The Perfect Santa Barbara Weekend Getaway: 2 Day Santa Barbara Itinerary

Looking to spend a weekend in Santa Barbara? Here are all the things you should do, see, and eat on your 2 day Santa Barbara itinerary, plus tons of helpful tips to help you plan the perfect trip!

Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful cities in California. Nicknamed the “American Riviera,” you’ll find palm-lined streets, gorgeous beaches, and charming Spanish-style architecture. 

Spending a weekend in Santa Barbara is the quintessential California beach getaway. You’ll enjoy the sunny days that the state is known for, along with a distinctly laid-back vibe. It’s got beaches to rival those of Laguna Beach, the architecture of San Clemente, and the relaxed atmosphere of San Diego. 

Located roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, it’s one of the best Southern California weekend getaway destinations, or a stop on a California coast road trip.

The city boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in California, unique historical attractions, and a thriving food and drink scene – what more could you ask for? And, a Santa Barbara weekend getaway is the perfect way to experience exactly what makes it so special.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I visited Santa Barbara a handful of times growing up and have always loved the area. For whatever reason, it took me another 20 years to come back – but we recently planning a weekend getaway and I’m not so sure why it took me so long. Definitely itching to go back ASAP!

I’ve crafted an ideal 2 days Santa Barbara itinerary so you too can discover why it’s such a special place (and honestly, you’ll want to come back again and again). Keep on reading to find out all the best spots in town, along with the best beaches, places to eat, and more!

This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Pictures & Words is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.

A few things to know before your weekend in Santa Barbara…

• Hotels are expensive: Honestly, this is one big reason it took me so long to get back to Santa Barbara. Hotels are quite expensive here, and even a budget motel will run you over $200. This is especially true on the weekends, and during holidays. Be sure to budget accordingly! If you want to save a bit of cash on accommodations, consider staying just outside of town, like in Goleta.
  
• It gets BUSY during weekend and over holidays: We visited the weekend after Christmas and it was packed! If you want some peace and quiet, consider visiting during the week and outside of peak times.
  
• Downtown Santa Barbara is fairly walkable: Many of the attractions located downtown are fairly easy on foot, and most of the first day of this Santa Barbara itinerary can be done without a car. That said, having a car will make it much easier to explore, as this itinerary also includes several spots that are further away from downtown. 

• Bring your pooch: I’d heard that Santa Barbara was very dog friendly, but I didn’t realize exactly how dog friendly until I was there! There are many restaurants, hotels, and wineries that welcome dogs. There are several dog friendly attractions and beaches as well, so it’s the perfect place to bring your pooch. This was actually Sumo’s first trip with us, and he absolutely loved it!
  
• May Gray and June Gloom are a thing: If you know anything about California, you probably know that overcast weather is common during the months of May and June. Avoid these months if you can if you want sunny days (although the clouds do mostly burn off later in the day).

The Perfect 2 Days in Santa Barbara Itinerary

DAY 1 (Downtown Santa Barbara Gems)

Breakfast in downtown Santa Barbara

To kick off your weekend in Santa Barbara, start with a delicious breakfast downtown. There are tons of options for breakfast spots in the downtown area – here are some of the best ones:

• Helena Avenue Bakery: Find house-baked breads, pastries, toasts, sandwiches, and other breakfast fare. We loved the honey ricotta toast and breakfast taco here, although on the way out I saw that they had a tiramisu cruffin and I wish I’d gotten that too lol. It’s busy here, so expect a line, but it moves super fast.
  
• Jeannine’s: This is one of the most popular spots in town, with several locations around the city, including one on State Street and another across from Stearns Wharf. They have delicious pastries, waffles, French toast, and more, but are especially known for their eggs benedicts!
  
• Alessia Patisserie and Cafe: You’ll find tons of delicious French pastries here (including the best croissants in town), along with other yummy French-inspired breakfast items.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

After breakfast, head over to the Old Mission Santa Barbara, nicknamed the “Queen of Missions.” One look and you’ll see exactly why – it’s one of the most beautiful missions in California (along with Mission San Juan Capistrano)!

The mission features a stunning pink exterior, and it’s surrounded by a gorgeous rose garden on its sprawling grounds. It’s one of the most iconic sights in the city, and is a must-visit during your 2 days in Santa Barbara!

It dates back to 1786, and was the 10th of 21 to be built by the Spanish. It costs $17 to go inside visit and check out the museum, church, mausoleum, cemetery, and gardens. Even if you choose not to go inside, it’s well worth the stop to check out the facade, wander the grounds, and admire the roses (I was surprised to see so many in bloom, even in December).

Guided tours are also offered most Fridays at 12:30 pm, Saturdays at 10:30 am, and Sundays at 12:30 pm.

Note: The Mission is sometimes closed for weddings (typically scheduled on Saturdays between 12-2:30pm) and other special events, so be sure to check the website before you visit. 

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

Next up is the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, one of the best architectural gems in the city. Santa Barbara is known for its Spanish Colonial architecture, and the courthouse is a prime example of this style, with red roofs, white stucco walls, and decorative tiles.

It’s a fully operational courthouse, but also open to the public to visit and check out the historic structure. It’s an especially popular place for people to get married – I mean, can you imagine the pictures?!

If you visit during the week, you can go up the clock tower, from where you can catch an incredible view of downtown Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and the waterfront. And, big plus – it’s absolutely free!

Unfortunately, we visited when the courthouse wasn’t open so we didn’t get to go up the tower, but it was still well worth checking out the grounds and admiring all the ornate details of the building.

Note: The main entrance is from the Great Arch, located off Anacapa Street. There’s also a parking structure across the street, where the first 75 minutes are free.

Stroll down State Street

State Street is the most famous street in Santa Barbara, where all the action is. The tree-lined boulevard stretches for over 1.5 miles all the way down to Stearns Wharf, and is home to many shops, bars, and restaurants.

This is also where you’ll find the Paso Nuevo shopping center, which features a mix of national and specialty retailers, as well as popular eateries, and has the most photogenic tiled steps. 

It’s the perfect place to wander around and do some window shopping (or actual shopping lol).

State Street is also home to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, which is worth popping into if you’re a fan of art museums. The museum features a diverse collection with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that spans across a number of periods.

Lunch on State Street

You’ll probably be getting hungry around now, so it’s also the perfect time to stop for some lunch!

There are plenty of options, but here are a few noteworthy spots:

• SamaSama: A farm to fork restaurant serving Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine. We came here and loved it! We ordered the Morning After Plate, which is one of their lunch combos, which includes some satay and Nasi Goreng. Also absolutely do not miss the wings, they were amazing!
  
• Santa Barbara Public Market: A marketplace featuring a curated selection of artisanal food and drink vendors. You’ll find everything from tacos, pizza, burgers, Korean fusion, and more. There’s definitely something for everyone here!
  
• Secret Bao: Our family members went here on their trip to Santa Barbara and really enjoyed it! They’ve got some creative baos and fusion plates, like the KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) baos, kalbi, kungpao cauliflower, and more.

After lunch, be sure to not miss grabbing an ice cream cone at Mcconnell’s Fine Ice Creams! They’re a Santa Barbara institution, and have been serving up the city’s best ice cream since 1949. You’ll find a mix of traditional and modern flavors, which are all super yummy! There might be a line, but trust me, it’s worth the wait – definitely a must during your Santa Barbara weekend getaway.

Hang out in the Funk Zone

Next, continue down State Street to head to the Funk Zone. This vibrant neighborhood is located on the south of Highway 101, continuing on to the beach. 

It was definitely one of my favorite areas to explore. As the name implies, the Funk Zone has an artsy, eclectic vibe. It’s home to tons of cool murals, trendy boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

The Funk Zone is also home to the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, which consists of over 20 wineries and tasting rooms, located right in the heart of downtown. You can easily spend the afternoon hopping from one winery to another, as they are all fairly close together and totally walkable from each other (here’s a map of the area).

Some of the best spots include Pali Wine Co. (which has an awesome patio), Municipal WInemarkers (which has some funky decor), and the Valley Project (which offers wines from a variety of different regions). 

Don’t love wine? There’s plenty for you too! Whether you’re a wine fan or not, I highly recommend also popping into Test Pilot, a cool tiki bar with some creative tiki-inspired cocktails. I loved the ube pina colada here (although it was a bit strong!). 

If you’re a beer fan, there’s also a number of tasting rooms, such as Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Lama Dog Tap Room, and Rincon, as well as the SB Biergarten.

Stearns Wharf

After exploring the Funk Zone, continue down to Stearns Wharf, which is located at the very southern end of State Street. This historic pier is the oldest operating pier on the West Coast, and dates back to 1872.

I highly recommend timing your visit to golden hour or sunset, as the way the light hits the water and landscape is magical! Depending on the time of year, you may need to rearrange your itinerary to make it for sunset.

You’ll catch some amazing views of the beach and palm trees, as well as the beautiful Santa Ynez mountains in the background. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the Channel Islands as well!

Dinner in the Funk Zone

For dinner, I recommend heading back into the Funk Zone, as it’s home to some of the city’s top restaurants. You’ll find plenty of options, including these recommended spots:

• Finney’s CraftHouse: We popped in here for a late lunch/early dinner and loved the globally-inspired pub food menu. You’ll find everything from burgers, nachos, tacos, poke, and more. They serve a large selection of California craft beers on tap, as well as wine and cocktails. We loved the chicken sandwich here! It’s super popular and they don’t take reservations, so there might be a wait if you come during peak times.
  
• Santa Barbara FisHouse: Located right across the street from the beach, you’ll find a menu full of delicious seafood dishes, like coconut shrimp, lobster mac n cheese, ceviche, fresh oysters, and more. Sit on the patio for some awesome beach views!

• The Lucky Penny: They have some delicious wood-fired artisan pizzas, with a huge patio (which is super dog-friendly).
  
• Loquita: Known as one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara, Loquita specializes in Spanish cuisine and tapas. The menu features paella, seafood dishes, and more.
  
• The Lark: Another one of the top restaurants in Santa Barbara, the Lark serves up New American dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. 

DAY 2 (Beaches + Outdoors)

Fancy coffee + breakfast at Caje Coffee Roasters

Fuel up for the second day of your weekend in Santa Barbara itinerary with some much-needed coffee! Caje Coffee Roasters isn’t your average coffee shop – they are known for their super fancy, over-the-top coffee drinks.

Each concoction is a work of art and absolutely photo-worthy, almost reminiscent of a cocktail from a fancy bar rather than a cafe. Yes, they are pricey, and will run you about $10 a pop, but trust me, they are also as good as they look!

I ordered the Burnout (breve latte made with bourbon-pecan syrup and activated charcoal, served hot with a ginger/blackberry garnish), which came highly recommended and was absolutely delicious.

It’s also the perfect spot to grab a light breakfast, and you’ll find bagels, toasts, and acai bowls here.

They have a number of locations around town – I went to the one on Haley Street, and the one on State Street has a lovely patio.

Arroyo Burro Beach

Also known as Hendry’s Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach is known for its winding coastline and light surf, lined by scenic coastal buffs.

It’s an ideal place to go hang out, go for a walk on the sand, or jump in the water. If you have a dog, it’s a must, as it’s probably the most dog-friendly beach in town – Sumo had a blast here! However, do note that dogs do still need to be on-leash (I’d read on a few other blogs prior to my trip that it was an off-leash beach, but it’s not).

If you’re looking to do some hiking, the Douglas Family Preserve is located nearby. It sprawls across 70 acres and offers some of the most pristine terrain in the area, with stunning coastal views. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash here.

For lunch, you can head to the Boathouse, which is located right at Hendry’s and is one of the most iconic beachfront restaurants in Santa Barbara. You’ll enjoy fresh boat-to-sea cuisine while overlooking the ocean on their patio. Do note that dogs are no longer allowed at the Boathouse, due to some past incidents.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

My next recommended stop on this 2 day Santa Barbara itinerary is the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. However, we never actually made it there because we screwed up and failed to make a reservation in advance of our visit. When we drove up, they turned us away and told us to check later in the day, but we got lazy and never actually made it back – darn!

Anyway, don’t be like us and be sure to make a reservation in advance. 

The 1000 acre garden features a collection of California native plants, and has a redwood forest, cactus garden, and even a Japanese tea garden. There’s also 5.5 miles of walking trails here, which offer some amazing views of the city and even the ocean.

It’s also dog friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome (and admitted free). I think Sumo would’ve had a blast sniffing all the plants here – oh well, next time!

East Beach + Chase Palm Park

Next, head over to East Beach, Santa Barbara’s most popular beach and therefore a can’t miss on your Santa Barbara weekend getaway. 

You can start over by Stearns Wharf and take a stroll on the paved beach path on the right. It’s also the perfect opportunity to hop on a bike and explore the area (you can rent an e-bike here). 

As you go down the beach, you’ll pass through Chase Palms Park, a grassy park that borders the waterfront. As the name implies, there are tons of palm trees here! It’s a great place to go for a stroll or hang out on the grass.

Another spot to check out in this area is the IG famous Chromatic Gate. It’s located across the street from the beach on Cabrillo Street. You can’t miss it, as the rainbow colors absolutely pop! Built in 1991 by Austrian artist Herbert Bayer, it’s a symbol of the city’s artistic spirit.

If you’re up for it, this is also a good time to partake in some water activities. Some of the things you can do are to take a surf lesson, go stand-up paddleboarding, or do a kayaking tour. Another fun option is to go on a coastal yacht cruise! 

Sunset at Butterfly Beach

We’re ending this Santa Barbara weekend getaway at one of my favorite stops – Butterfly Beach, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Santa Barbara (and I agree with them!). 

Butterfly Beach is technically located in Montecito, which is just south of Santa Barbara, but close enough to fit it into this itinerary! Montecito is the upscale community that’s home to several celebrities, including Prince Harry and Oprah.

It’s especially gorgeous for sunset, thanks to its unique orientation. Butterfly Beach features a pristine coastline, with some gorgeous bluffs. I also recommend walking along the short path above the cliffs for some amazing views (set against some pretty flowers and palm trees).

Dinner in Montecito (or back Downtown)

For dinner, you can stay in Montecito, which is home to several top restaurants. We originally intended to dine at Bettina, which was highly recommended by a good friend, and known for their amazing sourdough crust pizzas. 

Sadly, we failed to make a reservation (again lol), and they were booked up for the night. No worries though, because there are plenty of options back in downtown SB (see the end of day 1 for plenty of options)! We ended up getting our pizza fix at Lucky Penny, which also had some delicious pies.

More things to do in Santa Barbara

Looking for more things to do during your weekend in Santa Barbara? Here are even more options!

• Day trip to Solvang: This might be a bit hard to do with only 2 days in Santa Barbara, but if you have some time, I highly recommend doing it! This Danish-themed town is just 45 minutes away from Santa Barbara, and is so cute. You can wander the streets and admire the Danish-style buildings and windmills, pop into some shops, do some wine tasting, and indulge in some danishes and aebleskiver (basically like a fried Danish donut ball- yummy!).
  
• Wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley: This region was made famous in the movie Sideways, and is especially known for its Pinot Noirs. There are tons of great wineries here, but many do require a reservation, so be sure to plan in advance! You can also take a wine country tour that stops at some of the area’s top spots and includes pickup and drop off from Santa Barbara.
  
• Lotusland: Located on a gorgeous private estate owned by Madame Ganna Walska, Lotusland features multiple gardens and thousands of different plants, including rare species. The lush estate dates back to the 1800s and has a rich history as well.
  
• Museums: If you’re a museum fan, the city has several interesting choices, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, MOXI (also known as the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation), and the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

With only 2 days in Santa Barbara, I highly recommend basing yourself in the downtown area. This will allow you to be centrally located, with easy access to many of the spots listed on this itinerary.

Luckily, the downtown area also offers plenty of accommodation options, so you’re bound to find something that’s suitable for your budget and preferences, from luxurious waterfront resorts, trendy boutique hotels, charming inns, and more.

Do note that hotels in Santa Barbara tend to be EXPENSIVE! Even a “budget-friendly” property will run you quite a bit of cash, especially during peak times. Honestly, this is what keeps me from visiting more often lol. If you’re on a *really* tight budget, I’d recommend staying in a neighboring city such as Goleta (or even Lopoc), which tend to be cheaper.

Here are some recommended places to stay in downtown Santa Barbara:

• Riviera Beach House: We stayed at this cute boutique hotel, located in the heart of the Funk Zone and has a modern beach vibe. The rooms are on the smaller side, but you really can’t beat the location, just a few blocks from the beach. It’s also super dog-friendly and we saw many dogs here!
  
• Hotel Californian: This luxury boutique hotel is high on my bucket list! The property has gorgeous Spanish architectural details, along with luxurious rooms and a rooftop pool, as well as a convenient location.
  
• The Milo: Perfect for if you want to stay right next to the beach, with stylish decor, complimentary bike rentals, and a heated pool.

More Logistics for your Santa Barbara Weekend Getaway

When to Visit Santa Barbara

Honestly, there’s no bad time to visit Santa Barbara, as it enjoys a Mediterranean climate and an average of 300 sunny days every year. This means mild winters, and warm (but not too hot) summers, which make anytime a perfect time to visit.

Summers are the peak tourist season in Santa Barbara, thanks to its warmest days. Honestly, I’d avoid summer if you can, as hotel rates are quite expensive, and it tends to be quite crowded. However, if your priority is to swim at the beaches, or partake in some water activities, summer is probably the best time to visit.

Shoulder season (early fall) is an ideal time to visit, as the days stay pretty warm and the summer crowds have dissipated. 

Winter is the low season, but it isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit – we visited in December (over Christmas break), and enjoyed pleasant weather and sunny days, although nights were a bit chilly. Do note that it can sometimes rain in the winter, though.

Getting to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is situated on California’s central coast, located roughly halfway between San Luis Obispo in the north and Los Angeles in the south. This ideal location makes it perfect for planning a Santa Barbara weekend getaway!

Here are your options for getting to Santa Barbara:

Flying: Santa Barbara’s airport (SBA) sits about 15 minutes outside of the city center in Goleta. It’s a pretty tiny airport, so flights are limited (and can be expensive). However, it does offer 23 daily nonstops to 12 destinations, mostly in California and the west coast, but also as far as Dallas and Atlanta.

Otherwise, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is the closest international airport, or Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – both of which are located about an hour and a half away.

Driving: If you’re coming from other destinations in California (or are planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip), Santa Barbara makes an easy stop. However, do account extra time for traffic, as it can sometimes be insane (especially coming from the LA area).

Here are driving distances from some of the other major destinations in California:

• Los Angeles: 90 miles (1.5 hours)
• San Luis Obispo: 95 miles (1.5 hours)
• San Diego: 230 miles (3.5 hours)
• Big Sur: 270 miles (4.5 hours)
• San Francisco: 325 miles (5 hours)

Train: Another option for getting to Santa Barbara is taking the train. Amtrak offers service to and from Santa Barbara on its Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight routes. This is my preferred way to get to the city, as it is so relaxing and you don’t have to stress about traffic! 

The station is located right in the middle of downtown, which is super convenient.

Getting Around in Santa Barbara

On foot: Downtown Santa Barbara is fairly compact and pretty easy to explore on foot. You’ll find many of the city’s top attractions within this area, like Stearn’s Wharf, State Street, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse (which are mostly included in day 1 of this Santa Barbara itinerary).

Driving: You won’t be able to explore exclusively via walking, as there’s more to see beyond the downtown area. For those areas, it’s easiest to have a car. Thankfully, nothing is really too far from downtown, so you won’t have to do a ton of driving!

However, do note that there is sometimes traffic (although it’s not anywhere near as bad as LA), and hotels do charge quite a bit for overnight parking.

Rideshare: Both Uber and Lyft operate in Santa Barbara, so this is also an option for getting around. However, fares can add up, so it might just be cheaper to rent a car.

Have you ever been to Santa Barbara? What would you do during your weekend in Santa Barbara?

Liked this post? Save this 2 day Santa Barbara itinerary to Pinterest for later!