry’s Beach (we love the views and both breakfast and dinner are great)
Santa Barbara Fish House…. Owned by the same people as above, it’s a great, laid back, spot 
Jeannine’s Montecito– cutest patio, great breakfast, and a good mimosa flight!
Los Arroyos– they have the best pozole and halibut ceviche 
The Rosewood Miramar: Love their beachside bar (get there early on the weekends!)… and we also ordered a beverage from the Manor Bar and went out to the bocce ball court and lawns as well. 
St. Bibiana– their pizza was SO good (we did take-out) 
Bettina– this is in Montecito and it was on our list, but we didn’t order in enough time… but it was highly recommended to us 
Lucky Penny: We love coming here for salads + pizza for lunch. Great outdoor area 
The Lark: More of a couple’s/friend’s spot… but so good for dinner

(Kept it casual and comfortable for the drive… leggings, sweatshirt, denim jacket, sneakers)

(Night one- changed and headed over to Miramar Beach Bar for some cocktails and appetizers… we eventually ended up on the sand so the girls could run around… jeans, eyelet top, espadrille shoes, net bag)

(Breakfast at one of our favorite spots: The Boathouse)

(Then spent the afternoon at the Zoo- denim jacket, sweatshirt (SHANNONP15 for 15% off, another option), jeans, sneakers, bag)

(Back to our favorite spot…. fisherman sweater (SHANNONP15 for 15% off, or similar here, here), jeans)

(Cutest patio at Jeannine’s… sweatpants, sweatshirt (SHANNONP15 for 15% off), trench)

(Spent Sunday at the tiny aquarium on the pier… love the beautiful starfish, an e-bike ride up the coast, and lunch at Santa Barbara Fish House…. cocoon cardigan (SHANNONP15 for 15% off), sweatshirt, jeans)

(Closing out the weekend on the beach, with a beverage, shell searching, and watching the sunset… large tote bag)

(And then pizza take-out + comfy clothes from St. Bibiana…)
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SHOPBOP is having a sale and there are so many good items: love this cute puff sleeve dress, ivory pullover and joggers, shearling birkenstock sandals, large straw tote bag, white cut-out dress, and this floral dress.

Considering these cognac ballet flats– they look like they would be really comfortable and chic at the same time…