Taking a long weekend vacation? Santa Barbara is the perfect place! With so many local activities, great dining and shopping, and of course, the beach, you’ll love your time here. We’ve planned out your perfect long weekend in Santa Barbara so you can just show up and have fun!
Friday
Arrive on a Friday to kickstart your weekend a day early! Once you’ve arrived and checked in to your hotel, the fun can begin!
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Start your trip with a meal at the iconic Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach! Sit beachside and enjoy the delicious fresh seafood. But, if seafood isn’t your favorite, Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach offers plenty of other options!
Visit a tasting room
In the evening, head out to one of Santa Barbara’s wineries and experience a tasting room! Santa Barbara is home to several incredible wineries and vineyards, so you’ll have a plethora of choices. You can follow the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, where you can sip your way through Downtown Santa Barbara, or blaze your own path!
Saturday
Wake up feeling refreshed Saturday morning and get an early start to your day! Grab breakfast in the lobby (and a cup of coffee if you need that extra energy boost) and start your day.
Beach day
It’s not a trip to Santa Barbara without visiting the beach! We’re known for our beautiful beaches and the incredible sunsets you can catch. But with so many options, it can be tough to decide which beach to visit! We’ve got our favorites listed here to make your decision easier. Relax in the sand or play in the waves–however you enjoy the beach, you’ll find plenty to love about Santa Barbara beaches.
Walk along Stearns Wharf
Take a break from the beach and stroll along the Wharf! As California’s oldest working Wharf, it features plenty of history. At the Wharf, you can explore shops and restaurants as you walk the boardwalk. Or, you can learn more about Santa Barbara at the Museum of Natural History. And don’t forget to take in the stunning view of the coast and the Pacific Ocean!
Dine at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Another must-visit for your weekend in Santa Barbara is the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. This award-winning restaurant serves the freshest local crab and seafood. First established in 1980 as a place to sell local shellfish, the Shellfish Company has evolved into one of Santa Barbara’s culinary experts.
End your day with a sweet treat
After a day enjoying the sun and waves, enjoy a nice sweet treat to end your Saturday! Stop at the Great Pacific Ice Cream Company on Stearns Wharf for 32 flavors of handmade ice cream and sherbets. Cool off with your choice of cone!
Sunday
Your last day of your weekend in Santa Barbara will come all too soon! But don’t worry, you can still enjoy the day before you leave. And of course, you can always come back to experience all you’ve missed.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Enjoy your last day by visiting the Santa Barbara Zoo! Wander around the many animal exhibits at your leisure and learn about their worldwide conservation efforts. With over 500 animals at the zoo, you might discover a new favorite!
Or visit Downtown
If you have an early departure from your weekend in Santa Barbara, skip the zoo and spend your time soaking in the charm of Downtown Santa Barbara. With plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities, you’ll find enough to entertain you until you have to say goodbye.
Where will you stay during your weekend in Santa Barbara?
If you only have a weekend in Santa Barbara, you’ll want to maximize your time. So stay somewhere centrally located, like Marina Beach Motel. Here, you can relax in comfortable rooms with plentiful amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and free bike rentals. Plus, we’re only half a block from the beach!
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