Two weekends ago, Jack and I visited Santa Barbara for a birthday getaway. I booked an incredible Airbnb for the weekend, which I was lucky to get since I booked last minute. The place was absolutely breathtaking; complete with a private guest entrance, large serene pool, lush gardens and our own barbecue area in the backyard. The property itself was secluded in the hills of Santa Barbara. I could have stayed there forever. To make me love the place even more, it poured rain on the second night so we cuddled up with takeout Thai- the next morning I awoke to the most refreshing smell of rain and mist over the mountains. I absolutely love Santa Barbara. And that is precisely why I am going to give you all a list of where to stay, and what to do!
Where to Eat in Santa Barbara:
1. Olio Pizzeria– Great casual place off State Street and not too crowded on weekends! We got a fantastic pistachio arugula salad to go with our pizza.
2. Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar– Located in the Public Market, so we ordered take-out since it can get crowded in there! We were not disappointed.
3. McConnell’s Ice Cream– Go to the one on Mission Street, they also serve frozen yogurt! They have world famous ice cream and such interesting flavors! I got the peanut butter cup vanilla combo that I love, but Jack ordered a boysenberry rhubarb to-die-for flavor.
What to Do:
1. Santa Barbara Mission- Such neat history! We did a photoshoot here at golden hour so it was closed, so make sure to go when it’s open and you can go inside!
2. Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens- We took a lazy afternoon to stroll through the gardens. Since it was fall, we didn’t see many flowers, but we found fall foliage in SB!
3. Butterfly Beach- It’s in Montecito directly across from the Four Seasons… Need I say more?
Where to Stay:
1. Our Airbnb- Just magical. Reserve here.
2. Bacara Resort- If you are looking to splurge! Totally worth it! If not, you can just pop over there for some lunch or your viewing pleasure.
Hope you all found this helpful!
Let me know if you end up doing any of these things!
Love,
Lauren
Photos: Jack Van Leeuwen & me 🙂
Outfit Details: Dress- Bel Kazan, Bag- Serengetee, Wedges- Viscata
Lauren, you look adorable and happy belated! Though it’s been a few years, I still remember my time at the Bacara and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Your lifestyle posts are fantastic because you give insightful tips, I definitely look forward to seeing more!
xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com
Hi Lauren! Thanks for commenting and for the insights on my content 🙂 I’ll definitely plan to do more lifestyle posts in the future, I’m glad you like them!
Love,
Lauren
I do love a good weekend trip somewhere local! My friend and I were debating to go to Santa Barbara recently! I haven’t gone back to SB for about a year or so! I think it’s time to schedule a weekend trip there myself! I love your photos and your Airbnb experience looks great! I will have to check out the places you recommended when I get a chance to go back. Thanks for a fun read and I hope you have good weekend!
~Crissy
http://www.whimsicalfawn.com
Hi Crissy,
You should definitely take a weekend trip there! It’s one of my favorite places. The Airbnb was fantastic, I highly recommend it! I didn’t make it to The Sacred Space, which was on my list, so go there if you can and tell me know how it is!
Love,
Lauren