Your West Coast Weekend Awaits in Sunny Santa Barbara
With breezy beaches and an air of laid-back elegance, there’s a reason why people flock to Santa Barbara
If cities could be epitomized by feelings, California’s sunny Santa Barbara would be pure bliss. Cool breezes (Santa Barbara summers sit in the mid- to upper-70s) and the picturesque Santa Ynez Mountains greet you as you leave the airport, and a Spanish-Colonial skyline comes into view as you head toward your accommodations—all of which helped coin the city “The American Riviera.” And if that was tested based on the Hollywood stars that reside there—Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Katy Perry, to name a few—it’s fair to say Santa Barbara lives up to the hype. With Delta’s new direct-from-Atlanta flight launched this summer, there’s no better time to plan a visit.
Start your stay by checking into the Hideaway Santa Barbara. A Kirkwood Collection property, the boutique hotel is conveniently located three blocks from the beach, six blocks from the vibrant Funk Zone neighborhood, and a leisurely stroll to bustling Downtown Santa Barbara or the up-and-coming ARTS District, all prime locales for art, culture, and history.
A robust wine-destination, visitors can quench their thirst at one of many tasting rooms located throughout the city. In the Presidio neighborhood, pop into Jamie Slone Wines for a tasting and chat with owners Jamie and Kym, who live part-time in Atlanta and are fast friends to all who visit.
Just south of Downtown, grab lunch at Field + Fort, where ingredients are fresh and dishes colorful, then walk off your meal by exploring Summerland. The charming area is a design-lover’s dream with open-air antique shops and quaint boutiques. Later, head up to Belmond’s hilltop El Encanto, where the Botanica Afternoon Tea Experience is playful yet luxurious with custom-blended teas that are inspired by astrological sun signs, plus savory and sweet seasonal bites.
Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice in the countless gardens, hikes, and lookouts to explore. Though, if there could be an 8th wonder of the world, it likely would be Ganna Walska Lotusland in Montecito. The historic estate belonged to Poland-born opera singer Ganna Walska, who purchased the property in 1941 then spent four decades creating the 37-acre botanical garden that is now one of the most admired in the country. Should you choose a guided tour, the docents are passionate and detailed, sharing fascinating stories of Madame Walska’s life and legacy.
As the sun lowers, board the classic sailing yacht, Kelpie, for a sunset cruise with SunSwept Sailing. Captain Spencer, a local, weaves through the water with ease, and depending when you visit, it’s likely you’ll see a friendly sea creature, whether it’s snoozing seals or migrating whales.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Convivo—located in the Santa Barbara Inn—serves Italian-Mediterranean fare in a stunning oceanfront setting. For classic “Californio” cuisine, La Paloma Café infuses Spanish flavors into tasty barbecue dishes. And no trip to Santa Barbara is complete without a visit to Michelin-recommended AMA Sushi. On-property at the scenic Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel, the restaurant is led by master chefs who celebrate traditional styles of Japanese sushi with top-tier ingredients served in an imaginative way.
After a day spent eating, drinking, and enjoying the city, fall into bed in the quaint, cottage-style rooms back at the Hideaway and prepare for another magical day in beautiful Santa Barbara. santabarbaraca.com