5 Days of Santa Barbara Bliss Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to East Beach, one of Santa Barbara's most beautiful beaches. Enjoy a morning walk along the shoreline or rent a bike and ride along the scenic Cabrillo Bike Path. For breakfast, stop by East Beach Grill, which offers casual beachside dining with stunning ocean views.

In the afternoon, head to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where you can explore over 1,000 species of native Californian plants across 78 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Take your time wandering through the various sections, including redwood forests and desert landscapes. For lunch, visit Los Agaves, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and flavorful dishes.

Spend your evening at Butterfly Beach, located just south of Santa Barbara in Montecito. This serene beach is perfect for watching the sunset or simply relaxing by the water. For dinner, dine at Stella Mare's, offering French country cuisine in a charming setting overlooking Andree Clark Bird Refuge.

Start your third day with a visit to Old Mission Santa Barbara, often referred to as "Queen of the Missions." Explore this historic landmark's beautiful gardens, church, and museum to learn about its rich history. For breakfast, enjoy some delicious fare at Cajé Coffee Roasters, known for their artisanal coffee and creative breakfast options.

Afterward, head to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park where you can explore original adobe structures dating back to 1782 when it was founded as a military outpost by Spain. Have lunch at nearby restaurant called La Super-Rica Taqueria which is famous for serving up some amazing tacos!

In evening take leisurely stroll through Shoreline Park offering breathtaking coastal views stretching from Leadbetter Beach all way past Mesa Lane Steps; perfect spot catch glimpse dolphins playing offshore while enjoying picnic dinner packed earlier day from local deli such as Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant

Begin your fourth day with a scenic drive to the Santa Ynez Valley, a renowned wine region just a short distance from Santa Barbara. Start your morning with a visit to Sunstone Vineyards & Winery, known for its beautiful French-inspired architecture and award-winning wines. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and indulge in a wine tasting session. For breakfast, stop by Bob's Well Bread Bakery in Los Alamos, famous for its freshly baked goods and artisanal pastries.

In the afternoon, continue your wine country exploration with a visit to Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard. This family-owned winery offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Take part in another wine tasting session and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch on their picturesque grounds. For lunch, visit Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe, which offers farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines.

As evening approaches, head back to Santa Barbara and unwind at The Funk Zone. This vibrant neighborhood is home to numerous wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and trendy eateries. Explore the unique shops and enjoy some live music at one of the local venues. For dinner, dine at The Lark, known for its innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Start your final day with an outdoor adventure at Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. This popular hiking trail offers stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a morning hike through lush landscapes and take in the natural beauty of the area. For breakfast, grab some delicious pastries and coffee from D'Angelo Bread, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries.

In the afternoon, head to Santa Barbara Zoo, where you can spend a few hours exploring this beautifully landscaped zoo that is home to over 500 animals. Don't miss the chance to feed giraffes or take a ride on the zoo train! For lunch, visit Convivo Restaurant & Bar, offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with stunning ocean views.

Conclude your trip with a relaxing evening at Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, also known as Hendry's Beach. This dog-friendly beach is perfect for watching the sunset or taking a leisurely stroll along the shore. For dinner, enjoy fresh seafood at Boathouse at Hendry's Beach, which offers oceanfront dining with breathtaking views.