Santa Barbara: Sun, Gardens & Exceptional Food in the American Riviera

Santa Barbara earns its nickname of the "American Riviera" effortlessly. One afternoon you're at Lotusland, walking among prehistoric cycads in a 37-acre garden that defies description; the next you're at one of the oldest California missions, built over 200 years ago, watching the sun set over the Channel Islands from the courthouse clock tower. Staying at El Encanto puts you on the hillside above it all, with the entire city at your feet and the Pacific shimmering on the horizon.

Where to Stay

---

Things to Do

Santa Barbara County Courthouse & Gardens

The most beautiful government building in California — arguably in the United States. Built in 1929 in Spanish Colonial Revival style, it's a masterwork of hand-painted ceilings, Moorish archways, and hand-tiled murals. The sunken gardens are a popular gathering spot for locals, and weekends frequently bring weddings to these gardens. Take the elevator to the El Mirador clock tower for the finest panoramic view of the city and the Channel Islands. Free admission, open daily.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

One of the West Coast's most respected regional art museums, with a permanent collection spanning ancient art to 20th-century American and European masters, an outstanding collection of Asian art, and rotating special exhibitions that frequently draw national attention. Beautifully laid out and never overcrowded — plan on one and a half to two hours. Located on State Street, just steps from the Canary Hotel.

Stearns Wharf & Sea Center

The oldest active wooden wharf on the West Coast, extending 1,500 feet into the Santa Barbara Channel. Walk the pier at golden hour for extraordinary mountain-meets-ocean views, then visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, operated right on the wharf. Touch tanks with local marine life, shark and ray encounters, and live displays of Channel Islands ecosystems make this equally worthwhile for adults and families.

Ganna Walska Lotusland (Montecito)

Once named one of the 10 greatest gardens in the world, this is one of the most extraordinary places in Southern California. Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska purchased this 37-acre Montecito estate in 1941 and spent 43 years transforming it into a surreal horticultural wonderland of 25 distinct themed gardens. The Blue Garden, the Water Garden (her original swimming pool now filled with blooming lotus flowers), the Cactus Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the topiary clock with its menagerie of sculpted animals are each unforgettable.

Santa Barbara Zoo

Sitting on a coastal bluff above East Beach with panoramic views of the Santa Barbara Channel, this beautifully designed mid-sized zoo is consistently ranked among the best on the West Coast. Intimate enough to see the entire collection in two to three hours, it is home to giraffes, lions, giant anteaters, condors, and a spectacular collection of primates. The Australian Walkabout area offers up-close encounters with kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. The Garden Trail along the perimeter offers some of the best ocean views in the city.

---

Where to Eat & Drink

Monte's, Montecito — Dinner

Santa Barbara's most talked-about restaurant opening of 2026, which began serving in March. Located at 1198 Coast Village Road in Montecito, Monte's brings a farm-to-table concept blending local Santa Barbara ingredients — sourced directly from Rincon Hill Farm — with Korean culinary influences. The menu rotates with the harvest. The prawn toast has quickly become the dish everyone is ordering, which I can personally attest is outstanding. The gem salad, pork katsu, wagyu sirloin, and house smash burger are all exceptional. Reserve at OpenTable, several weeks in advance.

The Ellwood at Goleta Beach — Dinner

Santa Barbara County's premier oceanfront dining destination, perched directly on Goleta Beach with unobstructed Pacific Ocean views — just one minute from the Santa Barbara Airport. The menu is rooted in fresh, locally sourced coastal ingredients. Standout dishes include Santa Barbara-caught spiny lobster tail, Acquarello risotto with crispy Serrano ham, and braised short rib with mushroom sofrito, which I highly recommend. Reservations strongly recommended.

Bossie's Kitchen — Dinner

A beloved neighborhood gem in the historic 1920s Live Oak Dairy building on Milpas. Chef-wife team Lauren Herman (formerly of Lucques and AOC in Los Angeles) and pastry chef Christina Olufson run an organic, made-from-scratch menu anchored in the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market and drawing on Christina's Korean-American heritage. The homemade chicken pot pie (my personal favorite), rotisserie chicken, Korean fried chicken sandwich, and grilled salmon are all outstanding. Featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Buena Onda Empanadas — Lunch

Santa Barbara's most celebrated empanada spot, ranked number one in the city on Yelp and beloved by locals and visitors alike. A Latin American family business committed to organic, responsibly sourced ingredients with a vibrant outdoor patio and a rotating selection of artisan fresh-baked Argentinian empanadas. The grass-fed beef brisket and free-range chicken empanadas are exceptional — order the six-pack combo with chimichurri and chimi papas. A genuinely joyful lunch experience.

The Daisy Restaurant — Lunch

A beautifully airy contemporary restaurant in the Victoria Court complex on State Street, with a covered outdoor patio and sidewalk seating. The menu is sourced entirely from the local farmer's market and celebrates Mediterranean-inspired California cooking. The house fish plate, mezze plate, and farm grain bowl are all outstanding. The in-house baker produces exceptional sourdough. A relaxed, healthy, genuinely delicious lunch close to the Museum of Art.

Santa Barbara Craft Ramen — Lunch

A local institution on lower State Street and a favorite among Santa Barbara residents. The signature tonkotsu broth is made from pork bones simmered for over 24 hours, resulting in a rich, milky, deeply savory bowl. Choose from the original, red, black (garlic), shoyu, yuzu shoyu, or curry ramen — all with your choice of pork shoulder, pork belly, or chicken. An outstanding value for a satisfying midday meal. Gluten-free noodle options available.

---

Need to Know