Santa Barbara, with its charming blend of coastal beauty, rich wine culture, and laid-back vibes, makes for an ideal weekend getaway from Los Angeles. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the open waters or a foodie ready to dive into the city’s trendy culinary scene, this seaside town has something for everyone. On a recent trip, I spent three days soaking in the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer, from wine tasting in the eclectic Funk Zone to embarking on a scenic boat tour along the Pacific coast. Here’s my perfect itinerary for a Friday-to-Sunday escape that’ll leave you feeling refreshed and inspired to return.
To Get There
Santa Barbara is a quick two hour drive from Los Angeles. Alterantively, you can take the Surfliner, a train that goes through a lot of California’s major coastal cities. The Pacific Surfliner drops you off in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, a wino’s dream. It also leads you to the doorstep of the very strategically placed Moxy Hotel, where we stayed for the weekend.
Where To Stay
The Moxy Santa Barbara offers a fun and modern stay with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for those looking to be in the heart of the action. Located steps from the Funk Zone, it’s ideal for travelers who want a stylish base while exploring the city’s trendy wine and dining scene.
Book The Moxy on booking.com
Day 1 Itinerary Santa Barbara
Afternoon: Arrival & Explore Downtown
Check into your hotel or rental and settle in.
Evening: Dinner & Funk Zone
Head to the Funk Zone for dinner at The Lark or Loquita, both known for their farm-to-table menus and vibrant atmosphere.
We arrived Friday late afternoon and then wandered a block over to The Lark, a beautifully designed restaurant with both indoor and outdoor space. The food is all locally sourced with ingredients from the Central Coast. We had the West Coast oysters, delish! The yellowtail hamachi crudo, delish! the house made pappardelle, yummy, but not as good as two previously mentioned. Finally, the seared ahi tuna. For this dish, you have to mix a bite of the seared ahi with a bite of the squash to get the full effect. The flavors really compliment each other. I highly recommend making a reservation for dinner here when you’re in Santa Barbara!
After dinner, explore the Funk Zone’s art galleries and wine tasting rooms like Municipal Winemakers or grab a cocktail at Test Pilot for a tiki-inspired vibe.
Day 2 Itinerary Santa Barbara
Morning: Coastal Boat Ride
A morning bike ride in Santa Barbara is the perfect way to soak in the coastal beauty, with paths like the Cabrillo Bike Path offering stunning ocean views and a refreshing breeze.
Some hotels offer bikes to use during your stay. Alternatively, you can rent eBikes from Get Your Guide.
Lunch at East Beach Tacos
We found a cute little taco shop called East Beach Tacos that was alongside a batting cage and a little off the beaten path. They have a great selection of all types of tacos, like bahn mi and spicy crisp shrimp. Get the poke taco, you won’t be sorry.
Evening: Wine & Dine in the Funk Zone
Head back to the Funk Zone to visit some more wineries like Santa Barbara Wine Collective or Deep Sea Tasting Room.
We headed back to The Funk Zone and visited Municipal Winemakers. The Funk Zone is so much fun! Especially when you’re staying in it. We could walk outside our hotel The Moxy and there are more than ten wineries in walking distance. We’ve visited quite a few of these on past trips. Kalyra is one of my favorites for taste. For ambiance, I’d give it to Fox Wine Co., it’s in an industrial building with accompanying breweries and artisan shops.
Tip: You can book a Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour to make your day more interesting and interactive.
End the day with dinner at Toma Restaurant & Bar for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal with harbor views.
If you still have some energy, grab a cocktail at The Good Lion. The Good Lion is a swanky speakeasy with a changing menu of inventive cocktails. Mixology to the max!
Day 3 Itinerary Santa Barbara
Morning: Coastal Boat Ride
Book a half-day sailing or whale-watching tour to experience Santa Barbara’s stunning coastline, with the Los Padres National Forest mountains as your backdrop. We enjoyed champagne and rosé while taking in the scenery, though the February breeze made it a bit chilly. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any whales on this trip, but for those keen on whale watching, the best time is mid-February to mid-May. I can’t wait to go back and try again!
Afternoon: Brunch & Departure
Finish off the trip with brunch at Jeannine’s Bakery or Scarlett Begonia in the downtown area before heading back.
Wander down State Street
As you continue down the charming, Spanish-style State Street, make a stop at Handlebar Coffee, conveniently located across from El Presidio de Santa Barbara. This historical site features remnants of a 1782 Spanish fortress, including two original adobe buildings. Just around the corner, you’ll find the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where you can dive into the fascinating history of Spanish influence in both the U.S. and Santa Barbara. Don’t miss the museum’s beautiful courtyard—perfect for events and weddings throughout the year.
Heading back down State Street we stopped at McConnell’s for ice cream. They have really unique flavors like Whiskey & pecan pralines, Eureka lemon & marionberries, Cardamom & Gingersnaps, and so many more.
We ate, we drank. A lot. And definitely were merry. It was a fab weekend and once I would do again since it’s a stone’s throw away from Los Angeles.
2 Responses
I really enjoyed going on this journey with you! That was a fun people and situation you met up with. Glad you were happy!
Thanks Zac! Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you gotten to visit the Funk Zone. 🙂